Congrats on living at the shore - what about using some dark wood furniture, and keeping the house itself lighter and bright as contrast? Pale gray or washed oak cerused wood floors are very updated but won't show the sand or dirt and will bounce light around. Pale cream and soft blue-green walls to complement the dark wood - wowsa. Check out the palette in this Toby Fairley kitchen / bath inspired by the beach http://www.houzz.com/projects/25393/Pleasant-Valley
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They used dark wood in the master bath.

Keep the entire schem light and airy to compliment the beach feel.