When I moved in with Gary (the husband), let's say that I couldn't live with a massive joker painting on the wall surrounded by dark furniture, heavy drapes, and faux plants... Changes had to be made!
I wanted to create that beachy feel at our home. Trying to source modern coastal decor and art was a mission and a half. There seemed to be more nautical decor on the market (you know those teal blue signs saying, "I love you to the beach and back" ...ugh, no thanks, not in my house). I searched Etsy for unique coastal chic art, but all I could find were prints or paintings. I purchased a couple of vintage surfer photographs and a black and white image of Salvador Dali holding a sea star. I filled a large vase with driftwood and another one with seashells that I collected on Sanibel island.
I had all these tiny white seashells that nobody collects because they are in abundance, and I guess beachcombers look for rare or more significant seashells. I wanted to create a wreath with them but somehow made the first shellscapes" inspired by coastal living ." Et Voila, I became an artist! (Only if it was that easy. More on that in another blog post. )
Anyway, I wanted to share some things I learned about creating that beachy feel and look even though we don't live on the seaside. Perhaps you find it helpful.
Let's Set The Record Straight—Coastal is not the same as nautical. Nor is it the same thing as the Mediterranean or tropical styles. In the simplest definition, coastal is beachy.
Through the use of natural light, soft tones, and a clean aesthetic, it's meant to evoke the breeziness of the beach. Wicker baskets, sisal rugs, rustic wood tones, and driftwood are all-natural elements that give your decor a beachy or waterside feel. As design styles and trends change, coastal style is timeless when done right because it's based on organic elements.
Light is vital in the contemporary coastal look — keep things bright and airy, like in an art gallery, create a more modern feel by keeping to a monotone color scheme. You can add interest with statement art and furniture, but keep the look uncluttered.
Add texture with natural cotton and linen layers, sisal or seagrass rugs, and shellscapes. Weave in plenty of natural materials to create this look and avoid anything synthetic or glossy. Aim for a clean, sophisticated feel.
The modern coastal decor style is elegant and quiet, and remember, less is more.
Embrace simply living ( and big Florida hair, still trying to tame the frizz ).
Get in touch when you are ready for authentic artwork that will bring in all the beach vibes while keeping things elegant and stylish.
Ciao for now.
