Mistakes when decorating in
The coastal design aesthetic continues to be popular regardless of whether one lives by the sea. It's calming, laid-back, and incorporates plenty of texture and natural elements - what's not to love? However, how do you know that you're executing this design style correctly and steering clear of basic mistakes?
Going too literal
"Coastal can get kitschy fast, and that's the biggest mistake I see," says Meg Young, founder of Cailini Coastal. Young suggests veering away from pieces that are too literal (such as sailboats or shells) and instead focusing on colours, textures and patterns than lean coastal.
Ninety percent of your home should give a coastal feel through serene hues like blues, grays and neutrals; textured pieces using natural materials like rope, seagrass and rattan; and stripes, while 10 percent can be smaller pieces like decorative accents and art.
Tina Delia, the lead interior designer at Delia Designs, expresses similar sentiments. "It is easy to get carried away with coastal design by adding in too many seashells, starfish, and coral decor elements," she notes. "It can tend to feel overwhelming and cluttered. Keep the decor to a minimum, adding in texture for depth and dimension."
Confusing coastal with nautical
Coastal and nautical style are not one and the same. Nautical style is an ode to sailing and the elements of a sailboat while coastal style is all about emulating the relaxed, laid-back vibe of being at the beach.
Not focusing on one coastal style
There are many coastal styles from which to choose - not all coastal homes will appear the same. One should also determine which coast to use as inspiration. Is it the East Coast, West Coast or the coast of Australia?"
Making a home appear too formal
Now isn't the time to get ultra fancy, Delia says. "Coastal design is all about creating a cool, effortless vibe. It's not a formal, stuffy feeling. Think lots of light, airy drapery in natural fabrics and other natural elements found at the beach, like driftwood," she explains.
Going overboard with neutrals
Neutral pieces will appear right at home in coastal spaces, but there is such a thing as too many of these tones. Every space needs its colour and coastal style is no exception to this rule. "Use pops of color throughout your neutral home in items like coffee table books, trays, art, and throw pillows." Be sure to vary wood tones in your home, too, says designer Christina Kim of Christina Kim Interior Design. "Use those coastal whitewashes with restraint!"
Only using blues and whites
When selecting colours, note that there may be more options than are obvious. Coastal design doesn't mean everything should just be blue and white. Have fun with colour!
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