Perhaps the most classic of the coastal looks, white furnishings with nautical accents will treat you right every time. Patterned pillows in blue pop against the slipcovered couch, while tastefully arranged pieces of driftwood, shells, and other decorative accents bring the room together.
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Classically Coastal
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Seaside Simplicity
Something as simple as a bath cabinet can make you feel like you're always in beach mode. A distressed finish brings a rustic, windswept feel to the room—while the cabinet's contents display just a few of life's simplicities. No-fuss white washcloths play the functional role; other seaworthy findings are there just to make you smile.
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Lobster Love
Transform your kitchen into a beachside seafood shanty with a whimsical statement piece like this iron lobster. A brightly-painted rack above the sink provides a resting place for fun vintage plates, a few period cookbooks, or your favorite seaside memorabilia.
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Learn the Ropes
Beachy decor doesn't always come in shades of blue. This taupe-colored room has a coastal flair all it's own, with nautical rope-suspended bunk beds providing a subtle—but distinct—salute to the sea. This rope trick is easier than it looks; the bottom bed is not only anchored to the wall, but has leg supports beneath. The bed above, is secured to the wall on two sides, requiring only a corner rope support.
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Beachside Bungalow
Shabby chic, rustic, cottage-style decor—whatever you call it, it's striking. Layered whites in every shape and form make a room look both lovely and lived in—and awaiting your return from a day at the beach. Achieve this look yourself by mixing a few staple pieces together with some of your more fortunate flea market finds.
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South Beach Style
This streamlined bedroom is dressed almost entirely in white, except for a beautiful turquoise paint on a single wall—and soft blue bedding. The result is a clean look that will make you feel like the ocean is only steps from your door.
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Show Your Stripes
It's not just the color scheme that makes a decorating style feel beachy. Wide stripes—especially in sun washed blue and white—add a distinctly coastal character to any room. Choose an oversized jute or sisal throw rug, or you can even paint stripes directly underfoot with an oil-based floor paint.
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Sunny Disposition
Summery fabrics help bring the light and airy feeling of the beach into your home. Like these cheery yellow and pale green upholstered chairs—which may inspire you to cook like you're on vacation every day of the week. A fresh farmer's market salad or batch of homemade lemonade, anyone?
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Cottage Grace
An eclectic blend of pieces from different periods and design genres can result in a uniquely coastal style. From an ornate chandelier to the decidedly rustic barn doors used as the headboard, this cottage bedroom channels the simple, superb lifestyle found at the beach.
Related: 9 "Dreamy" Headboards You Can Make
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Bring the Beach to You
Typically outdoor-only elements will make any indoor space feel like a seaside retreat. Wooden boat paddles, all-weather Adirondacks, a striped cotton throw pillow or two. To really get the message across, you can even add a sign pointing to the beach... so what if it's a plane ride away?
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For more...
For more decor inspiration for your home, consider:
Screen Shots: 12 Seductively Serene Screened Porches
Your Eat-In Kitchen: 10 Space-Smart Design Ideas
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See the House of the Week
Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!
