​A Guide to Interior Design Styles: American Coastal

Are you looking for a sophisticated design that is also relaxed and uncluttered? If so, then coastal -- one of today’s hottest design styles -- might be for you. The coastal style evokes a feeling of relaxing by the beach for most, which is why almost everyone loves this design. It also happens to be as versatile as it is popular.

What is American Coastal?

Coastal is a broad term that can include a Caribbean slant and bright colors, or a Mediterranean take and villas with earth tones. However, the American coastal style is open and uncluttered with an airiness that mimics the ocean. It blends the indoors with the outdoors using warm sunlight and a focus on cozy comfort. You needn’t live by the beach to achieve this design replete with elements of natural light, ocean hues, and soft furnishings.

Let the Light Shine

Ideally, you want natural light everywhere. Wherever you have windows, “open them up” by hanging sheer drapes. Do whatever you can to let in as much natural light as you can wherever you can. If you have heavy blinds swap them out unless they are made of natural wood.

You can elevate your home’s light with the use of white and lots of it. White will amplify and give your coastal home a sense of openness. Paint your walls, ceilings, and floors white, for example.

If you don’t have a lot of natural light or you have dark wood in your home, use lamps and sconces for artificial light that represents the sun. You can also use framed mirrors to make any room appear brighter.

Color Schemes That Work

White is a great choice to brighten up coastal spaces and it also works for furniture and accessories. You can also use neutrals for things like sofas, rugs, mirrors, and tables. These colors both create an open, airy, uncomplicated look.

A coastal design has a few other colors that work as well. Grays and strong ocean-hued blues add vitality to a white or neutral room. Grays and blues dovetail nicely with a room saturated with white and reflect a relaxed coastal spirit with a touch of luxury.

Use Natural Materials

Coastal design is about natural materials so opt for real rather than synthetic. Use wood, cotton, straw, sea-grass or jute to bring coziness and tactile luxury to your coastal decor. Furniture is often made of wicker, rattan, or weathered woods and fabrics. Rugs may be straw, seagrass, or jute, and fabrics are simple. Chrome and flashy textures are out while sheer curtains, natural materials, and light fabrics are in. Wood is popular but is typically blond maple or ash and white-washed. Also, consider driftwood, a mainstay for any coastal interior.

Stone is practical and stylish for bathroom and kitchen flooring. The feel of natural stone beneath your feet will make you feel as if you are on holiday at the ocean.

Keep it Simple

In addition to a clean look for your overall coastal decor, keep it simple with your themed accessories. While it’s OK to add a few seaside touches, clutter and kitsch will detract from your design. The goal is to keep it natural and simple, just as you have with the rest of your decor. Avoid anchor prints or pirate-themed anything. Instead, use coastal elements like beach glass vases on the fireplace hearth or create an accent wall using blue and white striped wallpaper. Display a piece of driftwood or a small shell or starfish collection, but don’t go overboard. Think ocean-hued blues and botanical prints. These all say beachy, relaxed and oh, so coastal.

Add a Barn Door

Another great way to add a relaxed natural vibe to any home is with a barn door. Barn doors are environmentally friendly, made of natural materials, and are easy-to-install. They will also add value to your home. Have questions about which barn door is right for you? Contact us. We can help.