15 Beach-Style Decorating Ideas

By Sloan Schmidtke
March 10, 2010
Can’t find time to make it to the beach? From color to accessories, add some of these coastal twists to your home for a seaside feel.
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Incorporate Architectural Details

Apply the character of the coast to your home’s exterior with beach house-style architecture and accents of vibrant color. A Caribbean blue louvered doorway adds flair and beckons guests inside this Florida home.

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Choose a Sunny Palette

Crisp whites combined with punches of bright colors immediately transport you to the coast. In this Texas room, aqua accents in the pillows, throw, and rug mimic the ocean’s dazzling blues, and the pops of bright orange are inspired by the magnificent hues of the setting sun. Whitewashed horizontal shiplap planking evokes the feel of old Gulf-front beach houses.

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Keep It Light and Bright

An emphasis on color and light enhances this kitchen’s coastal feel. Don’t be afraid to use strong color in big, unexpected ways such as on your kitchen island. So this island doesn’t seem stark and alone in the middle of the room, the same color was repeated in simple window shades. Plenty of sunlight, additional white cabinetry, and warm wood floors balance the bright aqua.

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Be Bold

Beach dwellers are never fearful of a little color, so don’t be afraid to try more vibrant hues in order to achieve a coastal feel in your home. A porch is a perfect place to try out some colors you normally would never consider. If painting your woodwork feels like too much, then just incorporate color with your furniture. Adirondack chairs are readily available in all colors of the spectrum.

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Choose White

If color isn’t your thing, take your palette to the other extreme by keeping all of your surfaces, from ceiling to floor, a refreshing white. Details such as painted wood floors and beaded-board cabinet fronts add casual beach house styling. Warm wood accents, a navy tile backsplash, and stainless steel accents add a simple layer of color and texture that gives this kitchen a sophisticated look.

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Try Louvered Doors

This sunny little loggia boasts louvered doors that easily transition a casual gathering into an alfresco setting. The louvered doors provide the nostalgic look of old beach cottages and can be opened fully to invite the outdoors in or shut when needed for protection from the elements. Canvas curtains add softness and additional protection. Ocean blue accents pop up in the pillow fabrics and in the translucent glassware atop the wicker ottoman.


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Bring the Outdoors In

In this tailor-made, serene getaway, wicker lounge chairs surrounded by lush plants and coastal shrubbery transport you to the coast without you ever having to set foot outside your home. Don’t forget the beach towels and refreshing beverages!


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Embrace the Lifestyle

An extra-deep porch swing makes lazy Sunday afternoons a must. Curl up with a book in the pile of pillows, enjoy the view, or stretch out for a quick nap. The small pops of subdued color provide the porch a laid-back beachlike atmosphere.


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Create Your Own Beach Cabana

Transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis. This open-air pavilion provides the perfect escape from the heat during pool parties or evening entertaining in the summer. The blue-and-white color scheme, canvas curtains, porthole-style window, and lots of chairs for lounging all reflect coastal style.

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Add Nautical Accessories

Coastal and nautical touches abound in this family room beginning with the seashell-print pillows. Coastal artwork over the fireplace flanks shelving that is filled to the brim with shell frames and boxes.

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Pick Coastal Motifs

Adding just one seaside reference, such as a palm-patterned rug, is all you need to give a subtle nod toward the region.

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Use Shells as Accents

This beautiful array of sand dollars, seashells, and starfish instantly and inexpensively adds an organic accent to the room. Ocean treasures can also be arranged in oversize glass vases and set upon a mantel for a coastal focal point in a family room.

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Transform a Mirror

You don’t have to redo your whole room to reflect beach-house decor. Inject coastal style into your decorating in small doses. Take a lackluster mirror to the next level by adorning it with a collection of dazzling oyster shells. You only need a glue gun and a little patience. Take this same easy idea and apply it to large photo frames.

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Create a Pretty Garland

Using twine, create a garland of seashells, starfish, and any of your other coastal treasures. Attach the shells and starfish to the twine using additional pieces of thinner twine. If needed, use a small drill to make the holes in the shells. Hang your homemade garland to adorn a window.


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Use One Singular Item

Put to use one of your larger finds from a beach scavenger hunt. This sea biscuit sand dollar can double as a paperweight on your desk. Conch shells also look great sitting alone on a desk or coffee table.


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By Sloan Schmidtke