Inviting Coastal Living Rooms

Materials that connect to the location are key to character building. Sisal hints at the marsh grasses in an elegant way and is also durable, easy to clean, and ideal for layering. The alligator skull speaks to the local wildlife, while palms in antique glass and fern-patterned pillows are additional nods to the room's Lowcountry vibe and provide a carefree polish.

Layering a vintage kilim over a natural sisal rug acts as an attractive barrier against water, sand, and other elements.

Crisp whites combined with punches of bright colors immediately transport you to the coast. In this living 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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Tortoise and conch shells accessorize the living room, while starfish adorn the mantel. Books on South Carolina’s coastal area lie stacked on the coffee table and topped with shells. Vases of palm fronds simply picked up from outside complete the tropical decor.

Walls covered with horizontal reclaimed cypress boards lend a subtle texture and aroma. Where the walls are neutral, eye-catching cushions, throws, and painted furniture keep things upbeat.

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Give a brand-new beach house lived-in personality with walls covered in horizontal shiplap planking. Whitewashed for a casual look and coated with polyurethane to protect the finish, planked walls evoke the ageless character of old Gulf-front beach houses.

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This beach house's living room mixes different furnishings for a relaxed feel. A wicker armchair and caramel colors have a "please touch, no fuss feel."

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Although a gray-blue coastal palette is dominant elsewhere in the house, the homeowners didn’t want to overplay the blue tones in the decor inside the living room. The slate surround of the fireplace, cream-colored sofa, and light blue runner on the table reinforce a neutral color scheme with sparing use of nautical blues.