Going coastal

Choose a paint colour that is reminiscent of the water or sky on a sunny or dull day. Some colours are light and airy similar to sun sparkles on water; other choices can make you think of the depths of the sea. Don't limit your possibilities, the range of hues to choose from is immense. There are aquas, teals, silvery greens, heavy blues, and the blues of reflected skies.

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Sometimes colour can reference coastal attributes in subtle ways. The wall colour in this guest room reminds the owner of the grasses edging the beach as they wither in cool, fall air.

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Nothing says coastal like bleached or raw woods or products made from collected driftwood. Weathered woods also add a sense of history to your space. Use them in headboards, stools, tables, vanity tops or walls.

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Pair bleached woods with white, light gray, blue or green painted furniture that has the natural patina of age. Always choose beautifully worn and weathered products over pristine and precious ones.

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It only takes a little hint of the ocean to give a space a huge ocean feel. Here the seascape sets the scene in an otherwise neutral space

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The view outside a window can serve as a painting in nature. Frame it and arrange seating to take advantage of it.

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Sheer or other light weight fabrics make great window coverings for breezy, open windows. The play of moving fabric is rhythmic and relaxing and mixes nicely with the lap of water on the shore.

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If your nearest neighbour is the sea, opt for no curtains at all. Be one with the environment.

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Look to boat construction for inspiration for your walls. Both vertical and horizontal applications are interesting. When wood is applied vertically, you create added height and energy. Placing it horizontally creates a calmer feeling and works well on tall walls.

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When choosing furniture for your coastal retreat natural wicker, rattan, sea grass, cane or teak work well for a cozy, informal look. For soft furnishings fibres like bamboo, cotton, flax, linen and jute are just the thing to cozy up to.

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Nothing says coastal like stripes. They can range from thin to the widest stripes in every possible colour, this pattern is timeless and contrasts well with organic shapes.

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Ticking is also considered a stripe and it is the perfect casual choice for bedding, pillows, curtains and pillows.

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Stripes are not only for soft furnishings. They work well on benches, dressers, stools and tables.

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Choose circular patterns for textiles. They relate well to shells and microscopic sea life. They also soften the rectangular shapes created by simple furniture design.

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Create sea related gallery walls in watery colours. The subjects could be fish, corals, shells, rocks or boats.

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Look for creative ways to display beach finds. Trays, shadow boxes, frames, glass top tables, shelves, window ledges, glass jars and bowls are at your disposal.

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Highlighting a particularly sculptural find against simpler forms adds interest through comparison. Driftwood is a natural sculptural element in coastal decor.

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Use repetition of natural elements to create coastal inspired art.

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The flickering of candles against glass in front of a window is a welcoming sight both outside and inside. It's like having your own private lighthouse.

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Find simple ways to display coastal finds. Keep the scale larger rather than smaller.

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Combine function and display of beachy objects for an interesting mix.

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Look for sculpture reminiscent of sea life textures to add interest to your coastal space.

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Keep kitchens airy and open using light colors and limiting upper cabinetry.

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Horizontal wood, white and navy and plenty of space. Everything is fresh, clean, open and inviting just as a coastal kitchen should be.

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And now it's your turn. Is this a coastal living room?

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