Give your home a contemporary coastal feel this spring
Real Estate In Motion | One of the most popular and enduring styles of home decor is the coastal look, and with the Australian obsession with the beac...
Dreim

Give your home a contemporary coastal feel this spring

One of the most popular and enduring styles of home decor is the coastal look, and with the Australian obsession with the beach it is not hard to see why we are so in love with this style. Putting the coastal decor spin into your home can be as simple as dressing up your guest room or as comprehensive as a complete renovation of the entire house and garden. Here are some of our tips for achieving the perfect contemporary coastal style at your place this spring.


What makes coastal decor so popular?


There are many reasons why the coastal style remains such a popular look in Australia, and one of the most significant is that it's very adaptable. It can work well in a large or small space, in a beach-front cottage or a country home, or in one room or a whole house. It is also a great way to integrate indoor and outdoor living, which is really representative of the way that Australians like to live. The Bureau of Statistics tell us that 85% of Australians live within 50km off the coast, so making the beach and coast part of our every day lives just makes sense. Let's not forget that the coastal theme is one that also represents relaxation and holidays, and let's face it - who wouldn't want to feel like they were on holiday every time they walked in their front door!


Selecting the right coastal style


As with any home decor look, there are many different types of coastal style. One of our favourites and an undoubtable classic is the Hampton style. Hamptons style interiors are at the more formal end of coastal home decor so if you are looking for a touch of classy elegance at your beach house, this might just be the look for you. The predominant colours are navy blues and crisp whites, accented with neutral toned stripes. Natural timber, teak and raffia sit alongside chandeliers, large mirrors and art work to create a refined and elegant home that can work just as well for barbecues by the pool as they do for formal entertaining. Take a look at introducing Hampton home decor at your place. The Hampton style is also easily worked into your garden if you wanted to make a real statement for the whole neighbourhood to see. Raised beds, semi-formal privet hedges, and lots of classic white flowering plants like hydrangeas and you will have a slice of Hampton glamour at your place.

Another fantastic coastal style is what we call beach house chic. Beach decor is a more relaxed take on the Hampton look, with softer furnishings and brighter colours. The beach look focuses on natural tones, accented with pops of bright blues, aqua, hot pink and burnt orange in the soft furnishings. Rustic wood beach style furniture, whether a mantel, bed or coffee table, is another big feature of this look, as are white wash walls and cane furniture. Beach house interiors tend to be eclectic and even a little kitsch, with coloured glass, drift wood light fittings or mirrors, and bright art works completing the style.


A nautical look may be another way for you to introduce coastal style at your house. Nautical interiors tend to feature a lot of classic leather and dark wood, as well as stained wood panelling and lantern light fixtures. Using accessories such as oars, model ships, and rope accents on mirrors is an easy and effective method for introducing the nautical style into your home. The key to bringing this classic look into the contemporary age is about moderation. Just a few nautical pieces that you love spaced out throughout your home can highlight the style without going overboard. Too much of a good thing in this instance can make a space feel dark and cluttered so balance is important.


The key features of a contemporary coastal renovation


Regardless of whether you feel that the right coastal look for you is Hamptons style, beach chic or nautical, there are some common features that every contemporary coastal renovation should have. For example, we feel that coastal furniture works best when it is over-sized and plush. The colour palate for any contemporary coastal look starts with taupes, soft grey and whites. The accent colours and fabric choices are where you're able to really demonstrate the type of coastal style you want your home to showcase. If you're looking at a large scale renovation you may want to consider indoor wood panelling, highlighting some feature round windows or shutters, or even exposing the beams in your living areas. It is important to remember that a contemporary coastal look is not overly prescriptive and there is a lot of room for individual taste while turning your house into a fabulous coastal dream home.