Decorate with Beach Style
Whether you live next to the ocean or not, if you love the beach you can bring a little of that laid back atmosphere right into your living room (or bedroom, bathroom, etc.) Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. The key to decorating with a beach style is creating a laid-back, casual and soothing feel. Choose colors that mimic the seaside landscape; a range of soft blues, whites, tans and other neutrals. Furnishings should be rustic and natural looking. The room/s should portray comfort and relaxation, and be accented with reminders of the sea (such as shells or beach photos).
2. Start with the backdrop and bigger pieces. You may want to consider painting your walls a soft blue color or placing an accent rug on the floor. Think about the furniture that you are going to use. Choose light woods with an unfinished look or wicker furniture. You can paint over wood pieces in white and scrub off some of the paint around the edges to give them an antique and weather worn feel.
3. Choose a neutral or cool colored couch (or bedspread) and accent with throw pillows in various shapes, sizes or textures. Add some soft woven throws and blankets to create a cozy cottage feel. For the windows, graceful flowing sheer curtains (especially white colored) invoke the idea of a soft ocean breeze blowing through them. You also may want to consider large round paper lanterns for lighting or different antique lamp styles.
4. Browsing through local antique or thrift stores is a great way to find one of a kind, unique pieces for your beach look. Nautical themed decorations are the easiest way to ensure your room/s have that seaside feel. Think wooden boats, fish, seagulls and other marine life sculptures. Place photos and paintings of beach landscapes or sea life in interesting, rustic frames. You can also put together your own beach decorations with a simple trip to the craft store (see next step)
5. Collect or purchase a variety of sea shells, starfish, sand dollars and other marine findings to display on window ledges, shelves or in bowls and jars. Incorporate drift wood pieces into your display, and interesting rocks or coral. Fill handmade baskets with these items, or with beach themed books and magazines. Place dried flowers and dried reeds in vases or hang from a corner with ribbon.
6. You can make signs that say "BEACH or "SEASIDE CAFE" by painting on an old piece of wood and fastening picture hanging hooks to the back. Be sure to add white/neutral candles in corners or on tables to invoke a cozy, old fashioned feel.
The possibilities are endless! Get your creativity flowing by visiting antique shops, thrift and craft stores and by browsing through ocean and sea themed books and magazines. Happy decorating!
Tags: books magazines, feel Choose, into your, other marine, themed books, themed books magazines