A beach house is much like an oasis from the start, but there are ways to make one even better. Elements of coastal design, like soft and summer colors and natural materials, can combine with smart architectural decisions to maximize your enjoyment of the sand and water—right from your home. With a few simple steps, you can make your beach house a dreamy getaway.
Create an Outdoor Space to Enjoy Nature
Creating an outdoor space for your house is an ideal way to maximize the beach experience and enjoy nature in all its glory. Whether it’s a backyard pool, patio, deck, or balcony, there are several ways to create the perfect outdoor space. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Bring the indoors out by selecting comfortable outdoor furniture. Choose pieces that will stand up to the elements and can be moved around easily.
- Add plants and trees to create a natural atmosphere. Planting native species will provide a habitat for native wildlife and help keep the environment healthy.
- Use outdoor lighting to make sure you can enjoy the space all night long. Soft lighting around pathways and outdoor furniture will create a relaxed atmosphere.
- Incorporate some fun outdoor activities. Install a volleyball net, build a fire pit, or create a sandcastle-building area.
- Invest in awnings or umbrellas for shade and privacy. This will allow you to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the sun or your neighbors.
- If you have a lakefront property, look for dock supplies that will let you enjoy the water during the warmer months.
With a little creativity and effort, you can turn your outdoor area into a relaxing oasis.
Enjoy the View with Big Windows
Installing large windows not only brightens the space but also provides a stunning view of the water. Incorporating these windows is easiest when the home is being constructed, but any home can use these strategies. You can sit back and enjoy the calming sound of the waves and the salty smell of the ocean breeze. And if you’ve positioned furniture strategically, these windows will even allow you to enjoy the sights when you’re up and about doing chores.
Another benefit of large windows is that they can add character and charm, especially when coupled with coastal blinds and curtains. They can be customized to fit the style of your home, giving it a unique look that stands out from other beach houses. The natural light that comes in through the windows will also make the room feel brighter and more inviting.
Use a Coastal Color Scheme
Using a coastal color scheme can add a sense of seaside serenity to your beach house. Neutral shades of sand and sea glass green, as well as pops of sun-bleached coral and turquoise, create a calming environment. While there’s flexibility in just what shades you use, coastal palettes generally don’t have many dark options. But as with any home design, it’s just as much about what you like as what the “guidelines” recommend!
Some of the easiest places to incorporate color are accents like pillows, mats, and walls. The general idea is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, preferably with colors you’d see when walking the beach.
Pick Furniture of Natural Materials
To further enhance your space, introduce natural elements such as wicker, wood, and stone. These provide a touch of the beach to any room and can create a sense of connection between your house and the shore right outside. These materials have a unique and natural beauty that often can’t be replicated with synthetic alternatives.
The easiest place to start with natural materials is furniture. Rugs made of natural fibers like jute, sisal, or seagrass can add texture and warmth to a room. Whether you want to use them in the earlier-mentioned outdoor space or inside the home, wood furniture such as tables or wicker options like chairs are other popular choices.
Don’t Hold Back on the Beach Decor
Beach decor is one of the easiest ways to make you feel like you’re always on vacation at home. The best part about beach decor is that you can simply pick it up outside your home. Set items like seashells and starfish on shelves and hang driftwood on the walls to create a natural atmosphere.
But you don’t only have to use things you’ve found yourself. Many people love the coastal aesthetic, so it’s easy to find signs, coasters, cushions, and all other sorts of decor in various stores. How about you find some sea-inspired artwork, like an abstract painting of the ocean or a framed picture of a boat at sunset?
You can also use beach-inspired lighting fixtures to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Hang a chandelier made of sea glass or a lamp with a starfish base, or add a touch of whimsy with a string of lights shaped like seashells or starfish.
Enjoy Every Day at Your Beach House
From stunning outdoor spaces to bringing the beach inside with natural decor, there are many ways to take your beach house to the next level. You can enjoy every minute that you’re inside by making sure you never feel far from the outside. With the right decor, you can maximize the “beach” in your beach house and make it a place you’ll never want to leave.
