Style Spotlight: Seaside Style

Vacationing in the tropics is a trend that never goes out of style. Gentle breezes, soothing sounds of the ocean, warm sun on the skin, the sights and smells of the sea. Perhaps this is the reason so many people like to bring a little of the tropics into their decor style.

Even if you’re in the middle of the midwest or smackdab in farmland, it’s not hard to create a tropical oasis that suits your style using texture, light, and color.

The Basics

The fundamentals of most tropical styles are the same: lots of light; open, airy spaces; liberal use of natural materials like wood and cotton. The basis for a space’s decor are usually wood and white.

While it’s easier to make a sunny space look like coastal retreat, there are ways to maximize the existing light as well; with a large mirror, for example.

Another element for island decor is plants. Whether with one large statement piece plant, multiple plants, a larger, botanical area rug, or wall paper with a palm tree pattern.

In addition to these must-haves, each tropical style has a unique take on its coastal decor, influenced by its climate, history, terrain, and people.

California Coastal

California is known for its variety of climes, from mountains to lakes, but perhaps its beaches most of all. These beaches are easygoing communities, even minimalistic. Evenings by the firepit as the night cools, something simple grilled for dinner, accompanied by a light California Wine.

When decorating in a California coastal style, keep in mind the many different kinds of beaches that make up the west coast of the US as well as the variety of textures that make up each of those shores. Tide pools, seaweed, smooth stones, rough sand, driftwood, even the path to the beach.

Consider creating a space that flows naturally from indoor to outdoor. Start with walls in a shade of crisp or creamy white. Hardwood or hardwood-appearance floors are best for this style, where the opportunity presents itself to bring in some color with area rugs.

Create the feeling of the coast with natural-looking wooden, rattan, or wicker furniture. Accented with throws and pillows in shades of blue, as a homage to ocean tides.

Lighting should be bright and reminiscent of the sun, making good use of any windows in the room.

Keep a continuous breeze going as if by the ocean with a ceiling fan, which is nostalgic of evenings spent on a pacific clifftop.

Carolina Coastal

There is a place along the coast of Georgia and South Carolina referred to as “Lowcountry.” This region mixes traditional southern style with coastal living so well, they’ve developed a decor of their own. They don’t mind bare feet, but there is always a sense of propriety here. It’s a place where cheap brews and mint juleps fit in equally well. The ocean water is warm and there are no city lights to be seen. Nights are spent on the screened-in porch to avoid the mosquitos while enjoying the fireflies.

Hardwood is again the best option for this decor, but this style leaves the option for large tile as well. The area rug can be a bit more traditional here, falling in line with old southern charm.

Carolina coastal incorporates traditional southern style with big, bold statement furniture. Hutches, end tables, sprawling dining tables, and big, comfy chairs are common. Don’t underestimate the importance of those cozy throws and colorful pillows as well, in bright corals and teals or buttery yellows with warm greens.

Consider adding color to your wall coverings, or having an accent wall. This style encourages a lot more color.

Lighting here can be delightfully eclectic. From simple, lantern-inspired pieces to enormous, ornate chandeliers, it all pulls together just right in the lowcountry.

With the humidity, the air can get a bit sticky here on the southern coast. A ceiling fan is a must. A large, grand fan will suit just fine to keep the breeze going on warm summer nights.

Miami Beach

Miami has been described as “the place where the music meets the ocean.” Miami has style that is unapologetically colorful and loud. There are parts of Miami that have buildings built in the Art Deco style and others that are distinctively Mid-century modern (MCM), all interspersed with the Miami Modern (MiMo) style in brilliant color schemes with Carribean influences. From the dance clubs in Little Havana to the sun and sand on South Beach, this place has a rich history and colorful past. All this is to say that Miami is an eclectic, warm, vibrant place—and so is the Miami Beach decor style.

Start with white tile flooring, because there will be color practically everywhere else in this space. Honor Miami’s Art Deco style with a bright, pastel patterned area rug, or choose a solid color to set the mood for the room.

Furniture can be pulled from more than one era for Miami Beach style. Choose an MCM sofa and combine with an Art Deco chair and end table. Add some bolster pillows or an ottoman to create curves. Turquoise and  gray, with hints of blue and orange are great colors to work with here.

Wall colors, coverings, and art will depend on how bold the furniture and decor choices. For a clean palette, stick with white or neutral walls, to make your decor and art pop, reminiscent of the way Miami’s city colors spring from its coastal roots.

Miami is known for its neon, so lighting isn’t a time to be shy. Consider bright pastels and especially turquoise. Choose oversized lamps to accent the space and pay homage Miami’s neon.

Wind Down

Just because you don’t live at the beach, doesn’t mean you can’t live in an oasis of your own. Here are a few easy-to-accomplish tips:

Blue is always a safe bet for your retreat. Neutral interiors, a few plants, and a piece of wooden furniture gives you an easy space.

If you can’t care for real plants or have pets that won’t tolerate them, opt for a rug with large foliage.

If you want a true jungle-tropics-rainforest vibe, go for wall-to-wall wallpaper with a wild, leafy foliage print.