Spending my Fourth of July at the beach, I adored nosily peeking into peoples’ windows as I walked by and discovering their beachy decoration (in the road, of course). While coastal decoration which goes way over the top may be a great way to celebrate your environment, a lot of us are searching for more modern looks that avoid seagull-and whale-theme overload.
Here are 10 ways to have a clean, coastal appearance that’s modern and uncluttered — also provides relaxation the moment you let the screen door slam behind you along the way indoors.
Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc
1. Glean inspiration from a spartan ship. This kitchen is clean and spare, which lets subtle marine accents such as the chrome pendant lights, deep blue tile backsplash and mild blue modern klismos chairs stand out.
Elliott + Elliott Architecture
2. Look to regional architecture for ideas. This beautiful waterfront house’s inspiration came from neighborhood wharf buildings and fishing shacks.
Patrick Sutton Associates
3. Curate vintage accents. Shells and anchors everywhere equals fun, but the appearance is not too modern. Eye-catching and pleasing weathered fire buckets include a playful touch that creates the ideal counterpoint to each of the sleek contemporary furniture.
Similarly, this graceful swimmer brings in an unexpected touch of whimsy for this minimalist kitchen.
Robert Young Architects
4. Use a monochromatic palette. Going with a simple color scheme enables the organic materials and the views stand out. Driftwood, a found branch and wood trusses and planks include up to what Coastal Modern writer Tim Clarke dubs”Scandia Surf,” a look that adopts satisfying proportions, uncluttered spaces and organic materials.
See the rest of this stunning Montauk, New York, residence
Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects
By all means expand the rich feel palette to bits of furniture, if you choose a rattan chair, a live-edge bed frame or a Moroccan rug.
Capital Building
An accent wall made from a substance that resembles driftwood creates a focal point in this restful bedroom. The designer plucked subtle accent hues straight from the wall.
Woodmeister Master Builders
5. Try to midcentury modern icons when furniture shopping. A pair of Eames Shell Chairs, Emeco Navy Chairs, Cesca chairs or Saarinen Executive Chairs will include a fantastic dose of classic modern design to the modern mix. Freshen up them with new upholstery or choose an unexpected color.
Core Development Group, Inc..
An Eames molded plywood chair brings in wood and metal textures and midcentury design in this quiet coastal sack.
Richard Bubnowski Design LLC
6. Balance whites (and/or off-whites) and warm woods. Cherry cabinetry features this beautiful bath in enthusiastic surfer, paddleboarder and architect Richard Bubnowski’s own home. Little squares of this wood punctuate the expanse of white walls in the form of mirror frames. Translucent glass cabinet doors resemble sea glass.
Whitten Architects
7. Ward off boredom with boards. Beadboard, tongue and groove paneling and shiplap are coastal alternatives to drywall that add texture and interest without busying up things.
8. Rein in groups. You can have vast collections and keep a modern look: simply keep them well organized and know the ability of white space. Special built-ins that allow you to space things out will prevent them from overwhelming your space or making it too kitschy.
Quatrine Custom Furniture
This pool home’s spacious shelves are just the ideal place for displaying found and artful items. Play around with your screen and measure back while performing it to see if you’ve got the ideal balance going. On the opposing side, vintage bathing suits have been turned into modern art with crisp and simple frames.
Kathleen DiPaolo Designs
9. By all means, keep your beachy textures. In this room streamlined wicker chairs,”shelltanicals” arranged in a grid and a stunning glass chandelier observe coastal materials. Things like glass floats and ship wheels may be used to add seaside accents to your decor.
CM Natural Designs
10. Use nautical color schemes with a pop artist’s eye. So far I’ve shown rooms which are almost exclusively monochromatic, but you could have an updated appearance that includes bold colour. The navy shag rug reasons here, while vivid red chairs stand out atop it. The remaining elements in the room are subdued, putting concentrate on the bolder elements.
Can you go modern coastal? Please discuss your best decorating trick from the Remarks.
More:
Sourcebook: Contemporary Coastal Style
Dip a Toe Into Modern Nautical Style