Decorating Your Seaside Retreat

Whether you have an oceanside cottage, a riverside cabin, a lakeside home, or you just dream of having one, you can create a stunning décor without going overboard!  It is easy to bring the beach inside, and many people end up with a seashell and sand cliché instead of a welcoming, relaxing, and chic décor.  When decorating for a seaside look, designer Erin Paige Pitt says, “I like to hear the ocean, not the decorating.”  In other words, you don’t really want to bring the beach inside, but instead create a subtle, welcoming décor that complements the peaceful setting.
Pitt works primarily designing interiors for beach homes, having recently built one of her own.  Of her style, she tells the Washington Post, “I like to create very elegant, comfortable interiors that are livable for families.  And I don’t like rooms that scream ‘beach.’”  Luckily for those of us without beach houses, though, we can create this look no matter where we live.  There are a few guidelines for beach homes that Pitt suggests, which include:

• Neutral walls.  White is great, but you can also try neutrals with gray undertones.  Besides being perfectly suited to your look, it ensures great versatility for you if you want to change your décor in the future
• Texture.  Incorporate different textures, preferably natural ones, in your rooms.  Sisal, jute, bamboo, wicker, rattan, linen, hemp, rice paper, and other fibers are excellent choices.  No sand though!
• Use color to spruce up the neutral theme.  Add throws, pillows, curtains, and rich upholsteries to liven up your rooms and personalize your décor.  Think about using colors from nature that allow you to bring a little of the outdoors in.
• Go easy on the accessories!   Create a clean, uncluttered feel.
• Add a decorative touch to the room itself with crown molding or a kitchen backsplash.

CountryLiving has a great slideshow of tips for turning any home into an exquisite beach home.  One of their tips is to use a solid piece of butcher block on top of two saw horses.  Paint the horses white and leave the table natural.  You can then use dining chairs or wood bar stools painted in bright white enamel.
Whether you live on the coast or are landlocked, you can create a fun, fresh, and relaxing décor that will practically let you smell the ocean breeze.