You will see many coastal homes try to minimize the use of walls to divide spaces and instead opt for sectionals. It is not an open layout per se but somewhere in the middle of that and a closed plan. Then there is the idea of designing according to the scenic views outside. Most regular homes don’t have much going on for them in terms of views outside the home but seaside houses have such an edge in this department that you should 100% take advantage of it and design accordingly to let those views be visible from the house.
Sea Motifs Best Done Subtly
There’s a big debate between coastal interior designers regarding the use of sea motifs within the home as beach cottage decor. Sea motifs are basically decor items that invoke the feeling of the sea and the beach. On paper, it sounds like a great idea to have something like that in your coastal home but too often it’s done in a manner that looks either cliche or tacky. Here’s our take on it–sea motifs are great but nail the basic first. Make your house’s overall structure look like a coastal home and then add whatever sea motif you like in moderation. By doing this, your seaside home will look a lot more sophisticated and authentic. It also pays to personalize it with other decor items. After all, your home is meant to reflect your personality primarily.
Uncluttered But Not Minimalist
Just like white is used in a lot of different interior design styles, you will also see the practice of creating uncluttered spaces. This is certainly true for styles like the Scandinavian and the Modern that were inspired by Bauhaus and minimalist principles where form follows function. The coastal style is quite clearly uncluttered but it is not because of minimalism. These homes are uncluttered because their function is to provide an open space where it’s easy to relax. Since clutter tends to make most people subconsciously feel a little restless, it’s important to not hoard furniture in coastal homes. You most certainly can keep items that don’t serve any utilitarian purpose, which is why it is not a minimalist style.
A Sense of Being Carefree
Whether you use your seaside home as a holiday cottage or as a permanent residence, we’re sure you’ll agree that it feels liberating to live in a place so close to the sea. No matter what time it may be, you can always head out to the short. There’s a sense of being carefree, and that’s really the main essence of coastal life. And a big part of being carefree is not having to worry about your expensive belongings. So, when you’re decorating beach cottage homes, the best type of cottage beach decor is furniture that is durable and long-lasting. Invest in items that can handle all the abuse that you and nature will throw its way.
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