Design Mixology: Infusing coastal style into your décor
Sundrenched and salty year ’round, Southwest Florida is blessed with an abundance of beautiful, white sandy beaches,
upscale shopping (hello, Naples) and plenty of places outdoors to take advantage of the near-perfect weather.
Living the Florida lifestyle brings to mind sand, surf and sky, which are all characteristics of light and breezy coastal style.
Blending that laid-back, beachy vibe with other design aesthetics – think modern farmhouse, traditional, mid-century
modern – is easier than you might think.
Most furnishings borrow from several different influences, so in reality, there aren’t many movements that are purely
original in nature. And there’s no reason why two styles can’t get along in the same room.
Creating a space that is visually cohesive yet speaks to two looks can be accomplished by using the 80/20 rule. If 80%
of your furnishings and décor veer more modern, then round out the remaining 20% with accent pieces that reflect
coastal influences, like a lightly hued chair, a patterned console or a natural fiber side table. Textiles like pillows and
throw blankets can be used to bring touches of coastal-inspired color to the room, too.
With a little ingenuity, you can achieve the perfect balance that allows two looks to complement rather than compete.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Neutral Territory
Because coastal style draws its inspiration from the sand and sea, consider adding furnishings in a neutral hue, then
bring in pops of color in soothing shades of blue and green. A few thoughtfully appointed decorative objects – a branch
of faux coral, frosted votive candleholders in windswept hues, pieces of weathered driftwood – can get the coastal point
of view across without becoming too kitschy.
Upholstered in a natural performance fabric that blends effortlessly with your existing décor, our Brentwood Chair is
defined by clean lines and a refined silhouette. It’s the perfect foundation for layering on color and pattern with a
lightweight throw or pillow in sea glass shades.
Nod to Nature
Incorporating natural elements into your decorating scheme infuses your space with that relaxed, easy attitude that
coastal style does so well.
Start from the ground up with a natural fiber rug made of jute or hemp. Layer a patterned rug on top to provide
coordinated contrast. Then bring in some occasional pieces like our Octagonal Side Table that’s wrapped in layers of
woven abaca with a pleasing two-tone palette for plenty of visual interest.
Another easy addition, the Abaca Cube has a charmingly simplistic shape. Set on a white base, it can be used as extra
seating or a place to prop your feet. You can also pair two together to form an imaginative variation on a coffee table.
Overhead, we turn to fixtures like our Palecek Pendant to bathe your space in a warm glow. The natural abaca rope is
finely woven over a powder-coated metal frame to create tiers of texture.
Opposites Attract
Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Adding a lighter piece of furniture to a room full of dark woods brightens a space
without overpowering.
Our Preston Cocktail Table has a less-is-more transitional design that works well with modern and traditional interiors
alike. The polished white tabletop and thin metal base makes any space feel more open and airy.
Or, try introducing a little pattern play with our Petrina Credenza. The eclectic blend of colors, textures and materials
brings one-of-a-kind artisanal character to a piece that will become the focal point in the room.
Coastal style is more than just a design aesthetic. It’s a way of life. Looking for more inspiring ideas on how to bring it
to the mix? We’d be happy to help. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
