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Add shells on tabletop or shelves for beautiful coastal accents. |
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Very traditional and yet very effective is an old standby... bead board. Add it to walls. Add it to ceilings. Paint it in coastal white and pale surf blue or pale sea glass green. Not only does it give your room a fabulous coastal look but it will cover up a myriad of problems on walls and ceilings.
ABOVE: Crisp white beadboard below and neutral tan above. Wainscotting with beadboard can be any height, this example is fairly standard at about half the room height. Classy. |
ABOVE This example shows beadboard at full room height and painted in a luxurous coastal blue to contrast the white furnishings and trim. Gorgeous! |
ABOVE This room uses beadboard with a tall and wide molding and about three quarters of the height of the room. This creates an area to show off pictures and the shelf creates a great space to display coastal treasures. |
ABOVE Add painted bead board to a ceiling and finish it off with white beams. |
ABOVE When adding beams to a bead board ceiling there are some really good faux wood beams available that are lightweight and easy to install. Can you tell this is a faux beam? |
ABOVE: If you like a more beach cottage look installing white stained shingles will definitely help you accomplish that look. Install on one wall or more. This can help you get an enclosed porch feel. We all love coastal porches! BELOW: For a vibrant coastal look stain your shingles in a bright color! The dark blue shingles would be fabulous for nautical decor! |
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Part 2 of this series will cover additional building materials for renovating a room or an entire house. If you would like to incorporate any of these ideas there are plenty of "how-to" articles and videos on the internet to help guide you. We would love to see the results of any projects related to this article so please email us if you have photos.
]]>What makes a great outdoor space? Let's look at functionality and how you should design your space for your individual lifestyle. We will also look at decorating choices to make your outdoor space inviting and comfortable.
What is your outdoor lifestyle like? Do you like to dine outdoors or do you want your outdoor space exclusively for relaxing? Should your design focus around family space to include kids and pets or do you want to incorporate hobbies such as container gardening.
Do you want to make your porch a private area if you have close neighbors or do you want it open and inviting for neighbors to drop by for a neighborly chat? You can make it private with draperies, shutters or as shown in the picture below a simple roll type fencing material creates a privacy barrier that adds an island look and plenty of shade for the hammock.
Consider the placement of your porch with regards to summer sun and heat levels in your area. If you have sun baking in one side of your porch making it too bright and too hot, consider adding some white drapes to reflect the sun from the porch. Hot porch decks can feel cooler with outdoor area rugs.
The colors in the porch above are lively and yet coastal with accents of orange to spice up the traditional blue and white coastal colors.
Do you like to use your porch in the evening? Adding some outdoor table lamps will make for a cozy porch and a few lightweight throws are great for when a coastal breeze picks up in the evening. In the picture above table lamps have been added to the dining area of the porch for cozy evening dining. There are many outdoor lamps available that don't even need to be in an area protected from rain. Make it extra special with some lighted candles in wind protecting glass containers..
This porch area is as brightly colored as any bright beach towel with gorgeous shades of pink orange and yellow. Note that this area features long bench style cushions right on the deck with a comfy backing from plenty of brightly colored pillows. This is a great area for kids and teens. The other side of this porch includes an area with the same colorful accessories but in taller benches with the cushions on top of the benches, easier for adult relaxation and entertaining.
Make your porch fit your lifestyle. If you like to write at a desk add an attractive painted desk to your porch. Here is one example. Painted with durable outdoor paint it should be able to withstand the elements and be a wonderful addition to your porch!
Adding painted vintage furniture to your porch can give it a very comfortable look. Use tables, chest of drawers, rocking chairs and such painted in coastal or beachy bright colors for a really unique look! You can see the outdoor decor items we have on our website and we will be adding more daily and also giving you some DIY ideas for your porch on our DIY blog.
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Let's talk about the colors of coastal décor. We know white and pale blue, those are the standards against which all other colors are measured. There are a number of colors, however, that can create refreshing coastal rooms. Replace blue with grey. If you've ever been to New England along the coast you will know this one by heart. In certain seasons the ocean is very grey and sparkly, there are many coastal houses with silvered natural clapboards that turn grey with just a hint of their original brown. Grey and crisp white is a beautiful combination and neutral so you can add in another color for interest. Note that without even bringing in any themed design items this room has a coastal look.
This is the first in a series about coastal colors.
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