6 ways to make a beach home cozy

6 of the most effective ways to make a beach home cozy

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Over the last 12 months Tara Leaver and I have been designing the renovation of her clifftop beach home and have been giving away the designs of each room. This is the last post in the Soulful Home series until the Before and After pictures are released and today we have reached the living room. Tara and I agreed that we wanted to avoid the cliched seaside feel. The barn conversion has a rustic wood burner and an open plan layout so getting the right balance of warmth versus beach was essential. A typical seaside scheme often includes lots of white washed walls, breezy cotton fabrics and bright coastal hues which can feel quite cold. We incorporated these 6 important design features to make Tara's beach home cozy.

You can pick up the free beach home living room design here.

Choose a chalky white emulsion instead of a Brilliant White to add depth and warmth to your walls and ceilings. Just be careful not go too cream as you don't want to lose the freshness of a classic beach style. Choose paint from a brand that offers an introduction to the colour, such as Farrow and Ball. As well as online colour samples you can find really useful descriptions. My favourites are:

All White - F&B says "Unusually, it contains no other pigment except for white, creating the softest most sympathetic colour without the colder blue undertones of a brilliant white".

I use this white in really well lit beach homes where no other white feels fresh enough.

Wimborne White - F&B says "This just off white is named after the market town of Wimborne in Dorset (UK) and home to Farrow & Ball. Only a shade away from a pure white, the addition of the smallest amount of warm yellow pigment creates a very versatile shade which is just a little softer than All White".

I use this white in large properties where tall ceiling heights need a slightly warmer shade.

Pointing - F&B says "This fresh and uncomplicated white is named after the colour of lime pointing used in traditional brickwork. One of our Red Based Neutrals, Pointing has a warm undertone to it which creates the prettiest of spaces when used on walls and always softens the feel of a room alongside strong, traditional colours".

I use this white in colourful interiors that need extra depth.

Team ocean palettes with warm neutrals for your beach home. These colour combinations really pop against white washed walls: warm navy & pale grey, bright aqua & pale stone or sea blue & mocha. 

An ocean inspired colour palette is essential in a coastal interior. However, choosing thicker fabrics such as linen, wool, tweed, quilts, canvas and fleece will offset the nautical chill. 

Include natural elements in your design to add warmth and contrast to the fresh white walls. Incorporate organic materials such as bamboo, wicker and wood in your choice of furnishings. Use woven accessories such as seagrass bags and straw hats.

Restore or install reclaimed features like old fireplaces or wooden floorboards. Add logs in pre-loved baskets or candles in vintage candlesticks. Repurpose other materials such as an old sailcloth or vintage deck chair for an authentic relaxed feel.

Introduce textured layers such as thick fur throws, deep pile rugs and white linen shades. Overlay chunky knits and fill large glass vases with ivory shell collections. 

 

Tara's beach home living room design is available to download here as a FREE pdf. You might also be interested in the recent Cozy bedroom post.

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