One idea for coastal decorating is to imitate the colors of the natural outdoor environment.
Coastal decorating differs slightly from port to port; however there are several universal elements to the style. These include incorporating natural colors to capture the beauty of the coast, using wooden and antiqued, ocean-related decorative pieces and---in general---creating an inviting, comfortable space. If you are thinking of decorating a bedroom in the coastal style, pay specific attention to the color schemes, accents and accessories, furniture and bedding you use.
Color Schemes
One of the most popular coastal bedroom decorating ideas is to create a mirror image of the natural, outdoor environment. According to CoastalLiving.com, you can do this in a variety of ways, such as by using a blue-and-white color scheme (resembling the sky and the ocean and its breaking waves). Alternatively, you could try an all-blue scheme, which will allow you more flexibility when it comes to using patterns (the common color will tie different styles together). According to Themed-homedecor.com, other natural-looking coastal colors include greens, grays, browns, beiges, tans and pinks.
As an alternative to "bringing the outdoors in", you can "leave the outdoors out," and decorate your bedroom so that it highlights---not imitates---the beauty of the outdoor coastal environment. According to CoastalLiving.com, you can accomplish this by downplaying interior colors, and sticking mainly to a white color scheme. This will draw guests' eyes outside towards a view of the ocean, beach or other natural vista.
Accents and Accessories
If you are weary of completely whitewashing your coastal bedroom, try incorporating some delicate blue or coral-print accents which you can accomplish with pillows, lamps and wallpaper borders, for example. You might also want to try adding some bamboo or driftwood accents (such as picture frames) in your design to give your bedroom some dimensional qualities.
Furniture
Many coastal homes are well-equipped with ocean-related antiques, knickknacks and artwork. However, for those who may find all of these seaside paraphernalia a bit overbearing, there is a subtler, more functional way of working it into a coastal bedroom: Turn it into furniture. For example, you can easily turn an old wooden lobster trap into a table by covering it with a glass sheet or plank of wood. Also, you can turn an old sea chest---with the help of some cushions---into a bench for the end of the bed or below a window. According to Themed-homedecor.com, using wicker and rattan furniture (which is similar to bamboo) is another common trend in coastal bedroom decorating.
Bedding
When it comes beds, couches, chairs and pillows in coastal bedrooms, the more comfortable the better. According to Themed-homedecor.com, you should try using thick and fluffy, overstuffed items wherever possible as this will create a sea of comfort in your room. For fabric coverings, patterns that include thin or thick monochrome stripes work well in coastal settings.
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