Creating a Coastal Interior

The psychological impact of living by the coast is an area of interest for many researchers, with reports from studies finding that people living on the coast are happier and have better mental health than those who live inland. Drawing on the restorative effect of water, many people seek to bring the coast closer and into their home.

Coastal interior style encompasses everything you see, hear and explore from the coastal paths that wrap around Cornwall, the vast beaches and the tumbling hills above them. Exceptional interior design is inspired by all senses, fortunately in Cornwall the inspiration flows and many people wish to feel those holiday vibes, at home or away. By following the tips below, you can recreate the characteristics of coastal interior style in your home and experience the emotions evoked from being by the sea.

Colour

Influenced by the beach and the ocean, coastal interior style is anchored by the calming palette seen on the landscape; blue, grey and green paired with white and neutrals. Starting with whites and neutrals as your key colours will bring a light and airy feel to rooms and should then be layered with accent colours seen in the ocean and hills; khaki green, azure blue and dusky grey. This base colour scheme then benefits from being accessorised with a sharp contrast of either rich yellow like the beautiful gorse or violet blue like Sheep's Bit Scabious flowering on cliff tops. From a colour psychology perspective blue is thought to be calming and green brings feelings of growth and grounding, they’re a gorgeous combination that promise to evoke peace and balance.

Light

Coastal interior style is bright and breezy. Lighting should be maximised, bring in as much natural light as possible and use white and neutral window dressings that don’t detract from the abundance of light through the windows. As the sun sets bring some warmth into the room by layering your lighting with ceiling pendants, wall lights, floor lamps and table lamps. You can use internal glass doors to borrow additional light from other rooms and use mirrors strategically placed to bounce light around the room.

Texture

Drawing upon the contrast of smooth and coarse textures of the coastline is key to bringing interest and character to your home. Combine pale toned, rustic wooden furniture, for example limed oak, with coloured glass, low maintenance linen, imperfect ceramics and woven textiles in baskets and rugs. Fabrics should be gentle and free from shine, as should accessories which will rarely be metallic or polished.

Furniture

As hinted above, furniture in rustic woods is well placed in a coastal style home. However painted furniture is also complimentary, particularly in neutral and white tones. Avoid furniture being too matching and with upholstery choose fabrics that flatter one another, for example a beaumont striped chair, relaxed linen sofa scattered with coral print cushions and a ticking stripe ottoman. This style shouldn’t be overwhelming so ensure the proportion of furniture in the room is balanced and allows the room to feel spacious. There doesn’t need to be something against every wall and in every corner.

Plants

A final, and very simple way to add some beach vibes to your home is to bring in some plants. Think breezy palms, fiddle leaf fig trees and aloe. Try to cluster plants in groups of three and again add interesting textures with pots and baskets, this is another opportunity to add colour and pattern too.

Coastal design is calming, it should feel effortless and serene so keep things simple and clutter free so you can enjoy the tranquillity in your home.