Key Elements of Coastal Interior Design

Coastal Paint Colors:

Blues: These colors dominate coastal design, reflecting the varying shades of the sea and sky. Think of deep navy like Starstruck, brighter blues like Tide Pool, and serene teal tones like Bliss.

Whites and Neutrals: Crisp whites like Simplicity and earthy browns like Driftwood serve as the perfect backdrop, creating a bright and open feel reminiscent of sunlit beaches and dunes.

Greys: Greys such as Pebble Beach and Lazy Linen evoke the serene and calming essence of the sea and sky, creating a tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere in coastal decor.

Greens: Subtle, natural greens like Dune Grass bring in the feeling of coastal vegetation and add a refreshing contrast to the blues.

Textures and Materials:

Natural Fibers: Incorporate materials like wicker, rattan, jute, and sisal. These elements add a touch of organic texture, reflecting the coastal landscape’s grasses, ropes, and driftwood.
Linen and Cotton: Soft, breathable fabrics in neutral tones or light patterns enhance the breezy, relaxed vibe.
Weathered Wood: Furniture and accents with a distressed or reclaimed look evoke the feeling of driftwood and weathered seaside cottages.

Furniture and Decor:

Casual and Comfortable: Choose pieces that are functional and cozy. Oversized, plush seating invites relaxation, while simple, clean lines keep the look unfussy.
Coastal Accents: Decorate with items like seashells, coral, glass vases filled with sand or sea glass, and nautical motifs such as anchors and sailboats.
Open and Airy Layouts: Arrange furniture to maximize natural light and maintain a sense of openness. Avoid clutter to keep the space feeling serene and spacious.

Lighting:

Natural Light: Emphasize large windows and minimal window treatments to allow plenty of natural light to flood the space.
Soft and Warm Lighting: Use light fixtures that emit a warm glow, like lanterns or fixtures with a weathered finish, to complement the natural light and create a cozy atmosphere in the evenings. Lampshade not the correct color for a coastal-feel? Follow along with our lampshade painting tutorial!

Incorporating Water Elements:

Art and Photography: Use artwork that depicts beach scenes, ocean waves, or coastal landscapes to bring a piece of the ocean indoors.
Water Features: Small indoor fountains or aquariums can add the soothing sound of water and enhance the coastal ambiance.

Steps to Paint Furniture for a Coastal Theme

Prepare the Furniture:

Clean: Wipe down the furniture with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime.
Sand: Lightly sand the surface to ensure paint adheres properly. Use a fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
Prime: Apply a primer suitable for your furniture material to create a base for the paint.

Choose Your Color Scheme:

Decide how to incorporate the highlighted colors. You might use Starstruck for a bold statement piece, Tide Pool for a pop of color, Dune Grass for a subtle hint of nature, Simplicity for a bright and clean look, and Pebble Beach for a neutral base.

Painting Techniques:

• Solid Color: For a simple, cohesive look, paint the entire piece in one of the colors, such as Pebble Beach or Simplicity. This works well for large pieces like dressers or tables.
• Color Blocking: Use two or more colors to create sections of color on your furniture. For example, paint the legs in Dune Grass and the top in Tide Pool.
• Ombre Effect: Gradually blend from one color to another. This could be from Starstruck at the bottom to Simplicity at the top for a striking gradient effect. Click here for an ombre painting tutorial.
• Distressed Look: After painting with a base color, lightly sand the edges and corners to give the piece a weathered, coastal feel. Click here for a tutorial on the top 3 distressing techniques.

Apply the Paint:

Use a Paint Brush or Painting Sponge to apply the paint in even, smooth strokes.
Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat, allowing each layer to dry completely.
For intricate details or smaller sections, consider using a small artist brush for precision.

Finishing Touches:

Seal: Once the paint is fully dry, apply Clear Coat to protect the finish and enhance durability or use a tinted wax for a more subtle finish.
Hardware: Replace or update hardware with materials like brushed nickel or matte brass to complement the coastal look.
Accent: Add coastal-themed accents like rope handles or stenciled sea motifs for a personalized touch.

Incorporating the Coastal Theme

Placement: Position your painted furniture in spaces that receive plenty of natural light to enhance the bright, airy feel.
Accessories: Pair your furniture with light, breezy fabrics, and coastal-inspired decor such as seashells, driftwood, and nautical elements.
Balance: Maintain a balance of colors and textures. Use whites and neutrals as the base and incorporate pops of blues and greens to reflect the sea and sky.

By following these steps and utilizing the highlighted colors, you can transform your furniture into beautiful pieces that evoke the serene and relaxing vibes of a coastal retreat.