HOW TO CREATE A BEACH STYLE INTERIOR

21st June 2017
, 9 Comments

We last talked about warm tones; rose gold and copper, but now there’s a whole new level of sizzle on the agenda: The beach style interior.

With the scorching weather, how many of us have closed our eyes and mentally transported to a beautiful island somewhere? Reclined on a stylish sun-lounger, iced-drink in hand, the sound of waves lapping on the shore… I’m off again, dreaming of a glorious beach holiday whilst really sitting at my computer, a bit shiny, clutching a lukewarm Diet Coke.

Maybe you’re set to go soon. Maybe your summer holiday is already a distant memory or perhaps – like me – a summer holiday with two young kids is somewhat questionable as a holiday at all. (Vacays – they don’t make ’em like they used to!)

 

BEACH STYLE INTERIOR INSPIRATION

This weekend, I discovered that I didn’t need to plan an urban exodus to achieve holiday vibes – Hello, The Roof Deck at Selfridges, London! 

The neon signage sets the tone for what’s ahead. Cool, relaxed vibes, worn timber floors, Moorish tiles and fantastic cocktails!

It’s a fabulously chilled, Californian, beach-style oasis; the latest bar/restaurant to have scaled this famous site for a temporary slice of the action, right in the heart of shoppers-haven, Oxford Street. It’s really very ‘beachy,’ with rustic, timber clad walls on approach, woven raffia flooring and an extensive straw-hat collection as decorative artwork. Dreamy photographic prints, of idyllic scenes, line the walls to the beach hut area, showcased in punchy black frames.

Hang on – did she say beach huts?!

Woven hats make an exciting and different wall-relief

Summery turquoise splashes work beautifully with the natural tones from the straw, rope and timber. It’s given serious cool with neon signage, on-trend Moorish geometric tiles, brass pendant lighting across the exotic bar areas and extensive greenery. The beach huts have a painted ship-lap finish, in cooling off-white and are finished with decorative print cushions and comfortable throws.

A ‘beach hut’ at The Roof Deck, Selfridges. Image source: www.theroofdeck.co.uk

The bar offers refreshing cocktails and tanked-up tunes – the soundtrack to summer – all to be enjoyed under the retractable awning and string of woven pendant lighting.

Brass pendants work as a contemporary focal point at the bar. For gold pendant recommendations, take a look at the GIRL ABOUT HOUSE shop

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE BEACH STYLE INTERIOR

Here’s my edit of key items to help you achieve this look. Remember, we’re thinking more ‘Californian beach’ than nautical here:

1. Ryker Embroidered Cushion in Blue

2. Rope Braid Basket & Lid – Grey/Cream

3. Ethimo – Kilt Dining Chair Teak & Rope

4. Asta Tall Cactas Vase – Turquoise

5. Cornish Driftwood Dark Tile

6. Riviera Maison – San Carlos Hanging Lamp (x2)

7. Janeiro Stained Mango Wood Vintage Chest of Drawers

8. Missoni Home  – Timmy Throw in Blue

9. Whitstable Lifeguard print by Claire Halifax

10. Plantation Rug Company – Rope Rug No.1

 

5 KEY FACTORS TO INCORPORATE IN BEACH STYLE INTERIOR DESIGN

 

1. BLUE AND WHITE

If you’re going ‘beachy’, your go-to palette is blue and white. Add depth with trusted neutrals – think along the lines of brown string, canvas bags and straw hats. Think sun, sky, sea and sand to define your colour choices. For a colour-pop, turquoise and yellow will bring sunshine and happiness. Finish with some fresh greenery.

2. NATURAL MATERIALS

Hessian; raffia; straw; linen – these are the sort of fabrics you should choose for this style. Go for woven and plaited finishes. Nothing glossy, too ‘finished’, or too pristine. For furniture, stick with wood – neutral teak and mango shades are great. Weathered oak is ever-reliable. The shades of wood don’t have to align – this is not a perfect, ‘matchy-matchy’ look by any means. Think about how a beach or coastline gets shaped and altered by the elements, developing interesting texture and patina over time.

Natural, unpainted terracotta pots and glazed ceramic vases are also totally fitting. This extends to tiles. Small imperfections are fine. Weathering is ideal. The whole scheme should avoid feeling overly polished or ‘designed’ if you want to truly nail the beach style interior look and feel.

3. EXOTIC PATTERN

Moorish and Moroccan prints are ideal here. That is – small, repetitive geometric patterns with non-figurative symbols (no pineapple motifs here)! Stick with the classic colour scheme, as above and you can’t go far wrong. Use pattern in different areas – cushions, floor or wall tiles, throws and bedding. Don’t be afraid to mix it up!

4. GREENERY

To complete the beach style interior scheme, aim to include some vibrant plants. Think palm leaves, cacti and tropical greens with graphic outlines and waxy textures. Pot in ceramic or terracotta and leave indoors, bringing the outside in. You cannot go wrong here – greenery, (unless totally sad and wilting,) is good for the soul.

5. ARTWORK

For true beach style interior success, choose art that depicts…the beach! Select sandy shots, coastal views, large-scale photographic prints or fun illustrations which capture the chilled atmosphere of a holiday retreat. I love the paired back feel of Claire Halifax‘s sketchy prints but also enjoyed the exhibition of Stephanie Sian Smith’s vibrant, high contrast images, framed in hard-hitting black, at The Roof Deck.

In contrast, for a ‘do-it-yourself’ effect, create a relaxed photo-wall with casual holiday snaps showcased in slightly wonky and worn, thin brass frames.

I will be writing more focused blog posts on perfecting the beach style interior in the near future. This is, after all, a pretty timeless look; especially if you want to spruce up your home for summer. Please let me know if you have any particular design or styling requests in the comments or email me – sarah@girlabouthouse.com. I hope you’ve found this snippet useful.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to GIRL ABOUT HOUSE and also like the Facebook page, to ensure you get the latest information on new products, fresh blog posts and interior events.

Girl signing off,

Sarah x

For more floor-stories, catch me on Instagram

9 thoughts on “HOW TO CREATE A BEACH STYLE INTERIOR”

  • Great reference article for a beach-themed look. The neon “Lido” sign is rather special as are the woven straw hats. You combine them perfectly with the variety of furniture and fabrics. I’ll be keeping an eye on this blog for patterns, colours and texture combinations.

    • Hi Patrick,

      Thanks so much for your comments – it’s really great to hear you like the look and feel of GIRL ABOUT HOUSE. I do love pattern, colour and texture (along with a neon ‘Lido’ sign) so will definitely keep that coming. Also, any excuse to visit a lovely place and I’m there! Please let me know if you would like me focus a blog post on a specific interiors or lifestyle area as always open to suggestions. Sarah

  • I’ve always dreamed of a Hamptons Hideaway- now just have to work out how to bring to hamptons home with me instead. X

    • Haven’t we all, Charlotte?! A bit of Ralph Lauren, blue and white stripes… I feel another blog post coming on. Do you think I need to make a Hamptons visit for #inspo ? (Please see yes to validate this trip)! Sarah x

  • same with me charlotte.

  • It is an informative blog. Thank you for sharing it.

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