Modern Coastal Deserves Its Place in Connecticut Interior Design
Fairfield County residents are no strangers to all the fun 5 miles of Long Island Sound coastline provides. But what about taking the beachy, relaxing vibes home with you? You can! If you’re looking to blend indoor and outdoor living into your interior design in Connecticut, look no further than modern coastal style. As a Connecticut realtor, I am a huge fan of this beachy-chic and casual look. Something about it is so serene. So if you want to bring a little shoreline inspiration to your home, take a look at a few tips to get the overall look just right.
What is Modern Coastal Style?
Modern coastal interior design is all about incorporating elements of the sea in a sleek, minimalist way. The key here is subtly playing around with oceanic influences without going overboard. A huge display of seashells and nautical anchors misses the mark. You want to create a look that feels calm, serene and beachy without the flip-flop theme.
Nail the Modern Coastal Style Look in Your Home
If you’re a fan of neutrals (like me!) this design style is for you. To achieve this look you can’t go wrong with sandy tans, cool greys and pops of sea glass. Draw influence from the colors you see in the clouds, sand and ocean. But steer clear from overly bright hues and cliché nautical patterns. Aunt Edna’s beach house is not the look we’re going for. Striped fabrics are a great way to add a maritime flair without overdoing it.
The goal of modern coastal design is to create a tranquil space that embodies the ocean without being kitschy. You want to feel the peace of being near water – and minimalism is key. You don’t need decor telling you where you are. The simplistic elegance of the room says it all.
A Little About Modern Coastal Interior Design Characteristics…
Organic textures like jute, seagrass and driftwood are essential for completing the look of modern coastal. Compliment your existing living room setup with furniture pieces made of wicker and rattan. An end table or chair made of those materials creates a cozy, breezy feel. Natural fiber rugs (think sisal or jute) are a great way to pull the whole look together.
And don’t be afraid to layer textures together. The beach is full of different organic materials – there’s a lot to be inspired by! Woven pieces mix well with crisp linen upholstery for an inviting laidback feel. Incorporate wood with raw finishes for another way to make the space come together brilliantly.
For flooring look for light natural woods like white oak. A soft, subtle finish plays well with the other natural elements in the room. I also recommend wide plank flooring. It not only serves to make a space look bigger but creates a luxuriously modern look. .
Let’s chat lighting! It’s one of my favorite ways to make a space feel more playful. Instead of a traditional chandelier look for ones made of woven jute or bamboo. From spheres to hat-shaped to 2-tier pendants there are so many shapes and designs to choose from. Let your creativity and style shine! If you’re into bold pieces, lighting is the perfect place to make an eye-catching statement.
Add plant life to bring the outdoors inside. Choose greenery like a fiddle fig leaf, bird of paradise or triangle ficus for a true coastal aesthetic. And who else is a fan of dried pampas grass? Sprinkle it into the mix for a coastal meets boho flair.
One thing to remember when crafting a modern coastal look is to embrace a minimalistic approach. Remove all the extra clutter for a sense of modern sleekness. Layouts should be simple with plenty of negative space. Choose a furniture focal point and balance all the other elements around it. Less is more. You know you’ve hit the bullseye when your home feels effortlessly serene.
Armed with the basics of modern coastal design, here are some of my favorite shops to complete the look at home:
Connecticut interior design lends itself perfectly to the light and airy feel of the modern coastal style. If you’re looking to recreate this look in your space, reach out! I can put you in touch with some of the best designers around. Because there’s nothing better than coming home to a place that feels like your own serene paradise.