Pages

Monday, July 11, 2011

"Seaside Chic"

The hustle and bustle of daily life can really take a toll on families. So it's no surprise that they would want to jet set to the nearest getaway. To relax and release many families are taking advantage of their summers with a vacation getaway or trip to their vacation homes. Many of these homes are located near the sea or lake. Summer is one of my favorite seasons to travel. There is something about being near water that adds fun and relaxation to the environment. 

Vacation homes are all about having carefree and cozy interiors. In the design field we call this style casual elegance. But, I like to refer to the style as Seaside Chic.  Seaside chic caters to a variety of coastal lifestyles. This style is full of charm, yet stylish with nods to traditional and modern elements. What makes the interior fresh is the pops of color and chic decor. Most people have an impression that coastal living should have a nautical theme. But, with seaside chic there are no set rules for designing a home. Therefore, you can mix and match fabrics and finishes. However, your choice of materials will be important depending on the location of your home. If you have a home adjacent to the sea you may want to consider weather resistant materials. Sea water have a tendency to wear and tear materials very quickly. Your choice of materials can be light and airy, rustic, organic, or bold and sleek. Your design should ultimately reflect your lifestyle and be inspired by beautiful surroundings.

Here are some great ways to apply seaside chic to your home or vacation getaway.  Don't be afraid to be bold with color and prints. If up keep your palette elegant and chic it will definitely turn out to be a successful and timeless design.

Photo by Troy Campbell
Outdoor entertaining is a major part of summer time fun. If you want to integrate a chic dining set into your outdoor space be sure to select a design that is weather resistant. You should also select simple lines when choosing a furniture design. This will allow you to go bold with prints and color without conflicting with the design of the furniture.

Photo by Jean Allsopp
If you want to select a more elaborate design, then you should play down the fabric to create a more cohesive design. However, you can still use bold color as a design option.

If you are not afraid of color there are a variety of options in the market. For paint colors you should select a neutral color for the walls and ceiling. This will allow you to change fabrics season to season.

Seaside chic is not just conformed to traditional design. Seaside chic can be modern and contemporary.

Your choices should also be cozy and comfortable. So you should bring in textures that will appeal to your senses. Just remember that these environments will be filled with foot traffic covered with sand or dirt. You may want to consider user-friendly fabrics as well.

Jean Allsopp
Creams and whites are a great way to add sophistication to your space.
J. Savage Gibson
Many people are afraid to use dark colors and bold prints. But, if done correctly they can really make a big impact in a room. Remember, if you keep your palette neutral you will be able to implement bold patterns and colors in a modern and chic way.
When it comes to seaside chic, my personal design taste is very chic without being too shabby. For me seaside chic is all about style and elegance. However, there is nothing wrong with vintage or aged items if it's done correctly.

Vintage design can be very elegant with this type of style. It can also be very expensive as well. However, there are a lot of reproductions of vintage designs in the market. So if you want to incorporate this style into your design be sure to explore all options.

I love using contrasting colors and finishes when it comes to design. This is a great example of how to balance color and light into a space.

Using white and cream will make any color pop and feel fresh. These colors are very classic and chic. One option is to use beadboard to implement a contrast of color. Beadboard is a simple and elegant way to add architectural detail and interest into a home. Beadboard comes in a variety of materials and can be bought in strips or sheets. It also can be applied to many different surfaces. Once you have decided on your design you must consider the application and if humidity will be a factor.

Wood paneling is also a great option. You can use white washed, antique, or reclaimed wood as your option. One great design aspect with wood is that you can paint or stain the wood to your liking. Many manufacturers are creating engineered wood with a variety of finishes. The choices are limitless.

I love relaxing on the porch. If you're like me outdoor relaxing is a major part of vacationing. If this is the case, feel free to install a swing for your enjoyment.

Photo by Brian Vanden Brink
You should always take advantage of a view, if available.  Do select fabrics and furniture that will compliment your view. Don't select colors that will not blend into the environment.
 
If you have a fabulous view, you can always use floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the view. Having floor-to-ceiling windows will allow you to bring in tons of natural light. If privacy is a major issue be sure to install window coverings that will provide privacy, but allow light to filtrate the space.

If you want to bring the outside in and create a nice transition to the interior, floor-to-ceiling windows is a great option.

If you are looking for a cohesive design choose one color to integrate throughout the home. You can also use variations of that color to create interest and contrast to the space.

Playing in the sun and water is also a major part of vacationing. Outdoor showers are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Homeowners are finding it necessary to include showers as an addition to their homes; because cleaning up dirt and sand can be a very daunting task. However, having an outdoor shower is a great solution to dealing with these hassles.

Roger Davies
When selecting colors for your color palette you can be as bold and innovative as you want. Don't be afraid to mix colors for harmony and balance.
 
You can be bold with your design in your kitchen as well. Backsplashes is a great way to bring in bold color. You should also feel free to mix finishes as well. This will add flavor and jazz up your space.

If you are hesitant about using bold color choices, feel free to use colors that are subtle and calming. White and cream kitchens will always be timeless and chic.
Richard Leo Johnson
The same principles can be applied to your dining room design. If you are more adventurous and fun use bold color and prints. If you are more reserved in style mix neutral colors to create a subdued palette. Seaside chic is meant to be timeless and elegant.  If you would like to implement this design to your home feel free to apply these concepts to create a stylish home.

2 comments: