There’s nothing quite like a trip to the beach for your mind, body and soul. The salt, sand, ocean, and waves always supply a relaxing and peaceful feeling. Many people claim that if something is ailing you, you simply need a dose of vitamin “sea”. But if you don’t live near a beach year-round, how can you achieve that beachy vibe when you return home to the city? Bring the beach to you! Just transform your Toronto real estate into a beach house haven by utilizing some of these great decorating tips below.
Use A Coastal Inspired Colour Palette: Imagine the sand, sea, and sky when pulling inspo for your home’s colour palette. Neutral colours like beige, grey, ivory, and white mixed with sea blue, navy, turquoise, and green can really create a beachy feel. You can even utilize a variety of blue hues to really capture the ocean’s vast beauty. These can be integrated throughout or you can keep it neutral and use the blues/greens for a beautiful pop of colour.
Keep It Light and Bright: A beach house is typically flooded with natural light and fresh air. Choose lightweight fabrics for curtains that allow plenty of sunshine to beam through. Also, ensure that your window coverings allow you to open your windows to create an easy, breezy feeling. Hang curtains high to elongate your space and give it a more open feel.
Choose Furniture Made From Natural Materials: Using furniture made from natural woods, wicker, rattan, or bamboo are sure to give off the look of a beach cottage. Consider these natural materials for couches, accent chairs, dining tables and chairs, and even bed frames.
Pick A Beach-Inspired Theme For Accents: You can select from a variety of beach-inspired themes including nautical, seashells, or sea creatures. You may even want to combine a few themes. From there, you can select small knick-knacks, art, or other decorative items to display your theme throughout your space. Use shelving to display your accent pieces such as anchors, conch shells, seashell-lined photo frames, rope, beach reads, model sailboats, and more. You could also use your theme to decorate a bathroom or an accent wall with wallpaper covered in shells, anchors, seahorses, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Use Shiplap: Take your room to the next level using shiplap to give a beachy look as many coastal homes use wooden paneling for their interiors. You could keep your shiplap walls neutral or paint them a sea blue to add a pop of colour. Shiplap is one of those design moves that people looking to buy a home love! Why not increase the chances of selling your home with a little shiplap!
Display The Sea: Find some beautiful art featuring seascapes and waves to bring the sea to you. You could create a gallery wall or simply display the seascapes throughout your home.
Decorate With Vintage Finds: You can add a certain beachy charm by upcycling some vintage items to use as decor. Think a retro bathing suit in a frame, galvanized ice cream containers as vases, or lobster traps as conversation pieces or side tables in your living room. You could use vintage wicker picnic baskets as decor plus storage. Any sort of antique tins or sea glass that can also serve as organizational tools is always a win!
Lightweight Linens and Bedding: Choose fabrics for your linens and bedding that are lightweight and airy. Think of a thin, cozy quilt instead of a clunky duvet. Use soft or sea-inspired colours with throw pillows that coordinate with your chosen theme.
Rustic Light Fixtures: A light fixture with rustic charm such as a woven basket or a wrought iron candle-style chandelier can really help to transform your home into a beach haven.
Don’t Forget Your Outdoor Space: As a Toronto real estate agent, I know that outdoor space is limited. But that doesn’t mean you can’t extend the beach theme to whatever kind of outdoor area you are working with. You’ll want to utilize weather-resistant, natural furniture such as wicker, rattan, or bamboo. Don’t be afraid to add vibrant pops of colours such as boldly painted Muskoka chairs.
Even though we live in a metropolitan area, it doesn’t mean that you can’t bring the beach vibe into your home. The coastal design relies on envisioning the landscape of the sea and using those colours, styles, and motifs to capture a stylish beach-inspired space. If nothing else, it doesn’t hurt to attempt to achieve that relaxed, easy breezy feeling of vacation all year round.
If you are looking to achieve this look and need some help, feel free to reach out. Our Toronto real estate agents are well connected with designers and some have the touch of a designer!
