What’s not to love about a beach retreat? Sun, sand, and ideally, a gorgeous beach house that delivers a resort-style home away from home. From Hilton Head to Tybee Island, beach houses across the South are offering up interior design inspiration to make us swoon.
6 Beach House Decor Trends to Swoon Over
Channel Nature (Naturally!)
A sisal rug. A raw-edged wood table. Lighting fixtures made of twigs or vines. Nature-inspired design is trending, and beach houses are an ideal space to explore this trend. Whether you stock up on houseplants or incorporate natural materials such as stone, sea glass, rattan, jute, and bamboo, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found by the shore.
Shiplap is IN!
Shiplap is showing up in design projects all over the South. Though rumor has it this trend might be waning in 2022, we have yet to see it happen — particularly when it comes to beach houses. From living rooms and kitchens to bathrooms and everything in between, the clean lines of shiplap offer a casual-yet-elegant vibe that beach houses seek to embody.
“Shiplap adds an instant architectural feature in a home, and warmth, too,” says Georgia-based designer Maggie Griffin, “especially in all-white or monochromatic interiors. Adding this type of wood treatment to the walls — or ceilings even — adds character, dimension, and texture.”
A New Approach to Sea-Inspired Accents
The ocean has inspired many works of art — from Moby Dick to paintings by Mary Cassatt and Paul Gauguin. But recent interior design trends look beyond driftwood and seashells to offer a more eclectic spin on seaside influences, with everything from silver-coated tortoise shells to hand-painted surfboards.
Bring On the Blue
As if an extension of the ocean itself, blue appears to be the most beloved beach house hue, whether popping up in table vignettes to offset a mostly white decor scheme or prominently displayed as a home’s exterior color. And with so many shades to choose from, be it slate, aquamarine, indigo, or navy, there’s no shortage of hues to consider.
“We vacation to the beach to relax and unwind,” offers Derek Van Mol of Van Mol Restoration. “I think blue is a popular beach house color because it calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity. Much like the ocean, it is often described as tranquil and peaceful.”
Don’t Go Overboard
Sometimes less is more! Starting with a clean, crisp aesthetic is one of the essential beach house design basics. Opt for a minimalist approach, incorporating carefully chosen furniture pieces and thoughtfully placed art and mementos. When discussing this year’s interior design trends, Atlanta-based boutique hotel designer Libby Patrick of Sims Patrick Studio said, “Overall, I see us moving toward more simplified, relaxed, and comfortable environments and getting rid of the clutter.”
Let the Walls “Talk”
From New York City high-rises to Colonial-style Southern mansions, wallpaper has been one of the most prevalent trends in recent years. It comes as no surprise that it’s also making a consistent appearance in oceanside abodes, showing up as everything from a subtle ceiling addition to a boldly patterned accent wall.
“We are craving color and pattern,” says Maggie Griffin, “and for the color-shy, adding a zippy wallpaper in secondary areas is an easy way to add a little fun and flair without a huge commitment.”
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