Give your home a holiday atmosphere

When we all love our time at the beach, why not bring home a piece of sun, sand and ocean?

When we all love our time at the beach, why not bring home a piece of sun, sand and ocean?

When you land at a beach destination, something happens. Think about it. You step out of Goa airport, and suddenly you are oh so relaxed and at ease. And, you haven’t even drunk any alcohol yet! Is it the salty sea breeze or the blazing sun that doesn’t even let the monsoon rain fall on your parade?

There’s something about the easygoing, flashy lifestyle that we all love. The soothing sounds of the waves certainly captivate us, but the decor also plays a huge role. Blue and white, no-frills furnishings, natural materials, nautical accents, meets nature, and layered forms create a chic coastal vibe that has become a mainstay of many interior designers around the world.

When we all agree that life is better at the beach, why not bring home a piece of sun, sand and ocean? If you’re not going to vacation any time soon (and if you are too), we suggest these 15 coastal diversions to add a seaside feel to your home.

1. Set the note on the door for your seaside retreat by decorating it with a DIY wreath of twigs, starfish, and shells. It’s easy to make and makes a statement as soon as someone rings the doorbell.

2. A completely neutral palette — think cream, ivory or lace — accented with soft shades of blue and green creates a minimal shabby chic beach look. Don’t underestimate the power of indigo when it comes to creating the look that lives by the sea.

3. Opt for furniture made from wicker, raw wood or traditionally made of cotton/twine. A cotton rug or two will infuse the room with a vacation-home vibe.

4. Natural materials such as bamboo and coir, repurposed furnishings and a neutral color scheme combine the look of shabby chic with a polished atmosphere.

5. Artwork that brings seashells to mind—prints of shells, seahorses, and starfish—are the easiest way to add some seaside swing to a town home.

6. A taupe rope rug is rustic and down to ground, and reminiscent of sun and sand. Set it in the living room, and play with color in your furnishings to create a vibrant feel.

7. Work with myriad combinations of blue, red and white to create a nautical look you’ll love living with.

8. Let most of your belongings be natural. Stunning seashells, driftwood, and starfish as decor accents make a regular home at a seaside retreat.

9. A sheer curtain diffuses incoming sunlight through the window and creates a dazzling backdrop for whatever you place in front of it. A long curtain pools romantically on the floor.

10. Give ring curtains a beachy twist by hanging them with rope strings. Completely transforms the room.

11. Items that are reminiscent of the ocean — like anchors or oars — can create a focal point like no other. Consider the components of ships, maps, mirrors, ropes, telescopes and compasses.

12. Whether it is thick or thin, twine or cord, a rope can suddenly create a stretch of seashore. Tie it to bottle tops, candle stands, mirrors, or even tray handles.

13. Shells and starfish can be placed in a clear jar and used as decorative accents. Or string them into a pretty bunting, along with pieces of colored glass.

14. Why should your dining table be decked out from all the fun? Starfish, funky tablemats and candles can help create a seasonal table setup.

15. A strategically placed hammock – perhaps in the balcony – puts you in the mood to reminisce or read at any time of the day. What could be a better meaning of a holiday than this?

With all this, your home will surely be your happy place!