It’s no secret that I love integrating coastal style into my projects (not to mention my own home) but how do you do that exactly? I’ve partnered up with Serena & Lily to give you a few of my favorite tips to help you get the look as we analyze the elements of coastal style.

SIMPLY ADD STRIPES

Stripes go with everything and are a simple way to bring in a graphic pop of pattern. Go subtle with a few throw pillows like those green  Beach Stripe outdoor pillows on the sunwashed Riviera chairs or make a more dramatic statement with upholstered host chairs featured below.

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CHOOSE BLUE

Find inspiration from nature and integrate plenty of blue hues to achieve that airy coastal vibe. The sky (and shore) is the limit as there are hundreds of blues to choose from. I personally am partial to a bold cobalt but you really can’t go wrong. And of course, a crisp white always pairs beautifully with the blue of your choosing.

I’m obsessed with all these different blue bedding options. SO many gorgeous blues to choose from.

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RATTAN

Rattan is the natural fiber trend that’s pretty much slipped into classic neutral territory. Previously viewed as solely for the Palm Beach domain, rattan is now finding itself in almost every room of the home, and not just on either coast. With its warm color, it brings in a casual vibe but lest you think it too relaxed, a touch of brass (like the ferrules on the Balboa counter stools) elevate it into a dressier look.

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UPDATE YOUR LIGHTING

Instant upgrade: swap out an existing light fixture for something fresh. Brass is back and here to stay for the long haul. This pretty Everett sconce instantly upgraded our powder bathroom at Boardwalk Bungalow and keeps the stripe wallpaper from skewing too juvenile with its elegant arms and tapered paper shades.

LIGHT COLORED WOOD OR CANING & WHITE

Blend your finishes to create a tactile high contrast. I love the blend of cerused wood and white in the (old) Lark shelf (similar linked here) that’s in our boys’ bunk room.  Experiment with fancy and casual materials to get a custom look.

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NATURAL FIBERS CREATE CASUAL SOPHISTICATION

Jute, rattan, and woven woods all complement coastal style. Even in a farmhouse setting like the Project Home in Carlton Landing last summer, the Pacifica sofa blends seamlessly with other natural materials to create a relaxed and appealing outdoor living space.  Coastal doesn’t always equal preppy, either. Blending natural materials and colors inherent to your environment always brings authenticity to a space.

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CRISP WHITES

But since we’re talking color, for a bolder contrast of coastal style add a healthy dose of white, whether it’s silky cool white bedding or chalky painted walls.  Bedding is an easy way to get the look and can be easily swapped depending on the season; because a bed visually takes up the most space in any given bedroom, it’s also the biggest way to get the most visual change.

CAN’T GO WRONG WITH THE RIVIERA

Of course, who can ignore the classic French style of the Riviera collection? I’m a huge fan, especially for clients with kids. Between the counter stools, dining chairs, and banquette (OBSESSED), it’s a slam dunk that is not only highly durable but also very comfortable.

We’ve had our banquette for several years now, and I can honestly say that it looks just as good today as when it was delivered. And it’s seen its fair share of spaghetti sauce, ketchup, and chocolate cake.

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Thanks so much to Serena & Lily for sponsoring today’s post and be sure to check out all their gorgeous coastal-inspired goods.