Coastal tones

By Michaela Pointon

bedroom with a magical window view of the sunrise.”

Susannah says the difference between the typical urban dwelling’s interior design style and coastal aesthetic is the interaction with the outdoors.

“Bring outdoors into the house and make the most of any room, which you can connect to nature.”

She says a traditionally coastal theme home has elements of blue, white and greys in the colour palette, commonly following the ‘Hampton’ design style property.

“There are no rules, you can make any colour a coastal theme home. The beautiful greens of our environment are always a source of inspiration.”

Light and spacious rooms create the relaxed feeling of a coastal tones home.

“Natural textures are always going to give a more coastal feeling. We use materials such as sisal, linen, rattan and wool to replicate these coastal moments.”

Bring outdoors into the house and make the most of any room, which you can connect to nature.

A coastal home is all about making your place a relaxing, tropical sanctuary. Here are some top tips for making your home a coastal dream:

• Use earthy tones and colours

• Remove unnecessary clutter

• Use bright lighting to create openness

• Bring the outdoors inside with greenery.

Choosing to layer textures helps to break up white-on-white helping the space from falling flat. Adding white-washed woods such as on a feature wall or on the ceilings can also give coastal accents.

“Removing clutter and only including objects, which are used helps give a feeling of lightness. Especially if you’re lucky enough to have a view you want to make it the hero.”

Most importantly, a coastal home should make you feel relaxed as soon as you walk in the door.

“We live such busy lives and a home with a coastal theme should make you feel relaxed. Using design interior finishes in your home, which are practical yet beautiful, means you will feel comfortable in your home.”

Taking inspiration from overseas is another way to bring coastal tones into your home if you don’t have access to an outdoor living space.

Considering the cardinal direction of your room can help you decide on colour tones needed for the space.

Susannah suggests Italian yellow tones for a South facing room needing to feel warmer, or traditional blues if the room is West facing and needs to be cooled down.

All of these design elements create a stunning and coastal dream home, where you want to live and be relaxed inside.

Island Interiors have a team who can help you design your space for your next build or renovation. To find out more get in touch with Susannah at islandinteriors.co.nz.