Beach Cottage Interior Design Ideas

By Madge Lindsay


A beach cottage interior design project can be one of the most rewarding of assignments. It gives an designer the perfect opportunity to decorate one of the most loved and sought after types of property. Having a home on the water is a lifelong dream for many people. Waking up to the sound of the ocean and looking forward to long summer days of sea and sand is the absolute best way to spend a vacation or even to live full time.

The first thing to consider is the age of the home. Restoring an older home can be a really rewarding project, especially with a generous budget. It is crucial to consider the basic structure of the building. Some older houses can be opened up and the space made into one big room. Others have structural features that mean they have to stay in the older style of several small rooms. It is best to consult an engineer before removing any walls.

Many designers stay with white as the main color. This is a really great choice as it intensifies the light and helps to keep the home cool in summer. The window trim, baseboards and other wood work can also be painted in a strong coat of white, maybe with a hint of gloss. Even floors can be painted white to add extra light to a darker older home.

Entertaining should also be taken into mind. If the home will be used as a family gathering place with a constant flow of visitors, this should be a big consideration. A design with the kitchen open to the rest of the living space makes entertaining easy and enjoyable. Lots of casual eating areas are also a bonus. The atmosphere should be relaxed and informal and visitors should really feel at home.

Flooring is also an important consideration. It needs to be very durable and easy to care for. No one wants to spend too much time on house work, so the focus should be on low maintenance. Light colored wood makes perfect floors. As do light tile or even the newer concrete floors. As lots of sand will invariably find its way into the house, practicality should always be paramount. Bright rugs can add a splash of color to every room and add a touch of warmth.

Even bathrooms can be fun to decorate. A light blue tile is perfect, coordinated with blue and white walls. Accessories such as shower curtains can be custom made from a nautical style fabric. Bathrooms should be easy to clean and the designer must also account for a lot of sand making its way in and look for the most hard waring materials.

The living room will be the hub of the home. Time should be spent finding just the right furniture. Couches and chairs should be comfortable and versatile. Look for fabrics that continue the outdoor theme, something light such as an off white cotton will be perfect. Texture is an important factor and achieving just the right feel takes some effort.

Beach cottage interior design offers one of the most enjoyable of all decorating projects. Everyone dreams of living in the quintessential beach house, with the ocean right at their door. The home should offer a comfortable and relaxing haven from the stress of every day life.




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