One of the best parts of living in New England? The miles of picturesque coastline and the beautiful beach towns and seaside hamlets that dot it. If you’re lucky enough to own a vacation home in one of these spots, then you’ve likely been counting down the days until warmer weather since you closed up your beach house last fall.
The good news: Summer is finally around the corner, and it’s time to start plotting for opening weekend. We’ve got you covered on the décor front with easy decorating tips that’ll make your beach house a spot worthy of the New England scenery.
Think Fun. Your vacation home is all about fun and relaxation, and your decor should reflect that. Use the space as a chance to experiment with design that’s vibrant and carefree, and perhaps a bit bolder and brighter than what you’d do in your permanent residence. Remember: While your beach house should be a reflection of your personal style and aesthetic, you also want it to feel comfortable and inviting. A vacation home isn’t the place for anything too precious or fancy!
But Don’t Forget Function. A beach house needs to stand up to sun, salt, sand … and plenty of guests. That means offering ample seating and sleeping arrangements, choosing fabrics that are stain and fade resistant (try outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella indoors or easy to wash slipcovers), and pieces that can easily expand to accommodate a crowd (think nesting end tables and a dining table with a leaf). Another favorite solution: storage furniture. It’s the perfect way to hide everything from spare pillows and blankets, to board games and beach toys in plain sight.
Bring the Outdoors In. If you’re looking for inspiration for your beach house décor, simply open the window. The coastline is a boundless muse for everything from color palette (pale blues, soft greens, and light grays make a beautiful combination) to texture (seagrass rugs, anyone?), to prints (coral, lighthouses, and nautical motifs are classic choices).
And the Indoors Out. There’s a good chance you’ll be spending a lot of your time al fresco (it’s a summer home, after all!) so be sure it invest just as much energy into decorating your outdoor spaces as you do your indoor ones. In addition to must-haves like a large dining area and plenty of lounge chairs, finishing touches like an outdoor rug, throw pillows, planters, and even weatherproof curtains will make a deck or patio feel like an outdoor room, and an extension of your home.
Opening your beach house soon? Here are some of top our furniture and décor picks perfect for the vacation home.
Antique Round Oak Table with Leaves
Fortunoff Cast Iron Outdoor Dining Set
Rustic Wood and Iron Nesting Tables
Victoria Nelson Beach Painting
Crate and Barrel Slipcovered Love Seat
