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Beach-chic decor isn't just for summer. Here's how to decorate with the style all year long.As summer fades and warm weather turns crisp, many of us turn to heavier fabrics, deeper colors and darker woods to keep us cozy at home. But coastal style is becoming increasingly popular as a year-round decorating style, and if it's the style you prefer, it's a fairly simple one to achieve.
Of course, there are many different ways to achieve the look. There's the "classic" beach cottage style, which has an ultra casual feel. The super modern beach retreat -- think Miami Beach modernism. And then there's something in the middle, a look we like to call modern coastal, or beach chic.
Wide-planked floors and solid linen upholstery are just a couple must-haves for the Coastal Chic look. A no-no? Covering your space with an abundance of shells and other beach finds. A few assorted vases serving as a sculpture-like display, like this one, are all it takes. Photo: Tim Clarke Interior Design
This style takes the casual air of the classic beach cottage and merges it with a more refined, higher-end aesthetic -- without being too minimal or overly modern. Interior designer Tim Clarke, a Santa Monica-based designer whose work has appeared in Coastal Living, In Style and House Beautiful, is the master of this look. "I love how easy it is to live in the relaxed elegance of these interiors," he says. "They provide a break from the stresses of today's fast-paced lifestyle in an oasis that fosters togetherness and warmth without sacrificing modernity and style." (And many of his clients -- Sally Field, Matthew Perry, Ben Stiller and Portia de Rossi, to name a few -- turn to Clarke to achieve just that.)
So if you're not his typical wealthy or celeb clientele, how can you make the look your own? Just follow this mini lesson in modern coastal style:
Keep bright colors at bay (pun intended). Have your color palette be inspired by sand and sea, then add in a mixture of new and found objects for that "effortless" look. Photo: Tim Clarke Interior Design
Clarke would define coastal chic as borrowed from the clean lines and well-thought-out simplicity of modern design but softened with organic shapes and textures. Expect vintage pieces, locally-sourced materials and objects and a soothing, muted color palette inspired by the colors of the beach and sea.
Typical Beach Chic People: Laid back, easy going, young families with a variety of interests, from sports to art. They're active people who love being outside and who enjoy the company of good friends and family.
How to Get the Look: Juxtapose sleek organic textures and time-worn antiques with high-style modern. Anchor rooms with solid neutral, natural fiber upholstery in pure classic forms, layered with an eclectic mix of vintage fabric pillows and hand-printed linen. Walls should be painted a chalky, matte-finish in neutral colors inspired by nature. Bring in interesting one-of-a kind found objects as accessories and vintage lighting. And fill spaces with collections of photography, paintings and drawings -- some expensive and well-known and some local (unknown and affordable) artists all hung together on a wall.
Muted colors are common in Clarke's interiors -- but they're far from boring. He adds interest by weaving in natural elements, shapely objects and subtle pops of nature-inspired color. Photo: Tim Clarke Interior Design
Avoid: Massive amounts of shells all over the place, like they were purchased in bulk! And too many beach-themed decorative pieces, like faux-painted framed signs that say "To The Beach" or "Beach House" in coordinated colors. Also stay away from items that are overly nautical or red-white-and-blue, as well as Caribbean-inspired color schemes.
Looking for more design inspiration? Check out our Decorating Styles 101 series:
-Decorating Styles 101: Equestrian Style
-Decorating Styles 101: Cowboy Chic
Still have beaches on the brain? Check out these great pieces from other AOL sites:
America's Best Beach TownsDIY Design: How to Make a Beach Bag