A much needed getaway to the Emerald Coast of Florida was a blessing, and now that we are home, I’m reflecting on all things coastal aesthetic. This was my first visit in February when Spring Break crowds are nonexistent. A few days oceanside (or gulf-side), hanging out on the less-crowded beach in winter, and watching the sunset from a waterfront balcony in comfy beach chairs? Hello, lovely!
photos: Hello Lovely
Coastal Aesthetic & Beachy Beautiful Goodness
The water was chilly, but not too cold for my husband to plunge, and just right to enjoy the setting sun without crowds.
We rented a 1,300 sf two-bedroom condo with amazing views and a roomy balcony.
Just what we needed to relax, feel the sun on our faces, and soak in nature’s beauty from the shore.
I love how so many of these condos feature built-in coastal bunks. So cozy for kids of all ages.
Interiors With Coastal Aesthetic
I was mainly parked in an Adirondack style beach chair more than 20 stories above the white sand beach, listening to waves break, and admiring the turquoise, aqua, and emerald shades of water and sky.
Coastal Console Cabinet
This condo reminded me if you don’t have a fireplace focal point, a simple console cabinet that isn’t too deep can provide storage and anchor the TV. Even if it’s not quite the right width, you can try two consoles like this.
When it was too cool and windy to be outdoors, the cozy spaces for watching a movie also delivered.
The walls of this condo are a serene, coastal sky shade of blue-grey. Need an idea for this look?
Pretty Gray Paint Colors for a Coastal Home
Always best to sample a few possibilities since undertones vary.
Also see THIS STORY for beautiful grey paint color ideas.
The LVP flooring is a warm blonde color reminiscent of sand.
I’m never mad at a comfy swivel chair…perfect for open floorplans and casual living areas.
Oceanfront Condo With Serene Color Palette
Every piece of furniture in this condo from the swivel club chairs to the sofa to the dining chairs to mattresses were built for comfort.
Since we have dietary restrictions, we used the kitchen to prepare meals rather than dine out, and it always surprises me when a small kitchen lives large.
I learned this is all the space I really need: a nice-sized peninsula, petite pantry (out of sight across from range), and a tight work triangle. (Although at home, it’s not the worst thing to get lots of exercise in a larger kitchen…hahahaha.)
Of course, rinsing dishes off with a view of the ocean is hard to beat! Here’s a closer look at the coziness of the bunk area:
Resources for Getting a Seaside Look
Here’s one of two baths in the condo, and the grey wall color in artificial light reads cooler but still pleasant. The floor tile in shower is the exact one we installed in our son’s condo renovation from Lowe’s, but it was discontinued.
You can still find plenty of encaustic-look porcelain tiles, and it’s such an inexpensive way to get a pop of pattern and personality in a small space.
You can’t go wrong with all white bedding schemes for a coastal look, and the choices in this condo felt just like home.
Texture and quality are everything when you’re layering whites and neutrals.
Home Decor Accents & Kitsch
How do you feel about kitschy coastal art?
I would tire quickly of the pieces throughout this home were I living with them year round.
But they were just right for a vacation house, introducing pops of the colors you see outside.
Another detail about the space my husband and I appreciated? The open floorplan.
Now that we have been living at the Georgian for a few years without a great room or much openness, it was refreshing.
We were too busy relaxing to do many photos of us on the beach…next time!
You probably noticed things are fairly spare as they should be in a vacation rental, but this too was a lesson in how the nervous system naturally calms when there is not too much for the eye to take in.
Soft velvets and tufted linen along with pale glazed painted finishes exude comfort.
And the comfort of these Adirondack chairs! Oh my!
I haven’t found the exact gliding balcony chair since the design is distinctive, and I know they are pricey, but here’s one possibility:
For a patio glider that isn’t counter or bar height, here’s a quality-made option.
Ready for more inspiration from white effortless pretty interiors and subtle blue?
It’s snowing today, and I’m dreaming of a return to the beach! This trip also marked my first visit to Alys Beach so stay tuned for inspiration I captured there. Also, check out how I am “up and trying” here.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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