No problem if your bedroom is far from the ocean or you find yourself exactly one lakehouse short. If a breezy coastal bedroom scheme is calling, today’s seaside accents may be just the ticket. Spring cleaning or organizing? Maybe a lightened-up breezy boudoir appeals. Met me? What makes us pile on the layers in winter? Psst. You won’t find a slew of kitschy seashells ahead, but I hope these ideas empower you to see a soothing retreat is within reach.
Seaside Accents for Bedrooms
Our Bedroom’s Evolution
While I have shared before and during shots of the primary bedroom here at the Georgian, it never really received a proper AFTER. Truth be told, it is very spare and serene…perhaps even monastic in nature. You can’t easily capture the mood of serenity with photos!
So even though the construction was completed moons ago along with this customized closet…
We haven’t invested in new furniture, bedding, pillows, or much beyond a pair Midcentury marble lamps. We didn’t even change the wall color (it’s Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray).
I have actually tweaked the painted finish of the furniture you see above…three times now in fact. Anyone else would say – oh, that’s a nice beige. Hahahaha. But I see undertones and the need for additional brush strokes and will probably keep layering on washes until I’m gone.
DIY Painting Existing Furniture
You may remember I also listened to what the space was telling me about our bed’s headboard which rose too tall as far for the ceiling height. I peeked at the back and lo and behold, the decorative arched section you see below was detachable. After removing it, the room sighed with relief. 🙂
Is it crazy to yield to a house’s whims again and again? I am THAT sensitive, and my aim is never to persuade anyone to do as I do as much as feel free to listen to what feels right.
There’s never a singular path to create beauty.
Our sitting area could be softened by window treatments, but the view is too pretty to obstruct. It’s easy to just shut the door to darken the room as necessary.
Let’s explore ideas for increasing breezy calm in tranquil cottage bedrooms, shall we?
Choose Sea-Inspired Tranquil Paint Colors & Accents
Maybe you simply need a new color palette. Painting walls can be a gamechanger. Love blue?
Light blue walls can be a challenge for a grown up room. Hence, it is extra helpful when designers and homeowners share their successful projects!
Blue paint colors are tricky though so proceed with caution! Remember if a color is close to what you’re after but a little too much, you can have a sample made with a lower saturation. Take the time to arrive at the perfect custom color for YOU.
Also, you may need to look at grey paint colors to get the look you’re after since many grays have blue undertones. You can always stick to a neutral shade on the walls and accent with tones that remind you of the beach.
Do you have a board on Pinterest reserved for PAINT COLORS? Create one!
Add Rustic Wood Texture
It was so gratifying to add Hamptons Stikwood to a wall in our former bedroom and in one fell swoop, change the entire mood of the room to be more casual and vacation-like. If you don’t have experience with peel and stick wood products, you may be unaware that this particular product is not fake but indeed real reclaimed whitewashed pine wood.
The texture brought just enough quiet contrast with our cottage style bedroom furniture (painted BM Revere Pewter).
Minimal Luxe & European Inspired
Huge fan of Desiree Ashworth’s design and Beljar Home style! Something magical happens when you mix European antiques and European country influences for a coastal bedroom feel without the kitschy nautical decor.
Think light-toned wood, lanterns, stained wood trim, scrubbed and raw wood finishes, natural fibers for rugs, woven baskets, driftwood tones, rugged wood beams, antique benches, and vintage lighting and artwork.
California Cozy Coastal Modern
If you’re an admirer of relaxed, California cool interiors, check out resources from Jenni Kayne including her amazing books highlighting Pacific Natural vibes!
The woodsy walls paired with nubby texture on that bed!
Traditional & Preppy Coastal Kids Room
See what I mean about widening your coastal imagination? Inspiration from this showhouse kids room may be a reminder that a nostalgic seaside mood can emerge from cheerful colors and classic stripe or gingham patterns.
Aren’t the green and pink best friends? And don’t you love the idea of a desk between the twin beds as relief from separate bedside tables?
A Rustic Bedroom Can Be Small Yet Mighty
Here’s proof you truly can mix multiple design elements successfully even in a small space.
Maybe the trick (besides hiring an experienced, top notch designer!) is striking the proper balance, splurging on quality materials, and highlighting a bedroom’s strengths (like ceiling height). Here’s another small bedroom where the architecture was celebrated and elevated. Horizontal lines play a starring role along with white!
Those wide and white planked floors make me want to rip out carpet in all my bedrooms here!! Do not tell my husband!
Add the Charm & Personality of Wallpaper
It can seem like quite a lofty commitment, but you could always just start with one wall. Is this Feather Wallpaper calling your name?
Naturally Soothing Color Palettes
This Patina Farm bedroom may be a mountainside retreat rather than an oceanside one, yet it continues to inspire.
It is a celebration of light and unfussy charm. The natural colors echo shells, stone, sand, and sunsets. So luxurious yet livable, yes? Even Brooke and Steve’s tattered old chair looks inviting!
Here are a few more peeks from inside my copy of their book:
Pretty Pink Bedroom Accent Wall?
If you’re into a tropical oasis, maybe pink could deliver island vibes. For ideas and tips for a pink paint color that won’t make you think of tummy medicine (*ahem*), SEE THIS.
Coastal Cottage Resources & Inspo
Light Blue Bedding
Coastal White Bedside Tables
A Swing!
What a dream to have an adjoining patio or porch off the bedroom! Need a swing? See THIS ONE.
I guess we don’t need a porch to swing…how about a swing in lieu of a bedroom chair?
Coastal Style Rattan Pendants
Navy Blue Lamps
Blue & White Quilt
For more coastal cottage inspiration, here’s PART 2 and also see these stories.
Coastal Beach Mini Tour!
What if your coastal dream could come true by thinking SMALLER? Hmmmmmm, see what you think of this sweet beach mini tour!
Here’s another cottage in Key West you might like.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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