5 Characteristics of Coastal Design
There are several types of architectural designs often associated with the sea and beach theme, one of which is coastal design. You might think that coastal design is only suitable for homes located near the beach. However, this is not always the case. Coastal design is an architectural theme that can be applied to any home, regardless of its location. If you’re drawn to relaxing and minimalist designs like those found in vacation homes, coastal design may be the answer!
First, let’s distinguish coastal design from its twin, nautical design. Unlike coastal design, nautical style is closely associated with the color blue and features anchor or shell motifs throughout the house. Coastal design, on the other hand, emphasizes maximum natural light, with a dominant use of white and earthy tones, as well as natural lines like those found in wooden boat patterns.
Here are five characteristics that set coastal design apart from nautical design:
1. Natural Lighting
Bright, beach-like lighting is a key element of coastal design. Spaces in coastal design don’t feel cramped or dark, but instead appear clean, spacious, and bright. Large minimalist windows, glass doors, and skylights are great choices to help optimize the flow of natural light into the home.
2. Use of Natural Materials for Furnishings
Coastal style can be realized through furniture selection. Unlike nautical design, which often incorporates beach-related items like anchors, shells, or excessive wood, coastal style favors simple furnishings made from natural materials such as rattan, seagrass, and light-colored woods, or those painted white. Coastal design complements a minimalist lifestyle. Avoid excessive furniture or flashy metallic finishes.
3. Dominance of White
Another key aspect of coastal design is the extensive use of white. Rooms appear more expansive and tidy when painted white, as white reflects sunlight maximally. Accent colors are typically taken from soft neutral tones such as coral, beige, khaki, or soft green. If desired, accents of dark blue or gray can also be used while maintaining a clean, airy look.
4. Cotton and Linen Fabrics
Natural materials apply not only to furnishings but also to details like everyday fabrics. To deepen the coastal design, choose fabrics with natural textures such as linen and cotton. The neutral textures and colors of linen and cotton enhance the space while supporting the overall coastal aesthetic.
5. Open Spaces
Comfortable, casual, open, and natural. These four essential characteristics of coastal design remind us of the peacefulness of living by the beach. The vacation-like, relaxing atmosphere is often felt in homes with coastal design. To enhance the coastal feel, consider an open-floor plan that merges different functions of the house into one expansive space. In addition to maximizing natural light, an open-floor plan makes the home feel larger.
Embrace the beauty of Coastal Design with precision and care. Nandadipta Abirama deliver high-quality projects with speed and accuracy, ensuring your vision is brought to life seamlessly. Let’s build something timeless together.