The Ultimate Guide to Coastal Color Schemes
By Alan George
The allure of the seaside has long captivated the hearts of many, with its soothing waves, golden sands, and the gentle rustling of coastal breezes. It is no wonder that coastal color themes have become increasingly popular in interior design, as they allow us to bring a piece of this tranquility into our homes. These color palettes, inspired by the natural hues found along the shore, have the power to transform any space into a serene and inviting retreat. Coastal color themes draw from a range of elements, from the soft blues of the ocean to the warm, neutral tones of the sand. By understanding the key components of these palettes and how to effectively incorporate them into our living spaces, we can create an atmosphere that embodies the essence of the seaside.
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The Influence of Nature
Nature's stunning coastal landscapes provide an endless source of inspiration for color palettes. Soothing hues reminiscent of crashing waves, sandy beaches, and bright sunshine set the ideal backdrop for a relaxing waterfront aesthetic.
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Timeless Neutrals
Soft, comforting neutrals form the foundation of most coastal color stories. Clean white, warm beige, and weathered gray evoke a sense of casual elegance and tranquility. These neutrals allow vibrant accent colors to pop.
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Vibrant Accent Hues
Splashes of color pulled straight from seaside vistas enliven coastal spaces. Think sunshine yellow, ocean blue, sandy tan, vivid coral, and lush green. Used judiciously as accents, these bold hues capture the vibrancy of waterfront living.
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Choosing a Unifying Color Scheme
With nature's bounty as your guide, settle on one unifying approach to coordinate your coastal color scheme throughout the space.
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Monochromatic Serenity
Monochromatic palettes focusing on variations of a single hue like blue or green provide a subtle, peaceful atmosphere. Layer in shades, tints and tones for tonal depth.
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Coastal Harmony
Try an analogous palette of adjacent colors like turquoise and seafoam for effortless cohesion. These near neighbors share similar undertones for harmonious flow.
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Complementary Bold Contrasts
For a look that truly pops, embrace the vibrancy of complementary colors like navy and coral. This high contrast combination creates a vivid focal point when used judiciously.
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Seaside Inspired Neutrals
Neutrals anchoring your color scheme should whisper "relaxed waterfront living." Play with pale and saturated versions for visual interest.
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Sun Kissed Whites and Creams
Like sunlight glinting off gently lapping waves, creamy whites and pale ivory hues imbue spaces with warmth and an airy feel. Use for living room walls, upholstery and accessories.
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Driftwood Grays and Taupes
Weathered grays and taupes mimic sun bleached driftwood for that quintessential beachy vibe. Rich charcoal grounds while pale driftwood whispers sophistication and are great options for dining room furniture.
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Sandy Beiges and Tans
What could be more coastal than colors pulled straight from the shoreline? Tan, khaki and greige suggestive of beach sand provide an earthy, grounding resonance.
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Refreshing Ocean Blues
From slate to turquoise, shades of blue are central to any coastal palette. Use varying intensities to create an ebb and flow of color.
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Soft Powder Blue Accents
Channel clear blue skies and placid shallows with pastel powder blue. This tranquil teint works beautifully as an all over bathroom wall color or accent trim.
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Deep Navy
Make a statement with deep, dramatic navy suggestive of midnight ocean depths. This bold neutral is perfect for an accent wall or robust furnishings and textiles in a living room.
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Turquoise Tropical Flair
Vibrant turquoise infuses maximum energy and Caribbean flair. Use this saturated aqua shade as a brilliant bedroom accent against neutrals for an instant coastal pop.
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Verdant Coastal Greens
From soft sage to vibrant emerald, shades of green evoke lush tropics and provide an ideal counterpoint to blues and beiges.
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Subdued Sage and Olive Tones
Muted sage and olive impart an organic, earthy essence. Use these muted greens as neutrals for hallway walls, floors and large upholstered pieces.
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Vibrant Emerald Touches
When you crave drama, turn to deep, luxurious emerald green. This saturated jewel tone suggests dense tropical foliage when used as an accent in a dining room.
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Tranquil Seafoam Highlights
Soft, ethereal seafoam satisfies your craving for serene coastal color. Use this delicate pale green as an all over wall color or highlight accent.
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Coral and Shell Pinks
Ranging from faded blush to vibrant tangerine, pink and coral hues derived from seashells and sunsets infuse coastal interiors with energy.
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Delicate Blush Undertones
The palest pinks and blush tones make an understated accent when paired with bright white. Use for trims, fabrics and accessories.
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Vivacious Sunset Hues
Spice up your palette with vibrant corals and orangey pinks reminiscent of spectacular ocean sunsets. A little goes a long way with these spirited accents, especially in a bedroom.
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Muted Terracotta Warmth
On the deeper side of the spectrum, muted terracotta and baked clay provide an earthy, Southwestern influence perfect for kitchen floors or accent walls.
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Bringing it All Together
Now you're ready to harmonize your beachy color selections into a cohesive, well balanced interior.
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Balancing Neutral and Accent Shades
Start with a base of comforting neutrals like soft white, warm tan, or weathered driftwood. Then layer in pops of bold color like turquoise, coral or emerald green.
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Incorporating Textural Variety
Prevent your coastal palette from looking flat by incorporating a range of textiles, woods, and materials that vary in sheen, weave and pattern.
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Creating Seaside Inspired Ambiance
Finalize your color story's sense of place by incorporating natural materials, maritime accessories and furnishings that reinforce that relaxed oceanfront spirit.
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