Beach Vacation-Inspired Decor

The lazy days of summer draw to a close.  We’re back from our relaxing seaside holidays.  The sand has been emptied from our beach shoes and rinsed off our found treasures.  The vacation is officially over…(heavy sigh).  But wait…why not bring some of that ocean-fresh inspiration into our homes? 

There’s no need to take it over the top.  Just a few ocean-inspired elements or vacation treasures can freshen our rooms and help take us back to those pleasant days of sun, sand and surf.

Bringing the Beach Home

The Colors

The coastal landscape is rich with color: the blues of the clear sky, the blue-greens of the sea, the deep greens of the tropical fauna, the array of neutrals in the shells, the sand and the sea grasses, and the bright oranges and pinks of the sunrises and sunsets.  Any combinations of these colors will give a room a tropical vibe. For a more restful, coastal feel, keep the backdrops neutral and add splashes of color.

Bamboo & Rattan

The natural textures of bamboo and rattan are right at home in any coastal-inspired room.  Bring a wicker or rattan chair in from the porch.  Buy a bamboo runner for the dining table or add a bamboo-look lamp on the entry table.  A woven rattan tray on the coffee table would make an attractive organizer for the media remotes.  Stack a few rattan suitcases at the foot of the bed like you just arrived back from an exotic locale (you can use them for extra storage too).  Just a couple textured pieces will give any room that coastal feel.

Mosquito Netting and Gauzy White Panels

Nothing looks more tropical than sheer white panels blowing in the breeze or mosquito netting hung over a beautiful dark wood canopy bed.  You don’t have to have a canopy bed to get the look.  The major bath and bedding retail stores sell a mosquito net canopy that hangs from the ceiling.  No bugs to bother you…just sheer beauty.

Natural Treasures

On your holiday, did you comb the beaches and gather some treasures from the sand and sea?  Why not create a seaside display with your found treasures? Show off your seashell collection in a beautiful, shallow glass dish in the center of your coffee table.  Use the less-than-perfect shells to create a decorative mosaic planter; seal the outside of a terra cotta pot, adhere the shells to the outside with tile adhesive and grout between with white or sand-colored grout.  Or place some small glass votives in a shallow tray and line it with pieces of sea glass; when the candles are lit, the soft colors and reflection of the sea glass makes a beautiful centerpiece.

Flora and Fauna

Think tropics and you think palm trees, bold, beautiful flora and lush fauna.  So bring some of the tropics indoors.  Granted, real tropical flowers can be pricey, but many varieties last longer than you might think.  Treat yourself to a tropical arrangement with ginger, birds of paradise, protea, heliconia, anthurium and some tropical foliage.  Or for a longer lasting bloom, buy a potted orchid; they do relatively well indoors, and they come in an array of colors (or white).  If you prefer green plants over flowers, buy an indoor palm tree.  Many varieties can be grown successfully indoors, including the Chinese Fan palm, the parlor palm, lady palm and fishtail palm.  Consult your local nursery or home improvement retailer for tips on choosing and caring for your indoor palm tree. Placing a can light under or behind your potted tree will produce interesting shadows and a dramatic effect at night.  For something small, hearty and easy-to-grow, consider a lucky bamboo plant.  They don’t take up much room, so you can tuck it on your nightstand, window sill or bathroom counter. 

Vacation-Inspired Art

Do you have a favorite photo from your beach vacation?  The kids building sandcastles with shovels and buckets in hand?  Playing at the edge of the waves?  Or maybe you captured an amazing sunset?  Turn your vacation photos into high-style art!  Ask your local print shop to blow up your favorite snapshot and print it on canvas.  Stretch it on a frame and hang it in the bathroom or family room so everyone can enjoy the memory.  Or create a shadow box display with elements from your vacation getaway.  Color copy a map of the area for the background, then layer on photos, trinkets, shells, and anything else that reminds you of your favorite beach locale.  You’ll have a souvenir from your trip and a unique piece of wall art.

Bringing in a little beach vacation-inspired decor can help lift our spirits, relax our moods and trigger fond memories of stress-free days spent soaking up the sun, breathing the sea air and listening to the soothing sound of crashing waves.  Ahhhh….take me away… 

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