If you want to let the fresh hues of the ocean wash over your interior design, the coastal aesthetic might be for you.
Perhaps the thought of purely off-white walls and tan furniture doesn't excite you. Fair enough – while such a colour scheme looks sophisticated, it is somewhat safe. By contrast, bright shades like turquoise, magenta and persimmon make you panic – they're just too much for your particular home's design and layout!
The coastal interior design trend is a good in-between option – you still get the freshness of simple hues like white, blue and cream, but can also embrace splashes of colour and play with various textures. If you're not feeling brave enough to go all-out with a postmodern makeover or add a number of bright feature walls, why not try the coastal trend? Its fresh colour scheme will make your property feel like a laid-back beachside retreat, which you can enjoy in rain, shine or hail.
Start simple
Sure – you don't want a home that's all white or cream and lacking in personality.
However, coastal design does require a fresh, simple base. That's not to say the final result will be dull!
Pick a shade for the walls like Resene Truffle or Resene Stack. You might even go for a half-and-half look – paint the lower half of the wall with a deep or warm shade and the top half with a light or cool shade.
With regards to flooring, wooden floorboards finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash always look a treat when it comes to hammering home the coastal trend. Rather than going for a slick, polished look, it's smarter to favour a slightly worn feel. You can sand down floorboards with an electric sander – this is a good option if you've got a large floorspace to cover. Another option is dark beige carpet with a thick yet somewhat rough-looking pile.
Roman blinds or off-white shutters fit the coastal trend perfectly, but curtains such as Resene Pause – Naturalle Voile also look stunning and add a whimsical feel. You might opt for shutters in the living area and curtains in the bedrooms. Shutters can take up a bit of space, so don't install them in particularly small areas or spots where there's a particularly narrow window ledge.
Add texture
Think of your idea of your perfect day at the beach as a kid – running along the shore with your toes in the sand and dipping in and out of the glittering water.
The crunch of the sand, fresh foam of the waves and softness of your beach towel really exemplify what the coastal trend is all about – those familiar textures that are fantastic in all their variations.
Linen and cotton furniture covers ensure your living spaces have an easy liveability about them, while decorative pieces that incorporate ropes akin to a ship's anchor tie the theme in perfectly.
Add jute rugs with hues of seafoam and ocean blue and brushed cotton blankets to bedrooms for a comfortable, cosy vibe.
Antique furniture and accessories are welcome as well – both dark or light wood looks great when you're embracing the coastal theme, though it's better to opt for one or the other.
Add colour
Once you've got your cosy furniture, fresh walls and perfect floors, you'll need to focus on adding the right splashes of colour to the space.
Feel free to embrace a range of blue hues, from the faintest of shades to those which are mysterious and stormy.
The odd pop of red will look stunning as well, but be sure not to overdo it.
The coastal interior design trend works well in all rooms of the house, from the kitchen and living room to the bathroom!
Get inspired ! 
