Instant beach vibes
● New cushions, a lick of paint, fresh linen, fresh flowers and bowls of citrus can work wonders
● Room fragrances such as candles or diffusers: choose melon, amber and peony, coconut and lime, or grapefruit and watercress for a fresh summer scent
● Invest in hardy plants and weather-proof fabrics; consider marine-grade stainless steel because coastal elements can wreak havoc on furnishings
● Add a new rug
● De-clutter each year
● Rearrange the furniture layout of key rooms
Colours
Tip: soft blues are taking over – but also think pink
Sara \ “We’re all about the softer hues at the moment.Don’t be afraid to add a little charcoal or black to bring in some depth. Touches of duck-egg blue and navy can create a cool and tranquil space. Soft pinks tie in nicely with black and white.”
Anna \ “Trash the yellow and blue [combinations] of yesteryear. Navy is perfect for beach house accessories.”
Richard \ “Opt for colours that you love. Try to avoid fads by selecting colours that are light and airy or contrasting sheets with a hint of colour.”
Textures
Tip: soften the look with natural textures such as timber
Sara \ “Whether it’s the flooring, wall panelling or a pendant light, [timber] always brings a softness and raw beauty to a space. Team this with knitted rugs, metals and living plants for a contemporary feel.”
Anna \ “Natural textures are perfect. You can use Atolya linen as throws, beach or bath towels.”
Furniture & accessories
Tip: avoid clichés and reinvent
Sara \ “Forget the shells, stripes and oars. Keep things simple and sophisticated with linens and large-scale artwork. Add layers and softness with throw rugs, woven baskets and books.”
Miriam \ According to Miriam, four fail-safe accessories are:
● A good throw: cuddle up when it’s cold, lie on top when it’s hot and decorate your couch when not in use
● A great vase: fill with seashells from beach walks or flowers from the local market
● A quality, thick towel: for drying and keeping the sand off
● A beautiful woven beach bag: hang as a display when not in use
Anna \ Lightshades and cushions made from old sails give new life to old objects and provide a brilliant beach-house vibe, she says. Craypots can be repurposed as side tables or light fittings.
Finishes
Tip: think low maintenance and timeless
Miriam \ From bathroom tiles to vanities, mirrors and joinery, Miriam aims for refined materials with an artisan sensibility.
“Generally I select these finishes in soft hues and whites,” she says. “I like to use authentic materials, such as natural stone and quality timber. If you develop a maintenance regime, they’re a better product in the long term. If you’re opting for timber, choose a colour that hides dirt and scratches. If stone’s your choice, make it bulletproof with a sealer. When it comes to paint, select ‘wash and wear’ finishes that are durable and easy to clean. For carpets, I opt for natural fibre such as wool, which is simple to clean.”
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