As we have been renovating our home, our inspiration for our design choices are all around us here in Connecticut. The colors of the shore, the traditional colonial homes, and our summers on Nantucket have inspired us so much. I’ve worked with a lot of different design styles in the past, and I wanted to take today to layout some key things that make our coastal blue & white interiors work in our New England home.

I’ll share my favorite purchases we’ve made for our interiors at the end of this post, just in case you need some inspiration or love something you see here.

Let’s think about this starting with a blank room…

The Walls

I love to layer a room in texture and coastal pattern. To start, shiplap is not just for the country farmhouse, à la Joanna Gaines. Shiplap is often used in New England homes, and is very fitting for a nautical feel. Use it on your walls, or select ceilings as a way to feature this coastal touch. It fits in perfectly.

Grasscloth is a great way to add texture and interest. Think colors of the sea and sand.

There are so many wallpaper patterns that fit the coastal look. A coastal blue and white stripe is such a classic and timeless wall covering that you will love for years to come.

Floors

When it comes to flooring, hardwoods are key to a coastal home. They are the ultimate classic, and make your interiors feel warm and inviting. Though the really dark and light woods are trendy, I would choose a classic stain for your hardwoods. Think nautical wood hues. Coastal New England interiors are all about being timeless.

For rugs, traditional orientals are very popular, and a great investment piece. I love to use jute or sisal rugs to add in more texture.

Windows

Window coverings are a great way to add in more traditional design. A classic pinch pleat drapery adds some polish to a relaxed coastal space. Also, I love a good roman shade mixed into the arrangement.

Shutters are another great addition, and look great in studies or bathrooms.

Lighting

Layers of light in room create a classic ambiance that makes coastal interiors shine. Using sconces in combination with table and floor lamps is a more polished way to light your room. Can lights have their uses, but I would stress layered levels of light are key. Picture lights are also another great addition to a coastal room.

Look to mix metals with coastal touches of rattan, cane, or bamboo on your fixtures.

Adding a custom shade makes for a nice moment to add in more color, texture, or pattern.

Furnishings

When furnishing your space, look for sofas with traditional elements, but fit the ease of family living. Slip-covered sofas are great for a coastal home.

Look to chairs and other seating to add in pattern. A classic ticking stripe or a blue and white floral work perfectly in coastal design. I love a blue and white bistro chair or safari chair for occasional seating too. Spindle chairs are great to work into a furniture arrangement. Ottomans that can be tucked under tables, or moved around are another great addition.

For tables, classic antique pieces are fabulous. Also, tables with coastal materials like caning, rattan, linen, or wicker work well in these spaces. I love a classic bamboo table too.

Decor

Decor is where you can really personalize and make your space special. We love to collect seashells when we go for our beach walks. Also, matchbooks from our favorite coastal places are a nice personal touch.

Books are a great way to add coastal appeal to your space. Books on favorite coastal destinations, coastal designers, and nautical books all tell a coastal story when displayed on your coffee table or built-ins.

Antiques from our travels are another favorite we add to our interiors.

For objects and framing, I love texture, texture, texture! Trays of seagrass or rattan, frames with shells and woven materials, and a touch of Chinoiserie with blue and white jars all work in coastal blue and white interiors.

Also, natural coral is a wonderful addition.

For art, I recommend nautical paintings, framing personal photographs, or framed signal flags and paddles.

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Thank you so much for stopping by today! I’ll continue to share more from the renovation of our New England colonial, Foxhill House, as we work on more renovations and room designs.

xx Kristy

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