Maree Homer
Melissa Penfold, author of Australian Style and Little Black Book and owner of an impeccable French-inspired country house, is one of Australia’s favourite interior design experts.
So when Melissa tells us how to master coastal interior design, we listen. Here are her 8 top styling tips to help you achieve an elegant, rustic, seaside aesthetic in your own home.
1. DO MIX WOOD FINISHES
A little worried about your dark espresso floorboards competing with your raw timber kitchen island and bleached table? Don’t be — follow the lead of top beach clubs around the world who mix and match all kinds of different timber types, stains and finishes in a space. The ‘collected look’ is far more natural and less contrived than if everything is a perfect match.
Photo: Maree Homer | Stylist: Kristin Rawson | Story: Belle
2. DO HANG CURTAINS AND BLINDS IN THE SAME ROOM
When creating the coastal aesthetic it’s more important to consider what will work best for the shape and position of each window, rather than to ensure your entire room has matching window treatments. Try using the same shade of curtain or fabric to create a cohesive look.
Photo: Maree Homer | Styling: Kristin Rawson | Story: Belle
3. TRY UNUSUAL FURNITURE PLANS
Coastal style is about laid-back, easy living. If a living room full of armchairs is better suited to the way you relax than a sofa and coffee table, use them. If you’d like a wicker chaise and bookcase in the dining area, go ahead.
Photo: Maree Homer | Story: Real Living
4. DO WHITEWASH WALLS
All-white walls will make interiors seem lighter and brighter, and are the answer to everything coastal.
Photo: Felix Forest | Design: Pamela Makin | Story: Belle
5. GO NATURAL
Bring the essence of nature into your interior with the same tones and textures for furniture and collectables in materials such as rattan, bamboo, linen, leather, cotton, wicker, jute, hemp, wool and wood.
Photo: Nicholas Watt | Story: Belle
6. TRY SHIPLAP PANELLING
Tongue-and-groove panels are a great look for walls that will add instant texture, dimension, and a feeling of craftsmanship to create a rustic, laid-back environment.
Photo: Nicholas Watt | Story: Belle
7. OPT FOR NO RUG
If you are fortunate enough to have fabulous timber flooring or just don’t like the look or feel or a floor rug, forget it. Some of the best coastal interiors in the world feature bare boards.
8. DO MIX WHITE AND WOOD
Use that foolproof coastal combo of brilliant white walls mixed with world weary timber surfaces, picking out items that are beautiful and using them decoratively rather than obsessively.
Photo: Alana Lansberry | Design: Tamsin Johnson | Story: Belle
Try using…
Ikea ‘Buskbo’ plant stand, $34.99, Ikea
Sturdy, decorative and flaunting a natural look, this plant stand is made of hand-woven rattan and will help create a relaxed holiday feel in your home. Height: 43cm
Hyde Park Home Cumulus Cotton Slipcover Armchair, $999, Temple & Webster
Ensconce yourself in this beautiful linen armchair that offers a stylish seating solution to cosy up any space or corner. The narrow flange trims provide a beautiful European look, and the quality fabric is a tactile note.
Cottesloe Velvet & Cotton Lumbar Cushion Cover, $59.99, Living Styles
Nautical stripes are a sure fire way to bringing coastal style to your home. This classic striped applique lumbar cushion features crisp white cotton with a velvet backing and will add the perfect seaside touch to any chair or bed.
Muse Clam Shell Bowl Range, $19.95-$24.95, Pillow Talk
For the ultimate beach abode, the Clam Shell Bowl will add that extra seaside charm. Beautiful as a standalone piece or filled with greenery or trinkets, this will be a much-loved piece for years to come.
Virgee Coffee Table, $559, Zanui
This round coffee table is perfect for those trying to achieve the modern coastal look. Constructed of solid mindi wood for organic style and strength, it will make a delightful foundation to display any beachy coffee table books.
