Let’s face it – pretty much everyone loves going to the beach. Whether it’s the feeling of sand between the toes, the serenity of waves crashing against the rocks, or the refreshing sensation of diving into the sea, it’s simply pure bliss.

However, for many people, the look and feel of a beach are what makes it that much more awe-inspiring and idyllic a place to be. With earthy colours and a variety of withered, distressed architecture – from shabby-chic beach huts to eroded cliffs – ocean landscapes encapsulate the very essence of what is so stunning about the natural world.

But, why invoke these feelings only while you’re on the coast? Why not summon the same emotions in your own home? There are several things you can do to make your home reflect the same calming ambience as it does on the beach. Bring the coast into your own home by considering these five key things.

Source: Ideal Home

  1. Colours

When you think of a nautical theme, off-white and blue are often the first colours that spring to mind – reflecting the light colour of the sand and the rich blueness of the sea. Utilise each of these colours in the paintwork of your home – use a combination of cool whites and greys as a backdrop, then add warmth by using stronger colours in a subtle, non-overpowering way.

If you’d rather avoid using a royal blue colour, that’s fine. Coral, red, aqua, sea glass green and light blue all work equally effectively, if not better. Just make sure you don’t overdo it. Creating a coastal look is all about being understated, keeping the theme looking as light and natural as possible.

Source: Freshome

  1. Texture

Getting a beachy look is all about texture. Whether it be through the floor, furniture, or final furnishings, conjuring the feeling that you’re by the coast relies on two key styles: aged, worn and distressed, and chalky, matt and rough.

Rope, woven cording and tough sisal all make great additions, as does furniture constructed from wicker or woven materials. Similarly, reclaimed stone floors help add to a room’s nautical illusion, making it look and feel like you’re walking over pebbles at the beach.

Source: Beside The Sea Holidays

  1. Wood

Wood is a vital commodity to the nautical way of life. Not only is it the most widely used material to design various types of a ship – both old and new – it’s also particularly common to find along shorelines in the form of beach huts, driftwood or bamboo.

Incorporating a nautical theme in your own home is all about using materials which are as natural as possible, so wood is a perfect choice. Think about how you can add the wooden look into your home – bamboo shades, wicker baskets and driftwood-based ornaments are all highly effective at adding to the overall style you’re going for.

Similarly, having painted wooden flooring or walls can make it feel like you’re in a beach hut or on a ship somewhere out at sea. Just make sure you don’t get too wood-obsessed, otherwise, your home could end up looking more like a carpenter’s shop.

Source: Homedit

  1. Shells & Pebbles.

One of the first things that come to mind when you think about the sea, shells and pebbles are a fantastic way of bringing the ocean into your home.

Whether it be a giant clam centrepiece for your table or a string of differently coloured shells hanging from a doorframe, shells are probably the easiest way of adding a little bit of a waterside feel. Likewise, having a few pebbles dotted around can subtly give your home that nautical look you’re going for.

Best of all, they’re both also free – simply pick up a few pebbles and shells your next visit to the beach.

Source: Home Bunch

  1. Lights

The lighting you choose for your nautical theme needs to complement the colours and décor of the room. If you’re going for authenticity, think about utilising styles that have a coastal heritage or resemble the design of a ship or lighthouse. Wicker, rope or woven lampshades can add to the overall look, while brass/copper-coloured lights can also really draw the eye.

Think about how direct and upfront you want your lighting options to appear. If you already have a fairly lightroom and want your lights to be more hidden in the background, use lighter colours to blend them into the room’s surroundings. Alternatively, if you want your nautical-themed lamps front and centre, use bold colours and materials that will stand out from the rest of the room.