Channel Sun, Sand, and Seashells in Your Coastal-Inspired Home

Imagine that you are at Bean Point on Anna Maria Island. Deep blue waves crashing against the shimmering white sand. Seaweed and seashells are hidden by seafoam. The sky seemingly infinite above as you sit engulfed by golden sunshine. Seagulls sound as the wind swirls around you. You feel at peace.

It is simple to bring this peace to your home, whether you live on the island or only wish to adopt the AMI way of life. Begin your endless getaway by decorating your home with this first rule in mind:

Forget the theme

So, you’ve decided that you want your home to have that beachy feel, like those gorgeous homes you rent for a week for your family’s summer vacation. It may be tempting to head over to Kane’s Furniture or Pier One Imports and purchase the seashell decorative pillows, or the lampshades adorned with crabs, but don’t do that yet.

Sounds crazy, right?

Save your home from embodying an overbearing Florida room and ditch the beach theme. This is the first step in achieving a modern coastal home, that recreates the feeling of a relaxing day at the beach rather than a trip to the souvenir shop.

Now you may ask: How do I decorate my home with the beach in mind if I don’t follow a beach theme? The answer is simple. Authentic island homes are reflective of an island lifestyle, the key to their décor being a neutral palette and unique decorations.

Adopt a neutral palette

While the many shades of blue that paint the ocean, the bright colors of the wildlife, coral, fish, and seaweed, are enticing, layer shades of white and beige throughout most of your living space, and don’t forget to add subtle hints of color.

Think of the sand as your furniture and linens versus the seashells you find as your decorations.

To break the monotony of muted colors, diversify the textures through draperies, art, and throws. Some textures to incorporate while elevating the coastal feel include linen, burlap, tweed, and cotton. This will keep your home feeling refreshed, chic, and cohesive.

Source your decor

There’s no better way to create an authentic beach aesthetic than to bring your decorations straight from the beach. Collect seashells, driftwood, greens, and sea glass to add unique accents to your home.

When searching for these hidden treasures, please keep the Anna Maria Island wildlife protection ordinances in mind, which prohibit the removal of living creatures, and objects necessary to their survival, from their natural habitat. (Please put the living sand dollars, starfish, and coral back in the water!)

If you want it safe, or you’re unable to use nature as your decoration resource, now’s your time to visit a shop that sells seashells and other beachy things, like Pineapple Junktion on Pine Avenue (or Hobby Lobby is a great resource if you can’t make it to the island).

It is easy to love everything about hidden seascapes, airy spaces, and bright, clean colors. With these three ideas in mind, you are on the right path to turning your home into a magazine-ready waterside escape.

— Darcie D.

To see more of this home in Anna Maria Island, click here!