This is from our decorator Shelley Herod of Designing Women.
Dreaming of sitting on the beach, warm breeze blowing through your hair, digging your toes into the white powdery sand? Beach house 
decorating can be easy to obtain without hanging fishing nets and orange buoys from the ceiling; let nature be your guide to acquire this breezy, crisp, and serene motif.
Beach décor is a very minimalistic style of decorating. In order to gain a calm and tranquil look, start by cleaning out the excess clutter. Too much “extra” in a room create chaos and make it difficult to relax.
Next, deciding on a seaside inspired wall color is a very important factor in creating this relaxing mood. Typically, these hues are cooler tones such as pale aqua blues, pinkish corals, and soft sage greens. If color scares you on the walls, look for a lighter sandy inspired tone and pick up the other shades as accent hues. Any of these will give you a nature inspired canvas to begin. Using plenty of bright white (not off-white) especially as a trim paint will keep the room fresh and airy.
The flooring is another element to consider. Natural wood floors are very effective in achieving this relaxing atmosphere. Tile flooring is another beach inspired option. Both of these possibilities work well when combined with lighter colored area rugs to add warmth and texture.
Close your eyes for a few minutes and imagine the warm breeze blowing through a beach house. Do you picture wooden shutters and light flowing fabric blowing from the ocean breeze? That is exactly the ticket. Use wide slate blinds or shutters with sheer, natural type window treatment to gain a windswept ambiance.
Wicker furniture has been a beach house favorite for years reflecting that ocean bungalow image. Coastal furnishings are very simple and comfortable with a romantic vintage accent. Therefore, re-purposed items make a statement in this style of decorating. The use of shutters and bead-board for headboards or tabletops create a casual re-purposed look.
Natural textured fabrics along with seaside color inspired painted furniture establish a charming and relaxing appearance. Slipcovers create a “vacation like” appearance and coordinate all the furniture to keep it simple. Ottomans are a wonderful additional piece of furniture in any casual space. They not only allow you to prop your feet up and relax, but they also can be used for additional seating for extra guests. An abundance of cushions will ensure softness and relaxation; while on the other hand, a sea grass rug adds a hint of ruggedness.
Finishing touches are what make or break a room. Even with the perfect paint color, flowing window treatments, casual furniture, and a natural rug a room is not complete without the final details. Simple accents such as glass bowls filled with seashells, beach inspired accessories, a glass vase filled with fresh cut flowers, burlap lampshades on weathered lamps, and a small pot of wild sea grass are not only affordable but make a statement. Beach inspired photos/artwork mounted in white frames to match the trim paint are also a wonderful addition. Again, the stark white reassures the simplicity and crispness of the room.
Lay back and relax in your beach inspired space. Feel the powdery sand, hear the squawking seagulls, and listen to the crashing waves. Your new seaside inspired room should summon a feeling of relaxation allowing you to leave all your sorrows behind.
Shelley Herod is the owner and designer for Designing Women, LLC from Woodstock, Georgia. She has been a local designer for the past 20 years. She graduated from Butler University with a degree in merchandising and design. Shelley is a certified home stager and recently was selected by Executive Who’s Who. She is the veteran interior designer to the Junior Service League of Woodstock Christmas Home Tour, where she has been active for the past 10 years. She also works with wedding and special event venues as design coordinator to make dreams become reality. Designing Women is an active member of the The Atlanta Bridal Connection. Shelley can be reached at (770) 235-5640 or on her Facebook page: Designing Women.
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