If you want to bring the beach home, regardless of where you live, consider creating a coastal outdoor living space. By using the basic elements of coastal design style, you can transform your porch, patio or backyard into the perfect coastal retreat for your household.
To help you incorporate coastal design into your outdoor living space, here is a basic style guide to help:
Many important aspects of coastal interior design can be applied to your outdoor living space as well. For example, coastal style favors bright, open and uncluttered spaces. Maximizing natural light is key, so when creating outdoor shade with curtains or screens, avoid dark colors and heavy materials.
Coastal decorating also includes plenty of distressed wood and vintage accessories. For a more formal coastal style outdoor space, you can pair darker wood pieces with bright and airy accents.
Color palette is crucial to creating the perfect coastal outdoor space. Coastal design begins with a backdrop of bright white, warm khaki, beige and other shades reminiscent of the beach sand. Soft, cloudy grays are another excellent choice for a neutral base of your color scheme.
Accent colors include both nautical blues and vibrant tropical hues including coral and yellow. Layering multiple shades of deep blue, aqua, sea foam and other blues is a perfect way to bring the ocean into your design. Feel free to add bold pops of color with outdoor area rugs, furnishings and accessories.
While coastal design style emphasizes bright, open spaces, accessorizing is key. Include plenty of driftwood, sea glass, rope and seashells into your outdoor decor. Jute weaves, cane and wicker furniture pair perfectly with nautical prints and tropical motifs.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match, too - nautical stripes contrast perfectly with softer, natural imagery depicting animals, plants and ocean waves. Keep your outdoor furniture casual and comfortable with plenty of character.
Bringing the ocean home with a coastal style porch, patio or backyard will let you enjoy lazy summer days any time of year. Remember these key elements of coastal decor when planning your next outdoor makeover.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with the Goss | Ferrara Real Estate Team. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
