How To Create This Modern Coastal Vibe At Home
Theresa Gonzalez is a content creator based in San Francisco and the author of Sunday Sews. She's a lover of all things design and spends most of her days raising her daughter Matilda.
Don't get us wrong - we love the coastal grandmother trend just as much as we love *alll* Nancy Meyers movies. Crisp, white accents, slip-covered sofas, tons of natural light - yes, yes, and yes! But we're also obsessed with this blend of California modern mixed with subtle coastal details from LA-based designer Christine Vroom.
Guided by the philosophy of "beauty meets function," Christine blends timeless design with a fashion-forward attention to detail, and we are crushin.' Here, she offers up simple ways to get this fresh, summery look in your home for when it's time for a seasonal refresh.
Start With A Crisp White Paint
A clean canvas can accentuate the light in your space and give it a modern albeit fresh, coastal vibe. There is a seemingly endless array of white hues you can buy but sometimes they can look too hot or too cold, depending on your individual lighting. Christine's go-to white paint? Superwhite by Sherwin Williams. Make sure to test a sample in your space first.
Use A Minimalist Color Palette
Once you have your white down, add neutrals and coastal tones. "I would recommend whites, creams, greige, taupe and add in some soft blues and/or navy," says Christine. "Keep it really easy breezy with your palette."
Add Natural Textures
"Incorporate small doses of natural textures like hemp, wovens, rattans and jutes, which add a little bit of that organic, beachy feel without going overboard," says Christine. That goes for the rug too. Change up for something minimal and natural-looking. "Maybe it's a cozy shag, a jute/wool blend, or even a simple textured neutral," she adds.
Swap Your Art
Here's where you can score some beautiful beach-inspired prints that don't scream coastal '80s. "Coastal art, beach photography and tone-on-tone paintings can bring a really calming sense throughout your space," says Christine.
Add Faux Or Live Botanicals
Christine recommends adding eucalyptus or a palm to create an indoor/outdoor feel. There are plenty of realistic faux options (like this potted olive treefrom Pottery Barn) or make sure the real tree you find was grown to be indoors.
Go for Laid-Back Window Treatments
"If your budget allows, add wall treatments like shiplap or a grasscloth wall covering," says Christine. A fresh linen stripe also nods to a coastal classic.
Add A Pop of Blue
With coastal blues, almost anything goes, from crystal blue and aqua waters to the deep dark sea.
Welcome In Natural Light
Allow all the natural light you can to shine through wherever possible. "Use simple white linen drapes to frame windows and either French or sliding doors to let the natural sunlight pour in," says Christine. The blend of natural light, classic blue island and white on white in this kitchen is the modern take of our coastal decor dreams. Just lovely!
Photos by Sara Tramp for Christine Vroom Design
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Theresa Gonzalez is a content creator based in San Francisco and the author of Sunday Sews. She's a lover of all things design and spends most of her days raising her daughter Matilda.