Happy Friday everyone! We are in the heart of summer and I hope everyone is having a good one. It's been a great summer and we have so much more to look forward to. In between summer activities I've been doing a little redecorating and it had me revisiting the different styles available. So I decided to to a series comparing two of the more popular décor styles and see if I can ultimately decide which one I like the most and also hopefully give you guys some ideas that you can use to freshen up your space. I figured I'd start with two of my favorites. Coastal vs Country. Living so close to the beach coastal has a at home feel here on the eastern shore but I'd be amiss to not admit that country style also has a huge hold on the area. I think it will be extremely interesting comparing and contrasting the two. As always if you have any thoughts or opinions feel free to message in and if you have any pictures of your own coastal or country style make sure to send them in as well.
Coastal-
Coastal style design is something that will probably resonate with a lot of people. Being on the eastern shore, coastal design is extremely popular and rightfully so. There is a sense of peace and tranquility that comes with coastal design that turns your home into a year long vacation. Coastal design can be found anywhere but when you are close to the beach it just all comes together in a perfect marriage of interior and exterior cohesiveness. Coastal design is also extremely versatile and can be customized to fit you and your personality.
Paramount in a coastal design is the use of natural light. Natural light bounces off the fresh whites and cool blues. Aqua, teal, turquoise and other shades of blue are often found throughout these designs. You can also mix warm neutral colors like khaki, grey and green which all look great on a white base. Furniture is meant to be casual and comfortable. Natural furniture such as wicker and rattan is often found. Many also choose slip-covered furniture made from light cottons and linen. Being part of the minimalist family, coastal design prioritizes open floor plans and open space. There is a clear lack of clutter. If you want to fully commit, many people add touches of the ocean to their décor. Shells, glass bottles and woven baskets are all common. There is a delicate balance to find though so you don’t feel cluttered. Blue glass vases and bottles also look great. A blue and white stripe wallpaper can add a pop to a stairway or hallway.
Wood framed furniture is a great touch. Earthy tones in a woven rug provides great balance and really grounds the room. Driftwood coffee tables look great as do chandeliers. Luh plants like snake plants, palms and succulents are used in a coastal design to bring the earth feel inside. The textures usually fall under rough and raw and capture the essence of the beach. The patterns used are flexible but usually playful. The main goal is for it to feel open and airy with a calm relaxing feel where the line of beach and home is blurred. The use of natural light, white base and bold accent colors will easily have you feeling relaxed in your home.
Country-
Country style has a simple beginning but it has more and more depth added as it modernizes. Country has a rustic theme and with that comes soft muted colors such as whites, creams, browns and beiges. More modern twists add accents of red, black and white. Block colors help add impact. Sofas are usually a plain color with no pattern. Coffee tables and shelving should follow suit and are usually wood, sometimes reclaimed, with no lines. Furniture is often mismatched and rooms appear as if they were “thrown together” but the rooms work with each other naturally.
The furnishings should look like family heirlooms that have been passed down for generations. Avoiding new looking furniture is key. Instead look for pieces with character. What would normally be considered dented or damaged is exactly what you want. Scratches, dents and knots in wood are celebrated in this style. Furniture that looks like it's been used makes the home feel cozy and lived in with plenty of stories and memories. Farmhouse kitchen tables are key for this design. They are often one of the main focal points of the house. Bench seating adds another country twist.
The use of plastic and other newer materials is rare. Instead look for natural materials. Stone is often found on walls and fireplaces, another focal point of country style. Wooden beams on the ceiling really take it to the next level. The country style is comfortable and practical and is affordable, easy to clean and move around. It has a cozy, tranquil atmosphere that is visually pleasing and simple. It also is great for making the most of small spaces. There is a ton of attention to the details. Wallpaper, windows, doorways are all carefully picked to whatever fits your personality. Dinnerware and kitchenware are often displayed on shelves or see through cabinets.
Country style is one of the more popular styles as it doesn't limit you with minimalist tendencies. You can proudly display your collections, trinkets or plants. You don’t have to spend a fortune on brand new décor. Imperfections are celebrated. It also allows you to stand out with statement pieces such as barn doors. You don’t have to have a lot of room or space for it so it's great for homes of all sizes. This is one of the more unique styles that stands alone and lets you fully put your own touch on your home.
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