Blue + White: Coastal Trends
The coast calls to us and we migrate to the water whether we live near it or love to travel to visit it. The lifestyle is a little more relaxed and the pace a little slower; we replenish our spirits with each trip to the coast and absorb the energy it provides.
From Naples to East Hampton to the Amalfi coast, the joy weexperience is tangible and we try our best to recreate the feelings in our living spaces. The colors and finishes we select may remind us of a special trip or be an overall nod to the sun, sand and water that we love.
Sand and Driftwood beach tones, dark cherry British West Indies styles, and the always classic whites are utilized in the furnishings and cabinetry which provide a base for the style that our clients wish to create. We often mix in natural materials such as rattan, bamboo and woven seagrass to add texture and a tropical touch to our Florida homes.
The backgrounds may be kept light and airy with neutral upholstery and soft wall colors, or be rich with the colors of our flowers and tropical foliage. It’s very common to bring in at least touches of vivid coral and fuschia florals or pillows or artwork, aorother bright tones like yellows and purples. Silk greenery and other green accents, again, in soft goods or artwork, is a natural mix in almost every home. Humans need the natural environment to maintain psychological balance, hence the efforts to add green spaces and roof gardens in cities. There’s a strong effort here to bring the outside in, with plenty of windows to view our lush landscapes and waterways.
Blue is also a very natural color choice for us here with deep water tones and bright sky inspiring us. Although some people favor warm tones over cool tones, the blue almost invariably shows up, at least in artwork, to balance all the warm corals and reds and yellows. Wherever your preferences lead your choices, the key, as always, is balance. Let the environment inspire you!
Accessorizing is a great way to be bold with your color accents without a big commitment. Pottery, glass, pillows, lamps and artwork are a great way to have a little fun with color and are easily refreshed later. Tabletop accents in place-mats and napkins or colorful glassware are another way to add variety. The finishing touches are very often the most important.