You’re lucky enough to have a house by the shore and you want to show it off.  You want it to be beautifully decorated and a comfortable place to live and entertain guests.  But the typical nautical prep style just isn’t you!  Don’t worry; it isn’t the only way to go.  If you’re personal style is a little more polished you have plenty of choices to have a stunning home full of stylish and sophisticated coastal décor.

At House by the Shore, we believe sophisticated coastal décor can be summed up as classic design with little hints of glamour thrown in.  It doesn’t mean you won’t see shells and coral in the plan but it does mean they will be a little more understated than you might find in other design styles.  This style of design is full of light and soothing.  You’ll see clean lines, lots of neutral colors – whites, creams, tans.  Basically think of the nature around you - any color you see out your window can be used in this style of decorating.  Blues, greens and even coral can be used.  If you’re at a loss for choosing a paint color and aren’t sure of the way to go, we really like Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends 2014.  They even showcase how these beautiful colors can be used together and if you didn’t believe us about how you can even use coral in these scheme.  Just look at the entryway image of the Historic Charleston Townhouse. 

Keeping your color scheme neutral with paint colors and large pieces of furniture sets the stage for a sophisticated decorating style.  Then you can add pops of concentrated color to make the design pop.  A little glitz and glamour with some sparkle like the mirror above the console in the historic Charleston townhouse and the accent pieces on it.  Just picture lovely bright coral pillows on a neutral tan sofa – the pattern of these pillows is actually jellyfish and while echoing your surroundings it isn’t overbearing nautical.  You could use the coral bowls on an accent table or bookcase to continue carrying the coral color throughout the room without making it overbearing.  

Sophisticated and elegant coastal design shouldn’t be intimidating.  Just keep in mind the tenets of classic and understated.  Don’t be afraid to add the pop to make your design stand out.