Find your beach decorating style
Beach style No. 1: Natural and simple
Molly Wood, owner of Molly Wood Garden Design (pictured) in Costa Mesa, CA, is inspired by Southern California's simple beach lifestyle.
To create her look:
- Infuse decor with natural materials, like gravel, shells, sea grass, driftwood, and beach glass.
- Contrast wild nature and clean, smooth architectural furniture against a crusty stone wall for richness.
- Mimic the ocean’s tranquillity by choosing a palette consisting of shades of one color.
- Use a restrained “palette” with landscaping by limiting plant varieties.
More on her ideas and accessories next.
Coastal organic: clamshell planter
Mimic a tidepool habitat with this container. From $45. Molly Wood Garden Design
Coastal organic: vintage glass
The hued bottles on display are like treasures that washed ashore. From $210. Molly Wood Garden Design
Coastal organic: ikat fabric
Add instant eclecticism to any room by using exotic fabric to make pillow coverings. In Peacock; $123/yard; hollywoodathome.com
Coastal organic: seastars
Accent a table with these finds or scatter at the base of a potted plant. $1 each. Molly Wood Garden Design
Coastal organic: cafe-style chairs
Metal mixed with frosty blue for Euro-style elegance. $66. Molly Wood Garden Design
Coastal organic: recyled-glass beads
Loop these around a bottle neck. From $30 each. Molly Wood Garden Design
Coastal organic: sea grass cubes
Place a tray on a woven cube for an unexpected side table. $75 each. Molly Wood Garden Design
Organic coastal: the right shade
"I have seen this color used to paint a floor -- it was beautiful," Molly Wood says. "I would also use it on cabinetry for a nautical, old-school feel. It works well with natural materials like a sea grass rug or a wicker chair."
Paint color: Deep Ocean (2058-30) by Benjamin Moore Paints
Beach style No. 2: modern Pacific
Artist Kaypee Soh, owner of So’Mace boutique in Honolulu, puts a new twist on traditional Hawaiian and Asian beach style.
To create the look:
- Use furniture made with materials that add a beachy exotic flair—like rattan, bamboo, and porcelain.
- Bring in nature through art and fabrics.
- Enliven with color. Kaypee loves color: It turns a dull room into one that is energetic.
See his ideas and accessories next.
Modern pacific: linen hibiscus pillow
Textiles decorated with island motifs. 20- by 20-inch; $120 with insert. So’Mace
Modern pacific: porcelain stool
Small enough to fit almost anywhere, adding a blast of color quickly. Kaypee keeps many colors on hand. $245. So’Mace
Modern pacific: Koa bowl
Inspired by the outdoors with natural materials like koa, native to Hawaii. From $200; simplywoodstudios.com
Modern Pacific: Sona lounge chair
Rattan is a Hawaiian staple. If new is too pricey, find a vintage piece and reupholster. $1,295; selamatdesigns.com
Modern pacific: Russle Wright pitcher
The modern shape adds pizzazz to a room. $75; bauerpottery.com
Modern pacific: plumeria print by Kaypee Soh
Beautiful artwork at a reasonable price. From $135. So’Mace
Modern pacific: the right shade
"This green reflects light beautifully and is a nice blending of the colors of ocean and land. Great for a repurposed piece of furniture, like a coffee table, in the middle of a white beach cottage."
Lark Green (SW6745) by Sherwin-Williams
Beach style No. 3: boathouse chic
Christopher Downs, owner of Christopher Home (pictured) in Tiburon, CA, creates a boathouse chic theme inspired by Northern California culture. Create the look:
- Hang buoys, yacht pennants, and old lighthouse lanterns to telegraph nautical charm.
- Choose rough-hewn materials, like jute for a rug. And use bits of sailcloth or canvas for throw pillows or upholstery.
- Give walls a slick of bright white paint, which “instantly brings a light, summery feeling to any interior.”
- Limit your palette to three or four colors—a neutral base with graphic hues “like navy or red, to make things pop.”
- INFO Items from Christopher Home (415/435-0111), unless otherwise noted.
Boathouse chic: Farallon chair
The rattan is casual but the shape regal. $445; wshome.com
Boathouse chic: nautical pillow
Nautical colors, throwback style. Aid to Artisans pillow; from $60. Christopher Home (415/435-0111)
Boathouse chic: marine candle
A crisp scent (with a hint of cuke) recalls the sea. Lafco New York House & Home Marine candle; $55. Christopher Home (415/435-0111)
Boathouse chic: wall art
Ring buoys make for great wall art. $70 for 24-inch ring; westmarine.com
Boathouse chic: ginger vase
Pair classic old-lady fancy with Americana beachy for a surprise. From $65. Christopher Home (415/435-0111)
Boathouse chic: recycled bottles
Sea curiosities topping bottles are a quirky touch. From $40. Christopher Home (415/435-0111)
Boathouse chic: the right shade
"The end of summer is always a little sad for me. I’ve tried to keep my summer vibe going by painting the inside of my closet a bright sea blue. It’s a fun little surprise every morning."
Big Sur Blue (IB93) by Ralph Lauren Paint
Coastal organic: Designer Molly Wood
Molly Wood, owner of Molly Wood Garden Design in Costa Mesa, CA, creates a coastal organic look inspired by Southern California's natural and simple beach lifestyle.
Wood's coastal organic style inspiration
Weekend trips to Southern California beaches.
Modern pacific: Kaypee Soh's So'Mace boutique
Take a peek into his store: Tropical landscapes and themes are everywhere.
Boathouse chic: Designer Christopher Downs
Christopher Downs, owner of Christopher Home in Tiburon, CA. See what inspires him, next.
Downs' boathouse chic inspiration
Northern California’s rugged cliffs and sailing culture.