3 Ways to Bring Beachside Style to Your Home

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.

Mimic a tidepool habitat with this container. From $45. Molly Wood Garden Design

The hued bottles on display are like treasures that washed ashore. From $210. Molly Wood Garden Design

Add instant eclecticism to any room by using exotic fabric to make pillow coverings. In Peacock; $123/yard; hollywoodathome.com

Accent a table with these finds or scatter at the base of a potted plant. $1 each. Molly Wood Garden Design

Metal mixed with frosty blue for Euro-style elegance. $66. Molly Wood Garden Design

Loop these around a bottle neck. From $30 each. Molly Wood Garden Design

Place a tray on a woven cube for an unexpected side table. $75 each. Molly Wood Garden Design

"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

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.

Textiles decorated with island motifs. 20- by 20-inch; $120 with insert. So’Mace

Small enough to fit almost anywhere, adding a blast of color quickly. Kaypee keeps many colors on hand. $245. So’Mace

Inspired by the outdoors with natural materials like koa, native to Hawaii. From $200; simplywoodstudios.com

Rattan is a Hawaiian staple. If new is too pricey, find a vintage piece and reupholster. $1,295; selamatdesigns.com

The modern shape adds pizzazz to a room. $75; bauerpottery.com

Beautiful artwork at a reasonable price. From $135. So’Mace

"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

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.

The rattan is casual but the shape regal. $445; wshome.com

Nautical colors, throwback style. Aid to Artisans pillow; from $60. Christopher Home (415/435-0111)

A crisp scent (with a hint of cuke) recalls the sea. Lafco New York House & Home Marine candle; $55. Christopher Home (415/435-0111)

Ring buoys make for great wall art. $70 for 24-inch ring; westmarine.com

Pair classic old-lady fancy with Americana beachy for a surprise. From $65. Christopher Home (415/435-0111)

Sea curiosities topping bottles are a quirky touch. From $40. Christopher Home (415/435-0111)

"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

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.

Weekend trips to Southern California beaches.

Take a peek into his store: Tropical landscapes and themes are every­where.

Tropical beaches of Hawaii.

Christopher Downs, owner of Christopher Home in Tiburon, CA. See what inspires him, next.

Northern California’s rugged cliffs and sailing culture.