Beach decor ideas for ocean homes

While it's not likely your family or friends will feel too sorry for you, sometimes finding the right d残or for your oceanside or beach home can be a bit of a challenge.

Creating a casual, laid back and beach-inspired vibe to enhance the inside of your home is possible when you focus on elements like sunlight, white spaces, splashes of color and complementary accessories.

Open and airy palette
A light and bright color scheme with crisp whites and sand-colored tones accented by bursts of colors, such as turquoise or soft blues, can mirror the coastal feel indoors.  The natural, subtle feel of the light hues offers a tranquil feel, while colors on accessories and artwork add layers of vibrant color that mimic the ocean.

Bring outside inside
Create a personalized beach feel by bringing the elements inside. Feature outdoor wood pieces and even wicker in place of traditional furniture. Use earthy items (such as logs or crates) instead of a coffee table, go for a cotton rug, and brighten up the room with naturally-growing local plants and flowers.

Add nautical accessories
Incorporate beach-inspired artwork or create your own from gathered seashells, driftwood and other trinkets. Add a personalized touch with photographs from your coastline on feature walls or above a fireplace. Accessorize with nautical antiques like beach lanterns, lobster traps and ship compasses, and create a casual vibe with organic accent pieces such as weaved baskets, clear glass lamps and glass canisters with sand and shells from your beach.

See the light
Nothing feels more like the beach than natural sunlight, and an emphasis on color and light will create a coastal feel. In kitchens, paint cabinetry white and choose window coverings that let in the maximum amount of light, such as light-colored linens. Keep floors a light and warm color, and utilize accent mirrors to reflect the natural light.  In seating rooms, feature the windows and light (instead of concealing it) and let the scenery become your artworkﾑ-arranging the room to face the widows to maximize your view.