Howdy friends! Today I’m joining 12 friends for a fun coastal vibes blog hop. I wasn’t planning to join because I’m mostly a farmhouse style blogger and wasn’t about to get out in the heat and buy some shells for a hop. But guess what – no shells? No problem! Here’s how to achieve a fun coastal look without using shells. If you’ve hopped over from Dabbling and Decorating, wasn’t her table amazing?! If you’re new here, see the About Me page so we can be friends!
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When I was talking to our host, Amber from Follow the Yellow Brick Home, she opened my eyes about coastal design and challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. I told her I have nothing in my decor that looks remotely coastal. Well, she’s good about changing peoples minds and talking them into things. LOL. So, here’s what I came up with and what I found in my home that can be used for a coastal look.
Coastal Style Item Number One – Blue Bottles
Because I’ve always related my blue bottle collection with old vintage junk, I never really thought of it as coastal. While perusing Pinterest I noticed someone had blue beads and broken glass in a bowl. Well that broken glass looked just like these bottles. Then, when you place them together inside a white washed lantern, you get the look.
Coastal Items Number Two and Three – Rattan Furniture and White Woods
As I was rummaging around the house, I walked right passed the entry at least 3 times and never noticed this chair and table together having a coastal vibe. Isn’t it weird how you can see something everyday and still not see it? Anyone else do that? Well there it is. I don’t think you can get much more coastal than white wood tables and rattan chairs. The colors together remind of sandy beaches.
Coastal Idea Items Number Four and Five – Natural Wood and Plants
Plants make all the difference in having a coastal look. Okay, they make a difference in all kinds of looks but when you have certain leaves, it changes things. I “borrowed” this Monstera plant from my daughters room. She is all about the boho look so she’s turned into the crazy plant lady. We’ve discussed that if we ever need to hold up in anyone’s room due to pollution, it will be hers because of all the oxygen being produced in there!
Light colored woods also have the vibe. The blue jar with candles would look more farmhouse by themselves but added to the wood bowl, it’s coastal. The bowl on it’s own would have been fine but what’s the fun in that?
And you aren’t going to believe me when I say this but it’s TRUE! Not until I was putting these photos together did I realize that the frame of Scout (cutest donkey in the world) matched the lantern with the blue bottles! They were purchased different years and from different stores. Even in a different state! I swear, I’m getting old or maybe I’m just tired of looking at all of my same old stuff. :/
Coastal Items Number Six and Seven – Lamps and Beads
When I purchased this lamp some 3 years ago, it never crossed my mind it would look coastal. I liked the bubbly vase portion and the galvanized shade. Honestly, now that I look at it, I don’t think it looks farmhousy at all and will now be forever ruined for me. Not that I won’t still use it. It works with my eclectic style even though it still screams coastal.
Beads are another decor item you will see a lot of in coastal design. I’m not sure exactly why. I’m guessing it’s that some fisherman use beads (colorful beads) on their lines to attract fish. I learned that from my dad. LOL, by looking at my photos, you can tell I’m definitely attracted to beads. These are clay but light colored wood beads work too.
Coastal Item Number Eight – White Candles
One last vignette for how to achieve a fun coastal look without using shells. White candles are a staple around here and I have a plethora of them. Adding a candle in a white pottery bowl (yep, I made that bowl!) looks fun. Actually, this vignette has several of the same elements mentioned above. White or light colored wood, tropical looking plants and blue glass. Hmmm, maybe I need to find more beads! Just kidding.
So to recap, here’s what I learned about coastal design. Less is more, keep accessories and furniture light, texture is awesome, you can’t go wrong with blue, farmhouse design is now the new coastal transitional design (JK!) and you can skip the shells. Shells are nice though, I just don’t have any. Remember too – you doing you is the most important element in all design styles!
If you’re going in order, Amber, our lovely host, is next. She has vintage coastal cottage design ideas and I can hardly wait to see her post. Don’t forget to see the rest of the ideas below. My friends are full of incredible inspiration!
I love your take on the coastal vibe-especially the wooden beads and mixing the different textures and colors! Do you mind sharing where you got the whitewashed wooden lantern? I have a collection of blue bottles and I love that display! Thank you!
Author
Sorry I forgot to do that! I got it at Kirkland’s. If it helps, there’s now an affiliate link that will take you straight to the lantern.
And it’s on sale! Glad you like the ideas Erin, thank you!
I love this idea, Cindy. The coastal vibes are gorgeous and perfect for the summertime. I’m going to feature your ideas in my week in rewind post tomorrow! Happy weekend, friend!
Author
Aww, thank you Jen! I’m so excited! Stay cool and hope you have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
You definitely made the original farmhouse looks take on a coastal vibe. That’s the beauty of design – interpretation is everything. I love your entry setting.
Author
You are so sweet, thank you. Really didn’t think I was going to be able to pull it off! 😉
Cindy I adore your coastal touches. The framed photo of a certain someone I adore is my favorite.
Author
I knew it would be Laura. Poor little things, they are so hot down in Navasteamy. 🙁 I really wish we had a pond for them. Hoping I can get the Mister to build one with his tractor. Fingers crossed!
What a great way to display your bottles Cindy! I love how you created such a pretty coastal vibe pairing them with the whitewashed lantern! Thanks for sharing. Pinned!
Author
Thank you Denise. Each time I find a new one I can’t help myself from buying it. Can’t get enough!
These are all such fantastic ideas, Cindy! I love your bottle collection and rustic beads so much. Your rattan chair has always been one of my favorites and I loved seeing your pottery bowl too. We’re in the middle of a big cleanout so your “less is more” advice totally resonates right now. It’s not easy to pull off sometimes but definitely worth the effort. Big hugs, CoCo
Author
I totally get it! Now that we have 4 adult kids and all of their stuff living with us (thankfully temporarily), I’ve been going to a purge of sorts myself. The donation drop-off lady knows my name now and says – what great stuff are you bringing me today? Glad someone will love it ALL! Thank you Coco. Enjoy the big cleanout!
such a great post, Cindy. I love all your ideas on coastal design that are the basics. Love the blue bottles and candles. pretty pretty… thinking maybe wild donkeys on the beach!! Happy Weekend!
Author
Even though Scout was captured in the wild, I cannot imagine her ever wanting to go back to that life. She is so loved and adores the constant food, treats and grooming. The girl loves to look good. 🙂
Such a great idea for a post and great tips! Love how you styled everything. The blue bottles are stunning!!
Author
Thanks so much Kristin. Who knew old blue bottles could be so versatile?! 🙂
You definitely pulled it off with no shells! I love your take on coastal style with the pretty glass and texture! Beautiful inspiration!
Shelley
Author
Thanks so much Shelley! I really enjoyed trying the coastal look.
Thanks Cindy for that lesson in coastal decorating, I am learning new things these days, who said you get too old to learn, and I’m old, lol!!!
Author
I tell my family (mostly my hubs) that old people CAN learn new tricks if they put in a little effort. LOL. Glad you learned something too. I was surprised to transform my farmhouse decor into something that looks coastal. Thanks Marlene!
Cindy, I loved your bottles. I just picked up 4 myself just yesterday! Super cute and now I need white candles to go with them. Happy Summer to you!
Author
I truly love using the blue bottles any chance I get. And adding candles is a must! Enjoy yours. 🙂
Oh this makes me sooo happy! I knew you would have plenty of pretty things that would work for this hop. I love the rattan chair, so coastal and farmhouse at the same time!
The candles and white pottery with the plants have a classy coastal Pottery Barn style. Love it all!
Thanks so much for joining the hop! Stay cool!
Author
I’m so glad you shoved me out of my comfy nest Amber. It was a ton of fun and I learned a lot! Always love hopping with you as well. Have a great weekend.
You have definitely shown us a fun coastal look, and who knew you could do it without a single shell! I love your bottle collection and rustic beads. So many amazing details Cindy. Thanks for the serious stunning summer coastal vibes.
Author
You are so sweet Kim, thank you! Enjoy your summer on the real coast!
Cindy, I love your subtle coastal vibes woven through your home. You just can’t go wrong with pretty glass bottles, rattan and all your white accents. It looks so cool and relaxing, which is just what you need right now. Very sweet of your daughter to share her plants! 😉
Author
Believe me, she watches any plant I touch with an eagle eye. She’s always telling me DO NO WATER THEM AND TRY NOT TO TOUCH THE LEAVES! She’s so bossy. 🙂
Cindy,
This was so fun. I love that you decorated without shells. So clever.
Author
Thank you Rachel. It was a lot of fun.
I love your blue glass and it does look very coastal. Your lantern does too. Cute, cute. Great idea for a hop.
Author
Thanks bunches Katie. Hope you’re doing well. I think of you all the time.
Cindy this was such a helpful post! I agree that you can’t go wrong with blues. Even though shells will forever have my heart it’s fun to see some alternatives. happy summer!
Author
I think I’d collect shells if I lived anywhere near the ocean. They are so pretty. Glad you found the post helpful. Thanks Kelly!