Coastal - The Inspired Room

Inspired By: Fresh Spring Decorating Country Living – Kelley and Co.

I‘ve been so happy to have practically summer weather here lately. Is is sunny where you are? The warmer weather has been inspiring me to lighten and freshen up my decor for this season (well, and to be ready for summer which is coming up so quickly!).

You know I don’t do actual “spring” decor, but I do love to lighten things up, switch out a few accessories and add in lots of greenery! A little tropical or coastal vibe is always a fave of mine this time of year, too.

I’ve shown you my updated dining room, master bedroom and a bit of my kitchen recently (and you’ll be seeing a lot more of our outside spaces soon), but I’m still really pondering what I’m going to do in my living room.

I definitely feel like changing things a bit (and I’m ready for a new sofa since the sectional we have currently in the room was just there for the winter, it’s going back downstairs). I’m zeroing in on some ideas, but I guess I’m still “not positive” what I can or want to do yet. I’ll do a post on what I’m thinking soon so we can chat about that.

But in the meantime, I need a little decorating inspiration so I thought I’d share some pretty rooms I found with you, too!

Inspired By: Fresh Spring Decorating Bria Hammel Interiors

Inspired By: Fresh Spring Decorating House Beautiful

Inspired By: Fresh Spring Decorating New England Home

Inspired By: Fresh Spring Decorating Architectural Digest

Inspired By: Fresh Spring Decorating Ellen Brill Set Design

Did you see the Home Again movie? I didn’t, but the last two photos are the house from movie! Do you recognize my daybed (here’s mine, and here’s a less expensive similar one), right out in the living room just like mine!

What room are you working on right now? I’d love to hear what you’re up to!

Shop spring decor finds with the arrows below, and see more in my spring shop!

Create a beautiful home with modern coastal farmhouse style.

Last year my girls and I went to the Street of Dreams in Portland. We hope to go again this year if we can squeeze it in! We used to go every year when we lived there. You might remember me sharing about my visit to my favorite house last year, a modern coastal farmhouse style home. Today I thought we would revisit it to discuss some of the key features and elements that make up this fun blend of styles.

‘Modern’ coastal or farmhouse style is a bit different from what I picture as a more traditional “farmhouse” or “coastal” home from the past. While I think the look is referred to as “modern” to differentiate it from the styles of the past, these homes can still retain classic elements that are simply freshened up with twist.

While it’s totally possible to get carried away with a “theme” or “trend,” I don’t think you have to worry about your home becoming “dated” if you stick with classics in features you won’t want to change every year.

If the key architectural features you use were found in some variation in homes over a hundred years ago and they make sense in your home right now, you can feel pretty safe.

Subway tile, painted paneled walls, stone (marble or quartz!) counters, wood beams, hardwood and tile flooring are all classics that can be updated but will be beautiful for years to come (just as they have in the past.) Those elements work well with both modern coastal and farmhouse styles. When craftsmanship and materials are of quality, you’ve got a timeless combination.

Trendy accessories can become dated, of course, but they are easy to change.

If you want to enjoy trends while they are trendy, go for it! Or you can collect classics like ironstone, wooden spoons, beautiful books, white dishes, etc. and your collections will always feel appropriate.

Like any home, you can decorate a modern coastal farmhouse with a mix of elements that speak to you. I love me some old with new, coastal with farmhouse, personal treasures and unexpected elements tossed in for a unique surprise.

This particular house actually looks like a Nantucket coastal style house on the outside, but much more farmhouse inside. Yes, you can do that. I’d personally prefer an interior with slightly less farmhouse and a bit more modern coastal/lake house vibe mixed in, but that’s what’s fun about style. You get to choose what mix works for you!