Here at Artful Living, we agree with Serena & Lily’s philosophy on home. This California chic brand believes home should be a welcome oasis — your favorite place to retreat, to gather, to live well every day. In Minnesota, we fully embrace our lakeside living like we are residing along the ocean coastline. We tapped Kirsty Williams, Serena & Lily’s chief design officer, to share her top 5 tips for how to create a coastal-inspired home as if we were summering in Santa Barbara.
Photography provided by Serena & Lily
Be one with nature.
Incorporate natural woven materials like wicker and rattan to warm up your look and relax the room. Wicker pieces add a sunny, natural element to indoor spaces, and rattan pieces make for a relaxed and functional feel that blends well with many different styles.
Bring the beach to you.
Crisp whites are the key to the clean aesthetic. Opt for layers that are laid-back and luxe, and layer in blues to give your mix a beachy quality. Crisp whites and ocean blues bring a sense of calm, and subtle accents like capiz shells add texture while keeping things light and airy.
Show off your stripes.
Throw pillows are always a good way to add instant shape, color and texture to any living area. Draw from similar hues and include a few patterns for the perfect mix. Choose fade-proof, rain-proof outdoor styles to make your patio just as inviting as your living room.
Extend your living space outdoors.
Whether your footprint is large enough for a sofa or only allows for a lounge chair, add in details like a weather-friendly rug, an outdoor side table and a light cotton throw to tie the space together and make for an inviting vignette.
Keep it classic yet utterly livable.
California coastal style ensures your home feels relaxed and comfortable — never too formal, even if your taste is more traditional.
