Bringing the Coastal Charm: 5 Tips for Perfect Coastal Interior Design

There's something truly enchanting about the coastal aesthetic – the gentle whisper of ocean waves, the soft sands, and the endless sky. If you're yearning to infuse your living space with that serene coastal vibe, look no further. I’ve rounded up five essential tips to help you master the art of coastal interior design and create a soothing haven that echoes the beauty of the coast!

1. Soft Color Palette: Oceanic Hues that Soothe the Soul

This bed is the perfect neutral staple to start working from - link!

Picture yourself on the coastline, gazing at the horizon where the sea meets the sky. This tranquil scene can be your design inspiration. Start by embracing a soft color palette inspired by nature's coastal wonders. Blues, greens, whites, and sandy neutrals should dominate your canvas. These colors not only evoke a calming ambiance but also provide the perfect foundation for a coastal retreat.

2. Natural Materials: Bringing the Outdoors In

To truly capture the essence of coastal living, embrace natural materials that echo the beach's textures. Integrate jute, sisal, rattan, and driftwood into your furniture, flooring, and accessories. These materials not only infuse your space with a touch of beachy charm but also introduce warmth and texture, transporting you to your favorite coastal hideaway.

3. Nautical Elements: A Subtle Seafaring Touch

The navy and white bistro chair is a perfect way to subtly lean nautical.

Here are some image links! Bistro Chairs, Dining Table, Rug, Napkins, Pendant Lamps, & Console Table.

Navigating the seas of coastal design calls for the artful integration of nautical elements. Think understated elegance here – subtle hints that pay homage to the ocean's allure. Incorporate striped patterns reminiscent of beach umbrellas or sailor uniforms. Rope details, ship wheels, anchors, and delicate seashell motifs can be thoughtfully woven into your décor, creating a seamless connection between land and sea. You need to be delicate here. This would be an accent piece.

4. Light and Airy Fabrics: Draped in Ocean Breezes

Emery Linen Curtains from Pottery Barn - Link!

The coastal breeze gently rustles the curtains, and you're surrounded by the embrace of the sea's tranquility. You can replicate this feeling with light and airy fabrics even if you don’t have a true ocean breeze. Choose curtains, upholstery, and bedding in materials like linen and cotton. Let natural light flood your space through sheer curtains, creating an ethereal atmosphere that mirrors the openness of the ocean.

5. Seaside Accessories: Treasures from the Shore

This is an important last step but it is also important to not stretch into that “tacky” spectrum. Completing your coastal haven requires the perfect finishing touch – seaside-inspired accessories. Display seashells collected during beach strolls in delicate ways, such as inside a lamp or hurricane vase, showcase coral pieces that evoke ocean depths on open shelving, and adorn your walls with beach-themed artwork and photography. Lanterns, glass floats, and beachy sculptures lend an authentic touch, infusing your space with the unmistakable spirit of the sea. **tip** avoid starfish.

This buoy wrapped, fillable lamp is a perfect seaside accessory - Link!

Incorporating these five tips into your interior design journey will transport you to the tranquil shores you hold dear. Coastal design isn't just about replicating the beach experience; it's about creating a home that captures the serene and timeless charm of coastal living. So, embrace the soft colors, the natural textures, and the nautical elements, and let your space resonate with the beauty of the coast.

 
 

Montreal Chronicles: An Eventful Weekend of Unexpected Twists

Hello there, my fellow Coastal Lovers,

Settle in as I share the whirlwind tale of a remarkable weekend in Montreal. Get ready for a blend of exploration, laughter, and some unforeseen surprises that kept me and my emotions on my toes. So, grab a comfy seat and join me as I recount the journey that started with excitement and took a few unexpected turns.

Setting the Scene

Bright and early on a Thursday morning, my “co-sister in law” (apparently this is what google says you should call the sister of your sister in law 😂) Grace and I embarked on a road trip from Boston to the city of Montreal. The open road beckoned, filled with mountain views, quick passes through the boarder and the promise of new core memories.

Exploring Old Montreal

Upon arrival, we wasted no time delving into the charms of old town Montreal. We met up with the rest of our group who flew in and our journey started with an unexpected delight – a zipline adventure amidst historical surroundings with a view overlooking the Osheaga Music festival fairgrounds. It was a rush of excitement and a fantastic way to kick off our Caroline, my sister’s birthday! I will never forget the landing, we were laughing so hard at the unexpected and abrupt stop. Apparently, non of us even asked how we would stop. When hunger struck, we found ourselves at Dandy for brunch. Let me tell you, those fingerling potatoes were a treat, and I was told the cucumber gin cocktail was super refreshing! It should be noted, that at this time, my 4Runner was parked in a below grade garage on floor 9 with 8 people’s belongings inside.

The Unforeseen Twist

With spirits soaring, we checked into our urban Airbnb, completely unloaded and parked the 4Runner in a nearby surface lot, a recommendation from our host. Little did I know that this choice would steer our adventure in an unexpected direction. As I walked away I had uneasy feelings but chose to trust the recommendation.

The following day, a phone call from friends delivered the shocking news – my 4Runner had vanished. Panic surged as I rushed to the parking lot, my heart racing. As I confronted the situation, frustration mingled with disbelief. The scene was surreal – was it towed, stolen, moved? But amidst the chaos, my innate optimism persisted. Unfortunately the 4Runner was not towed or moved and confirmed stolen. After waiting an hour for the police we realized we had to move quick if we wanted to make it to the consulate to get new passports (which were unfortunately locked in the stolen truck) So we hitched a ride to the police station and started taking matters into our own hands.

Navigating Challenges

Throughout the day, a sense of melancholy settled in. It might seem trivial – just a car. But it represented more than that; it symbolized a dream realized. My 4Runner aspiration began during my childhood when my parents owned one. Finally, at 32, I had my own, tailored to perfection. Army green, brown leather interior and a 3rd row which is unique option for this model.

However, Montreal's community extended a helping hand. The police station became a hub of support. Strangers and officers alike demonstrated incredible empathy. We met the nicest group of guys at the police station who started sharing photos and information about my car to groups of friends and family so they could keep and eye out. Montreal united to aid in locating my car.

A Glimpse of Relief

A police officer's insight offered solace. He explained that Montreal had seen a surge in car thefts and especially 4Runners. The realization struck, shifting my perspective from self-blame to understanding that even if I was in a secured garage, my 4Runner would most likely still have been taken. Accepting that this could have occurred anywhere lessened my burden of guilt. There were also a few moments of “well at least”.. “Well at least this happened when the car was empty and not full of 8 peoples belongings.” “Well at least this happened on day 1 and not on day 4 when we were packed and ready to go home.” “Well at least I have another car seat at home and other then our passports, there wasn’t anything else valuable in the car.” If you know me, you know I am always trying to look at the brighter side of the situation.

Next Steps

Grace and I rushed to the consulate and were lucky enough to confirm that we did not need new passports to re-enter the country. Our licenses along with the police report would satisfy boarder patrol. I also had the chance to talk to the insurance company. There would be a two week waiting period to see if the car could be recovered and then we would move on from there. There wasn’t much else I could personally do to help the situation. It was now completely out of my control.

Carrying On: Osheaga Music Festival

Despite setbacks, the adventure pressed on. The Osheaga music festival beckoned, and with my steadfast support system – sisters and friends who are family – beside me, the weekend’s rhythm continued. Music, laughter, and unforgettable moments provided a welcome distraction. Ever since attending this festival last summer I had been looking forward to this escape so I tried my absolute best to ignore the present situation and enjoy the three days. The outfits were planned and the lineup was set. We got on the train all three days and enjoyed the hell out of ourselves.




Heartfelt Reflections

As I departed Montreal, my emotions were a blend of sorrow and gratitude. Leaving without my beloved family 4Runner was crushing but at the end of the day it is just a car. I’m slowly working to regain my faith in humanity and I’ll work to replace the car with time. Who knows! Maybe the 4Runner will be recovered?!

Do you have questions about what happened, next steps or about Osheaga? Comment below or on Instagram!

Until the next adventure (or coastal design advice),

Brittney

An Unforgettable Maine Weekend: Ironman Triumph and Coastal Exploration

Hey there, lovely readers!

I'm absolutely thrilled to share with you the whirlwind of a weekend we just had in the gorgeous state of Maine. It's been a journey filled with sweat, laughter, and a truckload of coastal charm, so grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a lobster roll) and let's dive right in!

Daring to Dream: The Ironman Challenge

Picture this: New Year's hits, and my husband Josh decides he's going to tackle an Ironman 70.3. No big deal, right? Him and his buddies Gregg and Chris chose the Augusta, ME course – a nod to our deep-rooted love for this mesmerizing state. It's funny how Maine has woven its way through our lives. As kids, both of vacationed in Bar Harbor, creating memories that we cant help but want to continue with Emerson.

Now, let's talk training. Josh dove in headfirst, clocking in hours of intense workouts. Three-hour sessions? Yep, that became the new normal. But let's not forget the mental workout – the gear selection, the nutrition plan, and the course analysis. It's like we were solving a complex puzzle, and the pieces were scattered everywhere. And yes, I say “we” because a lot of it we figured out together or talked through. Josh would watch hours of Ironman videos while he was on the peloton preparing for any unknown. Each leg of the race had different variables. For the swim, wet suit or no wet suit and how does that effect when you can start? What will the water temperature be? For the bike, what bike accessories do I need, getting the biked tuned, learn how to change a flat and buy gear to help with road side corrections if needed. When will I eat? How much do I need to eat? There were hundreds of variables that needed to be figured out which I honestly felt took more time and brain energy then the training itself, but then again…. I wasn’t doing the physical training! lol

Baby Jackson and the Ironman Mixtape

Fast-forward to race day – a day that had excitement buzzing in the air. I couldn’t sleep the night before because I was so excited for Josh. Gathered at the cheer stations were our cheering squad – my best friend Jen, also cheering on her hubby, Gregg, Arianna, and Josh's Dad and stepmom, Deb. But the real MVPs? That would be Emerson and Gregg and Jen's four-month-old bundle of joy, Jackson.

Imagine this: neon signs held high, AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" blasting through our portable speaker – the racers couldn't miss us if they tried! And let me tell you, Em and Jackson? They were champs! From car seats to chief cheerleaders, they were on fire.

Triumph and Celebration

Now, let's talk about Josh's triumph. I'm talking paces that left us all in awe. His goal was to finish in 7 hours, but guess what? He crushed it in 5 hours and 33 minutes. Seeing him cross the finish line was a moment I won't forget – the culmination of months of dedication and hard work that brought tears to my eyes.

The race was an epic saga, both for the racers and for us cheering them on. Hours flew by, and the finish line awaited. Josh's results were nothing short of astonishing – a swim pace under 1:00 minute per 100 meters, averaging 18 mph on the bike ride, and a 7:56 pace for the half marathon run. Exceeding his expectations and achieving his goals, he truly embodied the spirit of the Ironman.

And that moment when he leaned in for a quick kiss from Em during the run? Priceless. But, truth be told, his fast pace made our cheering challenge real. We hustled from one spot to another, at times barely making it in time. Picture Arianna cheering from a sunroof, Em waving her "go daddy go" sign, and our little ones joining in with their infectious enthusiasm and on the go naps. At one point, Em was cheering “the swim is done, the bike is done, now all you have to do is jog! If you’re a Daddy, this sign is for you!”

Seeing Emerson cheer on not just her dad but all the athletes was pure magic. It's a big deal for us that she witnesses our journey in preparing for events like this. We want her to understand that dedication and hard work lead to achieving dreams – and it's a lesson that applies both on and off the racetrack. Our training isn't just for us; it's a commitment to staying healthy for ourselves and for her. We're hopeful that these moments of cheering on from the sidelines will ignite her spirit to dream big and chase goals in every aspect of life.

Exploring Coastal Charms

After the race, we decided to wind down in Wiscasset, Maine. With Augusta's accommodations booked, this quaint town turned out to be a gem of a find. Our waterfront historical rental felt like a cozy home away from home, complete with a deck overlooking the river – the perfect way to relish the victory vibes. Here is the link to the airbnb.

And then there was Boothbay where we went to explore on Monday – a slice of Maine that felt straight out of a storybook. The waterfront, the shops, the lobster rolls – it was all there, minus the crowds. Lunch at the Tugboat Inn Restaurant, with lobster rolls, local Maine brews and waterfront views, was a high point. Before leaving on Tuesday morning I squeezed in a 4 mile run along the coast the breath in as much Maine air and views as possible.

Savoring Every Moment

This weekend wasn't just about a race; it was about savoring every experience. From Josh's Ironman triumph to our coastal explorations and cherished time with best friends and family, Maine painted a picture of beauty and memories that will last a lifetime.

So, if you've got questions about the Ironman craziness, Wiscasset or Boothbay wanderings, or the heart of Maine, drop me a line. Let's keep the conversation going because there's more to share, explore, and celebrate.

Next up - OSHEAGA in Montreal Canada and continuing to train for my own Olympic distance Triathlon at the end of August!

Warmest summer wishes,

Brittney

Welcome!

Hello, lovely readers!

I am thrilled to welcome you all to The Traditionally Coastal Life, a place where design enthusiasts, lifestyle lovers, and coastal aficionados come together to create a haven of inspiration, creativity, and expertise. This blog is tailor-made for all people who share a deep appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of coastal design.

First, let me introduce myself. I am Brittney, a proud mom of a delightful 5-year-old daughter, Emerson and a loving wife. My passion for coastal design took root while spending blissful summers at our family vacation home on Cape Cod. The gentle waves, the salty breeze, and the serene ambiance of the coast captivated my heart, and I've been in love with coastal aesthetics ever since.

Apart from my coastal design devotion, my journey is filled with exciting adventures! By day, I'm immersed in the world of commercial construction, specializing in luxurious hospitality, office and life science facilities. This unique background gives me a deep understanding of construction and luxury products, which I can't wait to share with all of you. From trendy interior trends to sustainable building practices, I'm here to make the design and renovation process smooth sailing for you.

When I'm not crafting dreamy spaces, you can find me indulging in some personal passions. I have an unyielding love for fitness, especially training for triathlons, which keeps me energized and motivated and spending time under the blue lights at Solid Core. I also enjoy flexing my creative muscles by decorating cakes as a fun side hobby!

As we embark on this exciting journey together, The Traditionally Coastal Life will offer you design tips, decor inspiration, DIY projects, and lifestyle advice. From nautical touches to coastal color palettes, from beachy vibes to elegant modern coastal accents, you can count on this being a resource to bring the essence of the coast into your home. I can't wait to see your beautiful homes transform into stunning coastal retreats with a touch of traditional or modern luxury.

Whether you're seeking guidance on redesigning your living room, tips on organizing a beach-themed party, or just looking for a friendly voice in the world of design, The TC Life has got you covered. Together, we'll make your interior design dreams come true.

Thank you for joining me on this fabulous adventure. I promise to make it an unforgettable one! Don't forget to subscribe, so you never miss an update on the latest coastal design trends and lifestyle musings.

Let's set sail on this incredible journey together!

Warmest summer wishes,

Brittney

The Traditionally Coastal Life