5 Elements of a Coastal Home
Over the last few decades, the coastal home has become synonymous with sophistication and luxury. However, what differentiates a coastal home isn’t just the environment it is situated in; in fact, there are a number of elements that make a coastal home unique.
Keep reading to discover our top 5 favourite features and how you can integrate them into your own coastal home design…
1. Waterfront views
Generally, the most popular reason for building a coastal home is to enjoy picturesque views overlooking the sea. A coastal home takes advantage of the natural landscape and is positioned to maximise the surrounds.
There are a multitude of ways to integrate waterfront views into a coastal home. First and foremost, opt for large floor-to-ceiling windows in water-facing areas. If you decide to include a balcony or alfresco area, use large door openings as a functional way to connect the inside and out.
2. Indoor-outdoor living
Building a home which seamlessly connects with its natural surroundings is especially important for coastal builds. Take advantage of your proximity to nature and incorporate this into your design as much as possible. Beaches, ocean views and greenery are the basis of your home’s atmosphere and, when your design is done right, can bring a sense of serenity and sophistication to your space.
We recommend establishing seamless transitions through elements like sliding doors, which will help create flow between zones. Another option is to use the same flooring material for your indoor and outdoor spaces to create a seamless open-plan space.
3. A durable exterior
While scenery is vital in a coastal home, functionality is just as important and waterfront homes are far more susceptible to the elements. This means exterior materials should be durable, long-lasting and able to withstand coastal conditions – from sea spray and corrosive coastal winds to damage from extreme heat.
These environmental factors can cause materials to deteriorate at a faster pace than normal. It’s important to be mindful of these impacts when selecting your exterior materials and ensure the longevity of the product selected.
4. Abundant lighting
A coastal home is filled with an abundance of natural light. Whether through floor-to ceiling windows, bi-fold doors or a selection of skylights, sunlight is welcomed into a coastal home in a variety of ways.
Large windows also pair well with an open floor plan as these encourage air flow and ensure a home is well-ventilated, while protecting from the temperatures outside. Glass with heat-reflectivity and specialised blinds are recommended as well, as you don’t want to find yourself living in an actual green house!
5. Keep it natural
Coastal homes are best suited to a mix of natural elements and a clean-cut minimalist aesthetic. We recommend a starting with a base of white and accentuating with other colours such as cool tone blues and greens. A crisp, white interior will allow you to achieve a sophisticated and understated look, while also enhancing your plentiful natural lighting.
Natural textures such as wicker, rattan and weathered wood are also ideal choices as they’ll help keep the palette neutral. Timber panelling, timber floors and high ceilings are also perfect for an open-plan coastal home.
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If you’re ready to get started on the construction of your very own coastal home, get in touch with Jake and the team at Smartbuild South Coast today!