DESIGN HANDBOOK
You step barefoot onto the beach and allow your toes to dig into the cool wet sand. A salty breeze brushes your hair; sunshine kisses the nape of your neck. Face it. If you’re reading this article it’s probably because, like me, you’re head over sandals for seaside living. Whenever I travel, I almost always make a stop at a nearby beach, and frequently I bring back those coastal inspirations to my home and the homes I design.
A couple years ago, I visited the beautiful Normandy coastline, and also had the privilege to travel to Corsica. Both destinations deliver the most charming French coastal decorating ideas, and I’m sharing them with you today on the blog!
The quintessential piece to own for true French coastal style is the French bistro chair. Add one of these guys to your home, and voilà! Your breakfast nook or dining area will achieve the café chic style that’s instantly recognizable from places like Deauville, Cannes, and other coastal towns on the Riviera.
If you’re creating a seaside dining look for an indoor space (I love bistro style bar stools at the kitchen island, for example), try an all natural rattan piece like our Mariam Bar Stool. At Kathy Kuo Home, our manufacturers use only the most dense and highest quality rattan to ensure long lasting furniture. The care for real rattan is pretty minimal, but you should keep it out of the sun and rain.
Color is key when designing a French coastal home. If you know anything about French interiors, you know that the palette should be relatively neutral. Bring lots of off-white, cream, and taupe hues to your space, but allow for contrast colors like shades of blue and sea glass greens to add in that coastal element. I put together some of our favorite French coastal colors from Farrow & Ball below. Check it out!
Coastal French cottage homes are known for their charm and comfort. When selecting the main furniture for your space, allow for large slip-covered sofas (like our famous Seda sofa from Cisco Brothers) and nap-worthy arm chairs: this will create the cozy feeling of seaside living. I always try to draw inspiration from my surroundings, so French coastal interiors should also have lots of natural elements, like rattan chairs or teak furniture.
The best pieces combine comfort with coastal beach style, like our Alexis Rattan Rocking Chair—it has charm written all over! When choosing decor, my rule of thumb is to select items that you love. This is you chance to show your personality, and you’re the one who’s going to have to look at it on a daily basis. Traditionally, French coastal homes have coastal-themed accents.
The French coastal homes I visited during my travels were always brimming with history and a sense of place. When traveling throughout France, there are so many gorgeous antique finds in the small village shops, so I always try to incorporate one or two into any French coastal interior design. If you love antiquing, find that special piece you love from your travels or day trips and incorporate it into your space.
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
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