Decorating - colours/ themes

[HPD]

Ideas for a holiday chalet by the sea. I think I need to keep it quite modern rather than a ‘cottage-y’ feel. Nautical is obviously the first thing that springs to mind, but do people still like this or think it is a bit cliché?

I will keep walls white and only bring colours in with accessories, bedding and so on. I am also thinking of using same colours in all rooms (it is only a tiny place!).

Thank you.

[Mouse]

I would say nautical can be a bit of a cliché unless done well. If wanting to do something 'coastal' then maybe something 'florida keys' style might work (bright colours like turquoise and yellow etc), or Cape Cod style (natural colours, driftwood etc) or old fastioned British seaside retro style.

I personally would advise against white....as in the UK light it can look quite harsh, so maybe a softer shade (calico).

Also you can do some wow effects very cheaply such as using pallet wood on half the wall instead of panelling.

Sounds like a lovely project!

Mousie
x

[newtimber]

If you're in the UK, you need to have the doors and walls in visually contrasting colours to assist visually impaired people.

[Moliere]

We did our three bedrooms along colour themes of sun, sand and sea. People seemed to like it . . .

Mols

[Jenster]

We have a place very similar to yours (although its a flat rather than a chalet). We have also painted it white throughout (makes it much easier when it comes to re-painting and cutting in), but have a pale blue 'feature' wall in each bedroom to add a bit of colour. We have large framed mirrors on the walls to make the place seem bigger and lighter, and have gone for a driftwood and seashell theme - we have some lovely canvases of seashells which I found online and some driftwood/seashell mobiles hanging in the windows. The sofa is a smoky grey with blue cushions and the bed linen is blue and white striped to compliment the walls. I also have some jars and bowls of shells around the place. The overall effect is lovely, not at all 'sterile' with all that white but light, bright and 'seaside-y'

[annedab]

Maybe use the IOW festival for some music themed rooms - framed album covers maybe?

[amandajane]

Maybe use the IOW festival for some music themed rooms - framed album covers maybe?

I love the idea of this. Beautifully framed, with neutral walls - perhaps grey which is seasidey without risking the possible starkness of white.

[Fleur]

Find a seaside picture in a magazine, a post card or poster that has a scene and colours that please you. Then choose your colour palette from this. I have done this a few times in our holiday home, it's a good idea and works well.