Houston’s convenient proximity to the coast can oftentimes influence the culture. From the award winning culinary scene, leisure activities, and abundance of beachside “staycation” destinations, the ocean is a recurring theme. As with any landscape, relaxing coastal characteristics may eventually begin to be reflected in interior spaces. However, it’s not uncommon to see a well-intended nod to coastal go a bit sideways, entering the ever-dreaded “nautical” domain. How does one know where to draw the line?

“When designing a Coastal space it is important to strike a balance between creating a room with character and keeping it versatile, livable, and refined,” says Paula Dixon, principal of Paula Dixon Design. Recently, Dixon completed an immaculately-executed home remodel that demonstrates ways to incorporate coastal elements without going, well, overboard. She shared four key tips from the project for those looking to achieve similar results at home.

Tasked with bringing character to a builder-grade spec home, Dixon knew she was in for a creative challenge. Her clients, a family with three children, were ready to remodel their Houston-area home but required design expertise as they navigated competing style preferences — classic coastal and modern industrial. Dixon chose to marry the two design genres for a cohesive home characterized by an approachable, lived-in warmth. Creating that warmth, however, was a tall order, given the home's 20-foot ceilings and formal architectural features.

To counterbalance the spec home framework, Dixon began by reimagining the fireplace. A modern limestone fireplace surround provides natural texture, while a Venetian plaster wall creates visual intrigue from floor to ceiling. In the dining room, wallpapered ceilings inject unexpected whimsy, while a sculptural light fixture adds movement and balance. Throughout the home, Dixon’s careful balance of warm and cool tones, curved and clean lines, and organic textural layers demonstrate that seemingly-opposite styles can not only coexist but be a perfect design match.

“The key to using a theme without pushing it too far is to embrace restraint and focus on balance. A theme should enhance the space and give it character,” says Dixon. “Applying these design pro tips will create a welcoming, sophisticated, interior layered with the right amount of personal details to make the space truly unique to the homeowners.”

Four pro tips for properly executing a coastal interior aesthetic:

Inspirational Rather Than Literal
Feel the beach through the color palettes, textures, and subtle references. Think of sandy beaches and creamy whites that evoke a coastal atmosphere without needing overt "beach" references. This approach is sophisticated with remnants of the beach that add calmness and elegance, with a few carefully chosen overall paint colors.

Texture and Materials
Choose natural materials, for example the limestone fireplace, that mimic the porous texture of sea coral in a softer color. Wood and metals also work to evoke feelings of the coast by adding in natural elements found at the beach such as driftwood. Think of a wicker basket or ottoman as we used under the console table.

Mix Fabrics and Patterns
Linen, boucle, and chenille all lead to beach vibes in an intentional manner without falling into a set theme.

Beachy Decor
Decor is a subtle way to tie in a theme that offers personality. Think of using one seashell on top of a stack of books. Vintage nautical art or a brass lighthouse on a bookshelf offer a coastal theme without feeling nautical.

  

Photo by Ellen Renee

A limestone fireplace, mixed finishes, and textural fabrics set the tone.