As the weather turns warmer, thoughts inevitably turn to the shore. The sea, the sand and the surf conjure feelings of carefree summers and peaceful serenity. While we may not all be able to escape to a cottage by the shore, we can bring the feeling of fresh sea breezes into our homes. When we think of coastal style, the first question to come to mind is which coast? There are stylistic differences between the relaxed sophistication of California coastal, the traditional nautical influences of Atlantic seaboard costal and the tropical flavors of gulf coast style.

California Coastal: California's coastal style consists of an eclectic and sophisticated blend of Old World European furnishings with dark finishes, and comfortable fabrics with touches of exotic, oriental influences.

Gulf Coast: This southern style features wicker and rattan furnishings with vibrant colors and tropical motifs. Often gulf coast style has a modern / retro flare with art deco lines and tropical floral prints.

Atlantic Seaboard: Nautical themes differentiate this variety of coastal style with lighthouse motifs influencing palettes of white, black, red, navy blue and yellow. Furnishings may incorporate shutters and louver elements on traditional, American Colonial forms.

Fabrics
Coastal style, wherever it is found, is breezy and relaxed. To bring coastal style into your home look for natural fibers for upholstery and floor coverings. Canvas and stripes embody the relaxed preppy style of Atlantic seaboard. If the gulf coast suits your style, look for cool, saturated colors in tropical-themed prints. California coastal style can combine intricate ikat or batik fabrics from Java and Indonesia with the understated simplicity of linen upholstery over jute rugs.

Colors
Thoughts of the seashore immediately bring certain colors to mind: the cool, deep blue-green of the ocean, the soft beige of the sand, the softer, lighter blue of the sky, and the subtle, muted green of dune grass. While these colors can be found in all varieties of coastal style, there are variations. Atlantic seaboard coastal style punctuates beige and blue palettes with crisp whites, and bright red, yellow and black. Color palettes for gulf coast style can be vibrant to compensate for the intense tropical sunshine; the colors of lush foliage in deep shades greens, and the colors of exotic tropical flowers enter the mix as well with red, yellow and orange. California coastal brings more subtle and sophisticated colors to the mix with spice-inspired colors, and elegant gold shades contrasting with darker wood tones.

Case Goods
Coastal style case goods vary from region to region. Atlantic seaboard coastal style incorporates cottage influences with turnings and bead board details. Finishes for Atlantic seaboard style are light, weathered or painted. Gulf coast style case goods are, in general, either sleeker and more modern, or more exotic with carvings inspired by tropical motifs. Finishes tend to be lighter on Gulf coast style case goods and they may incorporate rattan and other textures. California coastal style often uses darker finishes to contrast with lighter-toned fabrics and floor coverings.

Accessories
Sea-themed accessories add the finishing touch to the design of coastal rooms, no matter the variety. For an elegant take on California coastal and gulf coast styles you might incorporate a seashell encrusted mirror, accent table or light fixture. Coral-form accessories and prints add organic abstraction to elegant rooms with sea-themes. A simple glass cylinder filled with sea shells, sand or sea glass showcases the natural beauty of the shore. One of the newest coastal trends in accessories that can be incorporated into any coastal style room is found in glass vases and candle holders that mimic the form and nubby texture of sea urchins.

Whether you live by the shore or the lake, you can bring elements of coastal style into your home for the breezy relaxed feel of a sea-side vacation all year long.