Vacation vibes: How to add coastal style to your home

I've realized over the years, after endless trips to the beach, lakeside vacations, even countless early mornings spent rowing on the lake with my crew team, that my soul is happiest by the water.

What is it about being on a dock, or coastal or beach vacation that makes us feel so at peace, and so at ease? Is it the rolling waves of a sparkling tide, the smooth reflections of a glossy lake, or the sheer beauty of looking out at endless stretches of water in front of you?

And at the end of every beach side or tropical vacation, I come home wanting to bring those calming, relaxing vacation vibes home with me.

I think that's what has drawn me towards coastal style over the years - it reminds me of those calming, easy going vacation feels and moments on a sandy beach or simply sitting in moments of self-reflection by the water. And since many of us are likely putting our summer travel and vacation plans on hold this year, why not bring those feel-good vacation vibes into your home? Here's how to add coastal style to your home decor:

Start with a soothing paint color: Beach-inspired hues like pale blues, grays, even whites or ivories remind us of the water, rocks, or clouds and provide a calming neutral backdrop. Try colors like SW Sea Salt, SW Alabaster, SW Tradewind, SW Silver Strand, BM Boothbay Gray, or BM Decorator's White:

Coastal beachy neutral paint colors Sherwin Wiliams Benjamin Moore

Add a slipcovered sofa: Go for a linen or canvas slipcovered sofa. The removable slipcover makes for easy cleaning, and bonus points if it's a performance fabric - yes, they are more expensive, but especially helpful if you have kids or pets:

White slipcovered sofa Wayfair coastal decor

Layer in a natural jute or patterned woven rug: Reminiscent of summers spent at a cottage by the beach, a neutral jute rug will pair with practically any paint color, and gives those ultra-coastal vibes. Looking for a little more color and pattern? A soft-washed rug with a geometric pattern and fringe will look and feel like an insta-vacay:

Natural woven jute rug Home Depot coastal decor

Anchor the room with natural wood touches: Driftwood, whitewashed oak, or an unfinished wood coffee or side table adds a natural feel:

Whitewashed wood coffee table coastal decor

Home Depot natural wood side table coastal decor

Window treatments: A rattan or woven wood textured roman shade paired with white or ivory linen or cotton drapes evokes seaside vibes:

Home Depot woven wood shades coastal decor design

Pottery Barn white ivory linen cotton curtains coastal decor

Mix in finishing touches: Adding a glass base table lamp (with or without a coastal-inspired filler like white stones), mercury glass or wood pillar candle holders, lanterns, a cozy lightweight throw blanket, pops of colorful pillows, or a potted plant like a fiddle leaf fig, artificial grass, yucca, or eucalyptus to add a "vacation escape" feeling to your home and create your own little oasis: