outdoor-deck-beside-pool-beach-house-black-tables
Beach house chic
Veda Dante, August
2015
A holiday home by the beach is a dream many of us share but in reality only a privileged few actually enjoy. Fortunately, there are a number of design elements you can incorporate in and around your home to mimic the relaxed, tropical ambiance you find in beach houses all over the world.
“One of the key aspects of coastal style is drawing inspiration from the natural environment, whether that be lush, tropical plant species or earthy materials such as timber, stone, bamboo and cane,” said Byron Luxury Beach Houses property manager Debbie Fowler. “It’s also important to create lots of opportunities for entertaining and relaxing, which is what we tend to do when we’re staying at a beach house.”
The trend towards indoor-outdoor living is now entrenched in modern design, with pergolas, decks and alfresco areas prompting us to get out of the confines of the kitchen and spend more time outside.
“You’re more likely to be enticed outside to read a book on the deck rather than switch on a TV inside if you have comfortable outdoor furniture,” Debbie said. “Look for wide chairs and daybeds, or make an L-shaped bench seat that a couple of people can recline on.”
Large, open plan, integrated living is the hallmark of modern beach house design, with high ceilings, large windows and island benches instantly evoking a holiday feel.
“One of the easiest ways to bring beach house chic into your home is with a long, rustic dining table and deep seated lounge chairs,” Debbie explained. “Creating conversation pits encourages casual interaction, and it’s nice to have enough space where the whole family can be together.”
[Tweet "It’s nice to have enough space where the whole family can be together. #HomeHub"]
Off all the different interior finishes you can select for your swimming pool – Pebblecrete, Pebble sheen, paint, Quartzon – tiles are considered one of the most luxurious and enduring. While they may often be the costliest, tiles typically have the longest life span, come in a wide choice of colours, and feel smooth underfoot.
In general, there are two types available to pool owners – glass and ceramic – with both available in a wide range of shapes, colours and finishes. In addition to using them as an interior finish, tiles can also be used for pool steps and edges, along the waterline, and to accentuate special features such as raised spas and water features.
The colour of the tile not only affects your pool’s appearance but also its temperature. Lighter colours deflect the sun and repel absorption while dark tiles absorb the rays, resulting in warmer water. Popular beach house pool colours tend to replicate the colours of the ocean, so consider tropical blue, cobalt blue or turquoise. Alternatively, if you want the pool to blend seamlessly with its tropical surrounds, consider green hues such as emerald, forest green or even mint.
“To really capture a beach house look, place a couple of comfortable sun lounges on the pool deck,” said Debbie. “And if you have the opportunity to install semi- or frameless glass fencing, this will enable you to appreciate the pool, especially when it’s illuminated at night, when you’re inside your home.”
Creating the lush, exotic look popular in beach houses up and down the coast is easy thanks to the wide range of flora available from most leading nurseries. Hibiscus shrubs, bougainvillea climbers, pandanus palms, ferns and fragrant species like frangipani and jasmine create that five-star resort look.
It’s important to note that some varieties are more drought-tolerant that some so you may need to consider a water tank to keep them vibrant and healthy throughout the year.
“Lush, green landscaping immediately conveys that feeling of being on holiday somewhere in the tropics,” said Debbie. “Rinsing off after the beach in an outdoor shower is a highlight when you’re on holiday, so consider installing a simple cold-water shower somewhere in your garden.”
Large, open plan, integrated living is the hallmark of modern beach house design, with high ceilings, large windows and island benches instantly evoking a holiday feel.
“One of the easiest ways to bring beach house chic into your home is with a long, rustic dining table and deep seated lounge chairs,” Debbie explained. “Creating conversation pits encourages casual interaction, and it’s nice to have enough space where the whole family can be together.”
[Tweet "It’s nice to have enough space where the whole family can be together. #HomeHub"]
Off all the different interior finishes you can select for your swimming pool – Pebblecrete, Pebble sheen, paint, Quartzon – tiles are considered one of the most luxurious and enduring. While they may often be the costliest, tiles typically have the longest life span, come in a wide choice of colours, and feel smooth underfoot.
In general, there are two types available to pool owners – glass and ceramic – with both available in a wide range of shapes, colours and finishes. In addition to using them as an interior finish, tiles can also be used for pool steps and edges, along the waterline, and to accentuate special features such as raised spas and water features.
The colour of the tile not only affects your pool’s appearance but also its temperature. Lighter colours deflect the sun and repel absorption while dark tiles absorb the rays, resulting in warmer water. Popular beach house pool colours tend to replicate the colours of the ocean, so consider tropical blue, cobalt blue or turquoise. Alternatively, if you want the pool to blend seamlessly with its tropical surrounds, consider green hues such as emerald, forest green or even mint.
“To really capture a beach house look, place a couple of comfortable sun lounges on the pool deck,” said Debbie. “And if you have the opportunity to install semi- or frameless glass fencing, this will enable you to appreciate the pool, especially when it’s illuminated at night, when you’re inside your home.”
Creating the lush, exotic look popular in beach houses up and down the coast is easy thanks to the wide range of flora available from most leading nurseries. Hibiscus shrubs, bougainvillea climbers, pandanus palms, ferns and fragrant species like frangipani and jasmine create that five-star resort look.
It’s important to note that some varieties are more drought-tolerant that some so you may need to consider a water tank to keep them vibrant and healthy throughout the year.
“Lush, green landscaping immediately conveys that feeling of being on holiday somewhere in the tropics,” said Debbie. “Rinsing off after the beach in an outdoor shower is a highlight when you’re on holiday, so consider installing a simple cold-water shower somewhere in your garden.”