Introducing the Modern Coastal Look

You don’t need a postcode on the beach to achieve a coastal home design. The Modern Coastal look exudes the iconic Australian coastline through organic textures, soft colour palettes and open spaces that allow natural air to flow through the home.

Here’s how colours, materials and an intelligent nose for design can combine to create your ultimate modern coastal home.

WHAT IS THE MODERN COASTAL LOOK?

There was a time in the recent past where the beachy, coastal look simply didn’t get the respect it deserved. This was mostly down to the homes being dated and well-lived-in, meaning lots of furnishings and a cramped, kitschy feel.

But the modern coastal look is the exact opposite. It’s open, airy, simple and elegant. And it’s on the exterior that you can really get a sense of the exceptional design.

Simple, airy and elegant – the Modern Coastal Look is perfectly suited to the Australian lifestyle! Image via Three Birds Renovations.

The bright-white colour palette is a popular choice, but modern coastal stands on its own with softer blues pairing well for a truly sophisticated beach vibe. The exterior should embrace all things natural to mimic coastal beauty, which means soft, organic textures and a real focus on the facade. After all, it’s the first visual statement your home will make on visitors.

HOW CAN JAMES HARDIE PRODUCTS HELP ACHIEVE THE LOOK?

Horizontal lines are the quintessential outdoor look for a modern coastal design, with white timber weatherboards a staple in previous generations. But a modern look deserves modern materials. So instead of worrying about the ongoing maintenance of timber weatherboards, fibre cement options like Linea™ Weatherboard or Stria™ Cladding are ideal alternatives. Unlike timber, fibre cement cladding is resistant to moisture damage and won’t swell or rot – making it perfect for harsh coastal environments.

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Add a pop of gentle colour with softer whites, beiges or greys on your roof and trimming to create a truly relaxed atmosphere. The shape should be reminiscent of a stylish beachside home, with a focus on indoor-outdoor living and the horizontal weatherboards harking back to the natural horizon.

BEACH VIBES INSIDE AND OUT

You can really make the modern coastal look come to life when stepping inside a home. All modern coastal colour palettes should leverage soft, soothing tones that welcome people into your home – leave the mono-chromatics and contrasting colours behind.

While traditionally the ‘norm’ has been restricted to whites and beiges, for a modern spin you can incorporate bolder greens and blues for interior accents that still reflect coastal charm but with a touch of individuality.

An often-forgotten tip is to keep things simple. Coastal appeal should be relaxing, so do away with loud statement pieces and instead concentrate on a minimalist approach that bleeds into every room of the home. Negative space is a good thing, especially as you’ll want to make your furniture a focal point – whether it’s an indoor living space or outdoor entertainment area.

Three Birds Renovations use Axon Cladding to bring rustic coastal textures indoors.

Finally, be sure to layer lots of interesting textures together. After all, a day at the beach is a tactile experience. Extra cushions for sofas and chairs, wooden tables and bed frames reminiscent of driftwood, woven spreads and rugs in soft, neutral colours – these will all complement each other for a complete coastal experience.

For an intriguing and entirely unique interior, you can always add extra layering elements, such as interior cladding like Axon™ Cladding.

COASTAL LIVING

Great news – you needn’t restrict yourself to a modern coastal look only if you live near the water.

Mixed textures and geometric shapes give this Modern Coastal home instant kerb appeal.

So long as you go for a holistic approach that incorporates a clever colour palette, top-quality exterior materials like cement composites and cladding, and an interior that exudes your personality while remaining restrained and sophisticated – you can make your modern coastal look work in any setting.

QUICK TIPS: MODERN COASTAL LOOK

• ‘Mood’ is the beating heart: You want to deliver a natural, soothing ambience from the outside in.
• Hallmarks: Play with gentle pops on the exterior with greys and beiges and take things to another level inside with coastal blues and greens, as well as wooden tones for a gentle contrast.
• Traditional weatherboards are out: Do away with unnecessary maintenance and regular repainting of traditional weatherboards. Fibre cement weatherboards and cladding offer the same horizontal appeal without the hassle.

Make your castle your beach home with the modern coastal look, employing soothing colours, an exceptional facade and a total focus on indoor-outdoor living.