Beachy Keen: 15 Ways to Add Coastal Charm to Any Space

Plenty of windows, exposed wood ceiling beams, and white-painted walls give this island beach house by Martha's Vineyard Interior Design a casual, coastal feel from the get-go. An upholstered window seat and large, cushy sectional offer plenty of seating for a crowd, or for anyone curling up to stare out at the sea.

"This Newport Beach, California master bedroom is the epitome of coastal chic," says designer Wendy Blackband of Blackband Design. "The light-washed hardwood floors paired with the painted ceiling beams give this farmhouse a modern twist. We combined soft, breezy fabrics with natural textures and tones to give off a casual coastal vibe. When choosing fabrics we looked for materials that would read as simple, unassuming, and comfortable. The iron canopy bed complements the height of the ceiling, keeping everything proportionally balanced. When designing coastal homes we also look for organic materials like jute and seagrass. Using natural fiber rugs is a great way to add warmth and texture to a room, and they are the perfect rugs for layering."

"Coastal contemporary" was the design concept for this open dining area, says designer Lisa M. Ficarra of Ficarra Design Associates. To give the space its beachy feel, the design team chose natural materials — wood, metal, even driftwood — and fabrics: linen in a range of soft blues and greens. The artwork and accessories reinforce the seaside theme.

When working with Susan Trujillo Miles and Seth Miles to update their Florida home, designer Maggie Cruz worked to strike a happy medium between Susan's love of "bright, quirky things" and the cool, modern look the couple wanted — while creating a casual, beachy vibe. Her success is on display in the dining room, where a simple white lacquered table balances a pair of overscale armchairs upholstered in an equally oversized tropical print. Rattan side chairs, wide-plank wood floors, and a contemporary pendant fixture complete the eclectic mix. Tour the rest of this colorful home.