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Lori Madden, MANGROVE REALTY ASSOCIATESPhone: (941) 780-8443
Email: [email protected]

Design: How to do coastal design on a budget

by Lori Madden 11/27/2022

The coastal vibe is light and airy with plenty of relaxing elements throughout the home. However, overdoing the theme and decor can put a large dent in your budget and leave your home feeling "overdone." Here are a few ways to incorporate a brilliant, relaxed coastal theme while staying within budget:  

Invest in a natural rug

Natural fibers are less expensive than their synthetic cousins and they're also durable enough to stand up to wear and tear. Jute holds up well indoors, as does sisal, and they're perfectly at home near the ocean. If you're starting with the rug as a base, opt for one in a neutral tone to make it easier to match the rest of the furniture and accessories. 

Don't overthink your color scheme

Choosing items in blue and white, also known as the colors of the the sea and froth, doesn't have to be cliche. If your household can be a little messy, prioritize easy-to-clean fabrics. This could be as simple as adding a slipcover to your existing furniture to mix up the hues. 

If you want to branch out with your accent pieces, try amber, gray or green. These popular colors mean more options, which can help you keep within your budget.

Limit your accessories

Accessories are often where people spend their budget. Sometimes they don't even realize it. Beachy knickknacks can really add warmth and personality to a space, but try buying only accents with special value to you or the other residents in the home.

When selecting each object, consider how it will interact with the larger space. For instance, smaller rooms may benefit from a mirror, as it will allow the room to reflect more light and color. Lamps make the space brighter and can be particularly welcome when shadows are cast during the day.

Think used or found items first

There are plenty of consignment stores filled with items in great condition, perfect for giving your home a chill coastal vibe. You can also turn found objects into your next great accent piece. A piece of interesting driftwood, the biggest seashell on the sand or sea glass with a unique pattern are all free and make for great conversation pieces.

About the Author
Author

Lori Madden

As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I have seen my hometown grow from a sleepy coastal town to a highly sought-after destination along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After working in Chicago for 5 years, I returned to Sarasota and saw it through a new lens and really began to appreciate what makes Sarasota so desirable, including temperatures that allow for year round outdoor activities including tennis (a personal favorite), golf, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing and/or shelling on our pristine sandy shores, including Dr. Beach’s #1 beach in the United States for 2017, Siesta Key! Sarasota’s cultural amenities are many and diverse, appealing to a wide range of arts lovers. Downtown Sarasota has become a destination in itself, drawing many new developments for those who want to be within walking distance of Main Street's offerings and the picturesque bayfront and marina. Foodies will find an eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something for everyone, and there are now Farmers Markets every day of the week in various locations throughout Sarasota, but the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota draws the biggest crowds. Since 1988, my passion has been selling real estate, representing both buyers and sellers. I have been recognized by my clients and customers for an uncompromising work ethic and dedication to helping them achieve their real estate goals. Relying on my experience as a real estate paralegal and being highly organized, I am able to help make the transition between contract and closing a smooth one for my clients. With an eye for interior and landscape design, I've been known to pitch in and help Sellers minimize and/or reorganize their belongings in order to stage their home to maximize its sale potential. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market. I welcome the opportunity to share with you all Sarasota and her surrounding islands have to offer!