Beachside living has an undeniably different feel than its city counterpart. From the sound of waves crashing providing a soundtrack to your day to the slower pace of life, time spent in a beachfront enclave, whether you’re in Miami Beach or Nantucket, can change the way you approach your life. While your year-round home may have one style, finding the perfect décor for your summer home in Nantucket is an entirely different ball game, with beachy influences, brighter colors, and a softer visual appeal all playing into this Massachusetts destination’s unique vibe. If you’re eager to find the perfect style for your Nantucket home, here’s how to start:
Make light a priority: One of the best things about living in a beach town is the stunning light you can enjoy from your waterfront perch. Instead of using heavy drapes to cover your windows, leave them uncovered whenever possible, maximizing your views and bringing the outside in. If you do choose to use curtains, translucent fabrics, like linen and organza are perfect for letting light in while providing privacy.
Don’t be afraid to get a bit kitschy: Nantucket’s fashion sense is undeniably kitschy, from grosgrain belts to Lilly Pulitzer’s bright prints, and it only makes sense that your home would incorporate a bit of that whimsical style, too. While adding too much kitschy décor can make your house look a bit childish, a few fun and funky pieces, like a nautical-inspired lamp, a vintage sign, or a bit more color than you’d use at your year-round home can make your house feel friendly and inviting. If you’re eager to go all out with a beachy design scheme, test it out on a guest room or bath first; you can gauge how overwhelming or understated the theme ends up being.
Embrace natural beauty: One of the most thrilling things about Nantucket is the abundance of natural beauty that’s begging to be channeled inside, as well. Hanging plants, potted ferns, and whimsical decorative details, like a bowl of shells collected from the beach, can help you incorporate Nantucket’s beauty inside your home without overwhelming the place.
Don’t neglect your outdoor space: Nantucket is all about the great outdoors, so when you’re decorating your vacation home, make sure to give extra TLC to your exterior spaces. Adding some lush landscaping to the front of your house, creating a comfortable seating area at the back, and maximizing your exterior views by keeping taller plants around the perimeter of your property can make your home feel cozy, both indoors and out.
Let the water inspire your color choice: While the Vineyard Vines apparel you see walking down Main Street might make it seem as though Nantucket’s aesthetic is all bright and brilliantly-colored, when it comes to interior design, try taking a page from your surroundings. Botanical-inspired greens, blues that mimic the color of the water, and crisp whites all make for the perfect palette to play with inside your home.
Whether your summer home is a seaside manse or a cozy beachfront bungalow, the right décor can make all the difference. Embracing Nantucket’s style will add charm and warmth to any home while making it uniquely yours.
