Let’s take a quick tour of a California coastal entryway refresh. We turned an adequate space into a mood-lifting entryway that spreads ambiance throughout the entire home.
The layout and interior design challenges the homeowner is experiencing are not uncommon, and we provided solutions to accommodate most aesthetic preferences. [Read: Coastal Grandmother Style]
This Post Includes:
- California Coastal Entryway Ideas That You Will Wish You Had Learned About Sooner
- Clever Storage Solutions
5 Home Remodeling and Décor Ideas to Take Your Space From Drab to Fab For a Memorable Coastal Lifestyle
- Create a Showstopper, Not a Traffic Flow Blocker
- Remove Walls at Stairs To Visually Enlarge Your Entry
- Plan Well and Avoid Expensive Mistakes
- Engage the Senses with Layers of Texture and Light
- Set the Tone with a Nature – Inspired Color Palette
Our clients’ new entry ushers in the wow factor they hoped to create. We elevated their storage and infused the space with an alluring Coastal aesthetic. Meaningful touches that include a selection of my client’s own artwork set the tone for the rest of the home. [Read: 5 Summer Decorating Ideas for Memorable Warm Days and Cozy Nights!]
Design Tip: Nautical scenes and sophisticated seascapes lend to a Zen-filled retreat or an energizing reset.
1. Create a Showstopper, Not a Traffic Flow Blocker
You’ll notice in the “before” image, this entryway with bench interrupts the traffic flow and visually disrupts the area in front of a flight of stairs, garage access, and view into the living room. [Coastal Decorating Ideas]
The solution? Modernize a dated 1/2 wall by converting it into a stunning showstopper. Recessed cabinetry lighting illuminates the sparkling glass shelving. Sculptural vases and artifacts lend to the coastal vibe. [41 Coastal Grandmother and Home Improvement Ideas for a Fabulous Life]
Design Tip: Just below the shelving is ample storage that houses all items previously stored in the awkward entryway bench. What a difference!
2. Remove Walls at Stairs To Visually Enlarge Your Entry
A remodel trend with high impact is to remove the wall at a flight of stairs. The small entry has evolved into a petite foyer with unifying elements visually expanding the space.
Design Tip: Create your coastal retreat by layering textures such as hand-scraped flooring and home décor that echoes shapes found along the shoreline. [Coastal Decor]
3. Plan Well and Avoid Expensive Mistakes
An essential aspect of the design work that we do is to develop a plan that ensures cohesiveness. Scale and proportion are at play with a hearty baseboard, new, 1-panel Shaker interior passage doors, custom cabinetry repeating the Shaker design, and wrought iron stair balusters that reference the entry door.
If you prefer to take a DIY approach, research and planning will be essential tools in your toolbox. The more organized you are from the very beginning, the greater the return on your investment.
4. Engage the Senses with Layers of Texture and Light
We sheathed the newly created entry hall [Read the related kitchen post to learn more] in a highly textured grass cloth (vinyl) with a sandy beach hue. It is the perfect backdrop for layering in mixed media art and a great way to activate the sense of touch.
Recessed wall washers work to make the textures and framed art take center stage.
Design Tip: Cats often find the natural scent and texture of grass cloth wallpaper irresistible. Opt for durable pet – friendly finishes where needed.
If you love the idea of grass cloth to create the coastal style you are looking for, consider installing it above a chair rail and out of your pet’s reach.
This type of installation is also an excellent idea for families with young children.
“Create your coastal retreat by layering textures such as hand-scraped flooring and home décor that echoes shapes found along the shoreline.“
Gigi Day
5. Set the Tone with a Nature – Inspired Color Palette
Make your daily departure and arrival more memorable with the beachy elegance of a neutral palette. It’s clean, nurturing, and helpful in pulling together a cohesive look for your home.
Design Tip: Don’t forget the all-important focal point that draws you into the next room. In this remodel project, we designed a gorgeous fireplace that is easily viewed from the entry. See the dramatic before /after photos in this living room home improvement.
So Many Wonderful Opportunities
You’ll find the product options to create a coastal lifestyle are endless – that’s why designers rely on vision boards to sort and assess all of the pieces of the puzzle that make up your ideal space.
Here are just a few suggestions selected to indulge your senses, spark creativity and conjure a setting perfect for planning your next coastal adventure.