Stepping into a well-done coastal design is like stepping onto the beach: breezy, inviting, and warm. Richard Branson's home features the perfect example.
The business magnate took to Instagram to share a shot of his indoor-outdoor living room idea, and it's full-on coastal chic. The space features tan stone floors and tan walls grounded with wooden furniture. A wicker sofa is the ideal place for sitting. Branson's range of blue and white decorative cushions bring visual interest, comfort, and a luxurious feel. Greenery from the outside in the background brings an open energy to the entire space.
What defines coastal decor? More than anything, it's the feeling you get when you walk into a space.'A coastal-inspired room should feel refreshing and relaxing in equal measure, serving as a happy reminder of warm, sunny days spent relaxing at the beach,' says design expert Shelley Cochrane.
Shop the Look
A beautiful wicker couch is the perfect place to start when recreating Branson's look. It's gorgeously coastal, and can be used either in a living room or on a patio.
A simple, recognizable design like this geometric pillow is the perfect finishing touch to add personality to a wicker sofa. Something like this would look perfect paired with solid colored pillows, or something with a lot of texture.
This wicker basket pendant is woven with all-weather material – offering a versatile wicker light fixture for overhead texture in a coastal sunroom. It's perfect for that extra touch of wicker to bring the room together.
Luckily, this means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recreating Branson's look. Instead, it's a matter of bringing together different elements artfully. Cochrane advises: 'To style this look, combine a neutral color palette of light hues and sandy shades with warm tones of blues. Opt for whitewashed or light wooden furniture to add a nautical touch.' Wicker furniture and accessories are easy ways to accomplish this.
Accomplishing a coastal color scheme requires proper accessorizing. Decorative pillows are one of the simplest accessories that can be switched out quickly, depending on how you want to change the design over time. Classic coastal patterns include starfish, chevron, and seahorses, as seen on Branson's sofa. Or you can do as Cochrane advises and, 'Complete the look with a stripe - an essential addition to any coastal-inspired room. For a playful and contemporary spin, choose wider stripes in bold primary colors for a modern twist on classic coastal interiors.'
Though coastal designs seems difficult to nail, Richard Branson's living room design proves that it's just about selecting the right combination of colors and materials. You can't go wrong with a bit of wicker, warm neutrals, and a splash of blue.
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