Coastal Cottage Vibes For New England Charm

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New England is renowned for its picturesque coastal towns and charming guest cottages that evoke a sense of timeless elegance and classic charm. These coastal cottages, often nestled among lush vegetation and overlooking the ocean, are not just homes but reflections of the region's rich history and architectural tradition. In this article, we will delve into the world of coastal cottage design, exploring the key elements that make these homes so inviting and how you can bring that New England charm into your own living space.

The Essence of New England Coastal Style

New England coastal style is all about capturing the essence of the sea and bringing it into your home. This aesthetic is characterized by light, airy colors, nautical accents, and cozy furnishings that create a relaxing and inviting space. The style often mixes vintage or antique elements to add character and a touch of history, making each room feel both timeless and modern.

Color Palette

When it comes to achieving the New England coastal look, a neutral color palette is key. Shades of white, beige, and taupe provide a serene backdrop for incorporating blues, greens, and grays that reflect the ocean and sky. These colors can be used in furniture, bedding, and decor pieces to create a calming atmosphere that feels both fresh and timeless.

For example, Sherwin Williams’ ‘Ancient Marble’ is a popular paint color that runs through many coastal homes in New England. This neutral green shade provides a versatile base for adding pops of color through furniture and decor. Another favorite is Sherwin Williams’ ‘Sea Salt,’ which makes a great front door paint color and works year-round, not just in summer.

Natural Elements

Natural materials like wood and wicker are staples in New England coastal homes. They add warmth and rustic charm to any space, making it feel cozy and inviting. Incorporating natural elements such as vases filled with dried grasses reminiscent of beach dunes or wooden fish cutting boards found at thrift stores can add a touch of authenticity to your decor.

Using plants and natural elements in every room is also a great way to capture that coastal feel. For instance, a tall wooden bookshelf in the living room can be used to display a mix of plants, books, and interesting decor pieces gathered over time. A DIY woven dried botanical shadowbox is another perfect accent piece to display dried flowers from the garden.

Simplicity and Whimsy

The New England coastal style is all about simplicity. Avoid overcrowding your space with too much furniture or decor. Instead, focus on creating a few focal points that will make a statement. This approach ensures that each room feels spacious and uncluttered, allowing the eye to wander and appreciate the beauty of the space.

Adding a touch of whimsy through vintage maps, nautical prints, or sea glass can also enhance the charm of your coastal cottage. These elements not only add character but also tell a story about the history and heritage of the region.

Classic Architecture

New England coastal homes often feature classic architectural elements such as cedar shakes, gabled roofs, and wraparound porches. These features not only provide structural integrity but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the home. For example, a gambrel roof with its flared base and curved balconies evokes the storied Nantucket look, while wraparound porches with wide columns and verandas add visual interest and create inviting outdoor spaces.

Interior Design

The interior design of a coastal cottage should reflect its exterior charm. Laid-back yet elegant interiors can be achieved by mixing classic furniture pieces with modern accents. For instance, pairing an Italian modern linen sofa with modern lantern-style wall sconces alongside classic Hans J. Wegner chairs and an antique metal pie cabinet creates a comfortable yet sophisticated setting.

Floor-to-ceiling double-hung windows are another key element in coastal cottage design. These windows not only provide ample natural light but also give the house a summer feel year-round. Similar classic-style windows were used to enclose the rear porch in the guest cottage featured in our article, creating a protected corridor that maintains an outdoor sensibility.

Practicality and Adaptability

As families grow and their needs change, coastal cottages must adapt to remain practical and inviting. For example, the guest cottage we discussed had its porch initially designed as an open space for lazy summer afternoons. However, as the family matured and more guests occupied the house during the offseason, the design team was asked to enclose the porch to make it more practical for year-round use.

In addition to practical considerations, interior designers often focus on updating the kitchen to make it lighter, brighter, and more inviting as a gathering place. This can involve stripping and bleaching dark-stained walnut cabinets, adding seating at the island, and replacing heavy granite countertops with honed white Calacatta marble.

Nantucket-Inspired Design

Nantucket-inspired design is another popular trend in coastal cottage aesthetics. This style often features classic shingle-style exteriors with gambrel roofs and curved balconies. Inside these homes, you might find a plethora of antiques, artwork, and comfortable furnishings that infuse the space with a sense of heritage.

For instance, a Charlotte-based couple built their ideal home away from home inspired by a classic New England-style house they saw on Kiawah Island. The resulting 9,000-square-foot, six-bedroom residence expertly marries style and sophistication with effortless coziness. The interior designer filled these areas with antiques and artwork while maintaining a casually elegant design that brings the outside colors in, making it seem like it’s part of the island.

Coastal Grandmother Style

The coastal grandmother style is another delightful way to achieve that timeless look that evokes the spirit of New England’s seaside elegance in your own home and wardrobe. This style is characterized by cozy, timeless pieces that blend classic elements with modern touches. It’s perfect for creating a serene atmosphere that resonates with the tranquility and unique beauty of coastal regions.

Rustic Elements

While New England coastal style often emphasizes light colors and airy spaces, it also incorporates rustic elements that reflect the rugged beauty of the outdoors. Rustic style homes are characterized by hearty natural materials like wood beams and stone walls, which add warmth and earthiness to any space. These elements are particularly prominent in mountain homes and ski cabins but can also be incorporated into coastal cottages for added charm.

Cottage Style

Cottage style homes are quintessential to the New England lifestyle. These homes often blend diverse styles such as farmhouse charm, coastal views, and cottage coziness with touches of primitive, traditional, and rustic elements. For example, a New England Lake Cottage style embodies a harmonious blend of these diverse styles, resonating deeply with those who cherish family heritage and eclectic decor.

Bringing Coastal Vibes Home

Creating a coastal environment in your home is all about keeping it casual and carefree. Surround yourself with art, objects, and accessories that make you happy. Embrace a no-pressure mix-and-match approach to create a comfortable atmosphere that guests will appreciate even if you’re miles from an actual waterfront.

One of the easiest ways to infuse style into your space is with nautical, coastal, and beach-inspired lighting. Consider bringing outdoor fixtures inside by mounting coastal-style lighting on each side of your bathroom medicine cabinet or in unexpected places like a laundry room. Brighten up tight quarters with compact coastal flush mount lighting in high-traffic areas like hallways, foyers, landings, and stairwells.

Anchor ceilings in main living areas with coastal indoor lighting styles like pendants and chandeliers featuring interesting finishes for dining rooms and family rooms. Explore curated collections of coastal-style lighting options to see how you can bring the warmth of the beach into your space.

Conclusion

New England coastal cottages are not just homes; they are reflections of a timeless aesthetic that captures the essence of the sea and brings it into your living space. By incorporating light, airy colors; natural elements like wood and wicker; simple yet whimsical decor; classic architectural elements; practical adaptations; rustic touches; and eclectic cottage styles, you can create a space that feels both inviting and elegant.

Whether you're looking to build a new home or simply update your current living space, embracing the New England coastal style is an excellent way to infuse classic charm into your home. So why not start today and bring a little bit of that coastal magic into your life?

Project Team

• Architecture: Kligerman Architecture & Design
• Interior Design: Terri Ricci Interiors
• Builders: J.G Early Contractor and Builder, Martha’s Vineyard Construction Company

By following these guidelines and incorporating elements from New England coastal design, you can create a home that not only reflects the timeless elegance of this region but also provides a welcoming space for family and friends to enjoy for generations to come.