Category Archives: Coastal Style

Understanding key features of coastal style decorating including architecture and design, floors, walls, ceilings, natural and artificial light, colour, textures and materials, fabrics, display and adornment

Tropical Island Resort Style Living – Fiji

by Nicki Richards on March 3, 2016

Royal Davui Fiji
http://royaldavuifiji.com/

Royal Davui Island Resort is an exclusive adults-only sanctuary situated in Fiji’s spectacular Beqa Lagoon.

“Barefoot Fijian Luxury at it’s finest”

Bula Vinaka! – Welcome to Royal Davui Island Resort Fiji

This amazing resort also shares a love of Beach Abode Living Outdoor Cushions because they are UV, Water and Mildew Resistant. They add colour and a relaxing feel to any outdoor area. Bring a little bit of FIJI style living to your home.

Enjoy Tropical Island Resort Style Living and shop for tropical cushions and floral cushions or cushion covers online today!
http://www.beachabodeliving.com.au/

Love Coastal Style? Checkout our Coastal Style Decorating Guide

Become a stockist
http://www.beachabodeliving.com.au/wholesale/home-wholesale

Beach Abode Living – “Colour In Your Outdoors”

My Island Home – The Cook Islands

by Nicki Richards on

Rarotonga Daydreamer Resort – Rarotonga, Cook Islands
http://daydreamer.co.ck/

Located on the main Island Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Rarotonga is a quiet, friendly, beautiful place that simply commands you to relax. There are no shopping malls here! Only the town markets on a Sunday offering unique local handmade goodies and if you fancy adventuring, the bus will pick you up anywhere along the circular route (one that goes clockwise and another that goes anticlockwise) and you can jump off at regular intervals to explore the many secluded beaches and waterfalls it offers.

Beach houses here are cool. They are not fancy or precious. They are practical and authentic. Outdoor areas are surrounded by tropical plants and flowers. Even though it is a simple life in the Cook Islands, the consistent warm weather and breathtaking surroundings make it impossible not to love.

Outdoor living is an integral part of Cook Island living. Its not uncommon to have an outdoor shower or bath as well! Isn’t this beautiful.

Strolling along the beach at Rarotonga, you’ll be forgiven for mistaking this place for Heaven. The protected lagoon is teaming with hundreds of tropical fish and you can even swim across to “MOTU” The little Island.

Tropical Island Resort Style Living is about creating the feeling you have when you’re on holidays at a place just like this. Our outdoor cushions feature designs that are not only inspired by the lifestyle, but also the relaxed nature of the locals. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is their motto. The best way to bring that philosophy into our cushions was to make them UV, Water and Mildew Resistant!
When you’re in Rarotonga, you’re on Cook Island time!

Adventurous? Take the walk up the mountain to their one and only waterfall. You’re sure to see a few pigs, cows, dogs and chickens along the way!

Stunning tropical flowers by the side of the road – My favourite – Orange Hibiscus!

Our Orange Hibiscus Outdoor Cushions inspired by the tropical, coastal lifestyle of the Cook Islands

Shop now: Hibiscus Print Outdoor Cushions

Make sure you checkout the Sunday markets in town and immerse yourself in traditional Cook Island culture. There’s plenty of fresh produce, handmade wares and traditional dancing.

Coming soon! – Sneak Peek!!!
NEW Range of tropical cushions featuring the Cook Islands – Available August 2016
Designed in Australia, Inspired by Cook Islands.
Shop NEW Outdoor Cushion covers
or
Send us an email and we’ll contact you when these brand new coastal style tropical cushions arrive.email: info@beachabodeliving.com.au

Create your own “Island Home”
Beach Abode Living – “Colour In Your Outdoor Living”

Tropical Island Resort Style Living – Soloman Islands

by Nicki Richards on March 2, 2016

Have you ever been to a tropical Island Resort? Sounds divine doesn’t it? There’s nothing quite like thought of the untouched, natural beauty of a tropical Island where crystal clear waters meet pure white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees that gently sway in the breeze…

Tavanipupu Island Resort is a Luxury Island Resort in the Soloman Islands
www.tavanipupu.com

Located in Marau Sound, Soloman Islands, this pristine magical place has been called “The Last Paradise on Earth”. Built on the site of a former coconut plantation, the exclusive 13-hectare island features just 10 bungalows. Tavanipupu is an island resort that has all the amenities and facilities for your ideal moments to enjoy in paradise.

Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tavanipupu/

10 Breathtaking bungalows…

Right on the beach…

You may even spot some of our new floral cushions and tropical cushions
http://www.beachabodeliving.com.au/new-products.html

Shop Hibiscus outdoor cushions

(Floral cushions include – Pink Hibiscus, Frangipani and Strilitzia Flower Designs too!)

Enjoy Tropical Island Resort Style Living and shop for tropical cushions and cushion covers online Australia today! We specialise in coastal style outdoor cushions. Checkout the entire range:
http://www.beachabodeliving.com.au/

Looking for waterproof cushions? Learn about the water resistant properties of our outdoor cushions here: http://www.beachabodeliving.com.au/benefits-of-the-best-outdoor-cushions

Beach Abode Living – “Colour In Your Outdoor Living”

Summer Styling – Your Outdoor Room

by Nicki Richards on November 30, 2015

Its Summertime again and without a doubt, there will be plenty of outdoor entertaining and end of year festivities coming up.

For most Aussies, Summer brings with it school holidays, Christmas parties, loads of family and friends popping in and spending time just relaxing and ‘hanging out’.

Perhaps your place is the nominated destination for Christmas lunch or perhaps you’ve got a couple of weeks off and planning a to relax at home. Whatever you have in stall, I’m sure you’ve started thinking about where you’ll be spending most of your time. #InTheGarden

If its your outdoor room, garden, the deck, poolside, backyard, verandah, cabana, boat, or caravan where you’ll be spending a lot of your time, retreating for relaxation or sharing a meal with loved ones, you’ll want it to be inviting and to feel nice.

#Thoughtful

Is your outdoor room ready?

Thinking of updating or re-styling?

If you love the beach, you may want this space to have a holiday vibe, inspired by coastal living and be a reflection of your personality.

#Aloha #Frangipani#Poolside #Paradise

The easiest and most cost effective way to create a fresh and visually stunning difference in your outdoor space is to add decorative accessories such as cushions!

#ShadyRetreat

#ComfyPoolside

#JustChillin

If you find the choices overwhelming, just remember, if YOU like it, it is RIGHT.

There are no rules when it comes to outdoor styling. Its all about colour and fun.

Free your inner child and have some fun with different patterns and colourful designs.

#PileOfCushions #YouCanNeverOverCushion #NoSuchThingAsOverCushioning

#Palmapples

Already got cushions but need new outdoor cushion covers?

Shop for NEW outdoor cushion covers online now at www.beachabodeliving.com.au

or checkout our stockists for a store near you.

For your chance to WIN 3 of these awesome outdoor cushion covers, checkout our Facebook Giveaways (Click on the link below) and answer this question:
“What do you love about the end of the year?”

Good Luck & Have a brilliant Summer!

Cheers,
Nicki

Awesome Aussie Beachy Stores

by Nicki Richards on March 20, 2014

If you love the BEACH and all things BEACHY, you’ll might already be very familiar with these awesome beachy stores.

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Sunny Jim Sunshades, Beach Bags, Totes and Throws – All you need for a day at the beach!

Shop now at Sunny Jim.com.au

Sunny Jim is a summer-inspired lifestyle brand that will change the way you think about beach umbrellas and beach tents with its line of beach shades. Made from quality UPF 50+ treated and tested fabrics, they allow you to enjoy the outdoors in style with maximum UV protection. And the summer 2013/14 range of beach shades, 100% cotton throws and designer bags are bold, bright and matching.

- Sun shades
- Beach Throws
- Beach Bags, Totes, Backpacks & Makeup bags

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Treasured Interiors – Coastal Style Furniture, Homewares, Fashion and Interior Styling

Kirra Beach Shop: 1 & 2, 100 Musgrave Street, Kirra, Qld 4225 Ph 07 5536-5233 | Fax 07 5536-5674 Open 7 days a week 9am to 5pm – Mon – Fri 9am to 4pm – Sat – Sun
Currumbin Beach Shop: 1, 788 Pacific Parade, Currumbin Beach, Qld 4223 Ph 07 5534-3883 | Fax 07 5536-5674 Open 7 days a week 9am to 5pm – Mon – Fri 9am to 4pm – Sat – Sun

Visit Treasured Interiors Website

With 2 showrooms on the Gold Coast – Kirra Beach and Currumbin Beach, Treasured Interiors are renowned for their coastal chic style.
They distinguish themselves from selling mass-produced products and Interior Stylist, Deb Rockwell, personally sources the many unique items that add character and personality to your home. Each piece is of the highest quality and they pride themselves on their unique finds, however this means their stock is limited.

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Shack Yamba – Coastal Homewares – Gift – Lifestyle – Fashion

Visit shop Yamba: 30 Coldstream Street – Yamba – NSW – 2464

Visit Shack Yamba Website

Located in the picturesque town of Yamba NSW, Shack Yamba opened its doors in May 2011 with a focus on providing beautiful quality homewares, giftware, lifestyle products and fashion. The ever-changing collection which ranges from casual chic to stylish, eclectic and unique aims to consistently inspire and delight! A strong influence of colour and design is evident throughout the store; pieces are lovingly sourced and hail from all four corners of the globe.

Whether you are looking to breathe new life into your home, find the ‘perfect gift’ for that someone special or simply indulge, Shack Yamba offers a truly relaxing retail experience each and every time you visit.

- Men’s fashion
- Women’s fashion
- Home and Gifts
- Jewellery
- Kid’s

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Freshwater House – A stunning range of Home wares & Gift wares

Freshwater House: 1/48 Lawrence Street , Freshwater, Sydney, Australia 2096
Visit Freshwater House Facebook Page

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The Outdoor Furniture Specialists – Open the doors to a fresh new way of outdoor living.

The Outdoor Furniture Specialists are the only true outdoor furniture specialist retailer in Australia. They provide only quality outdoor furniture sourced from reputable local and international suppliers.

Their vast product range features both dining and occasional pieces in aluminum, timber and wicker, as well as a variety of outdoor accessories including umbrellas, cushions and decorative pieces. They aim to complete the entire outdoor living experience for their customers.

Shop now at TOFS.com.au

- Outdoor Dining Settings
- Tables
- Chairs
- Lounges
- Umbrellas
- Accessories

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Beach Abode Living – Quality Beach Style Homewares

Shop now at Beach Abode Living.com.au

You don’t have to live near the beach to find something you’ll love at Beach Abode Living. They’re all about helping you create the home and lifestyle that makes you feel like you’re on holidays everyday! All their products are inspired by the sea and coastal living and designed to allow everyone to appreciate and enjoy the great Australian lifestyle.

- Outdoor Cushions and Covers - Extra Large Beach Bags
- Quilt Cover Sets
- Beach Towels
- Director’s Chair Covers
- Napery
- Gift Cards & more

PANTONE Colours for 2014

by Nicki Richards on March 10, 2014

The 2014 Beach Abode Living range of soft furnishings predominantly revolve around these 10 striking PANTONE Colours.

There’s plenty of Bold & Bright to create cheeky accent but also careful consideration given to the coastal palette and the softer Hampton’s hues.

Many of the BAL cushion designs this year will feature either 2 main colours with a contrast piping or a single colour with different designs on both sides. This simple idea stretches the versatility of each piece and blends seamlessly with coordinating soft furnishings such as napery and fun bunting flags.

Stay tuned for new designs including Palm Trees, Pineapples, Coral, Sea Horses, Starfish and Flamingos!

Join our mailing list to be notified as soon as these are available in store.

Coastal Style Decorating Guide Part 7: Display and Adornment

by Nicki Richards on February 23, 2014

PART 7 # Display and Adornment

Beach Wedding Decor Photo from Pinterest

Don’t you just love a beach wedding! Its definitely an occasion where you’re allowed to go a little OTT (Over The Top)

Coastal decor is an essential part of coastal style but there can be a fine line between sophisticated and tacky. Decorating your beach house with things you’ve collected, made, or have a real connection to will make it right for you.

Specimens of shells, coral and other past marine specimens are a popular way to bring the beach to your home however they should only be collected with proper regard for the environment. When adorning your home inside and out, experiment with different textures of glass, wood, stone, shell, driftwood, coral, seaweed, string, seagrass and fresh flowers.

Photo from abeachcottage

Key Features:
* Common shells that wash up on your local beaches can be just as inspiring and attractive as rare and antique marine treasures but less is definitely more when putting them on display. Don’t go overboard with decorative nautical paraphernalia, instead exercise restraint to maximise appeal and impact of each piece.

* Arrange a few seashore treasures on a table, tray or bookshelf.
* I love this idea (below) The perfect keep sake of precious holiday memories… small old jars and with a few shells, driftwood, stones and sand collected from beaches you holidayed at.

Photo from DIY Enthusists

Something a bit special… A beautiful glass table lamp with shells inside

Photo from Everything Coastal

* An odd telescope, lantern, nautical search light, barometer, nautical compass, angel, buoy, ship’s wheel or pair of paint stripped oars announce a nautical theme, similarly cotton canvas striped bunting flags, shipping charts and model yachts offer a playful oceanic feel.

Photo from RNG Construction

* Turkish or beach towels and straw hats hanging on hooks near the door are a perfect reminder of the casual nature of this home.

Photo from Meghan Carter

* Soft woven raffia baskets, clumps of turquoise colours bottles and nautical artwork or old surfboard propped up against the wall achieves a look of relaxed spontaneity.

Coastal Style Decorating Guide Part 6: Fabrics

by Nicki Richards on February 17, 2014

PART 6 # Fabrics That Create a Coastal Look and Feel

Photo above: “Calm Mist” Aqua Leaf Table Cloth

Coastal homes are notorious for beaming with nautical stripes and maritime motifs. Soft furnishings that are hard-wearing, high quality and simple in design and mix and match with ease. Start with a design scheme that is based on natural plain textured fabrics – and take your cues from nature.

# Key Features

* Quality rather than quantity is fundamental. The materials you opt for must be hardy, washable, and where possible resistant to intense weather conditions. Outdoor soft furnishings should be water repellent, UV resistant and mildew resistant to endure harsh weather conditions of sunny seaside abodes.

* Go for a mix and match look in similar colours but different patterns or vice versa. In your outdoor space, if you like the modest pastel coastal colour palette choose a simple mix and match collection like the Hampton’s Range or if you’re like me, you could add a splash of colour and fun. Bright stripes, and geometric patterns add a sense of fun and playfulness to your outdoor room, deck, lounge.

Outdoor Cushion Covers – UV Treated, Mildew Resistant, Water Resistant – buy them here

Coastal Cushions – Coastal Style – Hampton’s Range

Bright Beachy Cushions Screen Shot 2016-03-03 at 11.45.31 am

Palm Tree Pineapple Tropical Cushions Screen Shot 2016-03-03 at 11.45.48 am

Beach Outdoor Cushion Covers Online Screen Shot 2015-05-15 at 11.35.07 AM

Floral cushion – Hibiscus design Screen Shot 2015-05-15 at 11.31.14 AM
* Incorporate sky blues, dusky greys or pale turquoises and foamy whites in cotton, cotton canvas, linen or hand-knitted fabrics.

There’s nothing better than high quality 100% cotton bed sheets – don’t settle for polyester, especially in Summer. Cotton is a natural fibre that allows the body to breathe and absorbs moisture keeping you cool. Nothing says coastal style – like ticking stripes…

Photo above: Ticking Stripe Cotton Bed Sheets

Photo above from The White Company

* Mixing vintage fabrics with a couple of accent pieces such as a button style or a patchwork cushions accomplishes a lived-in look and feel.

Photo above from Film in the fridge

* Create a sense of casual relaxation with the inclusion of natural or striped rugs, cushions and throws.

Photo from abeachcottage.com

Director’s chairs can be soooo beachy, but if you want to coordinate your look with everything else, chair covers can be the answer. Look for 100% cotton again, as they will be more comfortable to sit on and absorb moisture from your body, keeping you cool.

Previous Posts on this topic:

Part 1: Architecture & Design
Part 2: Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Part 3: Natural and Artificial Light
Part 4: Using Colour
Part 5: Textures & Materials

Future Posts:

Part 7: Display & Adornment

Coastal Style Decorating Guide Part 5: Textures and Materials

by Nicki Richards on January 30, 2014

PART 5 # Textures and Materials

Photo above from Broste Copenhagan at Achica.com

Texture has an important role in coastal homes in providing harmonious natural warmth and depth as well as compelling visual interest. Just as natural colours and patterns are suggestive of coastal style, so too are textures of materials inspired by the seashore.

# Key Elements

*Go natural. The classic beach house contains a plethora of textures, specimens and colours reminiscent of the nautical environment. Creating contrast by combining rough and smooth textures, adds depth and visual interest to a room. Eg lumpy coral on a smooth wooden cabinet, or driftwood pieces placed with some smooth pearly white shells.

Photo above from Houzz – Faux Spike Coral buy it here

Photo above from naturalmoderninteriors.blogspot.com.au

* Furniture, particularly timber, oiled, painted, whitewashed or lime-washed styles as well as wicker cane or rattan add textural variety. A single coat of paint to reveal the grain or better yet, flaking or sanded back to reveal different coloured undercoats produce an attractive weathered look.Learn how to paint wicker here

Photo above from homelife.com.au

* Floor coverings such as rugs and mats made from jute, sea-grass or other natural looking fibres continue the native feel through the home.

Photo above from Hemphillbrett’s Rugs and Carpets

Photo above from Overstock.com buy seagrass floor rugs here

Soft furnishings that you love the feel and look of will also add that textural variety. Stick to your colour palette and don’t go over board. See my next blog post on coastal fabrics…

Previous Blog Posts for Coastal Style Decorating Guide:

Part 1: Architecture and Design
Part 2: Floors, Walls, Ceilings
Part 3: Natural and Artificial Light
Part 4: Using Colour

Future Blog Posts for Coastal Style Decorating Guide:

Part 6: Fabrics
Part 7: Display and Adornment

Coastal Style Decorating Guide Part 4: Colour

by Nicki Richards on

PART 4 # Use of Colour to Create a Coastal Look

Photo from RSL Prize Draw 309

Part of the charm of living by the sea is the myriad of calming colours that unmistakably define the coastal environment. By using some of these relaxing colours in our homes, we can create a similar sense of tranquility. Bring the beach to your home by choosing colours and textures that reflect the natural elements of beach side environment.

I just love the RSL Prize homes for demonstrating this philosophy as the design sense in beach side properties usually have broad appeal – I buy a ticket everytime – just in case!

#Key Features

* White On White – Classic coastal style is all about casual, relaxed, spacious, breezy interiors that flow seamlessly into the outdoors.
* Resist the urge to put too many items of furniture in the room. Choose only what is absolutely necessary and accessories with soft furnishings and decor.

Photo from RSL Prize Draw 309

* Don’t be afraid of large areas of white on white. Instead, be inspired by the seashore and indulge in some of the many shades of ‘white’ that exist such as:
         – natural whisper whites resembling pure white sea shells
         – sandy whites reminiscent of warmer toned sandy beaches
         – bone whites like the sun bleached shimmer of driftwood
         – or blue and green-toned whites recall the tumbling whitewash foam of waves crashing on the seashore.
* Sparingly splash your favourite coastal accent colour – mine is turquoise but here, RSL Prize Home designers have gone for tones of coastal blue.

*Note the 3 indoor plants add their own splash of green making the indoors somehow feel part of the outdoors too.

Photo from RSL Art Union Prize Draw 313

* Using more shads and textures of white will make your coastal home seem lighter, bigger and brighter.
* Combine shades of white from the same group to add diversity and avoid looking cold and bland. Creamier tones of white will warm up a home in cooler climates while grey, silvery and bluish tones of white are great for creating a fresher, cooler oceanic feel.
* Matching / coordinated soft furnishings gives a ‘designer’ feel

Photo from RSL Prize Draw 311

*Adding some fun textures that you like within the colour palette can add subtle variety within uniformity, such as slightly patterned porcelain dining setting on plain cotton napery, natural coloured fabric lounge with chevron or fishscale patterned scatter cushions, a sleek low coffee table and a pale linen lampshade.