Straight Out of a Nancy Meyers Movie: How to Achieve the Coastal Grandmother Decor Look

The Coastal Grandmother interior design trend offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and coastal charm, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of cherished family beach vacations (and our favorite Nancy Meyers movies!). This style captures the essence of coastal living while incorporating vintage elements and treasured heirlooms. We'll show you  how to achieve the Coastal Grandmother trend, infusing your home with timeless coastal style.

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Embrace a Soft, Neutral Color Palette

Start by selecting a soft and soothing color palette inspired by the coastal surroundings. Opt for shades of green, soft blues, sandy beige, and creamy whites. These hues create a serene backdrop that mirrors the coastal landscape and evokes a sense of calmness and tranquility.

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Incorporate Natural Materials

To achieve a Coastal Grandmother look, integrate natural materials throughout your home. Utilize rattan, wicker, jute, and seagrass for furniture, rugs, and decorative elements. Incorporate reclaimed wood for shelving, tables, or picture frames, adding warmth and character to your space.

Here are a few never-fail Coastal Grandmother decor tips from our design experts:

• When in doubt, go for a sisal or jute rug. 
• Grasscloth wallpaper in soft shades of blue, green, or cream (preferably paired with thick, chunky base and crown molding in crisp white). 
• Linen slipcovers in white and cream on the sofas and chairs. 

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Mix in Vintage Furniture and Heirlooms

To truly capture the essence of the trend, incorporate vintage furniture and cherished heirlooms into your decor. Look for pieces with a timeless charm, such as a weathered rocking chair, an antique dresser, or a vintage trunk. These items bring character and a sense of history to your home, creating a nostalgic ambiance.

Coastal-inspired Accessories

Enhance the Coastal Grandmother style with carefully curated accessories. Display seashells, driftwood, and vintage beach-themed artwork. Incorporate linen or cotton fabrics for curtains, throw pillows, and upholstery. Layer with cozy knit blankets and striped fabrics. Remember - the goal is keep the aesthetic, but avoid too much of a "theme." 

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Achieving the Coastal Grandmother interior design trend allows you to create a space that is both inviting and nostalgic, combining the serenity of coastal living with cherished family memories. By embracing a soft color palette, incorporating natural materials, integrating vintage furniture and heirlooms, and curating coastal-inspired accessories, you can transform your home into a tranquil haven reminiscent of cherished beach vacations. Embrace the charm and warmth of the Coastal Grandmother trend, and let your home tell the stories of the sea and the love of generations past.

An Interior Designer's Guide to Choosing the Right Size Lighting for Your Home

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of your home decor. However, selecting the right size lighting fixtures can be challenging. Finding a balance between functionality and style is essential to create a harmonious and well-lit space. Here is our guide on how to choose the appropriate sizes for lamps, chandeliers, flush mounts, and wall sconces, ensuring that your lighting is the right scale for your space.

Overhead Lighting/Can Lights:

You might already have these in your home, or you might want to add some in a larger, more open floor plan that needs some brightening up. Our designer tip? Always put them on a dimmer.

Chandeliers:

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Chandeliers serve as a focal point, adding elegance and grandeur to any room. 

Diameter: This is easier than it sounds! To choose the overall size and width of your chandelier, find the height and width of your space in feet. Add those measurements together for the ideal diameter of your chandelier in inches. For example, if your space is 26 by 14 feet (26 + 14 = 40), you’ll want a chandelier that is around 40 inches wide. For a 14x16 foot room, a 30" diameter chandelier is perfect. 

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Height: The ideal length for your chandelier depends on the height of your ceiling and the type of room you're installing it in. Most chandeliers come with chains that you can customize to suit your space. For a dining room with standard eight-foot ceilings, a chandelier should hang about 30 to 34 inches above the table. For a living space or any room where people may walk directly underneath the light, ensure there’s at least 7 feet of clearance between the bottom of the fixture and floor.

Weight: 50 lbs is the maximum weight for a standard ceiling outlet box - make sure the check the weight of your fixture and let your electrician know if it's heavier so they can bring the right equipment. 

Lamps:

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When it comes to table or floor lamps, size matters. The general rule of thumb is to consider the lamp's height in relation to the furniture it accompanies. For example, a lamp on a side table should be approximately 24-30 inches tall, while a floor lamp beside a sofa or reading nook should range between 58-64 inches in height. Ensure that the lampshade's diameter is proportionate to the lamp base.

Flush Mounts and Ceiling Mounts:

Flush mounts are popular for their versatility and space-saving design. To determine the right size for a flush mount, consider the room's dimensions and the fixture's purpose. For general lighting in a small room, a flush mount with a diameter of 12-18 inches works well. In larger spaces, you can opt for fixtures with diameters ranging from 18-24 inches. Ensure the fixture is not too large, overpowering the room, or too small, appearing disproportionate. 

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The most important thing - make sure there is enough clearance for any doors to open underneath it! 

Wall Sconces:

Wall sconces are an excellent addition to create ambient lighting and add visual interest to walls. To choose the right size for wall sconces, consider the height of the ceilings and the available wall space. For standard 8-foot ceilings, sconces with a height of 10-14 inches are ideal. If you have higher ceilings, you can go for taller sconces. Additionally, ensure the sconces are placed at a comfortable eye level to create an inviting atmosphere.

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Choosing the appropriate lighting sizes for your home decor is crucial to create a balanced and visually appealing space. By considering the size and proportions of lamps, chandeliers, flush mounts, and wall sconces, you can achieve the desired aesthetic while ensuring functionality. Remember to take into account the room's dimensions, furniture placement, and ceiling height when selecting lighting fixtures. With a thoughtful approach, your lighting choices will enhance the overall ambiance and elevate your home decor to new heights.