Bring coastal style into your home

Not all of us can fulfil this fantasy but coastal chic can easily be brought into your home wherever it is, with the use of ocean-inspired colour tones, natural materials and informal styling.

We asked three design experts for their tips on creating a perfect coastal interior and went beachcombing to find some top seashore style picks. Here's how to make a splash indoors....

• Choose Natural Materials says Lois Vincent: Azure Seafare Throw £49; Simply White Striped White Bedspread £110; Seafare Rowen Print Double Duvet Set £65; Simply White Grey Seersucker Check, Double Duvet Set £55; Torren Stripe Print Cushion £15; Junipa Velvet Ikat Cushion £25; Casual Collection Holden Check Double Duvet Set £55; Simply White Matelass Cushion £35. All from the Linea range at House of Fraser. Picture: House of Fraser/PA Photo

Choose natural materials says Lois Vincent

"The look and feel of a life beside the sea provides endless inspiration for decor," says Lois Vincent, home designer House of Fraser.

"This season, colour and texture are wonderfully restful - watercolour stripes, tie-dye effects, and those salt-washed ocean hues are so easy to work into any home come the summer months.

"Look out for weathered and raw finishes too - it's all about capturing the beauty in imperfection. Natural materials like wood and rattan will add interest to a space and will be a lovely contrast to sharp blues and crisp whites that are so characteristic of a coastal home." 

• Go For Relaxed Informality says Charlie Luxton: The Sea by Gustave Courbet courtesy of Bridgeman, Wallmural from £32 per square metre, Wallsauce. Picture: Wallsauce/PA Photo

Go for relaxed informality says Charlie Luxton

"Our house revolves around an open plan living, dining and cooking space and references the reality and palette of the Cornish seascape, to create a subtle, calm environment," says architectural designer and TV presenter, Charlie Luxton, who has teamed up with windows and blinds specialists, Hillarys to create a coastal style scheme.

"For me, coastal style is a way of life rather than a trend. It's a look that invokes an ambience of relaxed informality which is perfect for summer homes, whether you live by the coast or not.

"Rather than opting for the traditional maritime or beach hut look, I've gone for a subtle mix of cloudy sky greys, moody blues and white enlivened by a few bold splashes of sunshine yellow. It's inspired by the weather, light and wonderful landscapes.

"I didn't want to shut out any of the natural light so I've used roller blinds and voiles. Linen fabrics, chunky woollen rugs and throws and woven baskets, driftwood lamps and wooden furniture complete the look."

• Temper Brights with Off Whites says Sally Denning: Soft sand colours and natural textures star in a home featured in her book, Relaxed Coastal Style by Sally Denning, published by Ryland Peters & Small, £19.99. Picture: Benjamin Edwards/Ryland Peters & Small/PA Photo

Temper brights with off-whites says Sally Denning

"Many of us dream of living by the sea - but even if you're not lucky enough to have a seashore home, you can take inspiration from the beauty of the coast and bring those ideas inside, wherever and however you live," promises Sally Denning, author of Relaxed Coastal Style (Ryland Peters & Small, £19.99).

"You could copy the colours of fishing boats, beach huts and painted shutters, which all boast strong shades that weather to more manageable hues.

"Tropical brights such as turquoise and aqua are another popular choice but temper them with neutrals or off-whites to keep a scheme easy to live with as well as easy on the eye."