Want to freshen up your home now the warmer weather is here? Look to the beach for tips on how to keep interiors simple, clean and light

Coastal-inspired decor is more than just deckchair stripes. Whether you’re embracing the Hamptons or a British seaside town, follow these expert tips on how to add a touch of beach chic into your home this summer.

1. “With the colour palette take inspiration from the coast, inspired by water – think soft blues, greys and green – just like the reflections from water in a pool,” Kristina Lindhe, founder and designer at the Lexington Company, recommends. “These can be teamed with deeper classical blues inspired from the color of the Atlantic. Pick these out around the room and have fun mixing them together.’’

The Resident: Brintons Stripes Carpet, Lexington LifestyleBrintons Stripes Carpet, Lexington Lifestyle

2. “Think of your walls as a blank canvas and keep them plain,” Bryony Disbury, founder and designer of Lilly Loray, advises. “With furniture you can move away from simple whites – a coloured piece allows you to bring another dimension to your coastal look. Choose painted pieces in a dark navy and keep the shapes simple with soft corners. Layer ornaments on top of pieces, this could be coastal themed or reclaimed, you can even pick up shells and wood washed up on the shore to give an authentic seaside feel. I always go for muted cushions with splashes of colour – you don’t always need to stick to blues try yellows to bring a sense of the sunshine into the home.”

The Resident: Lilly Loray Meadow CollectionLilly Loray Meadow Collection

3. “Far from the ubiquitous stripe so often associated with contemporary coastal interiors, we are noticing a resurgence in vintage style fabrics for spring summer 2015,” says Jamie Borman from Sofa Workshop. “Quintessentially British, whimsical coastal scenes, such as the Sanderson fabric on our Miss Behaving chair are a popular choice, perhaps due to the current 70s revival trend. Combine with furniture in retro styles and shapes for an up-to-date coastal look.”

The Resident: Sofa Workshop Miss Behaving chair in Sanderson Sail AwaySofa Workshop Miss Behaving chair in Sanderson Sail Away

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