Coastal Living Inspired by Christina Anstead

You don't have to have views of the ocean to infuse your home with coastal style. These light and airy designs by Christina evoke a relaxed atmosphere that anyone can appreciate.

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January 07, 2020

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images

Photo By: Matt Harbicht/Getty Images

Photo By: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images

Photo By: Matt Harbicht/Getty Images

Photo By: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images

Photo By: Matt Harbicht/Getty Images

Photo By: Gilles Mingasson/Getty Images

Photo By: Matt Harbicht/Getty Images

Why We Love Coastal Style

One of the reasons so many are drawn to coastal style is the carefree attitude it represents. They're typically homes that aren't afraid of sandy feet or getting a little wet, and they have an open environment where everyone can be together. Christina uses a beautifully neutral palette in this floor plan to combine all the living spaces together. Durable finishes and fabrics, as well as easy-to-clean floors and upholsteries make the layout work for the whole family.

Can't-Go-Wrong Colors

The classic combo of blue and white is a surefire win in any coastal space. Two-toned cabinets add contrasting style to the kitchen. Light blue tiles in a herringbone pattern create a chic backsplash that adds an almost reverse ombre effect.

Lean Into White

Large, white rectangle tiles flow around the sleek basin bathtub and through the walk-in shower to create an expansive and breezy environment. Tuxedo-crisp black lines define the edges of the tile so they don't disappear into the white walls. To add privacy and lovely diffused light, the bay windows are frosted.

Size Accordingly

Soaring ceilings set the scene for this master bedroom, which blends contemporary and eclectic styles. When working with a large space, make sure your furniture is to scale. This room would dwarf petite furnishings, so oversized pieces, like the custom-designed metal canopy bed balance the room's size. Instead of the typical bench at the end of the bed, a cozy sofa takes its place and is paired with sling chairs, cushy poufs and layered rugs for an intimate seating area. To bring the height of the room down, a dramatic pendant light chandelier hangs in the center of the room.

Step Into the Deep (Colors, That Is)

This coastal home embraces a modern farmhouse style with bright white cabinets and countertops, as well as an alabaster farmhouse sink. Hexagon tiles in brilliant navy blue add depth and dimension to the light and airy space, while brushed brass fixtures and hardware bring in a classic-meets-contemporary touch.

Head Out and In

The seamless flow of indoor/outdoor design is one of the best parts of coastal living. The entire wall of this living room opens up to the patio to double your space and enjoy the breezy weather. Shades of aqua and seagreen infuse the room with hues of the sea.

Opt for the Natural

Pale woods have an organic aesthetic and resemble the look of driftwood. For Christina's home office, she chooses a rustic, natural wood desk and a woven cabinet for added texture. The herringbone pattern of the floor delivers intrigue underfoot, and cushy linen armchairs are the epitome of stress-free living.

See More Photos: Tour Christina Anstead's Cali-Cool Home In Newport Beach With HGTV Magazine

The Just-Found Appeal

Accessorize with a collected-off-the-beach vibe (even if you didn't actually find the pieces in the sand). Glittering quartz rocks, starfish or shells and a low-maintenance plant make for a lovely vignette, especially paired with distressed furnishings and accessories.

But Don't Go Overboard

Use restraint when decorating with your beachy finds so as not to have an outdated vacation rental look. Add in elements that take their cue from nature — stones, wood, woven pieces or plants.

Hello Light

When you envision the coast, sunshine is probably one of the first elements that comes to mind. A home reflecting that look need abundant light, both from exterior and interior sources. Windows pour natural light into this dining room, whereas a layered plan, including recessed, under-cabinet and pendant lights, keep the kitchen illuminated.

Embrace Understated Color

Soft, subtle shades are perfect for coastal style since they create an atmosphere of relaxation. The stacked stone fireplace is painted white to brighten the space, and shades of sand, stone and sea fill the living room with a beachy undertone.

Take in the View

Even if you don't have a vista of crystal blue water, think about the scenes throughout your home. This space had a wall full of cabinets that separated the kitchen from the living room, making both rooms seem smaller. Support columns allow Christina to open up the entire room and add in an oversized island for prepping and dining.

Work With What You Have

Take a look at where you can update your existing architectural elements. This whitewashed fireplace was formerly an outdated red brick that didn't jive with the homeowner's desire for a bright and welcoming space. Shiplap walls, simple furnishings and tons of texture brought in through baskets, throws, poufs and the rug combine for an inviting and stylish living room.

Neutrals are Key

It's not all about seashells and bright hues. For this redo, Christina pairs black-and-white geometric tiles with soft gray cabinets and crisp white countertops. Black flooring laid in a herringbone pattern carries throughout the kitchen and dining room, where a midcentury modern table and sideboard add warmth to the cool gray palette.

Made for Gatherings

Beach homes are designed for hanging out with friends and family. An extra long and wide island provides ample space for eating, prepping for meals or setting out a buffet. The rustic wood juxtaposes against the bright white cabinets, where the backsplash features a small-scale pattern that adds delicate detailing to the room.

Simple Is Often Best

Go for an uncluttered and clean atmosphere. Marbled blue candles in hammered silver-and-glass holders make for an effortless centerpiece down the wooden table.

From the Ground Up

Use natural fibers to usher in necessary texture. Start with the floor and pick a rug in jute, sea grass or sisal. Not only is it an eco-friendly option, but it's durable and completely coastal.

Walls of Interest

Bring texture to your walls with tongue-and-groove planking or shiplap, both favorites of coastal homes. For her daughter's room, Christina used tongue-and-groove on the walls and the ceiling. The mostly white palette is juxtaposed by black detailing, warm woods and a two-tiered woven chandelier. Twinkle lights wrapped around the canopy bed add extra sparkle to this little girl's room.

Put the Coast on Display

Whether you live with the sand in your sights or hours away from the nearest beach, you can infuse your home with a little coastal love. Here, the ocean hits the walls with abstract artwork mimicking the look of waves.

Get a Little Playful

Throw out the classic rulebook with coastal style and have a little fun. Why stick with one tile when you can go with two? This kitchen backsplash is completely unexpected with its combination of elongated white hexagons and classic hexagons in soft brown.

Christina on the Coast

Coastal Living Inspired by Christina Anstead

Related To:

Shop This Look

Why We Love Coastal Style

Can't-Go-Wrong Colors

Lean Into White

Size Accordingly

Step Into the Deep (Colors, That Is)

Head Out and In

Opt for the Natural

The Just-Found Appeal

But Don't Go Overboard

Hello Light

Embrace Understated Color

Take in the View

Work With What You Have

Neutrals are Key

Made for Gatherings

Simple Is Often Best

From the Ground Up

Walls of Interest

Put the Coast on Display

Get a Little Playful

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