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WELCOME THE COASTAL LIFE: 5 EVERYDAY PRACTICES

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WELCOME THE COASTAL LIFE: 5 EVERYDAY PRACTICES

If you keep up with my content here or on social platforms, you likely share an appreciation for seaside-inspired living.

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Abraham

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If you keep up with my content here or on social platforms, you likely share an appreciation for seaside-inspired living. I’m lucky to reside near one of the Great Lakes, which allows me to enjoy a waterfront way of life, particularly during the summer. However, even if you’re not located near the coast, there are many simple ways to invite that relaxed, breezy feeling into your daily rhythm. Here are five ideas for weaving the coastal spirit into your everyday.

Infuse Your Home with Nautical Touches

Since moving into our house in 2016, I’ve gradually been adding seaside elements to our interior design. A key approach is through color choice—I typically select a fresh, serene palette featuring shades of blue, white, and, more recently, a soft seafoam green. When acquiring or refreshing furnishings, I’m drawn to materials like rattan, linen, jute, woven textiles, and striped patterns. Those who follow me on Instagram know how much I adore coastal artwork. Social platforms are wonderful for discovering and connecting with artists who focus on maritime themes. Finally, you can introduce a peaceful seaside atmosphere by decorating with collected shells, coral pieces, nautical charts, coffee-table books about the coast, anchor motifs, snapshots from beach vacations, and similar treasures.

Enjoy the Outdoors

If you have access to the ocean, a lake, river, or pond, make time to visit and appreciate it. Spending time near water is known to ease anxiety, reduce stress, and boost both energy and creativity. While I live roughly 25 minutes from Lake Erie, our small coastal community is bordered by a river, so I seize every opportunity to visit either shoreline to soak in the waterside ambiance.

Cultivate a Timeless Coastal Wardrobe

You’ve come to the right place for style inspiration! My personal fashion leans toward classic, coastal looks. I often sum it up as a blend of New England prep and Palm Beach polish. On any day, I might appear ready for the rocky Maine coast in a striped raincoat and green Hunter boots, or suited for a Southern resort town in a vibrant Lilly Pulitzer shift dress. Whether your taste leans toward the Northern nautical look or the Southern seaside aesthetic, you can begin by incorporating more of these staples: striped items in various color combinations (red/white, navy/white, light blue/white, pink/white, green/white), linen trousers and shorts, cable-knit sweaters, and white denim (which I wear all year). I’ve curated a selection of my preferred classic coastal outfits on my ShopMy page.

Support Sustainable and Ocean-Conscious Habits

There are numerous ways to build a lifestyle that’s both coastal in feel and kind to the environment. One meaningful step is to support brands and artists that draw inspiration from the coast while prioritizing sustainability and the protection of our waters. Some of my favorites include Erie and Anchor, Quince, Pact, and Faherty. You can also adopt eco-friendly habits such as using reusable bags, reducing water waste, and cleaning up after pets. Contributing to nonprofits focused on water conservation or joining local beach clean-up efforts are also excellent ways to live in harmony with coastal values.

Draw Inspiration from Books, Art, and Music

One of my preferred methods for bringing coastal living into my routine is through art, music, breezy novels, and visually rich coffee-table books. I feel grateful to have formed friendships with many gifted artists who specialize in painting seaside scenery—much of the art in our home comes from them. A few favorites are Michelle Brunner Art, Lauri Prins, Susan Richards Art, Laurie Duncan Art, and Becky Guenther Art. If visual art isn’t your main interest but you enjoy reading, visit your local library and load up on light “beach read” novels. I’m especially fond of authors like Beatriz Williams, Elin Hilderbrand, and Carley Fortune. I also have a soft spot for coastal-themed coffee-table books—some top picks are Coastal by Gray Malin, Coastal Blues by Sally Hayden, and Relaxed Coastal Style by Sally Denning. To enhance the vibe, you can also listen to music that evokes the shore, such as reggae or ocean sounds. Sometimes we simply play Jimmy Buffett to imagine we’re on a tropical beach!
That covers the heart of it. If you’re drawn to coastal living, these are straightforward ways to bring it into your day-to-day. And if you’re planning to refresh your home or closet, keep in mind that it’s a gradual process—I’ve been assembling a classic coastal wardrobe for 15 years, and we’ve been decorating our home since 2016! I’d love to hear how you incorporate the coastal spirit into your own daily life.

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