Saturday
Jun122010
coastal overkill?
June 12, 2010 at 12:38 AM It's that time of year. Every mag is full of dreamy coastal retreats. You can't flip a glossy page without a visual assault by all manner of seaside design conceits. Starfish? Check. Resin coral or *gasp* the real thing? Check. Navy and white stripes? Check and check. Wicker? Check. Nickel hurricanes? Check. Blue Hydrangeas? Check. Of course, I'm a stylist and continue to use many of these tricks. But when is enough enough? When does a room go from gorgeous coastal to cloying coastal? When is it too much of a good thing? Here are 2 examples.
A Cape Cod home by Meredith Hutchinson from Veranda June 2010
A dunes home on Long Island by Steven Gambrel.
Reader Comments (3)
Although I'm a fan of white slipcovers, beadboard, sisal/seagrass and natural textures, the first room is a bit too much. They could have done away with the starfish and lobster cushions, lost the niche completely and just hung a gallery of mirrors. The Gambrel home could be located anywhere (looks more Park Avenue) - doesn't scream coastal at all. Much better.
I have to agree with Vanessa, the first room is overtly 'coastal.' This reminds me of rooms that are decorated in a safari theme, complete with zebra print, mosquito nets, and animal art...too literal!! A theme can be implied in a much more subtle way. The second room does just that!
I apologize in advance to whoever created the first room, but it looks very dated. The sunflowers...AHH! too much. Second room is more my speed for sure...