Guest Post: Becky from Houzz

Hello everyone! My name is Becky and I'm a contributor at Houzz, a home design site focused on helping design professionals and homeowners manage the remodeling and decorating process. Thanks so much to Jessica for having me!

With summer almost upon us, I'm dreaming of some time on a coast. Any coast will do! While I love a casual and kitschy beach shack, I'm loving the light and spare, yet soft aesthetic designers are embracing in coastal design lately. These spaces are mostly washed in white or off-white, embrace a palette of rich textures and have carefully edited references to the beach. In other words, while these spaces have a few beachy touches, they do not suffer from a condition I've dubbed "Shell Overload." Here's a glimpse at several serene coastal rooms.

eclectic living room design by other metros interior designer kmh design, inc.

In this creamy, ivory living room, textures from the palm leaves, glass demijohns and wood ceiling beams bring in a restful, coastal vibe. The furniture is soft and slipcovered, yet crisp.

contemporary kitchen design by Random House

In his book Coastal Modern, Los Angeles interior designer Tim Clarke contrasts dark wood counters, white cabinets and walls, warm and light limestone floors and touches of stainless steel in this seaside kitchen. Coral fans and one shell bowl are the only overtly coastal references.

eclectic bedroom design by atlanta interior designer Liz Williams Interiors

Finally, this inviting white bedroom incorporates lots of soft textiles with calm hints of gray-blue and a charming coastal landscape painting. It's clear you're sleeping in a beach cottage without putting you on beach overload. Find more coastal design ideas from Los Angeles interior designers and more design professionals at Houzz.