During a recent visit to my home town Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa I was totally inspired by the gorgeous coastal style in the home of a family member. The owners are a sociable, welcoming couple whose hospitality is legendary. Their parties are always hugely successful with the emphasis firmly on the outdoors, with barbecues (or braais as we call them in South Africa) featuring strongly. It is relaxed entertainment at its finest. Their home is beautiful and functional situated in one of the most scenic parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal overlooking the Indian Ocean.
With a combined flair for making their guests feel wonderfully welcome and a talent for creating beautiful interiors, their homes have always been special places. This gorgeous home showcases seaside living at its best.
Lifestyle Design
Restful Colours in Living Area
They have created a lifestyle that suits them perfectly in this gorgeous space overlooking the Indian Ocean . The front living areas open up onto a verandah that is sheltered from ocean breezes by beautiful white plantation shutters. If the wind is blowing a little too fiercely, they can be closed and conversely, thrown wide open during the humid days of tropical summer when the airflow is most needed.
The owner has a fabulous eye for detail and a great feel for colour and design. She has decorated bedrooms and play corners for the couple’s three grandchildren bearing in mind that their little people spend a lot of time with them. The design is a wonderful family friendly space. It features open plan interior design with entertainment and living areas defined by creative arrangement of seating and tables.
Coastal Palette
The palette is based around sands, blues and neutrals and the colours create a fresh canvas for the carefully chosen pieces of furniture that tastefully enhance each area. The screeded floors are perfect for a seaside home and the comfort factor is added with seagrass mats and scatter rugs in all the seating areas.
Fabulous Sea Views
Outdoor Features
This beautiful herb garden is situated right outside the kitchen and is sheltered from the ocean breezes. It is ideally placed for the chef to pop straight out and snip some of the fresh herbs that flourish there.
More Inspiration For Seaside Style
Bar Area
Photo Wall
A Fun Feature
Soft Colours in Guest Room
Bedroom
Panama Hats
Dining Area
I love this space. It’s beautifully decorated and shows taste and practicality. Everything about this space says ‘the Ocean’. I particularly like the picture wall and the neutral palette used throughout. It must be amazing to live in a space so beautiful.
Thanks Valerie! Yes it is a very beautiful example of coastal style and it is certainly an inspiration for anyone wanting to get the seaside them perfectly right.
So gorgeous. Makes me seriously homesick! Love the plushy cushions and the personal touch of Derek’s eponymous white Panama hats! Great post on beachside Afro chic!
The Panama Hats are my best too Sasha x
Love the calmness that flows room to room from inside to outside. The coastal plantation style use of shutters, rattan, wicker, baskets & panamas together with neutral colours added with a splash of ocean blues is perfect. My dream home that oozes comfort & entertaining!
I thought this would appeal to you Ingrid x
This place is a dream! Love seeing you post more regularly Anna, your writing is so captivating as are the photos! x
Thanks Julia. I have my mojo back 🙂 x