Coastal style is on the horizon. Gabrielle Fagan goes beachcombing for seaside style solutions and seashore treasures to deck out your rooms

WHO says summer can’t last forever? You’ll guarantee blue skies whatever the weather if you get on board with coastal chic, which summons up pleasing thoughts of holidays, sandy beaches and relaxed living, no matter what the time of year.

The Northern Echo:
Life's A Beach cushion, £10, Tesco

While the look never sails out of fashion, it does need refreshing, or it could end up looking as limp as last year’s seaweed.

This year, it can still be interpreted as a jaunty nautical navy and white pastiche, but if that’s too predictable and you fear it won’t look appropriate in the colder winter months, there are more subtle takes. You can adapt the style using predominantly washed-out blues for a kick-off-your-shoes beach hut vibe, or opt for sandy neutrals, characteristic of luxury beach houses in foreign climes.

The Northern Echo:
Driftwood wheel, large, £95, OKA

“Coastal schemes should be relaxed and informal, giving the impression of salty air and sandy feet, even if you live in the city,” says David Collinge, managing director at Ian Mankin, specialists in natural and organic fabrics and wallcoverings.

“Simple, unassuming and elegant utilitarian fabrics, like linens and ticking, are essential coastal style components which work equally well in country, urban or coastal homes. Crisp, clean stripes are synonymous with seaside interiors and can be mixed and matched for a breezy summer look.”

Steer a stylish course with help from the experts and a selection of chic coastal buys.

Nautical and nice THIS is the easiest way to get shipshape at home, as the classic combination of dark blue and white always creates a fresh, crisp, naval effect.

“This season’s take on the coastal trend has a very relaxed vibe. The collection takes inspiration from white wash New England interiors, mixed with a taste of the British seaside,” says Steven Rowe, head of design at Tesco.

The Northern Echo:
Sea Bass porcelain dinner plate £19.95, Liberty

“Choose a colour palette of maritime blues, against a neutral backdrop of muted greys or pure white walls, to bring a welcome breath of sea air to any room. A combination of navy blue and cream chunky knit cushions, along with statement denim or tie dye cushions, will create your very own cool, contemporary haven.

“Small sitting rooms can seem cluttered with lots of accessories, so less is more where space is limited.”

Seaside style: Go fishing at Marks & Spencer’s for key pieces. A statement piece of furniture upholstered in deep blue denim will anchor a scheme, and its Wilmslow sofa, from £1,299, is suitably deep and comfy. Pair it with a Loen Armchair, £599-£999, in an indigo blue and white patterned Crystal Cove fabric. Ian Mankin’s fabric range includes Brighton checks as well as classic stripes, from £29.50 a metre.

Shore things: A stunning Sea Bass Porcelain Dinner Plate, £19.95, Liberty. Tesco’s striking cushions, Life’s A Beach, £10, and another featuring creatures of the deep, Whale Cushion, £8.

Beach hut blues JUST because coastal homes are unpretentious havens, it doesn’t mean they can’t look chic and contemporary, and this year’s fashionable interpretation features warm, soft blue sky shades.

“Seaside and nautical-inspired homewares are always a favourite choice, especially at this time of year, evoking memories of beach walks and holidays,”

The Northern Echo:
Beach panel screen, £10, Arthouse

says Kate Thompson, head of home buying at House of Fraser.

“We’ve refreshed the trend this year with our New England inspired Beach Harbour range, which evokes the sunny blues of idyllic summer days.”

Seaside style: Walls painted in pale blue are known to have a calming effect, and you can key into the uncluttered, pared-back appeal of this look with window blinds, rather than curtains. A slim blue stripe runs through Harrogate Blue blinds from £69, part of Hillarys’ roller blind collection.

Shore things: outdoor life ring hanging sign, £12, Tesco; “To The Beach” sign, £7.50, The Contemporary Home (available late May).

Just beachy BLEND sandy neutrals with nostalgic souvenirs and coastal treasures to give your home a serene seaside feel. “Coastal chic is a sure thing, a cyclical trend that returns in fashion and the home, year after year,” says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design at blind specialists, Hillarys.

“While the classic and uplifting combination of navy and white screams nautical and is the basis of riviera chic, you can opt for more mellow tones – echoing endless sandy beaches and bleached, driftwood and seashells – with shades of buttermilk, ivory and palest yellow.”

Seaside style: Marks & Spencer’s Manhattan Small Sofa, £1,499, fits the bill with generous cushions available in Hampton grey and ivory. Its white Autograph Medium Lantern, £25, would make a lovely touch.

The Northern Echo:
Glass hurricane with rope, £16, Tesco

Dress the room with suitable accessories , such as a Glass Hurricane With Rope Tea Light Holder, £16, and sandcoloured Crab Cushion, £12, Tesco. Yachting types would love a cream Lisel rope pattern cushion, £9, Ikea.

Shore things: Driftwood wheel, £95, Oka; and a Coral Effect Sculpture, £18, Next.