Cool Coastal Dream

As an almost native Floridian I never want summer to end so we decided to make a quick end of season trip to Hammock Beach for one last dip in the ocean. After dinner the first night we thought a night walk on the beach sounded good! We made our way down the sandy winding path that finally spilled out onto the thick cool sand. The beach was illuminated by the light of the almost full moon that shone bright. It cast light in a V- shape across the ocean and all the water that it touched looked like diamonds in the night. There is something about the beach at night that feels like another world. Lines are blurred in soft light and everything is washed in cool blue hues. Movement of the wind is slow and the water beyond the breaks seems to swell into soft crashing waves that turns to white mist falling back into the ocean with a hiss. At night you can stare into the horizon and feel at peace. Let’s take a look at a master bedroom of an Iris model that was inspired by the feeling of a moonlight beach walk somewhere in the Heart of the Villages.

• FlooringCoastal Cool Master Bedroom, Iris model - Interior Design - in the Villages of Florida.
We choose a grey driftwood look for the hardwood floor. The homeowner liked grey and we incorporated that into the space in the flooring to start. We chose to install hardwood because no matter what, there will always be a walk pattern in carpet. Also, the homeowner requested no thresholds. Engineered Hardwood is glued down to the slab and can meet tile without thresholds. This provides you with a smooth transition from tile to wood and no tripping hazards. A skilled installer will know how to install the wood this way. Also, never allow quarter rounds to be added. The installers should pull the baseboards away to lay the flooring and then replace them after the flooring is installed.

• Crown molding
We installed crown molding to finish the wall and bring the eye up in the space. Since this ceiling is lower we installed the 5 and ¼” crown molding. We did not install molding in the tray because although it is pretty when done, we wanted the ceiling to feel high so we left it white and unadorned.

• Wall color
The most popular wall color for a soothing room is without question, Rainwashed 6211. This color is a green based blue with a touch of grey and the finish is satin. It is a true neutral and it is from the fundamentally neutral line. Remember, the paint should perform as the neutral canvas to help all the décor shine.

• White window treatments
We added white window treatments. Simple white side panels hung at 84” high look soft and the white adds a clean bright pop! All the treatments are hung ten inches outside the window so that we still get plenty of light. These treatments are not meant to move but if the homeowner needs to pull them shut they can be moved.

• The furniture
All the furniture was purchase new and it is a grey wood that ties into the floor. It is not necessary in most cases to tie the bedding and flooring together so closely but in this case we had the luxury of buying everything brand new. The bed is wood with an upholstered insert in tan muslin and nail head on the head and footboard.

• Bedding
The homeowner requested that the bed was to be easy to make. We used a lightweight white cotton bedspread as the cover. The bed did not need a bed skirt. We then purchased a duvet cover to fold at the end of the bed as the pop of color and it came with two king pillow covers. Everything is washable and easy to make and breakdown at bedtime.

• Bench
We placed a bench between the windows to hold the extra bedding at night and to use a perch for putting on shoes in the day.

• The art
The art is a combination of coastal and floral. I like the combination because it is soothing and it meets the homeowner’s requirements. They wanted a touch of coastal mixed with other things. Above the bed sandpipers on the shore provide a soothing scene and the stacked floral pictures provide a powerful and balanced look between the windows.

• Rug
We placed a 5×8 rug at an angle for a grounding affect in the room. When you look into the room from the living room the angled rug is eye-catching.

• Lamps
The lamps are amazing! They are a perfect robin’s egg blue and they tie the look together perfectly. They are truly the jewels of the space. Also, they are a great height for reading with a three way switch.

P.S. –Attention, club presidents! We give free decorating seminars. Call and schedule your club today. Also, we are on-line at www.finishingtouchfl.com and you can always e-mail us at ruth@finishingtouchfl.com or Call Ruth your full service decorator at 352-804-2056.

Coastal Cool Master Bedroom, Iris model - Home Décor by Ruth Dyer - in the Villages of Florida.