Coastal Home Design Ideas

Coastal Vibes in the Quad Cities? 4 Breezy Home Design Ideas

There’s just something so relaxing and inviting about the coastal vibe. Whether you want your home to reflect the classic seaside elements of a North Atlantic beach cottage, or the simple chic aesthetic of a modern coastal farmhouse, or even the elegance-with-ease charm of an oceanside retreat, it is possible to embrace your idea of coastal vibes in the Quad Cities. 

If your goal is to bring a coastal vibe to your custom design Quad Cities home, there are a few things to keep in mind. The classic elements of any seaside setting, even when the locale is, in fact, along the riverfront, should be incorporated into the design. You want to give the effect of a breezy, relaxing, uncomplicated welcome. 

4 Home Ideas for Coastal Vibes in The Quad Cities

When stirring coastal vibes in the Quad Cities, avoid the nautical cliches. Leave the seashells, the ship’s wheel, and the anchors for your seafaring friends and, instead, capture the aesthetics that make the coastal vibes in the Quad Cities come alive in your custom home design. Here are four breezy home design ideas for you.

1. Simple and Chic: The Modern Coastal Farmhouse

Here, the rustic charm of farmhouse design meets clean and classic lines that make up the modern aesthetic. When you introduce the easy, natural textures of classic coastal design, you’ll achieve your goal of coastal vibes in the Quad Cities.

The custom design of your modern coastal farmhouse should begin with the basic elements of this architectural style. A wrap-around porch and gabled roof are the classic components of this design. Incorporate modern elements such as a minimalist facade and oversized windows, especially where the view is breathtaking. 

A clean and simple palette matches the uncomplicated aesthetic of coastal chic. Think crisp whites, as in sun-washed stone, the subtle grays of an overcast sky, muted blues, and textures that mimic driftwood and other natural characteristics found in coastal areas. Light wood floors inside continue the aesthetic. If you entertain frequently or have a large family, consider luxury vinyl plank floors.

2. A Retreat by The River

In the Quad Cities, we celebrate our place along the Mississippi River. That’s why coastal vibes in the Quad Cities work best when you combine traditional coastal with Midwestern chic. In Iowa and throughout the Midwest, we love our porches. A large sprawling porch filled with comfortable seating makes for the best place to share conversation or simply relax with a good book. Large, oversized windows, French doors, or sliding glass doors offer an uninterrupted view of the outdoors, and perhaps the river itself.

Neutral colors like soft white, creamy beige, and warm earth tones complement your retreat by the river. Natural materials like stone, brick, cedar, and durable composite withstand the rough winters and spring storms. Flooring should mimic nature as well. Consider hardwood in deep natural stains.

3. Your Lakeside Cottage

We are fortunate to have many lakes in our area, and for those who are looking for breezy home design ideas that are lakeside, we have more than a few for you. Architecturally, think about how you can get the most use out of your custom-designed home.

Multiple decks and large four-season porches emphasize outdoor living. Beadboard paneling on walls, or beadboard backsplashes, creates the cozy coastal cottage vibe. Simple and classic natural wood trim further conveys this aesthetic.

When it comes to the color palette, you can select from a few. Muted earth tones are always a safe bet for a lakeside cottage, but a bold blue and white exterior is also as classic and elegant as it is simple and, well, coastal. Durability is key when it comes to materials. This includes your interior flooring. Consider tile, stone, or a natural hardwood.

4. Midwestern Nautical for Coastal Vibes in The Quad Cities

Midwestern nautical design doesn’t rely on the cliches mentioned above. This look is timeless and forges the lake living Midwesterners enjoy with a classic and sophisticated take on coastal cottage chic. A porch with brass fixtures, clean lines to the design, like the long-roofed saltbox style found throughout colonial North Atlantic. 

Some other elements of the Midwestern Nautical custom home are the use of stone accents. and painted clapboard (wood or composite) siding, navy accents, brightly painted entry doors, and window trim. Natural materials and clean lines emphasize the coastal vibe, while keeping it refined and not overly “kitschy”. 

We Help Homeowners with Coastal Vibes in The Quad Cities

Does the breezy and understated, relaxing and welcoming coastal vibe suit you and your family? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the professionals at Seiffert Home Design today. We can help you design your dream home with coastal vibes in the Quad Cities. Contact Seiffert Home Design today.