Classic Coastal Style: How to Make a Calm Blue-and-White Getaway

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Sarah Mitchell knew just how to strike the right balance when her clients asked her to design a main bedroom that showed off their views of Lake Worth without falling into coastal clichés. The finished room, which was photographed just for Light+Breezy, is a great example of high-end coastal design that any homeowner can use.

Mitchell says, “Restraint is the key to making a sophisticated waterfront bedroom.” “We wanted to honor the location without filling the room with seashells and anchors.” She chose a more refined approach that starts with architecture instead. The coffered ceiling adds a traditional air of weight while the bright white finish keeps the room feeling light and airy. This part of the architecture sets the mood for the whole room, showing that coastal style can be both casual and classy.

The room looks great because of the way the colors were chosen. Mitchell carefully placed blue and white pieces all over the room so that they didn’t look too busy with bright blues. “Think of blue as the grace note in a symphony of white,” she says. “It should enhance the space without dominating it.” The three botanical prints above the bed bring this idea to life. They are both an artistic focal point and a color guide for the rest of the room.

Mitchell stresses how important it is for homeowners who want to achieve this calm look to layer patterns within a consistent color palette. This idea is beautifully shown in this room by the striped pillows, floral drapes, and geometric rug. She says, “The key is to change the scale of your patterns. When patterns are different sizes, they complement rather than compete with each other.”

The placement of the furniture makes clear areas while still allowing for easy movement. A large, upholstered bench at the foot of the bed connects the sleeping area to the seating area. Two reading chairs by the windows invite you to relax with a book or your morning coffee. While Mitchell says, “Every piece should have a purpose, Functionality doesn’t have to sacrifice beauty.”

A clever design choice in the room is the use of mirrors. On either side of the bed are arched mirrors that match. Their shapes echo the room’s architecture and make the views of the water and natural light stronger. Mitchell says, “When placed correctly, mirrors are like windows. They expand the space while creating symmetry, which is essential for a feeling of calm.”

Pay close attention to the window treatment plan. Floor-length drapes with a blue and white floral print frame the views of the water and soften the room’s straight lines. A matching valance keeps the pattern play going without blocking natural light, which is very important. “Window treatments in a waterfront room should enhance the view, not compete with it,” Mitchell says.

Mitchell says that the room’s variety of textures will help people who are worried about keeping their eyes interested in a mostly blue and white space. Smooth furniture and rough rug fibers look great with ceramic table lamps that have a subtle pattern. “Texture is what keeps a monochromatic room from feeling flat,” she adds. “Layer different materials, but keep them within your chosen palette.”

There is a lot of restraint in the accessories. The blue and white ginger jars match the room’s color scheme and add a classic touch of style. A small flower arrangement brings life to the nightstand without taking over. Mitchell says, “Edit your accessories until each one feels like it’s necessary. In coastal design, negative space is as important as the objects themselves.”

The room shows us how important a strong base is, which may be the most important thing it teaches us. The mostly white walls, bedding, and furniture make a blank canvas that lets the blue accents really stand out. Mitchell says, “Start with a clean base. Then add color thoughtfully, always keeping the end goal of serenity in mind.”

Mitchell gives homeowners who are inspired by this space useful tips: “Begin by painting your walls, floors, and main pieces of furniture in neutral tones.” Then add color to things that are easier to change, like accessories, textiles, and art. This method lets your room change over time while keeping its main features.

The end result is a room that feels both old and new, classy and friendly. It shows that coastal style doesn’t have to be limited to traditional beach house decor. It can still have a strong connection to its waterfront setting. You can get the same feeling of calm elegance in any bedroom by paying close attention to the architecture, color, pattern, and texture.

The ideas shown in this bedroom in Lake Worth can help you achieve a sophisticated coastal style, whether you’re doing a full renovation or just giving your space a new look. Careful restraint, good materials, and a dedication to making a truly peaceful retreat are the keys. Mitchell tells us, “A well-designed bedroom should feel like your favorite high-end hotel suite—but better, because it’s home.”

15 Key Design Elements:

1. Architectural Details: The coffered ceiling adds architectural interest and traditional elegance without overwhelming the space. It’s painted crisp white to maintain the airy feel.
2. Coordinated Color Story: The blue and white palette is thoughtfully repeated through artwork, textiles, and accessories, creating cohesion without feeling matchy-matchy.
3. Layered Textiles: Multiple patterns in similar colorways (striped pillows, floral drapery, geometric rug) add visual interest while maintaining harmony.
4. Strategic Mirror Placement: Arched mirrors flank the bed, reflecting light and amplifying the water views while adding architectural interest.
5. Botanical Art Triptych: The series of blue botanical prints creates an elegant focal point above the bed while reinforcing the color scheme.
6. Balance of Traditional and Contemporary: Classic elements (rolled-arm bench, ceramic lamps) mix with clean-lined furniture for an updated traditional look.
7. View-Framing Window Treatment: The floral drapes frame the water view while adding softness, with a complementary valance that doesn’t block light.
8. Symmetrical Design: Matching nightstands, lamps, and mirrors create a sense of order and calm.
9. Textural Elements: The mix of materials (ceramic lamps, upholstered furniture, woven rug) adds depth without disrupting the clean palette.
10. Strategic Furniture Placement: The end-of-bed bench and reading chairs create distinct zones while maintaining flow.
11. Quality of Light: The room maximizes natural light while providing options for artificial lighting through table lamps.
12. Scale and Proportion: The furniture pieces are properly sized for the room, with the bed as the anchor and supporting pieces in balanced proportions.
13. Subtle Pattern Play: The rug’s organic pattern complements rather than competes with the more structured patterns in the textiles.
14. Thoughtful Accessories: Simple, curated accessories (blue and white ginger jars, small floral arrangement) add personality without cluttering the space.
15. Monochromatic Base: The white bedding, upholstery, and walls create a clean foundation that allows the blue accents to shine.

Lamp | Mirror | Nightstand
Prints | Pillow
Chair | Rug | Bench