What a beautiful space and so well put-together. To give a lighter, airier feeling I suggest large rugs in both the living and dining areas that have a light and "beachy" feeling, perhaps in blue and white or blue and cream. Different design for each area, but harmonious in colors and design. Don't stint on the size of the rugs, the bigger the better. It would transform your space. The picture of the tiny rug above is what everyone considers a total no-no. Change the black patterned pillows to blue and white. Also, consider changing the painting on the mantel for a lighter picture with perhaps an ocean view and the items on the mantel for lighter, more whimsical pieces. Some beautiful shells as decor would not come amiss, mixed with something else light in color. Blue and white ceramic candlestick might brighten up the mantel. Whitewashing the mantel would help to add to the ambiance. Consider a large Oriental blue and white piece of porcelain for the dining table, with something lemon-colored in it.

Just start by dropping in a few coastal touches. You might find art or an interesting piece of driftwood for the mantel area. Add large area rugs with coastal colors in the living and dining areas. Place a few pillows with those colors in them on the seating. Take your time finding the right lighting. You could pop in a couple of wicker chairs with cushions for additional seating.

Jaipur Living Bernini Handmade Abstract Multicolor Area Rug 8'X11' · More Info

Paint the fireplace a lighter color, then bring in the coastal "feel" with mantel objects, throw pillows, and artwork. Maybe also striped curtains?

What about painted beadboard on the wall on either side of the fireplace? it's not much area once you take your windows out, and that would definitely bring a subtle "coastal" feel:

Hanover West · More Info

Well to me, beachy means light, natural, casual and rustic, so you're right, none of your furniture is beachy at all. You would have to get all new furniture. Its a beautiful room. I agree having a few coastal knick-knacks is not going to work.

Beachy style it is white, blue and sand. You already have sand color sofas, so bring blue and white in rug and accents.

You can certainly create a coastal feeling by using colors that evoke that look without being obvious. I love the navy, aqua and green that atkillery shows. Your beige furniture is perfect as a starting point. The rug that deco showed would be a wonderful jumping off point. Pillows like these read coastal because of the colors but aren't blatently theme-y.

aktillery9 Thanks for the color inspiration! I love the idea of adding in a fresh color (after all, my entire house can't be white, cream, and blue!), and green is an unexpected yet beautiful choice. (And thanks for including a picture-- it's such a great example of how dark, traditional furniture can be paired with the right items/colors to produce a fresh look! I'd definitely like to do something similar in my space!)

suzyq53 Thanks for the feedback. Your comment made me realize that my plea for help might not have been clear-- I definitely don't want a casual beach bungalow look. Ultimately the rooms will be formal spaces, and I'm happy with a more formal, traditional-leaning look... but I do want it to have subtle coastal references, through texture, color, etc. I continue to hope that there's a way to bring "coastal" and "traditional" together in a unique, beautiful way.

ARBA Studios I'm mulling over the idea of adding shiplap or something similar to the wall around the fireplace. You're right-- it's not a huge area, so I don't think that it would be a costly change, and it might be a nice way to pull the room from traditional to coastal. Thanks for the inspiration pic!

ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9 I agree! BIG rugs are definitely the way to go. I think that once rugs are added, the room will feel much more inviting. And I agree, everything that's currently on/above the mantle needs to be changed, and the dining table is screaming for something beautiful in the center.

celerygirl I'm on the hunt for a wicker tray similar to the one in your picture. I think that the texture will be a nice touch, and with the right decor pieces placed on top, I think that it will go a long way to pulling the room together.

Please keep the feedback coming, everyone! And if you have specific ideas for items that would look great in my space, that would be much appreciated!

I'm in the same situation. Brought my mediterranean furniture to the beach. I'm trying for modern casual beachy here, but nothing is working. I need new furniture but all my stuff fits and is too nice to replace now. I've gotten a few coastal accents but its not coming together for me. You're getting lots of great inspiration here. Good luck.

I love aktillery's picture and I agree that that's the way to go with your existing furniture.

You can add Chinese ceramic garden stools in solid white, solid green, or the more traditional blue and white to the rooms -- as side tables or extra seating in the living room, in bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.

Look for batik and block print (also Japanese shibori in navy/white) fabrics for cushion covers, throws, bedspreads, shower curtains, curtains, etc. Add baskets, wicker, rattan.

Some good places to look are Saffron Marigold, Cost Plus World Market, Pier 1, Wisteria, Ballard, Pottery Barn, Zarah Home, especially as they start bringing in the summer items.

Green and white pillow

Safavieh "Color Swirls" lamps

suzyq and Florida Mom -- I think the key might be letting go of the word "coastal", which tends to evoke watery blues and greens and light colors. You might want to consider instead West Indies/British Colonial style with the stronger colors and patterns. I think if you stop thinking in terms of "coastal" that you might have an easier time incorporating your things.

suzyq, since lots of the Mediterranean is on the beach you already have a head start!

One artist comes to mind for both of you -- Australian Kerri Shipp at Etsy, who does lovely watercolors of coral and other sea life, palm trees, and tropical foliage:

Kerri Shipp's Etsy store, Driftwood Interiors

I agree that those lighter blue tones above would help it feel more "beach like". Consider a lighter overall "semi-transparent white gray color for the brick on the fireplace.

For the mantel, do something similar, and bring that same look and feel to the banister going up stairs. If you can not buy new furniture, consider sofa covers to make it more casual.

PS. I also wanted to add that the visual example of the beach like colors with the formal style couch seem like it is "trying way too hard". By covering the formal couch with the inset buttons, with a new, fitted cover, that may be the perfect look at a minimum cost.

Here are some rooms that have a couch similar to yours for inspiration:

Private Beach Residence · More Info

Shore Delish · More Info

Coastal Living in Fairfield county · More Info

East Hampton Cottage · More Info

To lighten up your dark dining room table (without painting it) I would look for a large round tray in light colors similar to this:

Bapu Global Bazaar Indigo Inlaid Round Tray · More Info

And put a low beach inspired or blue glass vase in the center:

Optic Hand Blown Solid Color Art Glass Vase, Gift Boxed,Blue,7.7" · More Info

Glass Sea Urchin Vase · More Info

Ceramic Beach Blue Vase, 5x5" · More Info

Table Cover · More Info

Some coral color with jute rug

Echoing the Saffron Marigold comment here! https://www.saffronmarigold.com/catalog/directory.php?cPath=43_52

cafarley, I should hope so since you write for them : ) .

I'm the one who made the original suggestion of Saffron Marigold, but I do think it's only fair to readers here to disclose any such connections.