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Designers lean in to the steely greys, darkish blues and deep greens of coastal vistas
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Coastal fashion is second nature to Paige Grey, lead designer and companion at B.C.-based Parker & Harlow Inside Design. The crew has been making waves designing distant properties on the islands of the Pacific Northwest archipelagos. Grey runs the agency’s Vancouver Island studio out of its Campbell River–based mostly workplace. Her companion (and mother), Deb Vanderkemp, handles the principle studio from her Powell River location.
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Given Grey’s experience in creating island trip properties, we requested for her tackle up to date coastal fashion.
“Coastal fashion is in the beginning outlined by the way in which we dwell right here within the Pacific Northwest,” says Grey. “Houses breathe in another way right here. Muddy paws from a hike together with your [canine] companion, energy outages from our intense winter storms, travelling to and from remoted island properties with restricted assets — these particulars drive materials choices, technological integrations, and storage options that have to work extra successfully than a typical metropolis dwelling.”
For Grey, coastal fashion is constructed on a basis of contrasts, akin to “easy, serene stone paired with a country, wool cloth. Or a weighty, wooden desk balanced by an ethereal, ethereal chandelier.”
It’s contrasts like these that drive Parker & Harlow’s design course of and floor the agency’s perspective in a Pacific Northwest coastal esthetic, says Grey.
Working example: the current renovation of a waterfront dwelling on Cortes Island, within the Discovery Islands archipelago, the place Grey and her crew targeted their energies on the house’s eating room the place their purchasers usually host gatherings of family and friends.
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The eating room “boasts grand columns and beams and expansive glass overlooking the bay,” says Grey. “This isn’t a room designed to impress its visitors by protecting their eyes inward however fairly a minimal area to frivolously maintain its occupants whereas they join over what lies past it.”
And what lies past is spectacular – the steely greys, darkish blues, and deep greens of the coastal vistas in and across the Discovery Islands.

Winter storms double as artwork, says Grey, because the cosy eating room chairs and stable, black oak desk sit low within the sightline, giving loads of area for the home windows to border the view past. “On this area, it’s simply you and the waves; nothing extra is critical,” she provides.
To realize this take a look at dwelling, it’s greatest to get organized first after which head outdoor for concepts, Grey explains. “Start by paring again,” provides Grey. “Attaining a very Pacific Northwest fashion is about permitting your areas to breathe and your physique to relaxation.”
A beachy look will at all times seize coastal fashion, however search inspiration past the tideline, Grey recommends. “Go for a stroll by means of a rugged path on a wet day, discover the wealthy colors and wild array of textures: Clean rain over weighty granite resembles the end of refined stone counters. Deep, earthy moss provides inspiration for tonal textures and weaves in textiles. It’s all proper there underneath your toes.”
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Six methods to get the breezy, coastal calm look
Trying so as to add a splash of coastal calm to your house design? Listed below are six trendy methods to seize this timeless esthetic and the tranquillity of coastal dwelling.
True colors

From sunny summer time days to winter storm watching, Benjamin Moore’s vary of paint colors bridge the seasons. There’s the sunshine, brilliant blues of Ocean Air and Ocean Spray. Deep yellow Honeywheat provides the heat of summer time sunshine. And comfortable White Down mixed with the moody blue of San Francisco Bay says whitecaps and thundershowers.
benjaminmoore.ca
Say it with seagrass

Pottery Barn’s Amaya Handwoven Twisted Seagrass Tray isn’t only for serving lemonade al fresco fashion. It makes a classy centrepiece when adorned with seashells and different treasures. Or use it as a base to rearrange candles and books for a tabletop vignette.
$183 to $194 | potterybarn.ca
Gentle it up

Shine brilliant with Sand & Secure’s Tabletop Candle Lantern. Its clear glass cylinder and pure jute rope add an off-the-cuff coastal vibe to any area. Add your favorite flame or flameless (security first!) candle and get your glow on.
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$63.99 | wayfair.ca
Drift away

Acquaint your self with the trendy and sensible Haskel Driftwood Grey Espresso Desk by Article. This stable teak and powder-coated steel piece wins prime marks for indoor-outdoor usability. Its intelligent design ensures water drains away when used outdoors. Or maximize its year-round potential as an on a regular basis espresso desk inside.
$849 | article.com
Day trip

Add a striped cotton throw and seize the essence of the coastal calm vibe. Ikea’s Åkernejlika Throw has impartial stripes and hand-knotted fringes, and every is handwoven by the artisans at social enterprise Rangsutra in India. Good for staying cosy on the sofa and conveniently doubles as a seashore blanket. Your pals will thanks for the comfortable touchdown.
$39.99 / ikea.ca
Seashell fashion

Seashells are Mom Nature’s bling, so look to Bjewelled’s Decoupage Clam Shell Trinket Dish for some sparkle. Every shell dish is adorned with a real pearl and gold leaf edges. It’s an ideal merchandise to assist keep organized and hold cherished gadgets available. Or just let it play a starring position as beachy, stunning dwelling decor.
$34.97 to $49.24 / etsy.ca
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