If you live in Falmouth, MA, you already know how scenic the views are. But now’s your chance to bring the relaxed, coastal lifestyle of New England right into your home. Whether you’re decorating a beach cottage, a year-round residence, or a vacation rental, choosing the right decor style can transform your home into a welcoming retreat that reflects both the natural beauty of the area and your personal tastes. Here are the best home decor styles to bring out the charm and elegance of Cape Cod living.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- 1. Coastal Chic: Embracing the Ocean Breeze
- 2. Traditional Cape Cod: Timeless and Elegant
- 3. Modern Coastal: Minimalism Meets Nature
- 4. Rustic Coastal: Blending Cottage Charm with Natural Elements
- 5. Nautical-Inspired: Subtle Maritime Accents
- 6. Farmhouse Coastal: A Blend of Country Charm and Beachy Vibes
1. Coastal Chic: Embracing the Ocean Breeze
The coastal chic style is perfect for Falmouth homes that embrace the region's stunning shoreline and nautical heritage. This decor style is light, airy, and inspired by the colors and textures of the sea. Think soft hues of blue, sandy beige, crisp white, and natural elements like driftwood, sea glass, and woven textures.
Incorporating large windows that let in plenty of natural light can enhance the coastal feel of your home. Consider lightweight fabrics for curtains and furniture upholstery, such as cotton or linen, which give off a breezy, casual vibe.
Adding nautical accents like rope decor, lantern lighting, or seashell arrangements can give your space a nod to Falmouth’s coastal roots without being overly themed.
Incorporating large windows that let in plenty of natural light can enhance the coastal feel of your home. Consider lightweight fabrics for curtains and furniture upholstery, such as cotton or linen, which give off a breezy, casual vibe.
Adding nautical accents like rope decor, lantern lighting, or seashell arrangements can give your space a nod to Falmouth’s coastal roots without being overly themed.
2. Traditional Cape Cod: Timeless and Elegant
Falmouth is home to many historic properties, and traditional Cape Cod decor honors the rich heritage of the area. This style is characterized by its simplicity, symmetry, and subtle elegance. Cape Cod homes often feature clean lines, neutral color palettes, and a strong emphasis on handcrafted, quality pieces.
Wood is a key material in Cape Cod-style decor. Opt for hardwood floors, exposed beams, and classic wood furniture to create a warm, welcoming environment. Accent the space with natural fabrics like wool or cotton, and keep patterns simple with stripes or checks to stay true to the traditional design.
Incorporating classic elements such as wainscoting or built-in cabinetry adds a sense of craftsmanship, while fireplaces and cozy seating areas create an inviting space for gatherings.
Wood is a key material in Cape Cod-style decor. Opt for hardwood floors, exposed beams, and classic wood furniture to create a warm, welcoming environment. Accent the space with natural fabrics like wool or cotton, and keep patterns simple with stripes or checks to stay true to the traditional design.
Incorporating classic elements such as wainscoting or built-in cabinetry adds a sense of craftsmanship, while fireplaces and cozy seating areas create an inviting space for gatherings.
3. Modern Coastal: Minimalism Meets Nature
For those who appreciate a clean, modern aesthetic but still want to capture the essence of coastal living, the modern coastal style is an ideal choice. This decor style takes inspiration from the ocean but simplifies the look with minimalistic design elements, making it perfect for homeowners who prefer a contemporary touch.
Modern coastal decor focuses on a monochromatic color scheme, often featuring shades of white and gray, with subtle pops of coastal colors like light blue or seafoam green. Furniture tends to be sleek and functional, with smooth lines and neutral tones.
Rather than filling the space with too many accessories, modern coastal decor embraces the "less is more" philosophy. A few carefully selected pieces—such as a large abstract painting of the ocean, a statement light fixture, or a sculptural coffee table—can make a big impact without cluttering the room.
Modern coastal decor focuses on a monochromatic color scheme, often featuring shades of white and gray, with subtle pops of coastal colors like light blue or seafoam green. Furniture tends to be sleek and functional, with smooth lines and neutral tones.
Rather than filling the space with too many accessories, modern coastal decor embraces the "less is more" philosophy. A few carefully selected pieces—such as a large abstract painting of the ocean, a statement light fixture, or a sculptural coffee table—can make a big impact without cluttering the room.
4. Rustic Coastal: Blending Cottage Charm with Natural Elements
If your goal is to create a cozy, lived-in atmosphere that still celebrates the coastal environment, rustic coastal decor might be the perfect fit for your Falmouth home. This style combines the charm of a seaside cottage with the warmth of natural, rugged materials, such as reclaimed wood, stone, and weathered finishes.
Start by incorporating rustic wood furniture, such as distressed dining tables, antique dressers, or driftwood accents. Pair these with soft, cozy textiles like woven throw blankets, chunky knit pillows, and jute rugs to add warmth and texture to the space. Stone fireplaces or brick accents can also enhance the rustic feel, providing a grounding element to balance the lighter coastal touches.
Start by incorporating rustic wood furniture, such as distressed dining tables, antique dressers, or driftwood accents. Pair these with soft, cozy textiles like woven throw blankets, chunky knit pillows, and jute rugs to add warmth and texture to the space. Stone fireplaces or brick accents can also enhance the rustic feel, providing a grounding element to balance the lighter coastal touches.
5. Nautical-Inspired: Subtle Maritime Accents
Nautical-inspired decor is a favorite for homes in Falmouth due to the town's strong connection to the sea. However, it's important to keep the look sophisticated rather than over-the-top or kitschy.
The key to creating a tasteful nautical home is to incorporate subtle maritime elements that reference the ocean without overwhelming the space.
Start with a color palette of navy blue, white, and red—classic nautical hues. Striped patterns on rugs, pillows, or window treatments evoke the feeling of sailing without feeling too literal. For decorative accents, consider adding vintage ship wheels, maps, or framed nautical charts.
The key to creating a tasteful nautical home is to incorporate subtle maritime elements that reference the ocean without overwhelming the space.
Start with a color palette of navy blue, white, and red—classic nautical hues. Striped patterns on rugs, pillows, or window treatments evoke the feeling of sailing without feeling too literal. For decorative accents, consider adding vintage ship wheels, maps, or framed nautical charts.
6. Farmhouse Coastal: A Blend of Country Charm and Beachy Vibes
The farmhouse coastal style is ideal for homeowners who want a relaxed, casual decor that combines the best of country and coastal design. This hybrid style is characterized by light, neutral colors, wooden accents, and functional decor that blends seamlessly with beach-inspired elements.
In a farmhouse coastal home, shiplap walls, barn doors, and vintage furniture pieces are balanced with light, beachy touches like seashell decor, woven baskets, or glass vases filled with coastal finds. Farmhouse tables paired with wicker or upholstered chairs provide a perfect gathering space for family and friends.
In a farmhouse coastal home, shiplap walls, barn doors, and vintage furniture pieces are balanced with light, beachy touches like seashell decor, woven baskets, or glass vases filled with coastal finds. Farmhouse tables paired with wicker or upholstered chairs provide a perfect gathering space for family and friends.
Partner with Kerrie Marzot
Looking to buy or sell a home in Falmouth, MA? Reach out to Kerrie Marzot for expert guidance in navigating the local real estate market. With her experience and knowledge of home styles in Falmouth, Kerrie can help you find or create the perfect home to suit your lifestyle. Contact Kerrie Marzot today to start your real estate journey in this beautiful Cape Cod town!
*Header image courtesy of Kerrie Marzot
*Header image courtesy of Kerrie Marzot
