Coastal Cottage House Plans: Bringing the Beach to Your Backyard
If you’ve always dreamed of owning a beach house, you’re not alone. The combination of the sound of waves crashing against the shore, the smell of saltwater, and the warmth of the sun on your skin is a perfect recipe for relaxation. However, owning a beach house can be out of reach for many of us, either due to financial constraints or geographical limitations. That’s where coastal cottage house plans come in – a way to bring the feeling of the beach to your backyard, no matter where you live.
Coastal cottage house plans are all about creating a beachy vibe, with a focus on simplicity, natural light, and a connection to the outdoors. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, a coastal cottage design can bring a sense of tranquility and relaxation to your living space. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of coastal cottage house plans, including design features, floor plans, and exterior finishes.
1. Light-Filled Interiors
One of the defining features of coastal cottage house plans is the emphasis on natural light. Large windows, skylights, and sliding glass doors all work together to bring the outdoors in, creating a bright and airy feel that’s perfect for a beachy vibe. In my opinion, the key to making the most of natural light is to keep interior walls and surfaces light in color, allowing the sunlight to bounce around the space and create a sense of warmth and coziness.
To make the most of natural light in your coastal cottage, consider installing larger windows or adding skylights to areas that receive less direct sunlight. You could also paint interior walls a light, neutral color, such as white or beige, to help reflect natural light around the space.
2. Simple, Beachy Color Schemes
Coastal cottage house plans are all about simplicity and a connection to the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that color schemes tend to be light, bright, and beachy. Shades of blue, green, and sandy beige are all popular choices, as they evoke the feeling of the ocean and the beach. In my opinion, the key to pulling off a coastal color scheme is to keep things simple and uncluttered, allowing the colors to speak for themselves.
When choosing a color scheme for your coastal cottage, consider the natural colors of the beach – think blues, greens, and sandy beiges. You could also add pops of coral or shell pink to bring in some visual interest and create a sense of playfulness.
3. Beachy Textures and Patterns
Texture and pattern play a big role in coastal cottage house plans, with natural materials like wood, wicker, and jute adding warmth and depth to the space. In my opinion, the key to incorporating beachy textures and patterns is to keep things simple and understated, allowing the natural beauty of the materials to shine through.
To add some beachy texture to your coastal cottage, consider incorporating natural materials like wood, wicker, or jute into your design. You could also add patterns like stripes or florals, which evoke the feeling of beachy textiles like blankets and towels.
4. Relaxing Outdoor Spaces
Coastal cottage house plans are all about creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors, with relaxing outdoor spaces that invite relaxation and recreation. In my opinion, the key to creating a great outdoor space is to keep things simple and uncluttered, allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to shine through.
When designing your outdoor space, consider adding features like a patio or deck, a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, and plenty of comfortable seating areas. You could also incorporate natural elements like plants and trees, which can help create a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
5. Functional Floor Plans
Coastal cottage house plans are all about simplicity and functionality, with a focus on creating spaces that are easy to live in and enjoy. In my opinion, the key to creating a great floor plan is to keep things simple and uncluttered, with a clear flow of traffic between different areas of the home.
When designing your floor plan, consider the needs of your family and how you’ll be using the space. Think about incorporating features like an open-plan living area, a large kitchen island, and plenty of storage space to keep clutter at bay.
6. Rustic, Weathered Finishes
Coastal cottage house plans often incorporate rustic, weathered finishes like reclaimed wood and natural stone, which add warmth and character to the space. In my opinion, the key to pulling off a rustic look is to keep things simple and understated, allowing the natural beauty of the materials to shine through.
To add some rustic charm to your coastal cottage, consider incorporating weathered finishes like reclaimed wood or natural stone into your design. You could also add decorative elements like exposed beams or a statement piece of furniture.
7. Shiplap and Board-and-Batten Siding
Shiplap and board-and-batten siding are both popular choices for coastal cottage house plans, adding a touch of rustic charm to the exterior of the home. In my opinion, the key to pulling off a shiplap or board-and-batten look is to keep things simple and understated, allowing the natural beauty of the materials to shine through.
To add some shiplap or board-and-batten charm to your coastal cottage, consider incorporating these materials into your exterior design. You could also add decorative elements like a wooden front door or a statement piece of hardware.
8. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a popular choice for coastal cottage house plans, offering a durable and low-maintenance option that can withstand coastal weather conditions. In my opinion, the key to pulling off a metal roof is to keep things simple and understated, allowing the natural beauty of the materials to shine through.
To add some metal roofing charm to your coastal cottage, consider incorporating this material into your exterior design. You could also add decorative elements like a metal front door or a statement piece of hardware.
9. Lush Landscaping
Lush landscaping is a key element of coastal cottage house plans, with plants and trees that evoke the feeling of the beach and the ocean. In my opinion, the key to creating a beautiful landscape is to keep things simple and understated, allowing the natural beauty of the plants and trees to shine through.
To add some lush landscaping charm to your coastal cottage, consider incorporating plants and trees that are native to your area, as these will be better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. You could also add decorative elements like a garden bench or a statement piece of outdoor art.
10. Attention to Detail
Finally, the key to creating a truly special coastal cottage is attention to detail. In my opinion, the small touches – like decorative hardware, nautical-themed decor, and natural textiles – can make all the difference in creating a beachy vibe that feels authentic and inviting.
To add some coastal charm to your design, consider incorporating small touches like decorative hardware, nautical-themed decor, and natural textiles. You could also add decorative elements like a statement piece of furniture or a work of art, which can help bring the feeling of the beach into your home.