I’ve noticed that the mention of coastal colors can’t help but draw a smile in response when I mention them to clients and friends. Are they reacting to the thought of the colors themselves or memories associated with them? I think describing the entire palette, and the positive association of each color, puts all of these feel-good “coastal colors” in a single phrase, most likely evoking a positive reaction.
Whether you spend time at the beach or on the actual coast itself or not, the reality is that “costal colors” represent a style that has become well-known and well-liked.
So why is it that we smile when we hear about them?
In the photo above, you’ll see a range of colors — from aqua blue and sky blue to sand, coral and obviously much more in between. Let’s discuss how these play into the coastal color palette.
Blue is one of the more popular colors and the shade of coastal blue is particularly well-loved. Coastal blue can evoke a soft blue sky or a cool body of water. It’s a color that soothes, bringing an airy and open feel to mind — an admirable feeling that might just bring a smile along with it.
In the context of a coastal palette, a sandy beige brings more warmth than your average neutral color. With a soft, earthy feel, it brings along with it a classic cleanness that is hard to come by. Due to its neutral nature, it can either bridge the gap between other color palettes or be used along with any of the coastal colors. Sandy beige is both warm and easy-going.
Pinks and corals are light and friendly, bringing a tender side that makes them easy to like. Their light feel touches the softer side of the coastal palette. In addition, its appeal is increased due to the fact that most people can wear them beautifully, regardless of age or style.
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So why do these colors appeal to us so much? There are a few reasons why.
Part of it does have to do with memories near the beach, breathing in the salty air surrounded by summer blue skies, aqua waters and warm sand. In a busy world that can seem to only get busier as we get older, these colors remind us of simpler times and enjoyable experiences. The colors remind us of a time outside of our everyday routine.
For those of us who don’t really fancy the beach, the colors still speak for themselves. The coastal palette flows from one color to the next, all soothing colors to experience, which is quite the opposite of our hectic lives. Their ease to be around can represent the lives we wish we had: calm, soothing and quiet.
Colors have a fantastic ability to transport us to other places — places that feel just right for us. Coastal colors are perfect examples of that, whether we are wearing them or decorating with them. Which colors in your life transport you to a place that feels right?
My suggestion is to think about that question and surround yourself with colors you love and colors that bring you joy. Which steps do you have to take to bring the colors that you love into your life? Which colors make you smile?
If you’re having a hard time wading through the waters of coastal colors as it relates to your space, see if you find a color expert to help you through the process.
