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Anyone fortunate enough to own beach front property should consider building themselves a beach house for the enjoyment of their family and friends. Beach house floor plans should follow the slope of the lot towards the beach and provide a panoramic view of the ocean. A clever design will exploit lot orientation, topography, gravity, direct light and spectacular views.

One type of floor plan arrangement for a beach house is based on a tri-level design. The lowest level encompasses the garage and utilities, the top level is designated as the integrated guest house with the remaining main level denoting the master and secondary bedrooms. Living and dining areas are also featured on the main level of this beach house floor plan.

The layering of living levels and slope of the land allows for a stair system from which one can enter externally, with the guest unit being independent, or via the traditional internal type staggered system. The external stair system gives the opportunity to add either a secluded terrace or patio on any level. A private footbridge with adjoining patio into the master suite would also be a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the main living area.

In keeping with the maritime feel of the beach house floor plan, interior walls of the main living area should be kept to a minimum and the oceanside end should be lifted high into the air and surrounded by glass to extend the view as much as possible. Many panoramic views are the key to maximizing the advantage of natural light.

Evenings and nights can be cool or even cold on the beach depending on the season. If your budget allows, a fireplace in an outdoor living area can be the perfect solution. Fire against the backdrop of the ocean is a classical allusion and can add to the beauty of your beach house floor plan.

As the hazy days of Summer start to give way to Autumn, and we all get back to Work and School, wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to remember your holidays, and long, lovely days lazing on the beach … right through Autumn and into Winter…

Let’s face it, we all need something to keep us smiling and thinking of sunshine, on those dark winter days, and darker nights…

Bringing a little seaside style and beach decorating into your home and interior design, could be the perfect solution…

A beach decorating style is the perfect calming and relaxing style - it is simple, clutter free, but with enough personality and sunshine to keep you warm, smiling and comfortable all the way through Autumn and Winter.

In your interior design try to recapture the grandeur of waves crashing on the shore, the sandy beaches, call of gulls, and maybe even the beach huts, deck chairs, parasols and beach toys…

Get your inspiration for colors from the seascape itself…

Neutrals are the basis for this style … not bright white though … instead think of creams, muted beiges, taupes, slate greys and sandy golds.

Add a little blue, of any shade ranging through navy, teal, turquoise and sparkling aqua, to give that subtle hint of sea and sky…

This can be done by painting the walls, or by adding any form of accessory: curtains, throws, rugs, cushions and ornaments.

When choosing furniture, furnishings and accessories for your seaside style room, think natural. Go for something simple, rustic and possibly a bit weathered and distressed. Think of the lovely weathered wood, flotsam and jetsam washed up on the shoreline…

To make your room comfortable for Autumn and Winter, be sure to include warm, soft curtains, plump cushions and preferably a wonderful cosy throw.

As the weather gets colder, you may want to include small touches of deep, rich rusts, oranges and reds (be inspired by watching the sunset over your favorite beach!) as this will keep your room feeling warm and cosy, over the Winter months (remember how bleak beaches can get in the midwinter..?)

Nautical inspirations are the best choice for your accessories too - without going overboard (if you’ll pardon the pun!)…

A small and subtle addition of anything nautical: lighthouses, boats, fish, sea birds, pebbles etc will give your beach decorating room the authentic touch…

But do be careful you don’t go too far … unless you are decorating a child’s room, theming and gimmicky accessories will really let your own interior design statement down.

If, like me, you wish you lived closer to the sea, I hope you will find a small sanctuary of seaside life in your own front room this Autumn, and try out some of these beach decorating tips.