5 Designer-Approved Tips For Decorating Your Rest House

It's one thing to build and decorate a home in the city; it's another to design one by the beach. Given the tropical climate we live in, natural elements have to be considered—you can't have furniture that will easily rust or wear out from the summer heat and salty air. 

To help you out, interior designer Din Fuentes (La Union local and designer of the famous Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel) shares these reminders when decorating a beachside home: 

1. Throw in some greens. 

"Nothing evokes a tropical setting like a splash of foliage indoors," says Din. Group together lush plants like palmera in huge clay pots, and your home will instantly look summery all year long. 

2. Maximize open spaces. 

"If you have big windows, don't block them with heavy drapes," according to Din. Allow light and breeze to pass through these openings for an airy space. Make use of the lanai if you have one. 

3. Accessorize with natural materials. 

"You can never go wrong with natural fiber," Din says. "Accent chairs, baskets, and rugs made of abaca, rattan, jute, or pandan softens the space." You can also use woven split cane, seagrass, and abaca as upholstery material for furniture pieces. 

4. Consider the natural elements. 

While wood is an ideal material for a home by the beach, it's best to go for sturdy kinds that can withstand the elements. Opt for teak; otherwise, have your wooden pieces profesionally treated to ensure that they won't easily wear down.

This snippet originally appeared in the April 2017 issue of Real Living Magazine. Main photo by loversiq.com.