Check It Out: Looking for a beach-house guide?

Beach houses hold an undeniable appeal. Coastal residences of all sizes, from cozy cottages to expansive ocean retreats, capture our imagination. Waterfront dwellings invite us to relax and unwind in a tranquil world surrounded by the rhythms of nature.

Any home can be updated with a beach-house vibe, even residences that are miles away from the shore. Step into the pages of these books for the latest trends in coastal decorating and get inspired to create your own seaside haven:

“Brian Vanden Brink’s At Home by the Sea: Houses Designed for Living at the Water’s Edge” by Brian Vanden Brink and Bruce Snider: The authors present a breathtaking array of beachside homes that evoke the spirit and splendor of the sea. Professional color photographs portray well-designed interiors and outdoor spaces that complement a natural setting. In addition, several of the homes featured include floor and site plans.

“Beach House Style: Designing Spaces that Bring the Beach to You” by the editors of Coastal Living Magazine: Interior design novices will appreciate the nautical-theme decorating tips and techniques in this comprehensive volume. Six regional styles of coastal design are represented in waterfront homes from New England to the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Learn how to infuse a beach-house feel in your home with seaworthy furniture, textiles, accessories and colors.

“Coastal Modern: Sophisticated Homes Inspired by the Ocean” by Tim Clarke: Celebrity interior designer Clarke presents five unique styles of coastal modern décor that will transform any living space into a beach-inspired home. Even non-coastal residences can attain a seaside ambience with decorating techniques that connect the indoors with the outdoors to create the idea of an imaginary coastline.

“Mary Emmerling’s Beach Cottages: At Home by the Sea” by Mary Emmerling: Seventeen beachside homes that embody the serenity of living by the sea are profiled in this concise guide. Interior design expert Emmerling takes a laid-back, casual approach in decorating coastal retreats. Her innovative style is one of simplicity, with pared-down furnishings and color palettes that reflect the soft hues of the surf and sand.

“Coastal Style: Home Decorating Ideas Inspired by Seaside Living” by Sally Hayden: If you want to decorate your home in a coastal style that’s both informal and chic, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this coffee table-style book. Hundreds of photographs depict waterfront dwellings that integrate interior spaces with the surrounding environment. Minimalist furnishings, natural materials and unified color schemes enhance ocean views for maximum enjoyment.

“Living on the Coast” by Barclay Butera: Renowned interior designer Butera redefines luxury as he shows readers how to create seaside living spaces that are both elegant and comfortable. His signature pattern-on-pattern style and flair for mixing vivid hues with sun-washed colors exude warmth and charm. This superbly photographed book includes five different ocean-inspired décors: cottage beach, classic beach, serene beach, modern beach and elegant beach.

“Waterside Cottages” by Barbara Jacksier: Still trying to decide which style of coastal décor you prefer? This book covers a wide range of nautical themes and interiors to suit a variety of tastes. Get expert advice on how to decorate any waterside home by selecting the right colors, floor coverings, window treatments, furnishings and accessories.

Sail into the Newport Beach Public Library today to check out these and other books on coastal decorating.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.