• Incorporate outdoor themes into your coastal design in Galveston, Tex.the coast image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  Home design for coastal living on the sandy shores of the Galveston, Tex., is about balancing the classic historical charm of this town with the modern-day conveniences. The driving theme of this design is simple, fresh and airy, allowing the true beauty of the coastal outdoors to be evident in your home’s design.
  
  

Window Treatments

• Coastal homes naturally highlight the views of the ocean and the beach. Therefore, it is important to keep the window treatment light and airy. Use sheer draperies to allow for some sun blockage while still keeping the main focus on the natural beauty outside. The idea is to keep the home cool and protected from the sun, but also allow people to enjoy the views. Window shutters and blinds can also be used to block out more sun. Look for crisp white blinds or a light beige.
  
  

Wall Colors

• Paint the walls to match the airy and breezy feeling found outdoors. Light colors will work best. It is all about keeping the walls light with subtle whites and light sandy beige tones. Color splashes can be added with accessories. The key of a coastal design is to have everything flow, so there is not one thing that stands out. The attention should naturally go to an outdoor living area, such as a porch or balcony, or to the window to enjoy the view.
  
  

Outdoor Living Design in Galveston

• The outdoor living space design is almost more important than the indoor living design. This is where family and friends will truly enjoy the beauty of the coast. When picking out furniture pieces or deck materials, it is important that they are weather resistant to the harsh coastal elements. Look for PVC materials for the actual deck. PVC is resistant to scratches, mold and food and wine spills and it still has the same look and texture of real wood. For furnishings, look for a teak sectional and play with color in the cushions, throw pillows and outdoor rug. Introduce some creams and play with blue and green hues. Other possible furnishing ideas are a coffee table, as well as an outdoor dining table with chairs to enjoy breakfast or dinner barbeques.
  
  

Texture

• Create texture by incorporating different elements into the house design. Bring in the natural textures found on the beachfront. Mix in wicker furniture with a few metal pieces and unique seaside-inspired furniture pieces. Also mix the new and old by incorporating contemporary art pieces, silk rope chairs and a crusty shell box with classic furniture pieces. Incorporate aqua blue and green tones in accessories like lamps or small side tables. Finally, bring all the colors in the design together with a rug that incorporates all colors in the design scheme.