Dorset residents will know there’s something special about being close to water, wide expanses of sea and sky, and living with open doors and broad horizons.

Coastal homes are the fantasy of many, and the privilege of few. But so captivating is their style that it returns every year, sending a wave of seaside-inspired looks through interiors both near and far from the coast.

“Cool, calming colours, natural materials, whitewashed floors and soft flowing linens are all indispensable elements of such homes, but so too is a robust practicality,” says Sally Hayden, author of At The Waters Edge, which features 12 glorious waterside homes.

“These are spaces that allow us to be completely relaxed and carefree. They have an informal ‘kick off your shoes’ simplicity that invites relaxation.”

While the trend endures, like ocean ripples, the breadth of interpretation is ever-expanding.

It ranges from the jaunty pastiche – with blue and white stripes, seaside signs and nautical paraphernalia – to a sophisticated, understated approach, which relies on natural materials, sun-bleached colour palettes and beachcomber finds.

“Open-plan living is well suited to waterside or holiday homes, which are often places for an escape from everyday life,” says Sally.

“It promotes an easy flow, as well as optimising the available light and space. Practical, hard-working kitchens extend into airy, unfussy living spaces, which ideally have large windows offering the best vantage point for the surrounding landscape.”

Calming shades which reflect the ocean are often incorporated into coastal colour schemes, to capture the sense of tranquility and harmony we associate with water.

“Large stretches of water reflect the colours of the sky and provide a broad palette to inspire interior decoration,” says Sally.

“Opt for tones ranging from muted blues through to soft greens and subtle turquoises, which bring to mind the sparkle of water and wide cloudless horizons.”

Greys also work well, she points out, as they’re reminiscent of water and stormy skies. Opt for cooler hues with pale aquas and sea greens, while warmer shades complement stronger colours like navy, terracotta and brown.

An all-white interior is an obvious choice for a waterside home, says Sally, because it creates a cool, crisp and airy environment, as well as a blank canvas against which to display collections of marine treasures.

“White doesn’t have to mean stark and cold. Combine it with natural materials like wood, linen, coir and seagrass, and their sun-bleached tones suggest a summery, beachy palette,” she says.

“Warmer whites and creamy tones work wonderfully in cooler climates, as they have more depth. A neutral scheme offers an opportunity to introduce the odd splash of bold colour, such as deep turquoise or coral pink.”

Resilient, hard-wearing natural textiles will enhance rooms, with cotton an obvious choice. Striped ticking works well too, Sally suggests, and linen sits harmoniously beside rustic wood and unpolished stone.

The allure of the seaside is also about having fun and that can apply to rooms.

“Blues are a natural choice for a nautical look. Create the illusion of warm, clear skies in your home, by keeping your walls more muted and adding a bolder blue to the ceiling, for a fresh and dynamic style that will take you away to your dream destination,” says Rebecca Thompson, senior colour and design manager at Dulux.

This can promote a carefree spirit and create a calming environment.

  • At The Water’s Edge by Sally Hayden, photography Earl Carter, is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £19.99. This book is available to readers for £17.99 (including p&p) by calling Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting ref GLR 7XF.