How to Create a Great British Chalet Interior

This Easter Butlins announced that they were bringing back the traditional beach style chalet in its parks to celebrate the much loved coastal style that has long been favoured on the Great British seaside holiday.

The combination of fresh and bright colour schemes with hints of nautical and surf style themes create a light and uplifting ambiance that is fun and fashionable and enjoyable for all the family. With a blend of cosy natural materials and more contemporary quirky accessories you can create your very own chalet inspired interior in any room of the home.

Firstly select classic coastal colour palettes with hints of bold or pastel colours in a single tone or a mix match of colours for a more fun and bright appearance. Traditional nautical partnerships of crisp white, navy blue and red look fabulous in chic living areas and provide a sophisticated take on the chalet style of home. For a beach hut style interior select white or warm cream paint and combine with soft and sumptuous ice cream tones such as baby pink, pastel blue, mint and lemon for a colourful yet cosy appearance. If you wish to embrace your inner surfer then choose rich azure blue, white and bold red, yellow and orange with tropical accents and patterns.

Chalet style interiors are all about natural finishes and materials that reflect the beach side landscape and atmosphere. Wooden walls and floors are a key element in creating a typical seaside feel and are create visual texture and colour in your chosen interior space. Select simple straight edged planks to clad your walls and leave in a natural finish for a cabin style look or paint with a white wash or coloured paint effect for a more fun and fresh appearance. Natural oak or laminate flooring should be laid in a linear straight line design and can be complimented with a coat of varnish or translucent paint for a co-ordinating finish. For a more rustic use of natural wood then create a textured feature wall using segments of weathered driftwood for added detail and authenticity.

When selecting fabrics for your chalet style home, there are a wide range of options that capture the bright yet elegant seaside ambiance.  For a classic British beach hut look select simple striped bedding and cushions in crisp white and red or white and yellow stripes for a deck chair inspired finish or select thinner stripes in antique white and navy that create a yacht or boat inspired look. Anchors, sea shells and lighthouse prints embody the balance of natural elements and maritime history of seaside homes and can be displayed in neutral earthen tones or more modern contemporary colour schemes for a bold chalet style finish. If you prefer to a adopt a more tropical surf style interior design then select palm tree, hibiscus and surf board patterns that look fabulous in bedrooms and beach front living room areas.

Accessories are a must have addition to any home interior and are the perfect way to add colour and detail to your chalet inspired home. If your decor is neutral white select simple blue accessories that reflect the sea shore tones and display a range of glass storm jars in varying sizes that can be filled with sand shells and starfish for a stylish coastal design. Wall art should feature fish, classic beach front images and surf inspired designs in bold red, blue and yellow or more neutral sand and azure tones for a more subtle visual appearance. Oars, lanterns and ships in bottles can be used to create an authentic nautical look while more fun and funky, bold striped vases, crockery and photo frames will capture memories of sticks of rock and seaside day trips that are vibrant and stylish.

Furniture items can range from simple natural designs to bold and quirky styles. Simple reclaimed wood furniture will give a weathered, driftwood appearance that sits perfectly in plain white and navy nautical decors. For a slightly more refined style and design then choose white painted designs with distressed edges for a classic seaside chalet look. Select rattan items for a conservatory or decking area and choose natural upholstery in linen and cotton fabrics that compliment the simplicity of the design. Bunk beds and space saving furniture items are perfect for re-creating the small yet functional interiors of traditional British chalets and are perfect for creating a neat and organised interior look. For a quirky addition to a living room or bedroom space hang a hammock in the corner of the room using traditional boating twine and decorate with string style fairy lights or LED lanterns for a focal point that embodies the laid back nature of classic chalet interiors.

For more ideas on creating a chalet style home interior, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Chalet Interiors