Embracing Pacific Northwest coastal style where 'winter storms double as art'

Designers lean in to the steely greys, dark blues and deep greens of coastal vistas

Published Sep 03, 2024  •  4 minute read

The dining room chairs and solid, black oak table sit low in the sightline, giving plenty of space for the windows to frame the stunning ocean view beyond in this home in the Discovery Islands designed by Parker & Harlow Interior Design. Photo by Renae Leboe

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Coastal style is second nature to Paige Gray, lead designer and partner at B.C.-based Parker & Harlow Interior Design. The team has been making waves designing remote homes on the islands of the Pacific Northwest archipelagos. Gray runs the firm’s Vancouver Island studio out of its Campbell River–based office. Her partner (and mom), Deb Vanderkemp, handles the main studio from her Powell River location.

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Given Gray’s expertise in creating island vacation homes, we asked for her take on contemporary coastal style.

“Coastal style is first and foremost defined by the way we live here in the Pacific Northwest,” says Gray. “Homes breathe differently here. Muddy paws from a hike with your [canine] companion, power outages from our intense winter storms, travelling to and from isolated island homes with limited resources — these details drive material selections, technological integrations, and storage solutions that need to work more effectively than a typical city dwelling.”

For Gray, coastal style is built on a foundation of contrasts, such as “smooth, serene stone paired with a rustic, wool fabric. Or a weighty, wood table balanced by an airy, ethereal chandelier.”

It’s contrasts like these that drive Parker & Harlow’s design process and ground the firm’s perspective in a Pacific Northwest coastal esthetic, says Gray.

Case in point: the recent renovation of a waterfront home on Cortes Island, in the Discovery Islands archipelago, where Gray and her team focused their energies on the home’s dining room where their clients often host gatherings of friends and family.

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The dining room “boasts grand columns and beams and expansive glass overlooking the bay,” says Gray. “This isn’t a room designed to impress its guests by keeping their eyes inward but rather a minimal space to lightly hold its occupants while they connect over what lies beyond it.”

And what lies beyond is spectacular – the steely greys, dark blues, and deep greens of the coastal vistas in and around the Discovery Islands.

The dining room in this Cortes Island home where the homeowner’s love to host friends and family. Photo by Renae Leboe

Winter storms double as art, says Gray, as the cosy dining room chairs and solid, black oak table sit low in the sightline, giving plenty of space for the windows to frame the view beyond. “In this space, it’s just you and the waves; nothing more is necessary,” she adds.

To achieve this look at home, it’s best to get organized first and then head outdoors for ideas, Gray explains. “Begin by paring back,” adds Gray. “Achieving a truly Pacific Northwest style is about allowing your spaces to breathe and your body to rest.”

A beachy look will always capture coastal style, but seek inspiration beyond the tideline, Gray recommends. “Go for a walk through a rugged trail on a rainy day, notice the rich colours and wild array of textures: Smooth rain over weighty granite resembles the finish of refined stone counters. Deep, earthy moss gives inspiration for tonal textures and weaves in textiles. It’s all right there under your feet.”

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Six ways to get the breezy, coastal calm look

Looking to add a dash of coastal calm to your home design? Here are six stylish ways to capture this timeless esthetic and the tranquillity of coastal living.

True colours

Benjamin Moore’s Ocean Air paint colour makes the perfect coastal-inspired backdrop in this fresh space. Photo by Courtesy Benjamin Moore

From sunny summer days to winter storm watching, Benjamin Moore’s range of paint colours bridge the seasons. There’s the light, bright blues of Ocean Air and Ocean Spray. Deep yellow Honeywheat gives the warmth of summer sunshine. And soft White Down combined with the moody blue of San Francisco Bay says whitecaps and thundershowers.

benjaminmoore.ca

Say it with seagrass

Pottery Barn’s Amaya Handwoven Twisted Seagrass Tray. Photo by Courtesy Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn’s Amaya Handwoven Twisted Seagrass Tray isn’t just for serving lemonade al fresco style. It makes a chic centrepiece when adorned with seashells and other treasures. Or use it as a base to arrange candles and books for a tabletop vignette.

$183 to $194 | potterybarn.ca

Light it up

Sand & Stable’s Tabletop Candle Lantern from Wayfair. Photo by Courtesy Wayfair

Shine bright with Sand & Stable’s Tabletop Candle Lantern. Its clear glass cylinder and natural jute rope add a casual coastal vibe to any space. Add your favourite flame or flameless (safety first!) candle and get your glow on.

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$63.99 | wayfair.ca

Drift away

Haskel Driftwood Gray Coffee Table by Article. Photo by Courtesy Article

Acquaint yourself with the stylish and practical Haskel Driftwood Gray Coffee Table by Article. This solid teak and powder-coated metal piece wins top marks for indoor-outdoor usability. Its clever design ensures water drains away when used outside. Or maximize its year-round potential as an everyday coffee table inside.

$849 | article.com

Time out

Ikea’s Åkernejlika Throw. Photo by Courtesy Ikea

Add a striped cotton throw and capture the essence of the coastal calm vibe. Ikea’s Åkernejlika Throw has neutral stripes and hand-knotted fringes, and each is handwoven by the artisans at social business Rangsutra in India. Perfect for staying cosy on the couch and conveniently doubles as a beach blanket. Your friends will thank you for the soft landing.

$39.99 / ikea.ca

Seashell style

Bjewelled’s Decoupage Clam Shell Trinket Dish. Photo by Courtesy Etsy

Seashells are Mother Nature’s bling, so look to Bjewelled’s Decoupage Clam Shell Trinket Dish for some sparkle. Each shell dish is adorned with a genuine pearl and gold leaf edges. It’s a great item to help stay organized and keep cherished items readily available. Or simply let it play a starring role as beachy, beautiful home decor.

$34.97 to $49.24 / etsy.ca

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