One Simple Door Swap That Instantly Elevates Any Coastal Home

A serene and thoughtfully designed coastal home can evoke a sense of relaxation, without the need to leave the comforts of your couch. Well-executed coastal design puts emphasis on seascape-inspired color palettes, natural wood and stone accents, and bright, airy rooms. The result is a harmonious and uplifting ambiance that's beachy yet sophisticated.

In coastal homes, natural sunlight is the secret ingredient for effortless and breezy design. This makes Dutch doors the perfect fit for elevating your coastal escape. Dutch doors, also known as "half doors" or "split doors," are comprised of two, separate top and bottoms halves that can open independently, or in unison. The unique design encourages fresh airflow and ample amounts of sunlight into the home, with added security from the closed bottom segment.

If you're looking to design your beach house without cliché coastal decor, Dutch doors could be exactly what your home is missing. They can add a touch of personality to any room of the house, without being too fussy or distracting. Here is how Dutch doors can bring both charm and functionality to your space.

The main draw to Dutch doors is their ability to directly incorporate nature's elements in your home by welcoming them into your space. On sunny days, you can open the top half of the door to let in fresh breezes and beams of natural sunlight. Nothing is more coastal than an oceanic breeze dancing through your bright, sunlit living areas. If you're close enough to the coast where you have a view, a Dutch door can become the perfect frame for nature's beauty. The top half of the door creates a convenient window to the blissful outdoors, to help you achieve coastal chic without going overboard.

On days with less desirable weather, Dutch door's large, upper windows can still allow for a stunning view while in the closed position. While Dutch doors come in a variety of styles and materials, they're typically crafted with wood, allowing them blend in effortlessly with other natural materials and fibers typically used in coastal design. They're a relaxed and refined door design that can maintain a timeless appeal, without feeling outdated.

Dutch doors are versatile, and not limited to homes with coastal design elements. This style of door originated in rural homes and barns in The Netherlands, making them a natural fit for modern farmhouse designs. Dutch door's original purpose was to provide extra sunlight and airflow to barn animals, but modern farmhouses can also benefit from incorporating these elements in the home.

The quaint window and detailed door can also make a charming addition to cozy cottages. Dutch windows are a match made in heaven for any home with a scenic view, from rustic mountain cabins to serene lakefront bungalows. The top segment of the door is the perfect frame for nature's backdrops, regardless of the terrain.

Dutch doors can fit into both traditional and more modern home designs. Their historical charm can become an eccentric statement piece in vintage-inspired homes, or they can illuminate warm neutral paint and sleek furniture in modern minimalistic rooms with the sun's beams. From comforting coastal kitchens to functional farmhouse foyers, Dutch doors can welcome in the beauty of the outdoors, without sacrificing security.