Most of us can only dream about living in a seaside cottage with ocean views, but there's something to be admired about coastal style, from the gorgeous hues to the use of natural materials and the sense of casual elegance. It's about open windows, relaxed breakfasts, pretty glass and baskets, and fresh flowers casually arranged. A great light fixture and plenty of beadboard don't hurt, either.

FIRST ROW
• 1 Colorful kitchen accessories pop against white walls; from Sunset
• 2 A breezy dining nook with simple but striking decor elements; from Coastal Living
• 3 A warm and modern space in sea green and natural wood; from Coastal Living
• 4 We're suddenly looking around for a table to paint...; from Coastal Living
• 5 A cheerful entrance in royal blue and sunshine yellow; from Coastal Living

SECOND ROW
• 6 Punched-up color, a painted floor, vintage touches – what's not to love?; from Martha Stewart
• 7 Reclaimed wood and basketry bring texture to this bright kitchen; from Sunset
• 8 Proving that coastal style needn't use the colors blue or green; from Ideal Home
• 9 Even if the chandelier is a bit much for your space, you can incorporate seaside style in the form of natural linens and blue glass; from Coastal Living
• 10 What was that we said about dreaming?; from Coastal Living

Related: Color Under Your Feet: A Gallery of Painted Kitchen Floors

(Images: Thomas J. Story/Sunset, Richard Leo Johnson/Coastal Living, Lisa Romerein/Coastal Living, Jean Allsopp/Coastal Living, Coastal Living, Martha Stewart, E. Spencer Toy/Sunset, Ideal Home, Lisa Romerein/Coastal Living, Coastal Living)