If you are lucky enough to own a beach house, you may dream of spending weekends or the whole summer relaxing there.  In order to have an enjoyable time at your beach house, it should be decorated with relaxation in mind.  Here are a few ways to decorate a beach house so you can actually relax and enjoy the beach.    Focus on the ViewThe view of the beach should be the focal point of your beach house. If you have small windows, replace them with larger windows if possible.  Select windows that are picture windows without window panes. Avoid covering windows with bulky window coverings or furniture. Try to not make the focal point of your rooms a TV.  You might choose a simple aesthetic so that all of the focus is on the view, or you might choose a more colorful aesthetic to complement the beach view.   ComfortComfort is very important when creating a relaxing beach house.  Make sure to sit in all furniture before purchasing to ensure its comfort level.  Don't forget about the outside furniture also being comfortable since you will be spending a lot of time outdoors.   Durable and Easy to CleanWhatever you select for your beach house, make sure it is durable and easy to clean.  You don't want to spend any more time than necessary cleaning or worrying about something getting broken - you are there to relax and have fun. Specialty fabrics are available that are water resistant, stain resistant, and easy to clean. To reduce the amount of sand in your home and reduce the amount of cleaning required, consider adding a shower outside your beach house, or at least a foot wash.  Find a storage place outside for beach chairs, beach shoes, and other items that will get sandy.  You can also put up signs so guest know to remove sand before entering the house.   Nothing Too PreciousDo not decorate your beach house with fine antiques or expensive artwork.  Instead, fill your beach house with unique vintage items that won't make you cry when they get scratched.  Inexpensive artwork from local artisans adds a nice flair.   TextureThe beach has rough sand, rippling water, smooth sea glass, and bumpy driftwood.  Mimic the many textures indoors with rough wicker baskets, soft pillows, and hard wood floors.     Don't Overdo ItDon't go out and purchase everything you can find with a seashell, sea creature, light house, boat, or other beach theme on it.   Too many beach items will make your home look like a gift shop or tacky seafood restaurant.   One cute pillow with a crab on it or one large model of a sailboat is plenty.  An oversized piece of beach related art is a nice touch. Consider using vintage items, such as an old glass buoy or oar.  Your focus should be the view outside, not all of the clutter inside.   Display What You FindIf you find a beautiful piece of driftwood, a pretty shell, or some sea glass, use those items as decorative accessories in your beach house.  These beach accessories are memories that will be cherished over the years.   Beds EverywhereIf you have a beach house, you will have plenty of people wanting to be guests.  Try to add beds wherever possible.  Your sofa can be a sleeper sofa.  Instead of a double bed, consider two sets of bunk beds.  A banquette in the kitchen can also be used as a bed.    Beach House ColorsPastel colors tend to be very relaxing, but feel free to use bold colors if you prefer.  Don't decorate in all blue and white else your beach house may feel depressing and bland.  Mix butter yellow with gray blue, soft coral, and sea green for a calming aesthetic. For a more modern aesthetic, mix metallics and bold neutrals for interest. Feel free to use a combination of different colors in different patterns for a fun and whimsical feel. Add touches of black and white to increase contrast and make the room more dynamic.   Stained Wood Many beach houses are decorated using a lot of white.  Contrast the white using stained wood.  The stained wood will make the beach house feel more grounded and earthy to contrast with the views of the sky and water.   BooksBeing at the beach usually allows more free time. Decorate with books that are appropriate topics for a relaxing beach. Feel free to display hard back books, however keep less attractive paperback books hidden behind a cabinet door or in a closet. If you want the aesthetic of books but don't necessarily are an avid reader, you can purchase books second hand from your local library book sale, garage sales, or second hand book stores. You can also add board games, card games, puzzles, and other relaxing activities that do not involve a digital screen.   Lockable StorageIf you rent out your beach house, you will want to have some lockable storage for your personal items.  You might also need to lock away extra items that you buy in bulk for your guests, such as paper products. Consider adding a lock to a hall closet or a few cabinets in the kitchen.   Fresh Plants and FlowersIf possible, try to incorporate fresh plants and flowers into your beach house. Live plants and flowers add life to a room and make it feel more happy.