Coastal Personal Aesthetic and Project Ideas

I have never thought much about my personal aesthetic. It’s kind of difficult to try and view myself from an outside perspective to determine what I think my own aesthetic is. My personal style is definitely composed of many aesthetics, at least 5 major ones I could think of, but I’ll have to choose one for the sake of this assignment. After much contemplation I believe my personal aesthetic could be described as coastal. I have always been drawn to the color blue and other beachy hues. I grew up on the east coast close to the shore in central New Jersey. Living near the beach was definitely a large part of my upbringing and influences the things I gravitate towards now. I certainly spent a lot of time at the beach growing up, and as soon as I could drive I would go very frequently, even in the winter. I also spent a lot of time sailing when I lived in New Jersey, usually with my closest childhood friends whom I learned to sail with. When searching for an aesthetic to best describe my personal style, I looked around my bedroom and realized that I have many coastal related decorations. I have a couple surfboard prints framed, a nautical map of Long Island sound on my wall, and lots of blue and tan accents throughout the room. I realized that I also have several pieces of jewelry featuring fish, seashells, and other coastal themes. I have never been super into cheesy or gaudy beachy theme decorations, but I clearly subconsciously enjoy more subtle nods to the ocean. 

The coastal aesthetic has been around for a long time, but I read about the Coastal Modern architecture style that emerged in the mid 20th century. This aesthetic is a take on the major mid-century modern design movement, and it originated in the coastal regions of California and the Pacific Northwest (XArchitecture). I love how this aesthetic ties together the warm colors and wood grains of mid century modern with the blues and tans of the beach. 

I think my main project will stray from the coastal aesthetic. I am not completely sure what I will make for this project yet, but I have several ideas I am bouncing around. I just want to make sure I make something that is sufficiently dynamic. My main project will probably have a more industrial aesthetic as I will likely be using metals. This aesthetic would be a bit outside of my comfort zone. It is definitely not an aesthetic that I typically gravitate towards for my own style or home decor. 

Here is the list of ideas I have brainstormed thus far

• End table for couch that expands with a leaf or raises
• Toilet paper holder
• Plant shelf
• Convertible clothing item
• Dynamic light fixture (sconce or lamp)
• Modular jewelry box

I would love to hear any opinions/suggestions that may help me pick a project idea.

Sources

https://www.xarchitecture.com/articles/history-of-como