You're going to the beach. Or, rather, the beach is coming to you. That's what you'll think if you've been in just about any home design store lately.

Colors are soft, oceany and sandy. Accessories feature shells and starfish and anchors. Beach-type stuff is everywhere. Makes sense - summer is on its way and after a truly cruel and painful and bitterly cold winter, people just can't wait to embrace a little bit of laidback beach flair.

"Not just for coastal living anymore, beach-inspired decorating gives your home the laid-back setting that's just right for summer," said HGTV.

Want to know how to incorporate this décor trend into your space? Read on for a few tips.

Go easy on the big stuff

Whitewashed floors and wall panels fashioned from old oars sound great…but what happens in the winter when you're ready to ditch the summer digs and introduce some more cold-weather-appropriate décor? Take a beat when making broad changes to weave in a trend, especially when they include big expenses or architectural changes. The last thing you want is a porthole in your kitchen long after you've gone from beach chic to Romance on the Orient to Classic Country to Spanish Villa.

Don't go overboard with the accessories either

If you buy the giant piece of coral and the nautical striped rug and the triptych of boardwalk photos and you change your furniture knobs to petrified starfish and you put it all in the same place, you run the risk of crossing over from well-styled vignette to theme party. Go easy by adding in a few fun pieces to your regular décor for an eclectic look that doesn't look like the beach threw up all over your room.

Color story

The beachy palette is typically that of sand and sky and sea. So think tans and blues.

sallyleebythesea.com

But don't be afraid to add in all the other things you might find on a beach. Shells of brown and bright purply-blue. Beach umbrellas. Wildflowers peeking out from under a pier. Even the orangey-rust hue of sand crabs can invite a whimsical hue in a seaside-inspired space.

One key piece

Using too many bold pieces in a specific style can get overwhelming. Creating transitional style with one bold piece that can act as an anchor (pun intended!) is key.

In this room, the coral-inspired chandelier is captivating no matter what else is going on around it. Add in the mantle full of seashells and you have a pretty room with a defined theme.

Think location

Knowing where to up the seaside style is as important as knowing how to use it. Creating a cottage-style powder bath can have big impact at a low cost with a few key accessories and an interesting paint treatment.

Pintrest

Also keep in mind the importance of using your beachy materials to maximize the décor possibilities and minimize the mess. Sand in a hurricane supporting a big candle: beach-chic winner. Sand poured all over your coffee table: litter box.

Go to the wall

Want to bring a beautiful piece into your home that captures the spirit of the sea without going too kitschy? Do it on the wall.

Etsy

Go botanical, purchase (or take!) a series of black-and-white pier shots, or find a contemporary photo of the shore. You'll be surprised how easily a great piece of art can transform a space.

Give it some texture

Mother of pearl, bead board and woven materials - all can impart a beachy feel and layer a space to make it feel more "done".

Check out more ideas for beachy chic décor and design on Houzz, Seaside Inspired, or by searching by "coastal" on Wayfair.