Weekends Were Made for Coastal Comfort

As a child of the 80s and 90s, I’ve always had a soft spot for that retro, polished aesthetic – you know, the one that feels equal parts sophisticated and playful. And when it comes to capturing that vibe, there’s no better example than the iconic beach house from the 1989 comedy “Weekend at Bernie’s.”

Sure, the plot of the film might be a little wacky (two friends try to pass off their deceased boss as alive), but the real star of the show is the stunning modern beach house where most of the action takes place. With its bold color palette, sleek furnishings, and panoramic ocean views, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to kick back, relax, and soak up the coastal vibes – even if there’s a corpse in the living room.

As someone who’s always on the hunt for design inspiration, I decided to dive a little deeper into this cinematic wonder. And let me tell you, the more I learned, the more I became convinced that this beach house holds the key to effortless coastal-inspired style – perfect for transforming your living room into a weekend retreat.

Defining the Coastal Aesthetic

Before we dive into the specifics of the “Weekend at Bernie’s” beach house, let’s take a moment to understand what defines the coastal aesthetic. At its core, it’s all about capturing the relaxed, breezy feel of life by the sea. Think natural materials, soft color palettes, and a touch of nautical-inspired flair.

When it comes to furniture, the coastal look often features oversized, plush sectional sofas that invite you to sink in and unwind. Soft, neutral hues like beige, white, and light blue create a soothing, calming atmosphere, while accents in shades of green, blue, and coral add pops of vibrant, beachy color.

Texture also plays a crucial role in nailing the coastal vibe. Woven elements like rattan, jute, and seagrass add visual interest and a touch of natural elegance. And don’t forget about those all-important throw pillows – the more the merrier, with patterns ranging from stripes and florals to geometric designs.

Channeling the “Weekend at Bernie’s” Beach House

Now, let’s take a closer look at the design elements that made the “Weekend at Bernie’s” beach house such an icon of 80s style. As you’ll soon see, this place has everything you need to create your own little coastal oasis, right in the comfort of your own living room.

The Color Palette

One of the first things you’ll notice about the beach house is its bold, yet harmonious color palette. Instead of the typical beachy blues and greens, the designers opted for a more unexpected combination of eggplant, mint, and peach. This unexpected trio creates a sense of warmth and sophistication that perfectly complements the modern, geometric architecture.

The home’s color palette of eggplant, mint, and peach is a refreshing departure from the usual coastal hues.

To recreate this look in your own space, consider pairing a deep, moody eggplant sofa with mint green accent chairs and peach throw pillows. The key is to balance the darker, richer tones with lighter, brighter accents to maintain that airy, beachy feel.

Plush, Comfortable Seating

As I mentioned earlier, the coastal aesthetic is all about creating a space that invites you to kick back and relax. And the “Weekend at Bernie’s” beach house nails this perfectly with its sprawling, oversized sectional sofas.

Roomy sectional sofas and ample throw pillows create a decadent, lounging-friendly vibe.

These plush, low-slung sofas are the perfect foundation for hours of weekend lounging, whether you’re curled up with a good book, chatting with friends, or (hopefully) not trying to conceal a deceased boss. Pair them with an assortment of throw pillows in coordinating patterns and textures for an extra touch of coastal comfort.

Textural Elements

Speaking of texture, the “Weekend at Bernie’s” beach house is a masterclass in blending natural, tactile materials with sleek, modern elements. From the woven rattan barstools to the sculptural, geometric coffee tables, every surface seems to invite you to reach out and touch it.

Textural elements like the woven barstools and speckled bar finishes add visual interest.

To channel this look in your own space, consider incorporating materials like jute, sisal, and seagrass through accents like area rugs, baskets, and even lighting fixtures. And don’t be afraid to mix and match these natural textures with sleek, modern pieces like glass-topped coffee tables or polished metal lamps.

Coastal Accents

Of course, no coastal-inspired living room would be complete without a few carefully curated nautical-themed accents. And the “Weekend at Bernie’s” beach house delivers in spades, with everything from bold, geometric art prints to sculptural, beach-inspired decor pieces.

Coastal-inspired accents like the Lichtenstein print and sculptural objets d’art add personality.

To bring this look home, consider adding a few statement pieces that capture the essence of life by the sea. A large, abstract seascape painting, a driftwood-inspired coffee table lamp, or a collection of artfully arranged sea glass in a glass vase can all help to elevate your coastal-inspired living room.

Bringing It All Together

Now that we’ve explored the key design elements that made the “Weekend at Bernie’s” beach house such an iconic representation of 80s coastal style, it’s time to put it all together and create your own weekend retreat.

Start with a foundation of plush, oversized sectional sofas in a soothing, neutral tone. Layer in throw pillows in a mix of coastal-inspired patterns and textures, and don’t be afraid to play with pops of vibrant, beachy color.

Incorporate natural, textural elements like woven baskets, jute rugs, and rattan accents to add depth and visual interest. And don’t forget to sprinkle in a few carefully curated coastal-themed decor pieces to really drive the theme home.

The end result? A living room that feels like a high-end beach house, complete with all the comfort and relaxation you crave for those precious weekend getaways. And who knows, you might even be inspired to host your own “Weekend at Bernie’s” – just make sure the guest of honor is actually alive this time.

Ready to create your own coastal-inspired oasis? Head over to Sofa Spectacular to browse our selection of plush, customizable sectionals and start planning your dream weekend retreat.