5 Small Styling Updates That Make a Big Impact; Simple ways to bring beauty and comfort into your coastal Alaskan home
Living in Homer means being surrounded by natural beauty—salty ocean breezes, dramatic seasonal shifts, and ever-changing light. Whether you're watching the tides roll in or hunkering down during a spring storm, your home should feel like a sanctuary that reflects both your personality and the place you call home.
At Storied Interiors, we love helping people make small but meaningful styling changes that bring more joy, comfort, and realistic style to everyday living. Here are five of our favorite updates that make a big difference—especially in coastal Alaska homes, whether you're soaking up the long days of summer or cozying in during our short winter ones:
1. Paint Your Exterior Doors Inside and Out a Color (Not White!)
In our northern light, white can often feel stark and cold. A painted door adds warmth and character—especially during long winters. Try a deep moody green, soft slate blue, or warm charcoal to ground your space and highlight architectural charm. And don’t forget the inside of your exterior door—a grounding color that complements your interior palette can truly elevate the look and feel of your home.
2. Swap Your Throw Pillows Seasonally
When you live by the sea, your palette changes with the seasons—so should your textiles. Add soft coastal tones in the summer (think sand, driftwood, sky) and richer textures like wool or velvet in winter to stay cozy. It’s a simple swap that keeps your home feeling fresh.
3. Layer Your Lighting
In Alaska, we know how much light affects mood. Layering lighting is key to creating warmth during the darker months. Add table lamps in varying sizes in creative areas of the home; reading nooks, wall sconces in cozy corners, kitchen counter tops and even tables. Use soft bulbs that mimic natural cozy light to create a glow you’ll love year-round. Avoid ‘daylight bulbs’, the light is too cold and harsh, opt instead for ‘soft white’ bulbs.
4. Upgrade Your Entry with a Mirror + Bench
We come and go in boots, rain gear, and maybe a few pebbles from the beach in our pockets. A small bench, a mirror to catch the light, and a place for gear creates a welcoming and functional entryway. It says this is home—not just a pass-through.
5. Bring in Outdoors
A sprig of budding alder in a vase. A bowl of rocks and shells. Greenery from nature —even in small doses—adds life to any space. Bonus points for using what's outside your door: driftwood or wildflowers in season. I love a grouping of spindly driftwood branches from the beach in a vase. I’m almost never coming off a beach walk that I don’t have a handful of found little objects to bring home.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a full remodel to make your space feel like home. A few well-chosen updates can reflect the landscape around you, celebrate your style, and create the kind of comfort that makes you want to stay in or come home to after a long day.
Here in Homer, we believe homes should be lived in, loved on, and casually designed to reflect the rhythm of life by the bay.
At Storied Interiors, we’re here to help you style your space with intention and ease—whether you’re staying, staging, or starting over.
✨ Ready to refresh your home? Let’s connect. We offer in-person and virtual styling consults to help bring your vision to life.