The Allure of Coastal Plantation Homes: A Style Guide for Homebuyers

With their casual, comfortable and welcoming style, coastal plantation homes are perfectly suited to our West Australian aesthetic. The look is inspired by the old, colonial plantation homes found in the Caribbean and Hawaii, with wide steps leading to a welcoming front verandah.

Traditionally, the iconic verandah of a coastal plantation home provided respite from wild tropical storms, protection from harsh summer sun, and a vantage point from which to survey the plantations. It’s the coastal plantation home trademark, and it’s the perfect addition to a West Australian residence.

As well as their trademark verandahs, coastal plantation homes are traditionally capped with a low, hipped roof in a dark, contrasting colour. Slatted timber window shutters are painted in contrasting shades with predominantly white exteriors. Simple decorative porch balustrades and spandrels provide a nostalgic nod to the past while adding elegance and warmth.

Inside, you’re greeted by welcoming and generous entry spaces accentuated by natural fabrics and light, breezy materials, punctuated botanical green accents. Comfortable cane furniture and potted palms feature both inside and out, matched with colonial or shaker kitchen and bathroom cabinet details.

Key living spaces in these coastal-style homes are open-plan, free-flowing and family-friendly, while deep eave overhangs provide welcome shade to help keep interiors cool and comfortable. Living areas and other spaces open to generous outdoor rooms in traditional coastal plantation homes, blurring the lines between inside and out.

The coastal plantation aesthetic is one that fits particularly well in a West Australian streetscape, being perfectly suited to our climate and lifestyle. Whether you already have a style in mind or are keen to find out more about the coastal plantation style design, you can visit Custom Homes | Oswald Homes to book a consultation.