The sand beneath your toes, the sound of the waves, the calming color of the waters – the beach is truly good for the soul.

So why not bring the beach inside your home? Well, not literally, but there are some terrific ways to get that beachy feel.

Start with colors. Beachy rooms often have natural tones and often have various shades of light and medium blues to add to that calm feel. Common colors used for a beach feel also include whites, beiges and tans.

“The ideal beach-themed space should have a number of layers and textures that blend,” said Michelle Jennings, owner and designer of MJ Designs in St. Petersburg.

“This keeps everything from looking matchy-matchy. There is no set pattern, but the items should create a cohesive space that goes together.”

She recommends using balance in textures and fabrics. Linens are commonly used in this theme. Stay with the earthy tones and use small pops of color.

Decide the type of beach theme you want. If you want nautical, Jennings said, try not to make it too literal. She recommends keeping anchors and seashells at a minimum, as they are often overdone.

Driftwood is also being used as accent pieces or furniture if the piece is large enough. Jennings noted that a variety of woods can be used, depending on the color pallet and the overall theme you have decided to use.

“The design should be a blend of function and form,” she said. “Design the space for how you live.”