Golden orange seaweed print slipcovered chair in a coastal home puzzle room

Refresh Your Coastal Home with Belgian Linen Fabric

Written by: Bethany Odence

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Published on

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Time to read 5 min

Certain times of the year naturally invite us to refresh our surroundings. Whether it's the change of seasons, a new year, or simply a desire to breathe new life into our spaces, these moments are perfect opportunities to rethink our interiors and tell our coastal stories more beautifully and sustainably. Embracing eco-friendly updates not only elevates our homes but also supports the planet, creating spaces that feel both inspiring and responsible.


Why choose eco-friendly updates? 

  • Reduces waste (goodbye, landfills!)

  • Supports local artisans & businesses

  • Sparks creativity and innovation

  • Adds character and value to your home

We're going to share some easy and sustainable ways for you to upcycle, upgrade, uplevel and refresh your coastal home...or any home for that matter!


Upcycle: Breathe New Life into What You Already Love

What is upcycling in home interiors?  

Upcycling transforms items that may have served their original purpose into something fresh and functional. Instead of discarding old furniture, give it a new chapter with thoughtful updates that reduce waste and add unique charm to your home. 

Take this mid-century chair pictured here for example - a favorite of my father-in-law's since the late 60's. After years of love and use, it was feeling tattered and worn. For his 90th birthday we gave it a fresh restoration and years of life to come. Read more about this Affair with a Chair.


How can I upcycle old furniture with fresh fabrics?  

Design No. Five's Belgian linen fabric is perfect for reviving old chairs, ottomans, and benches. Reupholster a worn-out armchair with crisp linen, or add slipcovers to dining chairs for a refined coastal vibe. Even a simple wooden bench can become a cozy favorite with a Belgian linen cushion.


Where can I find unique old furniture pieces?  

Treasure hunt at local flea markets, estate sales, auctions, or online platforms like Chairish and 1st Dibs. These sources are full of character-filled pieces waiting for a creative touch.

Mid-century chair reupholstered with horseshoe crab printed Belgian linen fabric

Next time you consider replacing a furniture piece, pause and assess whether it can be upcycled instead. Try reupholstering an old chair, painting a wooden table, or adding new hardware to an outdated dresser. These are great ways to refresh your coastal home!

Further Readings

An Affair with a Chair

House of Chairs

Must Have Products For Reupholstery

Upgrade: Refresh and Reimagine Your Space

How can I upgrade my furniture and space?  

Upgrading means enhancing what you already have with thoughtful details. Use Design No. Five’s fabric by the yard for slipcovers, window treatments, or table runners that add a breezy coastal charm. Scatter Belgian linen pillows in your living room or bedroom for an instant, timeless refresh.


Why Belgian linen?  

Belgian linen’s natural texture and durability make it ideal for everyday living. It’s breathable, beautiful, and long-lasting—perfect for spaces that see lots of love.


Other Ways to Upgrade:

  • Swap out outdated curtains for fresh Belgian linen drapes to enhance natural light.

  • Create a DIY headboard using Belgian linen fabric for a coastal-inspired bedroom transformation.

  • Use fabric remnants to craft custom placemats or napkins for a cohesive dining experience.


Coastal room painted Nantucket Red with custom roman shades printed with orange horseshoe crab design and black and white Belgian linen accent pillows on a sofa below

Pick one area of your home that feels tired and find a simple upgrade—new throw pillows, a linen table runner, or fresh slipcovers can make a huge difference.

Further Readings

A Whole Lot More Than Just a Pile of Pillows

→ Ways to use Belgian linen in your home

Refresh your coastal home with custom-made details or easy throw pillows.

"Belgian linen’s natural texture and durability make it ideal for everyday living. It’s breathable, beautiful, and long-lasting—perfect for spaces that see lots of love."

Uplevel: Elevate Your Coastal Home Design

How can I uplevel my coastal home's interiors?  

Upleveling is about taking your space from lovely to stunning. Mix old and new pieces for a layered, lived-in feel. Pair vintage finds with crisp Belgian linen for a blend of bold and serene. Introduce Design No. Five’s wallpapers for statement walls that reflect your coastal lifestyle with depth and charm.


Design tips for an elevated coastal home: 

  •  Blend textures:  Combine linen with wood, metal, and glass for visual interest.

  •  Play with color:  Soft neutrals with splashes of coastal blues and greens create a peaceful palette.

  •  Add artisanal touches:  Support local makers with woven baskets, handcrafted ceramics, and bespoke textiles.

  •  Embrace simplicity:  An uncluttered space with thoughtful design choices feels both polished and welcoming.

Select one design element to uplevel in your home—whether it's introducing wallpaper, investing in high-quality linen upholstery, or styling a curated vignette of vintage and modern decor.


Pug sitting on a black and white striped accent pillow atop a weathered bright blue vintage chair

"Mix old and new pieces for a layered, lived-in feel."

Conclusion

Refreshing your coastal home with eco-friendly materials like Belgian linen not only enhances your space but also nurtures a sustainable future. With Design No. Five, you can upcycle, upgrade, and uplevel your interiors to create a home that’s uniquely yours while honoring our environment.


Ready to refresh your coastal retreat? Design No. Five is here to help you create a space that’s as beautiful as it is sustainable.

Beth Odence owner of Design No. Five sits with pillow and bolts of colorful fabric behind her

The Author: Beth Odence

Beth Odence is a passionate advocate for sustainable design and timeless interiors. With a keen eye for blending eco-friendly materials with coastal elegance, she helps homeowners create spaces that are both beautiful and responsible. Beth’s expertise in textiles and home styling shines through in her thoughtful approach to upcycling, upgrading, and upleveling interiors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Belgian linen a sustainable choice for home decor?

Belgian linen is made from flax, a plant that requires minimal water and pesticides. It’s biodegradable, durable, and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.

How can I maintain Belgian linen upholstery and pillows?

Belgian linen is naturally durable and gets softer with use. To maintain it, vacuum regularly, spot clean with mild soap and water, and use removable slipcovers for easy washing.

How do I mix vintage and modern elements for a balanced coastal look?

Blend antique furniture with clean-lined contemporary pieces. Use Belgian linen textiles to tie everything together and maintain a cohesive, timeless aesthetic.

What are the best color palettes for a coastal home refresh?

Soft neutrals like sand, ivory, and driftwood tones pair beautifully with ocean blues, seafoam greens, and warm sunset hues for a relaxed coastal feel.

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