Island Style Guide

From bright, bold colors to punchy tropical motifs, here is our complete guide to creating—and enjoying—an island oasis, as well as a our favorite island homes.

Six Colorful Style Tricks

Designer Amanda Nisbet infuses a family beach retreat on Long Island with radiant hues, from bold blues to punchy pinks.

Photo: Jonny Valiant , Writer: Sarah Latta, Stylist: Elizabeth Beeler

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Color Challenge

Ask any designer what frightens clients most, and the answer is usually one word: color. Thankfully, Amanda Nisbet, of New York–based Amanda Nisbet Design, has no fear. “People get scared of bold hues because they think they’re unsettling, but using lots of color can create a cozy, joyous atmosphere, especially in a family-oriented home,” she says.

This feel-good approach is exactly what Amanda went for in a beach house on Long Island, where her clients, an energetic family of six, spend weekends throughout the year. They asked for “elegant but comfortable,” so she used a palette that was both full-throttle and family-friendly, from a deep green TV room to super-saturated navy and red in the living room. Read on for six ways to add bold color to your home.