If you are seeking a generous dose of relaxation and serenity, have a look at Coastal Modern by Tim Clarke. Clarke is a celebrity decorator with clientele lucky enough to own beautiful seaside properties and rich enough to get Tim to do them up.

“The beach house is more than just a place to live – it is a symbol of a life well lived,” says Clarke. It’s hard to argue with the philosophy.

Happily, you don’t need an ocean outside your sliding-glass doors to have a beach-inspired house.

He organizes the interiors in his book into five styles of design and the book flows according to the changing light of a day, from morning to evening. His different styles are associated with different qualities of light.

All of the styles share the same foundations: a balance between man-made and natural, old and new. Colour schemes are taken from coastal elements: sand, sky, water and soil. It’s a very summery look.

He favours simple, pared-down interiors with furniture and objects from local sources. Opulent vistas and houses are juxtaposed with some intimate interiors that could be achieved with a modest budget.

Can you judge a book by its cover? Not this one. The best decor is found between the covers, not on it.