How-to-Style: Guide to Coastal Design

You don’t have to own a beachfront property to enjoy the benefits of the coastal design style. In fact, the modern coastal aesthetic is trending from coast to coast, and it’s easy to see the appeal. It’s the sea. The breeze. The colors! When done properly, the coastal style can bring the calm of the beach to those landlocked, creating an oasis where homeowners can escape the chaos of everyday life for something that’s soothing and beautiful .

Read on to learn more about the tenets of modern coastal style, and how to bring it into your own space.

Coastal Style Defined

There are many iterations of coastal interior design. When you think of beach-front properties, some classic looks come to mind. There’s the nautical theme with lots of white, navy and anchors galore. Hamptons-inspired style is a classic look that focuses on elegance, with subtle hints of seaside themes. It’s clean, modern and a little luxurious. Modern coastal design has many similarities with the Hamptons aesthetic. For instance, they both are based around mostly neutral color schemes and furniture with clean and contemporary lines.

However, there are many differences between the two styles. Coastal style is more relaxed, with plenty of room for personality, and a little nod to boho style. It incorporates accent colors, textures and other elements straight from nature, offering beachy vibes for leisurely lifestyles.

The coastal aesthetic is the ideal combination of casual and chic. It’s also easy to bring into your own space, whether you want a complete coastal makeover, or simply wish to borrow a few elements. You can create a high-end resort feel within your own home by choosing the right color palette, texture and patterns. Read on for inspiration, including furniture and décor choices for your new sea-worthy space.

Coastal Color Collections

One of the first things we think of when considering a coastal design theme is the color palette. Neutral colors form the base of modern coastal styles, but they are paired with vibrant pops of color. Color inspiration is taken from the natural beauty of the coast, starting with the neutrals. You’ll find white and lots of off-white shades. Soft beiges and other sandy hues are suggestive of sand and can help lend a light and airy look to your room, adding to the relaxing effect of this design.

When it comes to accent colors, it may seem obvious that a coastal design should feature shades of blue that remind you of the sky above, as well as the beautiful and varied shades of the ocean. While nautical style homes focus more on classic navy, modern coastal style tends to infuse brighter, more tropical shades. There is a range of blue and green colors to select from, allowing you to bring your favorite cool color preferences into the space. Additionally, warm color options can add pops or energy and contrast into your room. Some ideas for accent colors include:

• Sky blue suits the light and airy coastal aesthetic
• Blue-green sea shades such as aqua, turquoise and teal are popular in coastal design
• Botanical green shades are inspired by palm trees and tropical plants
• Warm colors such as oranges, yellows and pinks can be reminiscent of a tropical sunset
• Coral hues can bring bright and beautiful accents into your room

Coastal Furniture Picks

Once you’ve selected the color palette for your coastal design, it’s time to bring in some of the largest elements that will influence the look and functionality of the space: the furnishings. There’s no right way to choose furniture. You may fall in love with an ottoman or other accent piece that fits your color palette and inspires your design. However, many people start with the sofa or sectional, as it’s typically the largest piece in your living space and one of your biggest investments.

A light, neutral sofa works well with an airy coastal decor style. A sofa with soft and neutral fabric (think white, off-white or beige!) will complement any existing decor. For the style, you’ll want to find the perfect balance between sleek design and comfort for a look that will feel both current and approachable. Don’t forget accent pillows to incorporate the blue from your color palette, and add to the comforting look of your sofa.

If you desire more of a statement piece, either with your sofa or an accent chair, there are plenty of options for bringing in color and pattern. Consider custom fabric options to find the perfect print for your design. A contemporary floral or botanical pattern can ground your theme, while a blue striped pattern can also work well with a coastal style.

Accenting Your Coastal Living Space

Once the main pieces are selected, it’s time to have some fun with accents. For accent furniture, there are many options that can enhance your coastal style. Some options include:

• Light and natural wood accent pieces
• Distressed wood looks that are reminiscent of driftwood
• Wicker and rattan pieces suit the casual style

From throw pillows to an area rug, your décor pieces should focus on bringing in lots of texture into the room, with an emphasis on materials and pieces that pay homage to nature’s beauty. An area rug can bring great texture appeal. It might not be sand under your feet, but a plush area rug will add to the comfort and style of your space! The rug can emphasize the soft neutral color palette, or serve as an accent piece bringing in your favorite pops of coastal color.

Wall art and tabletop décor pieces are essential to give a finishing touch of your space. While there are many beautiful seascapes and wall art with boats or other coastal motifs, you don’t have to be so literal with your theme. You can bring in your accent colors and create a similar feeling with any contemporary art. Even simplistic abstract art in the right blue-green shades can deliver coastal vibes in the right space.

Finally, coastal design has such an emphasis on nature, and that means no coastal space is complete without fresh greenery. It’s not necessary to stick with palm trees or other tropical house plants. Any of your favorite plants, real or even quality faux plants, can offer the same benefits, which may include improving your mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and adding a finishing touch to your design.

Tips for creating a sophisticated modern coastal design:

1. Stay away from obvious sea-inspired motifs–or use them sparingly. You can achieve a coastal ambiance without adding items like anchors, fish and shells, which can seem kitschy if overdone. Instead, focus on colors and textures that are reminiscent of the coast, like driftwood accent furniture and wicker accents and furniture. If you want to bring in a couple of more obvious coastal accent pieces, keep them minimal. A seascape or boat painting can look beautiful as your sole sea-forward piece.

2. Focus on lighting. A coastal-inspired room should be light and bright. You can achieve this by taking advantage of any natural lighting. A living room with large windows is an ideal candidate for a coastal treatment. However, you can also make the most out of the lighting you have available by strategically hanging mirrors to reflect light and adding warm accent lighting through floor and table lamps.

3. Consider working with an interior designer. A designer can listen to your objectives, give you plenty of options to consider, and help you bring the concept to life in a dreamy coastal space.

4. Don’t be afraid to step outside the coastal boat. An interior designer can also help you combine different styles in ways that better match your personality. For instance, the California Coastal design infuses modern, farmhouse and coastal styles.

5. Bring personal touches to your space. Your room should reflect your personality. Make sure to place your favorite framed family pictures on a bookshelf, add a couple of mementos from your travels, and put that family heirloom piece on full display!

The coastal style gives a sense of calm and relaxation, and it can bring some swoon-worthy, sea-inspired vibes into your home—no matter how far from the shore you live.