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Coastal Interior Design: 7 Things You Need To Know
Coastal interior design, which originated in the Hamptons in the late 19th century and is now regularly seen along the shores of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic neighborhood beaches, can immediately transport you to the beach. When you walk into a room with coastal interior style, the first thing you may notice is how calm and breezy you feel—as if you're sitting in the sand listening to the ocean.
Shades of white, natural textures and quiet touches of beach motifs create beautiful spaces that emulate the coast of Massachusetts, the beach bungalows of the Hamptons and the serenity of the Outer Banks.
Here are seven things to know about coastal interior design, including tips for bringing this design style into your home.
1. It's All About the Beach
Coastal style is all about replicating the top vacation destinations in the world, right in your home. Whether you live one mile or 1,000 miles from the nearest beach, any room in your home can be updated to feel like your toes are in the sand—without any actual sand on the floor, of course.
The hallmark features of coastal design include clean, crisp whites and seaside shades of blue, natural fabrics and materials. The aesthetic also emphasizes decor that reminds you of the coast—sand dollars, beach prints, coral sculptures—anything (beachy) goes!
2. Color Is Very Important
What do all coasts have in common? The color of the water and the sky. Some coastlines might be rocky, others might have soft, white (or even black) sand, but no matter the beach, one color is always the same: blue. Every room with a coastal design uses shades of blue as its main pop of color.
A simple way to do this is with accessories. Ocean blue pillows could decorate a white couch. Or seafoam blue vases could be styled with wooden bowls on built-in shelves. Sheer and soft navy curtains could blow in the breeze.
3. There Is More Than One Shade of White
All of those blue pops of color are accents to the primary color of coastal spaces: white. And remember, there isn't just one shade of white. The goal is to display different shades of white layered together. For example, try layering the bright white of sea foam on waves with the cool white of clouds and the darker ivory white of sand.
Large pieces in a coastal room should be complementary shades of white. These could include bright white kitchen cabinets, a soft white sectional in your family room or a pretty, white upholstered bed in the master bedroom.
4. Natural Materials Are a Must
Coastlines are the most beautiful natural geography the world has to offer us. You can replicate this look by bringing in natural materials that are quintessential coastal living. Weathered woods in lighter tones, woven seagrass dining chairs and window shades are all great ways to bring in natural materials.
5. Think About Scents as a Design Element
We don't often consider how a room smells as part of its design, but the coast has such a specific scent that is integral to the atmosphere and aura. For example, including fragrant candles in coconut, hibiscus, salt and jasmine scents could transport you to the breezy, relaxed lifestyle of coastal living.
6. Nautical and Coastal Aren't the Same
When it comes to incorporating a whimsical, coastal motif into your home, remember that coastal isn't the same as nautical. The nautical theme typically involves anything boating-related, such as lobsters, crabs, fish, netting, anchors, heavy white ropes, boat wheels, paddles and more. Whereas the coastal interior design trend is more about incorporating the colors and textures of the beach.
It's possible to strike a balance between the two without being too cliched, but be sure to focus more on "beachy" elements if you're going for the coastal style.
7. Coastal Motifs Can Be Sophisticated
You may be saying, "What if I really want to lean into this coastal interior design style—with a few motifs here and there—without it looking too kitsch?" We get it—paintings of boats are neat!
Here's how to do it without your house looking like a souvenir shop on the Jersey Shore: Choose motifs that are related to coastal geography. Consider using seashells in their natural hues, vases of dried seagrass, beautiful paintings of the ocean in pastel colors, a bowl of collected sea glass or even a piece of driftwood above your fireplace. Keep the color palette of your motif-related decor serene, muted and in the blue, tan and white color families.
Don't be afraid to edit yourself. There are millions of interesting coastal decor pieces you could add to your home, but the fewer the better when it comes to motifs in design. With these seven tips in mind, your beautiful coastal-themed room will be transporting you to the beach in no time.
