Style Deep Dive - Coastal

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Picture yourself lounging in a breezy, sun-soaked room with hues of blue and sandy beige, surrounded by natural textures and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. This is the magic of Coastal interior design, a style that effortlessly captures the tranquility and beauty of seaside living. I'm excited to teach you how to capture the Coastal aesthetic in your home in a way that is sophisticated and comfortable. We will explore the essence of coastal style, provide tips on executing it flawlessly, and help you recognize it when you see it.

Defining Coastal Style

Coastal style, often referred to as "beach style" or "coastal chic," is an interior design aesthetic that draws its inspiration from the ocean, the beach, and the natural elements found along the coastline. It evokes a sense of serenity, relaxation, and a connection to nature.

Our most recent Coastal project

Click to shop some of the pieces we sourced.

Recognizing Coastal Style

Color Palette

Coastal design typically revolves around a soothing color palette inspired by the ocean and beach. Think shades of blue, aqua, soft greens, sandy beige, and crisp whites. These colors create a sense of calm and openness.

Materials

Coastal interiors embrace natural materials such as weathered wood, jute, rattan, and bamboo. These materials mimic the textures and elements found in coastal environments and add warmth and character to the space.

Motifs

Coastal design often incorporates nautical motifs like seashells, anchors, ropes, and boat accessories. These elements add a whimsical touch and reinforce the beachy vibe. When it comes to nautical motifs, you need to be extremely selective. Too many nautical items and your room will feel like a theme room, which we want to avoid. Anything nautical that you decide to include should be understated and sophisticated. Do not overdo it here or you will lose your designer feel in a hurry!

Feel

Coastal spaces are known for their light and airy feel. Large windows, sheer curtains, and strategically placed mirrors maximize natural light, creating a bright and cheerful ambiance.

Furnishings

Furniture in coastal interiors is typically comfortable and inviting. Slipcovered sofas and chairs in soft, neutral colors are common choices. Upholstery with striped patterns or marine-themed prints can also be used.

Decor

Coastal artwork often includes seascapes, beach scenes, and marine life. Shells, driftwood, and coral are popular décor items. Incorporating these elements brings the outdoors inside. This is another area where you can overdo it and move into theme territory. We recommend being incredibly selective with coastal wall art and decor. You can incorporate Coastal themes without being too heavy handed. Check out some well done Coastal rooms to see what we mean by being Coastal without being too obvious.

Spaces in the Coastal design style

How to Execute Coastal Style

Now that we've defined coastal style, let's explore some tips on how to execute it effectively in your interior design projects:

Create a Neutral Base. Begin by painting walls in soft, neutral colors like white, beige, or light gray. This provides a clean canvas to build upon.

Choose the Right Fabrics. Opt for fabrics that are light and breezy. Linen, cotton, and sheer materials work well for curtains, upholstery, and bedding.

Incorporate Natural Textures. Introduce natural textures through furniture, rugs, and décor items. Look for pieces made from reclaimed wood, rattan, sisal, jute, etc.

Add Pops of Coastal Colors. Infuse your space with pops of coastal colors like blues and greens through accent pillows, artwork, or decorative accessories.

Accessorize Thoughtfully. Select beach-inspired accessories like seashell collections, driftwood sculptures, or maritime maps. As we discussed earlier, keep it balanced and sophisticated to avoid overwhelming the space.

Balance Patterns. While coastal design leans towards simplicity, you can incorporate subtle patterns such as stripes or geometric shapes for added visual interest.

Shop beautiful Coastal pieces

In the world of interior design, Coastal style is a timeless and beloved aesthetic that captures the essence of seaside living. By embracing a soothing color palette, natural materials, and beach-inspired décor, you can transform your space into a coastal retreat. Whether you're designing a beachfront home or simply want to infuse your interior with a sense of tranquility, coastal style offers a versatile and enduring choice that resonates with the beauty of the sea. So, dive into coastal design and let the waves of inspiration wash over you as you create your own coastal retreat.

Want to work with us to decorate your dream home? Let’s schedule a discovery call to get started!