Coastal interior design is inviting, relaxed, and effortlessly stylish, creating a peaceful atmosphere that promotes comfort and calm. It focuses on fostering a laid-back, cozy vibe throughout the home. The natural charm of coastal homes comes from the incorporation of weathered, rustic items. Visual appeal and character are enhanced by the organic influence of the sun, wind, and rain, reflected in soft whites, soothing neutrals, raw wood, natural elements, and vintage rattan or aged cane furniture.
The Coastal style color palette is centered around soft, airy hues such as chalky whites, beige, sand, grey, and faded neutrals, along with calming greens and blues, navy, tan, and celadon. These shades are paired with earthy tones, paired-back black accents, and natural materials like bleached timber, rattan, and cane. Subtle metallic touches, such as brushed nickel, bronze, brass, and copper, add a hint of warmth and elegance to the design.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
Coastal homes are characterized by open-plan layouts that maximize the flow of natural light. Large windows, skylights, and glass doors create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Other architectural elements commonly found in coastal homes include:
- Shutters
- Exposed wooden beams
- Tongue and groove paneled walls
- Shiplap or beadboard
- Plaster finishes or matte-painted walls
FLOORING
Coastal flooring typically features light-colored hardwoods with natural or lighter stains to create an open, airy atmosphere. Common choices include oak, pine, and maple.
Other options for coastal flooring include:
- Painted or lime-washed floorboards
- High-quality vinyl mats
- Glazed porcelain tiles in matte finishes
- Concrete for a modern touch
A light-colored rug can be a great choice for a coastal design! It complements the airy, relaxed vibe typical of coastal interiors. Think soft shades like light beige, soft gray, pale blue, or even ivory—these tones work well with coastal themes, evoking the feeling of sand, sea, and sky.
LIGHTING
To soften the look, add floor mats, area rugs, and runners made from natural materials like seagrass, sisal, jute, or cotton dhurries in soothing ocean-inspired hues.
Coastal-style lighting features breezy ceiling pendants, table and floor lamps, and wall sconces made from materials like rattan, clay, sisal, bamboo, lightweight fabrics, white-washed or painted wood, ceramic, and glass.
Look for light fixtures with bases in chalky, natural, or glossy finishes paired with linen or vintage fabric shades in floral or striped patterns.
To create a cozy atmosphere, add floor lanterns, festoon lighting, battery-operated candles, and glass votive tea lights for soft, mood-enhancing illumination.
WINDOW TREATMENTS
Window treatments in coastal interiors are designed to maintain natural light flow while offering privacy. Common options include sheer cotton or linen curtains, painted plantation shutters, lightweight Roman shades, and rattan or bamboo blinds, which soften harsh glare and enhance the airy, relaxed vibe of the space.
FURNITURE
Coastal-style furniture is all about creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere using a mix of natural materials, vintage pieces, and soft textures. Key elements include:
- Whitewashed, bleached, or driftwood furniture.
- Slip-covered sofas and armchairs in cotton, linen, or calico.
- Oversized scatter cushions and poufs.
- Relaxed daybeds for a cozy vibe.
- Rattan or teak tables and chairs.
- Stump stools and unique vintage finds like Indian teak day beds and carved timber consoles.
These organic materials age beautifully, adding character and a timeless, lived-in charm to the space.
TEXTURE & MATERIALS
To add visual interest and depth, layer various textures and materials like breathable linen and cotton, soft cashmere, wool, jute, bamboo, and alpaca. Incorporate lightweight cushions, throws, bedding, and blankets in calming neutrals, blues, and greens for a layered effect. Popular patterns include ticking stripes, geometric and tribal prints, seascape motifs, as well as raised embroidery and waffle designs, all contributing to a serene, coastal-inspired atmosphere.
ARTWORK & MIRRORS
Add personality and style with artwork and mirrors that tell a story. Consider framed vintage watercolors, coastal landscape photography, or nautical life prints. Incorporate woven baskets or contemporary abstract pieces to contrast the relaxed coastal ambiance. Display collections of black-and-white family photos in hallways for a welcoming touch. For mirrors, look for frames made from shell art, rattan, bamboo, natural timber, or intricate carvings. These mirrors—round, curved, arched, or tall—can be placed near large windows or indoor plants to reflect the natural beauty of the space.
DECOR ACCENTS
For Coastal style accessories, create a curated look by mixing beloved items with touches of shine. For treasured pieces, consider artisanal ceramic ware, whitewashed rattan trays, woven baskets, wooden and marble trays, favorite books, board games, picture frames, and weathered straw hats. To add luster, opt for glazed ceramic trinket dishes, foggy glass vases, and a collection of white, pastel blue, or celadon green ceramics with charming mismatched designs alongside glass tea light votives—accent with coastal treasures like weathered driftwood, delicate coral, seashells, and gathered foliage.
LIVING ENERGY
Introduce vitality to the relaxed coastal environment with vibrant indoor plants like fiddle leaf figs, palms, Dracaena, spider plants, monstera, and succulents. These lively greens can be complemented by soft, dried elements such as pampas grasses, palm fronds, driftwood branches, spinifex, hydrangeas, and other foraged natural finds, adding texture and depth to your space.
