How to Design Your Home in a Coastal Style (Guide)
Designing your home in coastal style is the perfect way to bring the relaxing vibes.
Whether you’re drawn to the soft pastel colors of the sea or the natural textures of driftwood and wicker, coastal design offers endless opportunities to create a space that feels airy, serene, and inviting.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to capture the essence of coastal living with simple yet elegant design elements. From the right color palette to incorporating natural materials, we’ve got you covered!
So, if you’ve been dreaming of creating your own beach-inspired retreat, let’s dive in and explore how you can achieve that coastal charm in your home!
Choose the Right Color Palette for Your Coastal Home
When starting to design coastal-inspired space, picking the perfect color palette is challenging at first. I mean, coastal style seems pretty simple, right? Just throw some blues and whites together and you’re good to go. But let me tell you—there’s a little more to it than that!
Here’s the thing: the right colors can totally transform a room, and it all starts with understanding the vibe you want to create.
Learn that soft, light tones are the backbone of any coastal space. Think whites, light blues, and sandy beiges. These shades are like a breath of fresh air. When painted living room walls a soft, muted blue, it instantly felt like the room was breathing. It was like inviting the sea breeze in without even opening a window.
I always recommend opting for tones that mimic the natural world—the sky, the ocean, the sand. They just work together to create that calm, tranquil atmosphere we all crave in a coastal home.
But, here’s the catch—don’t go overboard with just one color.
You want the room to feel like it has depth without losing that airy vibe. This is where accent colors come in. Start using seafoam green, turquoise, and coral in throw pillows, artwork, and even a few accent walls. At first you might think it might be too much, but it actually adds a playful, yet still calming, energy to the space.
Coral tones, especially, are like the perfect nod to the beach, while turquoise and seafoam give off those oceanic vibes.
Now, you can’t forget about the importance of natural whites and neutrals. Incorporat whites and light grays on the trim, ceiling, and even furniture. These light hues open up a space, making it feel bigger and more airy. Think of them like a blank canvas that allows the accent colors to pop without overwhelming the space. It’s a delicate balance, but once you get it right, it’s magic.
Another pro tip I can tell you is that picking up lighter neutrals are your friends when it comes to furniture. Opt for soft linen slipcovers or light wooden furniture to match your coastal color scheme. I made the mistake of choosing dark, heavy furniture once, and it completely weighed down the room. The minute I switched to lighter tones, everything felt fresher and more relaxed.
Incorporate Natural Materials for an Organic Feel
I can’t stress enough how important it is to bring natural materials into your coastal design.
Let’s start with wood. Whether it’s reclaimed wood furniture or just a few wooden accents, it immediately adds warmth and texture to any room. I remember when I added a reclaimed wood coffee table to a living room; it was like the space came alive. That rustic, organic look instantly made the room feel more grounded.
I found that driftwood-inspired pieces, like a mirror frame made from weathered wood or a driftwood lamp, can truly elevate the coastal vibe. Not only do they bring the outdoors in, but they also create a calming, natural energy in the room. And if you’re not into a super rustic look, even lighter woods like oak or pine still keep things feeling natural but more refined.
Now, woven textures are a game changer. When I added jute rugs and rattan furniture, the whole space shifted. It suddenly felt more cohesive, like I had curated the perfect balance between modern comfort and nature.
Woven baskets are another great option. I use them for everything—storing blankets, organizing magazines, or even as decor on shelves. They add texture without taking up too much space visually. If you’re hesitant about rattan chairs or furniture, start with small accents, like a woven tray or a rattan lamp base. The natural fibers will give the room an earthy, lived-in feel, without looking too heavy.
One thing I learned through trial and error is that natural stone—especially light marble or stone with soft veining—works wonders as an accent piece.
Something to keep in mind, though—balance is key when using natural materials. At one point, I had so many wooden and woven pieces that it started to feel a little too “woodsy” for my taste. I had to dial it back by adding some sleek, modern accents to avoid the space looking too rustic. I found that pairing natural materials with more polished elements like glass, ceramic, or metal can bring a nice contrast, giving the space that fresh coastal vibe without feeling cluttered or too earthy.
Maximize Light and Create an Airy Atmosphere
I can’t tell you how much of a difference natural light makes when you’re designing a coastal-inspired space.
If you have the option, go for large windows or glass doors. I know, it’s not always practical, but trust me, even smaller changes can make a huge difference. I replaced my small, closed-off windows with a set of French doors that opened to a small patio. I thought it might make the room look smaller at first, but the flood of natural light made it feel 10 times bigger. If you’re on a budget, even just swapping out the old blinds for sheer curtains that let the light filter through is an easy win. I’m telling you, natural light makes the entire room feel more alive.
Another trick I discovered (through trial and error, of course) is mirrors. It’s so simple, but mirrors can make the room feel so much more expansive. I was skeptical at first—thinking it might make the space feel like a hall of mirrors or something—but when I hung a large mirror across from a window, the sunlight bounced off it and reflected throughout the room. That mirror didn’t just look nice, it made the entire space feel brighter and more airy. I suggest placing mirrors strategically in areas where they’ll catch the most light. It’s like giving your room a little extra sunshine, even on cloudy days.
Now, let’s talk about lighting fixtures. I learned that ambient lighting is essential for creating a relaxing atmosphere. I used to have these big, harsh overhead lights that were great for, I don’t know, doing homework, but definitely not for unwinding after a long day. If you want to create that soft, inviting glow that feels like a sunset at the beach, look for pendant lights, chandeliers, or wall sconces made from natural materials like rattan, wood, or linen.
Soft lighting is the key here. You don’t want anything too bright or jarring—think about creating a gentle, welcoming ambiance that feels like you’re living in a beach cottage, no matter what your actual location is.
Beach-Inspired Decor to Bring the Ocean Indoors
When it comes to beach-inspired decor, it’s all about adding subtle coastal elements that create a relaxed, beachy feel without going overboard.
Coastal artwork is a perfect starting point. I picked up a large print of a calm ocean scene for my living room, and it instantly transported the room to a beachside retreat. The key is to go for prints or paintings that evoke the calmness of the ocean, rather than super vibrant, busy designs.
Adding seashells and driftwood is another great way to bring the beach indoors. I personally love using a driftwood sculpture as a centerpiece on my coffee table. It’s a natural, earthy piece that makes the space feel grounded. Seashell bowls or small jars filled with beach treasures like sea glass also add an organic, coastal touch.
Lastly, don’t forget greenery. Adding a few easy-care plants like succulents or small palms can breathe life into any room, especially when paired with a beachy aesthetic.
Coastal-Inspired Furniture for Comfort and Style
The furniture doesn’t need to be fancy; in fact, simplicity is key. For living area go with a soft, light-colored sofa—linen slipcovers. It’s casual, cozy, and perfect for curling up after a long day. Plus, linen is super breathable, which gives it that laid-back, beachy feel.
I would also added simple, clean-lined chairs with cotton cushions in soft shades of white and light blue. The whole space felt immediately lighter. The best part? They’re comfy enough for a long afternoon nap, but still stylish enough to look put-together.
For tables and storage, natural wood was a must.
Layering Coastal Textures to Create Depth and Comfort
One of my favorite things about coastal design is how easy it is to create warmth and depth by layering different textures.
It’s not just about filling the space—it’s about creating a lived-in, cozy feel that still feels light and breezy. I found that layering natural rugs was one of the simplest and most effective ways to add that rich texture. I started with a large jute rug as the base for my living room. It’s durable and feels great underfoot, but I also added a smaller sisal rug on top, bringing in a more refined texture. The combo of the two rugs really elevated the space, giving it that natural, beachy vibe without feeling cluttered.
Then, I moved on to throws and pillows—because, honestly, what’s a cozy living room without a pile of comfy pillows? I mixed and matched ocean-inspired colors, from soft blues to sandy beige, with a few coral-colored ones to add contrast. The result was a super inviting space where I could kick back and feel like I was at the beach. Don’t be afraid to layer throws on the back of your sofa too. A cozy, textured throw in cotton or linen adds that extra layer of comfort.
Finally, I swapped out heavy curtains for light, flowing linen curtains. They let the light stream in while still offering privacy.
Final Words about Coastal Style
Designing your home in a coastal style is all about embracing the natural beauty of the beach while creating a space that feels calm, serene, and welcoming. By incorporating light colors, natural materials, and coastal-inspired decor, you can transform your home into a peaceful haven. Don’t forget to add personal touches—whether it’s with artwork, textures, or unique accents—that make the space truly yours! Start small or go all in—either way, your coastal retreat will become a sanctuary that radiates tranquility.
