If you're seeking to create a soothing yet laidback feel in your home, try out coastal-inspired interior design. Seaside elements, with white, blue, and neutral hues – combined seamlessly with organic textures – are the foundation of this look. The idea as a whole is to create a space that is clean and simple, yet not lacking in detail or personality.
'You don't need to live beside the sea to create a relaxed coastal decor scheme,' says Francesca Hadland, styling expert for Bridgman. 'Escape to the coast with nautical-inspired aesthetics and natural materials that will bring a sense of seaside calm to your interiors.'
Modern coastal design nods towards the beach without shouting about it, incorporating simple lines and materials like cotton and wood. The aim is to create a rustic space that wouldn't look amiss in a traditional coastal cottage. The result is a relaxed, sometimes rustic interior, with a laidback vibe and charm aplenty.
Keep reading to get inspired by our selection of beautiful coastal interiors...
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A sophisticated update
'Reminiscent of seaside memories, the perennial coastal aesthetic is becoming a mainstay amongst shoppers – but now with a grown-up twist,' says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's trend expert. 'Today’s coastal styles are moving towards a more sophisticated palette, with shoppers pairing neutral and off-white tones with breezy textiles and decor pieces inspired by the sea.
'Some of my favourite items to incorporate into a modern coastal-inspired space are linens, oversized vases, and driftwood materials, which give any space a relaxed yet upscale vibe.'
Image: Coastal Stripes Blue Wall Art, Beach House Art
This sturdy storage basket is pleasingly tactile and has plenty of room for storage. The natural finish ties in perfectly with a coastal-inspired interior.
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Add subtle coastal hints
'Start by introducing elegant hints of blue that will keep you on theme without being tacky,' advises Francesca. 'For example, combine a blue vase with a matching throw and accent chair. Next, tone things down with serene creams and neutrals for your cushions and walls – you can even upcycle old furniture with a fresh lick of white or cream paint for a rustic twist.
'Finally, don't overlook natural materials from the nautical nature of jute and rope baskets to weathered wood furniture and limewash floors.'
Image: Porthallow Corner Sofa Set, Garden Trading
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This faux jute footstool pouffe is woven from hardwearing polyester, so will be just at home in the garden as in your living room – talk about versatile.
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Think outside the box
Instead of sticking to decor that looks unmistakably coastal, consider how you can weave in elements of the style without being too brash. For example, a wallpaper inspired by swirling waves can add a textural look to your interior whilst giving a subtle nod to the coast.
Image: Seascape Wallpaper, Abigail Edwards
This classic pair of wooden dining chairs feature a timeless spindle-back design that is perfect for coastal-inspired interiors. Mix and match with other styles for an eclectic dining look.
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Try out an eclectic look
Coastal interiors have a long-standing association with rustic cottages and classic design choices. However, there's nothing to say you can't use the coast to inspire a more modern and eclectic interior. Use the colours associated with coastal interiors as a base and then get creative with pattern and design.
Papier Maché Pendant Light
The organic shape and uneven texture of this paper maché pendant light make an otherwise simple design incredibly striking.
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Have you heard of 'coastal grandmother'?
'A trend many of us are continuing to see on TikTok, "coastal grandmother" is all about creating a space that feels inviting for family and friends,' says Matilda Martin, trend specialist at Lick. 'If you’re looking for a home refresh that’ll welcome an elegant style, a calming environment and familiar comforts then ‘coastal grandmother’ is perfect for your home.
'When it comes to "coastal grandmother" and picking the right colour of paint, we'd suggest going for neutral tones. These neutral colour choices also pair perfectly with natural materials such as wicker boxes for organisation, as well as linen curtains for the effect of a coastal breeze when having your windows open during the warmer months.'
Image: Caro Bed, Furniture and Choice
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We love the diamond weave on this sandy-coloured throw. Super soft and with tasselled edges, this is perfect for dressing up your bed or sofa.
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Use shades of blue to create the right mood
'Blue is a universal favourite colour around the globe, and for good reason,' says Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of YesColours.
'It's often associated with the feeling of the ocean or the sky, transporting us straight back to holiday memories. To recreate this feeling look to incorporate teals and aqua blues, or for something more cocooning opt for a deeper blue.'
You don't have to stick to just one shade of blue, either. Mix and match different shades to create depth.
Fyn Geometric Cushion in Sea Green
Fyn Geometric Cushion in Sea Green
£43 at housebeautiful.co.uk
This plump cushion will slot effortlessly into any coastal-inspired interior. We particularly like the sea green shade and unique white pattern.
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Add panelling
To get the look of a coastal cottage (even if you live in the middle of a city), the trick is to add features that are associated with such homes.
Vertical wooden panelling instantly adds a beachy element to any interior, and you can amp up the look by painting it a rich shade of blue. If you want to keep things rustic, leave the wood in its natural, untreated state.
Image: Coral Art Prints, Beach House Art
If you can't get to the sea, bring the sea to you! This abstract art print makes us think of crashing waves and crystal blue water. What's not to like?
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Use coastal blues in the bedroom
'Blue is one of the most popular colours for bedrooms. It can have a positive effect on your mood as it connects us to a blue sky or ocean coastline,' notes Joanna Ross, general manager of design at Sheridan.
'Using nature to inspire your interior immediately helps you to feel relaxed. Whether you add a dark blue feature wall or incorporate a blue textured quilt cover, the colour blue is known to help calm the mind and produce a feeling of tranquillity – and who isn’t looking for some of this before going to sleep at night.'
Image: Coastal Stripe Navy Bed Linen, The Secret Linen Store
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Lior Stiped Cotton Linen Blend Duvet Cover
Lior Stiped Cotton Linen Blend Duvet Cover
A soft blend of cotton and linen, this striped duvet cover has a refined look. Better still, the combination of materials means it doesn't have to be ironed.
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Use special details to add charm
To add personality to your coastal-inspired interior, make sure to work in unique and intriguing details – a piece of driftwood found on the beach, perhaps, or a candlestick holder scavenged from an antique shop.
Quirky and unique details are what will add a laidback and welcoming feel to your space; crucial elements in any beachside abode.
Image: Palm Beach House Collection, Next
Töre Handmade Table Lamp in Mango Wood
Töre Handmade Table Lamp in Mango Wood
£109 at housebeautiful.co.uk
Meticulously crafted by hand from mango wood, this lamp is sure to add a touch of rustic charm to any room.
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Neutrals make a solid foundation to build upon
Just as important as blue in coastal interiors, neutral shades are what will give your space a sense of tranquillity.
'Natural yet sophisticated, lighter colours such as beiges, greys and whites promise to bring a serene and calm feel to a kitchen. Utterly timeless, these hues pair beautifully with other colours and can make a quiet statement on their own through subtle detailing,' says Mor Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone.
Joanna Ross, general manager of design at Sheridan, agrees: 'If you’re working with a more neutral colour palette, add sandy tones for a timeless take on coastal decor.'
This bud vase almost looks as though it's made from sand! Use it to display dried flowers or as a standalone ornament.
FAQs
11 ways to get the coastal look? ›
To keep things coastal, favor neutrals that evoke shades you'd find in nature: sandy light browns, soft cloudy whites, and blacks that mimic the darkest shades in the ocean. Remember, the coastal aesthetic is incredibly place-based, so the closer you get to its beachy inspiration, the more coastal your space will feel.
How do I get a subtle coastal look in my living room? ›To keep things coastal, favor neutrals that evoke shades you'd find in nature: sandy light browns, soft cloudy whites, and blacks that mimic the darkest shades in the ocean. Remember, the coastal aesthetic is incredibly place-based, so the closer you get to its beachy inspiration, the more coastal your space will feel.
What are the key elements of coastal style? ›"Coastal style emphasizes lighter tones in shades of blue, green, beige and white to communicate a relaxed feel. [It also] embraces casual furnishings slipcovered in neutral layers to create a cozy interior while welcoming sisal rugs, sea glass details and gauzy linen drapery."
How do you make coastal decor? ›- Keep it bright and breezy with light curtains. ...
- Don't forget the little details. ...
- Create a space to drift away. ...
- Embrace natural materials. ...
- Create a nautical feature wall. ...
- Paint a kitchen island sea blue.