Coastal Interior Design: 3 Styles of Coastal Interior Design

Regardless of whether you live near the coast, coastal interior design is a popular aesthetic. From classic nautical design to more minimalist home decor with a bohemian coastal vibe, homeowners often gravitate toward this open and airy home design.

Coastal interior design often incorporates natural elements from scenic beaches and coastlines, such as natural woods, jute, rattan, and linen fabrics. The coastal aesthetic also favors a lighter color palette where shades of blue and white mimic the crashing waves of the ocean.

Whether you choose to hire a team of interior designers or plan to DIY your own coastal style, a beachy but classic living space is attainable.

Coastal interior design stems from the luxury beach homes and lavish coastal living of the Hamptons on New York’s Long Island. Throughout the years, coastal home design has developed nationally and regionally throughout the US.

Location plays an important role in the layout and design of your living space. The beach cottages of the Florida keys are not the surf shacks of the California coast, and the frescoes and rustic Mediterranean design of a Texas beach home are not the same as the rich, white-walled Hamptons homes of New York.

Coastal design is open, airy, and should feel like a relaxing day out on the beach. There are several types of coastal interior design, each inspiring its own decor ideas.

1. 1. Beachy minimalism: This cool, coastal style pares back the noise in favor of simplicity and a feeling that you’re still at the beach. Think open floor plans with layered neutrals and white walls, and white slipcovered couches. A beachy house should have lots of natural light, soft linen window treatments, and perhaps a chandelier.
2. 2. Mediterranean bliss: Greece, Italy, and Spain all have a certain warmth to their indoor/outdoor home designs. Incorporate light, sunbaked colors inspired by frescoes and Mediterranean terrain, such as rust, light blue, lavender, and yellow. Consider terracotta materials, engraved wall sconces, and wide-plank or tile flooring to add rustic flair. If you don't have arches or exposed beams in your living space, consider mimicking them with paint or open bookshelves.
3. 3. Island living: Island-inspired decor is more bohemian in nature, weaving in design elements such as crisp white shiplap walls, soft window treatments, and sisal for some vibrancy. Large luscious rattan chairs and a Mediterranean-themed area rug may serve as a focal point for common areas. A mix of warm and light colors feels laid back and nurtured.

Note that nautical is not necessarily coastal design. Nautical design features anchors, ships, bold patriotic colors, as well as military-style stripes and design.

From soft, natural florals to cool color palettes, there are many ways to design a coastal retreat. The below tips can help you design a blissful, beachy home, room by room:

1. 1. Entryway: Functional natural materials should grace the entry point of your home, welcoming newcomers and refreshing home dwellers.
2. 2. Dining room and kitchen: Just because coastal design leans toward neutrals, doesn't mean you can’t add a pop of color in the form of plates, seating, or wall decor. The kitchen and dining room are also great areas to play with natural elements, such as driftwood, sisal, and even seashells.
   
3. 3. Living room and common areas: Keep these busy areas of your home open for natural light. Be particular about your choice of coffee table and couches to set the mood.
4. 4. Bathroom: Get inspired by coastal textures—such as stone, seashell, and terracotta—and craft a rejuvenating, spa-inspired space.
5. 5. Master bedroom: You can create a serene atmosphere with a color palette using the rule of three; a dominant color, secondary color, and accent color.

Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the MasterClass Annual Membership and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Kelly Wearstler and Corey Damen Jenkins. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home.