Natural, textural, breezy, and lived-in, Coastal style interior design is universally appealing as it encourages relaxation.
It is all about feeling carefree, comfortable, and calm in every room of your home.
Coastal homes offer a natural charm due to the inclusion of timeworn and rustic pieces.
Visual interest and character are achieved via the natural effects of the elements of sun, wind, and rain. You will find this in the layers of chalky whites and calming neutrals, complimented by raw woods, naturally found objects, vintage rattan, and aged cane pieces.
COLOUR PALETTE
The Coastal style colour palette features a backdrop of chalky whites, beige, sand, grey, faded neutrals, soft greens, and blues, navy, tan, and celadon.
These are complemented by earth tones, painted, and stripped-back black accents alongside natural and bleached timbers, rattan, and cane.
Metallic elements include brushed nickel, bronze, brass, and copper.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
Architecturally, coastal homes are open-plan spaces and place emphasis on circulating natural light throughout the home. This means you will find large windows, skylights, and glass doors, that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
Other architectural features can include:
- Shutters
- Exposed wooden beams.
- Tongue and groove panelled walls
- Shiplap or beadboard.
- & Plaster finishes or matte-painted walls.
FLOORING
Coastal flooring options are usually light-coloured hardwoods, in lighter stains or natural finishes for a bright and airy feel. Popular choices include oak, pine, and maple.
Other ideas include:
- Painted and lime-washed floorboards.
- Quality vinyl mats
- Glazed porcelain tiles in a matte or lappato finish.
- & concrete, for a contemporary feel.
These can be softened by floor mats, area rugs, and runners made from seagrass, sisal, and jute, as well as cotton dhurries in oceanic hues.
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COASTAL STYLE
LIGHTING
Coastal-style lighting options favour breezy ceiling pendants, table and floor lamps, and wall sconces crafted from rattan, clay, sisal, bamboo, lightweight fabric, white-washed or painted wood, ceramic, and glass.
Look for bases that feature chalky, natural, or glossy finishes with natural linen or vintage fabric floral or striped pattern shades.
Introduce floor lanterns, festoon lighting, battery-operated candles, and tea lights in glass votives for mood lighting.
COASTAL STYLE
WINDOW TREATMENTS
To preserve the circulation of natural light, window treatments are often minimal, with popular choices including very sheer cotton or linen curtains, painted plantation shutters, lightweight Roman shades, and rattan or bamboo blinds, for privacy and to soften any harsh glare.
COASTAL STYLE
FURNITURE
Coastal-style furniture embodies a relaxed and comfortable feel, blending tailored elements, vintage finds, painted pieces, and natural materials to create a serene atmosphere.
Some ideas include:
- Whitewashed, bleached, or stripped timbers and driftwood furniture.
- Slip-covered armchairs and sofas made from soft washable cotton, linen, and calico.
- Oversize scatter cushions and pouffs.
- Relaxed daybeds
- Rattan or teak tables and chairs.
- Stump stools.
- Vintage furniture, including Indian teak day beds, grey-wash rattan chairs, carved timber consoles, and sideboards.
These recycled and organic materials will develop a beautiful character and patina overtime, adding to the lived-in and timeless feel.
COASTAL STYLE
TEXTURE & MATERIALS
For visual interest, layer a variety of textures and materials, including breathable fabrics like washed linen and cotton, in addition to soft cashmere, alpaca, wool, jute, bamboo, and more.
You can bring a layered feel to your home by incorporating lightweight cushions, throws, bedding, and blankets in soothing neutrals, blues, and greens.
Some of our most loved patterns include ticking stripes, geometric and tribal designs, large-scale abstracts, seascape motifs, and raised embroidery and waffle designs.
COASTAL STYLE
ARTWORK & MIRRORS
Next, infuse personality, story, and style into the home with artwork and mirrors.
Ideas include framed vintage watercolor paintings & coastal landscape photography, framed nautical life and dried sea fans, wall-mounted woven baskets, and contemporary abstract artwork, to contrast the muted backdrop of the relaxed coastal home.
Collections of vintage or black-and-white family photos can be styled in the hallway for a welcoming feel.
Lastly, look for mirrors that feature frames of shell art, woven rope, rattan, bamboo, natural timber, and intricate style carvings.
These can be round, curved, arched, or tall and rectangular and positioned near the large windows or indoor greenery, to reflect the beautiful surroundings.
COASTAL STYLE
ACCESSORIES
When sourcing accessories for Coastal style, aim for a curated feel by combining loved pieces with items that add a touch of lustre.
For something loved, ideas include artisanal ceramic wonky ware, decorative whitewash rattan trays and woven baskets, wooden and marble trays, cherished books and board games, picture frames, and weathered straw hats.
To infuse a touch lustre, opt for glazed ceramic trinket dishes and vessels, foggy glass vases, and a curated collection of white, pastel blue, or celadon green ceramics adorned with charmingly mismatched designs, as well as glass tea light votives.
Lastly, these can be accented with decorative treasures sourced from the coastal environment, such as weathered driftwood, delicate coral, seashells, and gathered foliage.
COASTAL STYLE
LIVING ENERGY
Add a fresh and vibrant contrast to the relaxed environment with lush, indoor greenery in the form of fiddle leaf figs, palm, Dracaena, spider plants, monstera plants, and succulents.
These can be softened with pale dried foliage of palms and pampas grasses, collected driftwood branches, spinifex, hydrangeas, and other found foraged natural elements.
