The Complete Guide to Coastal-style Interior Decorating

Coastal style is natural, textural, breezy and lived-in. It's universally appealing as this style encourages relaxation!

Incorporating layers of white and natural textures with soft furnishing fabrics of washed cottons and stonewashed linens.

Furniture choices are predominantly crafted from white washed or bleached timbers and driftwood, with slipcovered chairs and sofas. It's all about feeling carefree, comfortable and easy going.

Decorative objects are often 'found and displayed', fossicked from the surrounding environment and include raw materials such as driftwood, coral, shells, and foliage. Coastal lighting options favour breezy cane/sea grass and glass hanging pendants. Soft dappled candle light is seen throughout the home with large collections of candles in glass holders placed on coffee tables, bedsides and shelving.

Bookshelves and sideboards are filled with books and games and holiday memories in frames. Architecturally, Coastal interiors are open plan spaces, with a celebration of natural light and flooring options are usually timber or tiled flooring, softened by mats of sea-grass, jute and cotton dhurries.

For a step-by-step guide to creating the Coastal look explore our guide below and shop the style online. 

THE COASTAL GUIDE 

  • Colour palette; Layers of white and muted neutral tones are complimented by natural and bleached timbers, wood, rattan and cane.
  • Architectural features; Shutters, screens, ceiling fans, tongue & groove panelled painted walls.
  • Natural flooring; Natural timber, lime-washed or painted floorboards with sisal and jute floor rugs, sea-grass and cotton dhurrie rugs.
  • Lighting; Shell, clay, rattan and bamboo chandeliers or sheer fabric pendant shades.
  • Window treatments; Celebration a natural light, sheer cotton curtains and painted or limed shutters.
  • Furniture; Bleached timbers in tables, side tables, muted chalky painted sideboards, occasional chairs of rattan and cane and slip-covered sofas or ottomans.
  • Fabric; Natural linens & cottons; light, cooling and breathable fabrics.
  • Art; Mounted woven baskets, shell art and vintage coastal oil paintings.
  • Decorative; Natural collected elements; shells, coral, driftwood, baskets, sea fans.
  • Plants; Large fiddle leaf fig, palms and succulents.

WATCH THE COASTAL STYLING VIDEO

SET THE MOOD

With our collection of songs to audibly accompany the Coastal Style.

TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING LOOK

There are so many ways to re-purpose your furniture and decor & update your existing look with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®

See how customers are transforming their Furniture, Interiors and Decor to create a Coastal Style Look with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®.

Want to learn more? Stay up-to-date with our Chalk Painting Classes.

COASTAL DESIGNER INSPIRATION

CARRIER & COMPANY

Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller are a husband-and-wife interior design duo and founders of Carrier & Co.

Their style is characterised by a mix of classic and contemporary design that is both relaxed and elegant. Their use of hand-blocked soft furnishings and hues of blue and white reflects an overall Coastal feel. 

Instagram: @carrierandco

Photo: ©2020 Carrier and Company

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PAMELA MAKIN

Pamela Makin is a Sydney based designer and owner of Les Interieurs in Newport. 

Natural, textural and raw materials in the form of decor, art and sculptural features provide interest and contrast soft white-washed backdrops. 

The colour palette of whites, neutrals and accents of black is complimented by lush fresh indoor greenery. 

Instagram: @lesinterieursnewport

Photo: Pamela Makin 

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SUMICH CHAPLIN

Sumich Chaplin is an Architecture firm based in NZ, with an international presence. 

They utilise ageless techniques such stripped back furnishings and white washed interiors. 

Structural elements such as natural timber panelling and exposed beams created a relaxed coastal feel.

Instagram: @sumichchaplinarchitects

Photo: © Sumich Chaplin Architects 2016

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EXPLORE YOUR SUBTYPES

Expand your Style Personality with Complementary Styles adjacent to Coastal Style.