Style Deep Dive: This is Coastal Interior Design

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Style Deep Dive: Coastal Interior Design Style

Are you seeking a light, breezy, and effortlessly relaxed interior? Welcome to the world of Coastal Interior Design.

Our comprehensive “deep dive” style series offers you an in-depth yet easy-to-understand guide for recognizing and recreating major interior design styles, including Coastal. We’ll walk you through its key features, a brief history, practical tips on how to achieve the look, and show you how it compares with other popular design styles.

Let’s dive into Coastal interior design!

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1. How to Recognize the Coastal Interior Design Style

No matter where in the world you hail from, coastal design is universally recognizable by its light, airy, and casual vibe. It evokes the feeling of being by the sea, often featuring a color palette that reflects the ocean, sand, and sky. This style integrates natural materials and textures. Think of wicker, rattan, and reclaimed wood, with an emphasis on sunlight and open spaces.

Here are a few key elements that define Coastal design:

• Natural light: Large windows, sheer curtains, and skylights are common.
• Neutral and oceanic color palette: Think whites, soft blues, seafoam greens, and sandy beige.
• Texture: Rope, woven rugs, natural wood finishes, and glass accents.
• Open layouts: Spaces designed to feel expansive, breezy, and uncluttered.
• Nautical-inspired decor: Seashells, driftwood, nautical charts, and coastal-inspired art.

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2. Key Features of Coastal Interiors

Want to easily identify and implement Coastal design in your space? Watch for these essential characteristics:

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Architectural Features

Coastal interiors typically embrace open plans, emphasizing the relationship between indoors and outdoors. Homes often feature large windows and glass doors to let in natural light. If possible, sliding or folding doors that open onto a porch, balcony, or garden can further blend indoor and outdoor spaces.

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Color Palette

Coastal design embraces a clean, fresh palette. White is the foundation, often complemented by light shades of blue, turquoise, soft green, sandy tones, and the occasional deeper navy or coral accent.

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Textures and Materials

Woven textures like jute or seagrass, natural woods (especially weathered or reclaimed), and stone or pebble accents are common. Upholstered furniture in linen or cotton gives off a light, relaxed vibe.

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Furniture

Furniture in Coastal design tends to be simple, comfortable, and functional. Sofas and armchairs are often overstuffed with cushions, while dining tables and chairs are typically made from light wood or wicker. Outdoor-inspired furniture pieces often transition smoothly into indoor settings.

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Decor Elements

Coastal decor often includes subtle nautical themes, like seashells, beach artwork, lanterns, and maritime-inspired accessories like oars, anchors, or rope. Glass jars, driftwood, and coral add understated accents without overwhelming the space.

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3. A Brief History of Coastal Interior Style

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Coastal interior design is a style that evolved naturally from its broader environment. It originated as a natural extension of homes built in beachside or waterfront areas, particularly in places like the Hamptons, Cape Cod, and the coastal regions of California and the Mediterranean. The style emerged as a reflection of a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle where connection to nature and the ocean were central.

It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the Coastal style gained broader popularity as people began looking for ways to bring that vacation feeling into their everyday homes, regardless of whether they lived near the sea or not. As travel and globalization increased, so did the desire to incorporate tranquil, ocean-inspired spaces into homes across the world.

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4. Coastal Style’s Popularity Over Time

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The appeal of Coastal design has remained consistent over time due to its timeless and versatile aesthetic. Its popularity surged in the early 2000s as minimalism became fashionable, offering a relaxed but refined alternative to stark contemporary designs.

Coastal’s rise is also tied to the increasing popularity of open-plan living spaces and an emphasis on natural light. The style’s ability to create serene, inviting spaces has made it particularly popular in vacation homes, beach houses, and suburban dwellings alike. Its influence can now be found in interior design trends across the globe, from Australia’s surf culture to European beach resorts.

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5. How to Achieve the Coastal Interior Aesthetic

To achieve the Coastal look in your home, here are four key elements to focus on:

• Embrace light and space: Keep your space open, airy, and filled with natural light. Use sheer or lightweight curtains and minimal window treatments to maximize light flow.
• Natural materials: Incorporate natural, beach-inspired textures like rattan, wicker, and jute for furniture and accessories. Weathered wood and stone can add warmth and texture.
• Ocean-inspired color palette: Stick to soft blues, whites, and natural hues. Use pops of coral, navy, or turquoise for accents, but maintain a light and calm overall tone.
• Add coastal decor sparingly: Choose decor elements that reflect the beach lifestyle without overdoing it. Think glass vases filled with seashells, woven baskets, or maritime-inspired artwork.

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6. Dos and Don’ts of Coastal Interiors

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Dos:

• Embrace natural light and open spaces.
• Use a soft, ocean-inspired color palette.
• Incorporate natural textures and materials like wood, wicker, and linen.
• Add subtle beach-inspired decor like seashells, coral, or nautical accents.

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Don’ts:

• Overload the space with kitschy nautical decor (avoid turning it into a theme park).
• Use bold or bright colors that overwhelm the calmness of the space.
• Clutter the space with unnecessary items – keep it clean and breezy.

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7. Which Other Interior Design Styles Share Characteristics with Coastal Style?

Coastal design shares similarities with other light, natural styles, particularly Scandinavian and Bohemian design. Both emphasize comfort, natural materials, and a connection to the outdoors, though Coastal tends to be more inspired by water and the sea.

Scandinavian interiors, for example, use light, neutral color palettes and clean lines but may feel more minimalist and stark, while Bohemian design adds more eclectic and colorful elements than the subdued, calm Coastal style.

Tropical design is also closely related, but incorporates bolder colors, exotic plant life, and vibrant patterns, making it a more lush and intense cousin to the soft, relaxed tones of Coastal.

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8. In the Wild: Notable Coastal Designers and Examples of Coastal Style

Here are a few well-known designers and examples of Coastal interior design in real homes:

• India Hicks, with her relaxed yet elegant beach-style interiors, often incorporates natural materials and classic coastal color palettes.
• Steven Gambrel has designed coastal homes that masterfully balance traditional maritime influences with a modern aesthetic.
• The Hamptons is a prime example of upscale Coastal interiors, featuring homes that embrace open spaces, soft palettes, and nautical-inspired decor.

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Here are some examples of Coastal homes in the wild:

• Beach cottages with wide, breezy porches.
• Hamptons-style homes with luxurious yet relaxed interiors.
• Mediterranean villas with an emphasis on light and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

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Thank you for reading Style Deep Dive: Coastal Interior Design. For more interior design guides, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter or check out our Ultimate 30 Interior Design Styles Reference Guide for free.

—Vonsassy