Number 1 rule for a coastal interior design style is to incorporate plenty of natural light, sunlight, and indoor plants. Beaches and coastal areas are always filled with sunlight and breeze and you have got to do the same in your homes.

Pull aside the sheer curtains and open up the windows to introduce the breeze and natural light indoors. Remember, Coastal interior design is all about being airy, relaxed, and bright so don’t let your space look dull and dingy with no light!

A lot of homeowners prefer to use bold wooden blinds – well, you can use them, but I would highly recommend choosing sheer drapes or in some cases, no drapes at all!

Coastal Interior Design Style: Materials

Use layered textures to create a perfect dramatic appearance. It is time to use wicker, rattan, and raffia for your coastal décor elements and also chandeliers and lighting.

Choose natural materials like linen, jute, twine, wood, and cotton and say a no to synthetics, faux, velvet, and leather. You could use fancy white and bright tiles while making the most use of wooden floating shelves.

Use planters that are handwoven in natural materials, excessive use of ropes and also shells for an overall soothing experience. Use rugs and coasters of seagrass, sisal, jute, and bamboo for a rustic yet cool beachy vibe.

You wouldn’t find a lot of flashy materials here! Instead, natural materials that are devoid of luxe and shine are promoted.

For a further refined and natural look, I would recommend using distressed woods and weathered finishes in the form of décor for a beachy feel.

Coastal Interior Design Style: Furniture

Coastal furniture is quite a noteworthy element in this interior design style.

It is time to steal glances of Adirondack chairs, classical laid-back swings, macramé hammocks, bright white wooden chairs, rattan, and woven wicker accent chairs. Make sure the furniture is not too bold (unless it’s blue which works) but rather gives the vibe of comfort and relaxation. Materials that you could consider are linens and light cottons!

Furniture is usually either white or light-stained wood with functionality as the major factor. There are no extravagant motifs and decorations rather simplicity and airiness are maintained.

The ‘go-to’ material for these furniture is wood. Try to avoid the use of metals here because you need to use more of natural materials.

Look for little beachy details here in the form of pull handles on the consoles and end tables or decorative bedroom headboards or coffee tables.

Décor and Accessories

Coastal interior design style shares some of the similarities with minimalist interior design style. The concept of lighter, brighter, and airier space is well shared by both – however, the major difference being the immense use of contrasting blues in coastal interior design style.

Seashells, ropes, wicker, raffia, and rattan are major accents that should be used in lighting lampshades, coasters, decorative antiques, and rugs.

Coastal interior design style craves comfort and relaxation and that is why any coastal space is incomplete without throw pillows.

Add soft, bold, and textural throw pillows to add an extra tinge of comfort! This is the time to incorporate accent colors like blues and greys.

In the case of Artwork, try to go bold to create a decorative accent. Maybe if it is a landscape of a beautiful beach, ships, or anything related to the coast – it will further add a beachy vibe to your home. You can also find some chirpy island portraits online that would make a great fit!

Add in details like succulents, glass bottles, bowls, baskets, vases, rope wrapped chandeliers, and mirrors to foster positivity in your homes. Mirrors will further make your spaces look bright and spacious.

So, What’s the Coastal Takeaway?

Coastal living is all about a relaxed, laid-back, and comfortable life. Generally, coastal areas are warmer and that is why there is a major focus on cooler tones to make the interior space feel calmer and cooler! Well, how do you picture a coastal life? I am sure there are tons of blues from oceans and skies, whites from sand, and plenty of textures and fabrics for an added touch of comfort and serenity.

Don’t overfill your space and make it look too bold! Instead, aim for a brighter and spacious feel. Open up all the windows and doors and let the salty, fresh air in! It is time to sit back, sip Margherita and have some fish while enjoying the view!

Let me know your experiences and questions in the comments below as I would LOVE to hear from you. If you’re looking for a coastal makeover, do check out my interior decoration packages where we can get one-on-one with each other and design your homes in a perfect beachy style.