Coastal Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know About

This Nautical and Serene Style

Drawing inspiration from the sand, sea, and sky, coastal interior design helps you bring the
tranquility of the beach into your home. After all there are few things in the world that
conjure peace quite like the sound of waves crashing on the shore. “Coastal interior design
is a sophisticated design perspective that should evoke a sense of easy, luxuriously
understated living,” says Sarah Solis, a Malibu-based interior designer, founder and principal
of Sarah Solis Design Studio, and member of the AD Pro directory. “Coastal interiors have soft
tones with relaxed and comfortable materials executed with strong lines and intention
without feeling too loose or undefined.

What is coastal interior design?

Clear from the name, coastal interior design is a style inspired and influenced by the coast.
“Coastal interior design is rooted in drawing inspiration from the scenic landscape to bring
the natural beauty of the surroundings in,” says Hamwey. “The design is influenced by the
rich coastal tones of the deep Blue Ocean, honeyed-colored boat hulls, and textures
reminiscent of dune grass.” Hamwey also explains that the key to a coastal style largely lies in
the colors, which should blend seamlessly from the outdoors into the interiors. “Earth tones
and natural textures must work together to create a design that is harmonious with its
surroundings,” she says.

In coastal interiors, you will often find royal or navy blues and crisp whites along with plenty
of natural elements and textures such as wood, linen, jute, and rattan. “Natural materials like
wood beams and flooring, washed linens, cashmere, alpaca, and lots of plaster walls are a
must to define this look and create an authentic feeling,” “Architecturally speaking, large-
scale windows expanding on the exterior landscape that allow for indoor-outdoor living are at
the heart of this style. The windows capture the essence, and the relaxed materiality defines
the vibe.”

Using these different design elements, naturally,

creates a different effect from each home. “Coastal
design tends to be more tailored, traditional, and
refined
History of coastal
interior design
Coastal interiors have
been around for quite
some time and are not
often considered a new
design trend. “Coastal
design has a long-
standing history originally
stemming from the
means in which people
decorated their lavish
waterfront or seaside
homes in areas such as
the Hamptons,” explains Hamwey. “Through various
approaches, coastal design now reflects an individual’s
interpretation of how they draw inspiration to bring the
natural beauty of the surrounding elements into the
home.”

As Solis adds, modern coastal design as we know it

today has been architecturally driven through an
emphasis on large scale windows that expand the view
and bring the outdoor landscape into the home. “The
style has traditionally framed the landscape as part of
the art within the home,

Defining elements and characteristics

of coastal interior design
“Coastal interiors often focus on a soft, washed, or
faded neutral toned color palette paired with natural
materials and soft touch experiences such as washed
linen, cashmere, wool, and alpaca,”

 Large windows with an emphasis on natural light

and framing landscapes
 White walls
 Color scheme that draws inspiration from a rocky
beach, including blue, white, cream, green, and
gray
 Clean lines
 Construction materials that include natural wood
elements throughout, and matte painted surfaces
or plaster finishes
 Woven and natural textures such as rattan and
jute
 Classic design elements such as sisal rugs, slip-
covered furniture, linen, and ticking stripe
patterns
Examples of
coastal interior
design
Coastal dining room

Coastal living room

Coastal bedroom

How do you build a coastal interior?

it’s best to avoid kitschy or expected decor when
creating a coastal interior.
take inspiration from the natural environment for
everything from the color palette through to the
materials used,” she advises. She recommends leaning
into earth tones, natural textures, and thoughtfully
layered blues. “This aesthetic is meant to evoke the
feelings of relaxation and ease that waterside living
brings to everyday life,”
Solis recommends looking for sophisticated materials in
soft, comfortable tones and fabrics. As she explains,
this helps establish the tailored and polished feelings
that’s important when creating the coastal look. “Think
creatively about ways you can blend indoor and outdoor
living with understated elements that complement the
landscape and create a lighter and airier interior
Is coastal decor going out of style?

Both Solis and Hamwey agree that not only is coastal

design not out of style, it likely never will be. “Coastal
interiors are 100% in style because they are 100%
timeless,” says Solis. “The color palettes are so
beautifully tonal and restful; it’s a forever cool style.”
However, as Hamwey explains, considering whether a
style is “in” isn’t often the most helpful approach when
considering your interiors. “It’s about creating a
timeless aesthetic that is authentic to the many ways
you use and enjoy your home,” she explains. “Design is
not limiting in that you must follow a certain aesthetic.
It’s a means of expression and storytelling.”

Nonetheless, coastal interiors continue to be a popular

style that many gravitate towards, especially in areas
near the sea that want to honor that natural beauty on
the inside of their homes. “By taking cues from the
natural environment, coastal interiors reflect the
natural beauty of the surroundings to encourage
ultimate relaxation,” says Hamwey. “Coastal interiors
combine classic elements to create a design that is
truly timeless.”

11 Types of Coastal Interior Design

Styles to Know
When most people think of coastal interior design, they think of beachy,
nautical themes. But the truth is that there are many different types of coastal
interior styles to fit different types of homes. Here are some of the most
popular coastal interior design
styles for residential homes!

 Cottage Coastal
In places like Cape Cod, you
might find the cottage coastal
interior design style. This
decorating style is all about
cozy, comfortable vibes with a
nautical twist. Think coastal
colors like navy blue and white, along with maritime-inspired decor like ship
wheels and anchors.

Beach House Coastal

If you live in a beach

house, then you might
want to go for a more
laid-back coastal interior
design style. This style is
all about relaxing and
enjoying the coastal
lifestyle. Think coastal
colors like sandy browns
and sea greens, along
with beach-themed decor
like seashells and starfish.
Traditional Coastal

If you want a coastal interior

design style that is timeless and
classic, then you might want to
go for a traditional coastal style.
This decorating style is all about
traditional coastal colors like
navy blue and white, along with
classic coastal decor like sea
glass and driftwood. Found in
old money towns on islands such
as Nantucket, the traditional
coastal style is all about keeping
the past alive.
Modern Coastal

This look is all about elegant, coastal-inspired furniture and decor. Think
slipcovered sofas, seagrass rugs, and whitewashed wood.
Nautical Coastal

This decorative style is all about seafaring motifs and classic coastal colors.
Think red, white, and blue stripes, seagulls, boats, and sailing.

Tropical Coastal

This style is all about bright, vibrant colors

and patterns. It’s often found in Florida
homes and resembles the Palm Beach decor
style. Think coastal colors like coral pink and
turquoise, along with tropical-themed
decor like palm trees and hibiscus flowers.

California Coastal

This casual decorating style is all about easy-

breezy living. Think coastal colors like sunny yellows and ocean blues, along
with California-inspired decor like surfboards and beachy artwork.
Mediterranean Coastal

This style is all about historic charm with a coastal twist. Think of using colors
like terracotta and olive green along with Mediterranean-inspired decor like
wrought iron railings and hand-thrown clay pots.
Coastal Farmhouse

This style takes cues from traditional farmhouse design and infuses it with a
coastal twist. Think rustic wood beams, cozy fireplaces, soft blue tones, and
plenty of coastal-inspired decor.