If you dream of warm beach vacations, Coastal style is a great way to create the perfect oceanside oasis right in your own home. Coastal style’s aesthetic is rooted in nature and inspired by the soft lines and movement of the beach and ocean, with accents reminiscent of seaside locales and nautical themes.  

Understanding Coastal Style 

The main goal of Coastal style is to create a peaceful sanctuary or a tranquil space to relax and unwind — whether you’re in a beach area or not. For shore dwellers, this design style has been used for centuries, primarily because materials like seagrass and shells were readily available. As beachside locations became hotspots for the rich and famous, Coastal style became popular as well.

Although popularized in the 1950s, Coastal style has its roots in the late 19th century when the Hamptons shifted from a humble farming town to a summer retreat for New York’s elite. Beachgoers from all over traveled to Long Island to escape the hustle and bustle of urban areas. While the initial Hamptons Coastal style was used to decorate lavish mansions, the key elements remained and carried over into middle-class beachside homes. 

Soon, vacationers began using ocean- and beach-inspired elements in the designs of their inland homes to create peaceful escapes in their own spaces. Today’s designs focus on natural textures, such as rattan and driftwood, and maximizing natural light to build the beachside retreat of your dreams.

Jamie Young

Jamie Young has been a West Coast interior designer for decades, focusing on providing elegant but bohemian furniture and decor pieces. Throughout her career, she pioneered Elevated Coastal style, combining the warmth of traditional Coastal design with modern twists. She has been awarded for her sleek, beachy designs fit for the modern beach house.  

Mimi Kemble

As a Florida native, Mimi Kemble was a pioneer of Palm Beach Coastal design. Her approach adds new layers to the design style, combining key elements, such as blues, whites, and natural textures with floral patterns and funky decor. 

Defining elements of Coastal interior design 

Whether you’re going with Coastal design inspired by Palm Beach, The Hamptons, Bohemian, or one of the other dozen substyles, they all share common elements. 

Palettes of whites, tans, and blues 

To cultivate a peaceful environment, use colors that evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility. Light and breezy colors, such as light blues, aqua, soft beiges, creams, and white, will help open up the space while encouraging relaxation. 

Beachy and oceanic decor

Shells, anchors, and nautical ropes are all staples of Coastal style. Paintings and photos often feature the ocean and sea life or use organic shapes in blues and creams. Decorative elements mimic nature with soft lines, organic textures, and natural colors. 

Natural materials and textures

Natural materials such as driftwood, jute, rattan, and seagrass are commonly seen in Coastal style. The materials chosen are free of dyes or stains that may affect their natural color. Woven or textured blinds, linen upholstery, and rattan couches and chairs are also key to creating a seaside aesthetic. 

Open and airy spaces 

Natural light enhances the Coastal look by making spaces bright and airy. This style works well in rooms with large windows, tall ceilings, and skylights that add to the free and breezy feel. 

Tips for introducing Coastal interior design to your home

Coastal style can easily fit into any space, flowing seamlessly with other design styles, such as Contemporary, or Cottagecore. These tips will help you add Coastal touches to your home.

Don’t be afraid of texture

Combining textures gives the room interest and movement. Don’t hesitate to use different materials for the rugs, blinds, pillows, and decor. You can mimic the movement of the ocean with wavy ribbed stitching on a throw pillow. Woven rugs or blinds will complement the other natural colors in the room. Rattan baskets, wicker chairs, and wood pieces can also heighten this connectedness to natural materials.  

Embrace natural light

Large windows and skylights shouldn’t be covered with heavy or dark curtains; instead, opt for light, airy window coverings or woven blinds. Tactical use of reflective surfaces and mirrors can offer the illusion of more natural light in small spaces or rooms that don’t get as much sunlight. 

Add pops of color with unique materials 

To create visually interesting spaces, it is important to choose materials that add a pop of color. Choosing blue and green sea glass, using coastal grasses or pastel flowers for pops of green throughout, and adding vases with blue and white, organic patterns can elevate an otherwise neutral palette. 

Keep it simple and uncluttered

Coastal style is peaceful, warm, and breezy. Avoid adding too many knicknacks, especially on table tops and counters. When choosing paintings, go for ocean scenes, sealife, or organic shapes that mimic the natural lines of the coast and ocean. Strategically spreading nautical decor, such as old maps, reclaimed buoys, or images of anchors will achieve a beachy look without overwhelming the natural beauty of the space. For example, a Coastal kitchen will feature simple wall art, woven decor, and pops of bright color to achieve a casual sophistication. 

Elevate Coastal Design in your home using Onton

Don’t be overwhelmed by design possibilities; embrace the journey. Onton can help you achieve the home of your dreams. 

Onton Discover

Navigate Onton Discover to find Coastal spaces that inspire you. Use our collections of user-generated designs to envision how nautical elements can transform a space. 

Onton Imagine

Or picture Coastal style in your home with Onton Imagine. Upload a photo of any space or use one of Onton’s preset rooms and then use detailed prompts to produce the oasis you envisioned. Edit renderings with ease to swap out any piece or adjust your prompt for new results. 

Onton Search

Next use Onton Search to locate that perfect rattan chair or driftwood end table to complete your new Coastal space. 

Try Onton for free today and get access to a world of Coastal design possibilities!