How to Design a Coastal Home Without Being too Beachy

You don’t need to live close to the beach to take cues from coastal interior design. It can be a challenge to hit the right note between coastal and beachy, but if you’re looking to create a bright, welcoming, and casually elegant space, here are a few design tips to keep in mind.

Add Texture for Depth

Textures are an essential element in any design. When it comes to designing a coastal home, incorporating textures like linen, rattan, and natural wood tones can help create a relaxed and beachy vibe without being too literal.

For instance, consider adding a linen slipcover to a sofa or a set of rattan dining chairs. These pieces will not only add texture to the space but also bring in a natural element that is often associated with coastal design.

Another way to incorporate texture is by using natural wood tones. Wood floors, ceiling beams, and furniture are all excellent ways to add warmth and texture to a coastal space. When selecting wood finishes, consider lighter colors like white oak, maple, or ash. These lighter tones will help create a more relaxed and open feel to the space.

Embrace Nautical Stripes

Stripes are a classic coastal pattern that can add visual interest and movement to a space. However, instead of the typical navy and white stripes, try incorporating unexpected widths or colors to create a unique twist.

For example, consider using a bold stripe in a different color, such as pink, green, or yellow. You can also play with stripe widths by using different sizes and patterns on curtains, throw pillows, or even a rug.

Another pattern to consider is a botanical print. Adding botanical prints can bring in an element of nature and add a subtle coastal feel to the space. Consider using a wallpaper with a botanical print or incorporating botanical-themed artwork into the design.

Finish it with Southern-Inspired Touches

One of the easiest ways to create a coastal feel in a space is by adding little touches like oyster shells, collected shells, or indigenous plants. These elements will help bring in the natural environment and make the space feel more relaxed and inviting.

For example, consider using collected shells in a glass bowl as a centerpiece on a coffee table or bookshelf, or in a clear glass lamp base. Adding a piece of driftwood or a coral sculpture can also add a coastal element to the space.

Incorporating plants into your inside design is also a great way to create a coastal feel. If you have lots of natural, indirect sunlight, fiddle leaf figs and ferns are a great, hardy plant to add to any room. If low light is more your speed, easy-to-grow plants like golden pothos and snake plants are perfect. Pothos plants droop when they need water, which takes the guesswork out of caring for them. Outside, consider planting indigenous plants like American Holly, milkweed, and Oakleaf Hydrangeas that will thrive in the moisture-rich soil. 

When done well, a coastal home can be a place of relaxation and retreat. To achieve the right balance between a coastal look and a beachy vibe, incorporate texture, pattern, and little touches like oyster shells, collected shells, or indigenous plants. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful coastal home that is both inviting and relaxed.