Beach themed interior design
Essential Tips For A Modern Beach Style Home
Light, airy, and blissfully beautiful. Coastal style interiors are not only pretty, but they also have a calming atmosphere. With a few tweaks on your own, your house can transform into a remarkably peaceful statement home. Read on for the complete guide on creating your calming coastal interior design!
What is Coastal Interior Design?Modern coastal dining room design by Decorilla designer, Corine M.
When it comes to defining different interior design styles, coastal interior design is often confused with nautical or Hampton’s interior design styles. However, what sets coastal interior design apart is the laidback yet chic look. Modern coastal design embodies the atmosphere of a beautiful seaside retreat through color and furniture picks. Neutral and vibrant colors form the basis of the style as well as its texture-rich feature pieces like driftwood enhance its earthy aesthetic. Coastal style gets a bad rap for being tacky, but that’s when it’s mistaken for nautical style. Done right, this relaxing trend can make a home feel like a high-end island getaway.
Coastal home design by Decorilla online interior designer, Tammy M.
These two beach interior designs style may have many elements in common. But, when it comes to the details and the overall feel a house with Hamptons decorating style and a coastal home are worlds apart. Follow our cheatsheet below to tell seaside homey from island luxury when you need to.
You’ll notice a distinct difference when it comes to the most natural element in Hampton and coastal interior design styles. In the elegant Hampton home, lilies or white roses will line a garden or adorn a dining table and manicured hedges often form part of the landscape design.
Whereas lush plants like snake plants, palms and succulents decorate the garden and interior of a beach interior design.
- Accent Colors
Neutrals form the basis of Hamptons and coastal style homes, but the difference comes in the accent and highlights colors. Coastal interior design highlights the lively and laidback aspects of a sophisticated beachy resort. That’s why these homes will have vibrant pops of yellow, coral and turquoise. Hamptons, on the other hand, explore dark accents as navy and stone add elegance to the stately style.
- Textures
Rough and raw captures the essence of a beach interior design’s natural elements. Coastal styles cherish the character of unique modern beach house décor while Hampton’s interiors favor dark and polished finishes like walnut and rosewood flooring. Painted china also work exceptionally well in a Hampton’s home.
- Patterns
Coastal interior design trends are playful and flexible when it comes to patterns.
In a beachy home, you can easily swap a scatter cushion for a brightly colored accent cushion with a trendy print. But the elegance of the Hampton’s style living space is better matched to paisleys, geometrics, and brocade.
All homes with a coastal interior design style have visual characteristics in common. Coastal decor can even work in the cooler months! Click here to find the best ways to add winter decor to coastal design. If you want to create your own beach interior design, update your home’s look by adding the signature elements below.
1. Beach Interior Design Basics: Layered NeutralsCoastal living room design by Decorilla designer, Corine M.
Refreshing and relaxing is what a home with a beachy interior design feels like. For that, we can thank this design style’s light color palette. Crisp whites and neutrals form the basis of coastal interior design, and the lighter, the better.
When it comes to color in a modern coastal design, less is more. Light walls will certainly make the interior feel roomier and crips white linen can add a holiday touch to a home. Don’t be afraid to play with neutral colors. Mixing sandy and white tones can result in a beautifully beach-inspired home.
Beach bedroom design by Decorilla interior designer, Corine M.
Pack away your suede and satin, because modern coastal design is all about casual and chill. That’s why linen and cotton are a must in beach interior design homes. Lazy summers spent relaxing on a daybed on the porch is made even more comfortable with soft, touchable textures. No-fuss textiles make perfect slipcovers that are ideal for families. Not only can slipcovers be washed easily but you can also get creative with your choice of fabric. Lighter will make the room feel spacious while a pop of color can uplift the look.
3.
Coastal Vibes With Free Airflow and an Open Plan Layout Bright coastal design style by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.
Beachy interior design needs an open floor plan to create a breezy and airy atmosphere. Removing or restructuring borders can ensure that one room seamlessly flows into another, especially in an open plan living and dining room. Minimal modern beach house décor can bring larger open spaces together with a cohesive look. Often overlooked spaces like a hallway or a reading nook can feel exceptional after the addition of one or two accent pieces that help it flow into other rooms.
4. Outdoor-inspired Modern Coastal House DecorKitchen and dining design by Decorilla designer, Corine M.
Modern beach house decor is unlike the traditional beachy motifs we associate with coastal interiors. Now, subtle seaside touches in artwork or textured décor pieces add the finishing touches to a harmonious coastal style home.
These beachy colors, like white and turquoise, or textures from rock, sand, and shell, can make a house feel like an island paradise. Apart from playing with color, you can enhance the coastal appeal by adding a typical seaside element, like a hammock. You can embrace coastal elements without it looking tacky. Start by avoiding clichéd anchor and fishy prints. Instead, let the landscape guide you. Bluegreen glass vases, earthy ceramics, jute grass rug, and different blues can remake your home.
Beachy bedroom design by Decorilla designer, Corine M.
Any beautiful beach has one or two standout accent colors. Bright pinks from coral, green from surrounding foliage and burnt orange from the sun make the seaside irresistible. Add a pop of color into your home with modern beach house décor and textiles.
6. Carpet-Free Coastal StyleBeachy kitchen design by Decorilla designer, Corine M.
If you are tired of carpets bundling up where they shouldn’t or are looking for a quick coastal interior design style update, its time to let the rug go. Removing the rug to expose a beautifully warm wood floor or cool concrete cover could instantly make your home feel more coastal than it did before.
7. Weathered Wood UnderfootCoastal decor style by Decorilla designer, Tammy M.
Light wood floors and furniture are still desirable in modern coastal interior designs today. The reason stems from the beauty of a piece of weathered wood. Blond woods like ash and beach are stunning flooring options that are durable and visually pleasing. Use a light floor cover throughout your home to join different parts of your home together.
8. Natural Fibre: A Coastal Interior Design MustBedroom interior design by Decorilla interior designer, Martina D.
Going to the beach is a multisensory experience.
Not only can you see the extraordinary beauty of the seaside, but you can also feel the sand through your tones and hear waves crashing on the shore. Continue the journey of the senses with modern beach house décor. Curtains flicking in the wind will enhance the sound of the wind, seagrass area rugs add luxurious texture, and rough linen scatters can pull the room together nicely.
Coastal bedroom design by Decorilla designer, Corine M.
Large windows that let in ample natural light is ideal, but not always possible. Nevertheless, you can make natural light double with minimal window treatments, an eggshell wall finish and a large mirror that reflect light into the building. Alternatively, you can mimic natural light by adding warm artificial light into your home.
10. Light Window TreatmentsAiry bedroom coastal interior design by Decorilla designer, Anna C.
Wispy white curtains that move with a soothing breeze is certainly a pretty sight. Increase your sensory experience (see natural fiber above) with the sound of the wind catching the tule window dressing. The effect can be relaxing, magical, and even blissful.
The 12 Essential Coastal Interior Design Do’s and Don’ts to Live ByModern coastal bedroom design by Decorilla interior designer
Each beautifully designed beachy home needed coastal interior design tips sooner or later. Luckily, we’ve put together what you should and shouldn’t do when creating your calming home.
Do: Design around a color paletteCreating a cohesive and harmonious coastal interior design is possible if you stick to a few chosen colors. You can pick one to three main colors with one to two accent colors. For a beautifully beachy interior design home, your primary tones will lean toward the neutral spectrum of white, grey and beige.
Highlight hues can be bright but add them with discretion without going overboard.
Staying away from themes, in general, is the safest way to get started on your modern coastal home. If you pick a theme like sea life, you risk creating a home that feels outdated or kitsch.
Living room design by Decorilla interior designer, Eleni P.
Do: Add a coastal element
One or two nautical details can add chic whimsy to a room. For example, chunky rope or delicate netting can double as curtain tiebacks in a coastal living room, and a part of an old boat like the wheel can make an incredible statement feature in a spacious entryway.
Don’t: Overdo the seaside componentYour house is not at sea, which is why too many nautical memorabilia might look off and tacky in your home. Keep it simple by sticking to a few favorites.
Design by Decorilla online interior designer, Ajita T.
Do: Make the most of natural light
The coast is synonymous with sand, rolling waves and sunny days. So, it comes as no surprise that coastal interior designs are light-filled and bright. Let in as much natural light as possible by increasing the size of your windows or use a large mirror as a statement that doubles the light. Higher ceilings and light walls will also make your interior feel well lit and airy.
Don’t: Add cold artificial lightAs a beachy interior design copies the warmth from a sunny day at the beach, cold light will feel out of place. Instead, choose a combination of layered lighting that works well together. Focus on task, accent and general lighting. Task lighting can have a cooler hue but accent and task lighting are better warm.
Coral living room design by Decorilla online interior designer, Andrea T.
Do: Choose minimalist or abstract beach-themed art or pattern
Contemporary art is making impressive strides every day.
Interior lovers can have fun by playing with abstracts or minimalist artworks that embody the feeling and look of the coast without being obvious. Soft, flowy brush strokes can resemble waves, wind ripples in the sand or even a striking sunset. Alternatively, macro photographs, closeups of coastal flora, in particular, can have a similarly abstract and impressive look.
Well-known beachy décor patterns and motifs like fish, shells and anchors are too blunt for a contemporary beach interior design. Statement shells or dried coral is also much more beautiful than a print or pattern. Plus, the natural elements will add a much needed textural touch to the modern coastal design.
Beach bathroom design by Decorilla interior designer, Corine M.
Do: Be inspired by nature and play with color
Coasts around the world have an idyllic but unique beauty.
One beach might have black sand, while another has green water. Let nature guide you as you play and experiment with your color palette. Black or charcoal might give your beachy interior design the spark its been missing.
Blue, beige and yellow are the typical colors associated with the beach. However, it’s important to expand your interior reference to create a home perfect for you. Green, purple or red can also form part of your design.
Transitional coastal decor style by Decorilla designer, Wanda P.
Do: Add weathered wood
Blond and white woods with a texture like driftwood still give coastal homes its beautifully balanced appeal. The rougher elements like wood, shell and rope complement soft textiles and wispy sheer or tule curtains.
Don’t: Carpet the floorCarpeted flooring is one thing we don’t see in calm coastal interior designs.
Simple and elegant flooring like timber, cork or tile creates an excellent care-free basis as these materials do not stain and clean easily.
Beachy bedroom design by Decorilla interior designer, Tiara M.
Coastal interior design is not boxed in, which means it can pair with other design styles to reflect your taste. By adding a few décor elements from another style, you can create a unique yet cohesive look. Here are the top variations of the modern coastal interior design:
French Coastal DesignFrench coastal design is perfect for those who admire ornate antiques, have a passion for an artistic aesthetic but also want their home to have the relaxing atmosphere of a seaside getaway. These interiors balance comfort and chic effortlessly. You can update your coastal interior design by adding a detailed chandelier or a delicate table with curved legs similar to the French baroque style.
There is no right or wrong, that’s why experimentation is vital. Play with unique finds and incorporate these into your home to see whether the result is pleasing or not. French furniture is often dark, but you can choose unfinished wood or you can sand down the legs of a coffee table to make the piece more casual.
A New England coastal home resembles a British seaside cottage. To get the look, you can add a plush sofa, with a focus on comfort, and whitewashed wood cladding. The artwork is minimal, but the pieces that are there are more traditional landscape or seaside based.
Italian Coastal Interior DesignThe Italian twist to coastal interior design comes in the form of architectural opulence. Arched windows and cornice detail in the ceiling set this Mediterranean version apart from the others. Make your coastal look pop by making a statement feature of your windows. Carved elements like sculptures and terracotta tones, either in tiles, fabrics or ceramics will give the perfect amount of European opulence to a casual interior.
Scandinavian coastal dining room design by Decorilla designer, Tamna E.
Scandi coastal is cool, calm and collected without being too cold. These interiors feel a bit cozier than any other, but they have the signature light wood in excess. The light woods in Scandinavian coastal design resemble driftwood in color and texture, which give this variant a truly exceptional look and feel. Try the Scandinavian take on coastal interior design by sticking to a muted color scheme with large coastal elements.
Want to freshen up your home with coastal interior design?Our team of top interior designers can help design the perfect coastal interior for your home. Schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation and start your design journey today!
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48 Beach House Decorating Ideas
ALEC HEMER
There’s something undeniably appealing about easy, breezy beach house style.
It happens the minute you step through the front door and into that light and airy space—with one big exhale, you instantly feel relaxed, comfortable, and oh, so happy. It could be the sea air and soothing sounds of waves, but let's not discount the decor, from casual layering of no-frills furnishings made of natural materials, pops of fun color, and collected finds from nature. Not to mention the charming coastal and nautical elements found in stunning beach retreats, such as framed seascape wall art, seashell-adorned mirrors and accessories, ship-worthy lighting, brass finishes, and anything and everything in all shades of blue!
Even if you don't live in the dreamiest little seaside cottage in one of the most charming beach towns in the U.S., you can instantly transport yourself to a seaside locale far, far away with the addition of a few tasteful beach house decor ideas. Getting the beach house look—and its laid-back vibe—is as easy as 1) painting your walls the best white paint color, 2) choosing a mix of comfy, casual, and carefree furniture (Adirondack chairs, anyone?), and 3) adding plenty of personality with pops of color and coastal-inspired accessories.
Check out these 48 dreamy rooms that are packed with beach house decorating inspiration to get you started.
Alec Hemer; Styling: Stacy Kunstel
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Dining With A View
Thanks to a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors, all eyes are on the prize in this dreamy dining room. To add softness, homeowner Marsha Ahearn had breezy tie-top curtains made from 100-year-old French sheets found at the Brimfield antiques shows. Adding to the room's casual look, rather than a chandelier, a lightweight, but hunky lantern hangs above the generous dining table. Pillows made from vintage bark cloth fabric add feminine pattern to the mix of natural wicker chairs.
Victoria Pearson
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Retro Charm
Three words sum up the oh-so-cute kitchen in designer Krista Ewart's California beach cottage: scallops, scallops, and more scallops. Oh, a perfectly pink Smeg refrigerator, too!
ALEC HEMER
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Effortless Mix of Old and New
Designer Loi Thai (@loithai) believes in layering rooms with that just-right piece of antique furniture or collection of vintage art, but he equally embraces the practicality and accessibility of mass retailer finds.
Here, in the living room of his coastal retreat, he set the scene by topping an economical jute rug with a striking blue-and-white striped dhurrie rug. For the comfortable seating arrangement, he paired a factory dolly-turned-coffee table with slipcovered seating and an indoor/outdoor wicker chair.
Christopher Dibble
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Nautical Influences
Believe it or not, this airy bedroom used to be a dark hole thanks to its knotty pine surround. Crisp, bright white paint from floor to ceiling instantly transformed the small space, providing a blank backdrop for homeowner Ted Kennedy Watson's (@watsonkennedy) punchy layers of sea-faring themed furnishings such as nautical flags, anchor pillows, and old lockers.
Alec Hemer; styling: Stacy Kunstel
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Laid-Back Furnishings
With the beach practically at the back door, this soft and pretty living room needed to be able to stand up to wet swimsuits and sandy feet. No problem thanks to an arrangement of furnishings in a mix of durable and worry-free materials: a sisal rug effortlessly handles traffic; the well-worn wood coffee table welcomes propped-up feet and coaster-free drinks; and both the vintage bamboo chair with its washable cushion covers and the deep slipcovered sofa provide swimsuit-friendly seating.
David A. Land
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Airy Porch
Transform your porch into a cozy place to relax with summertime staples (like wicker furniture or baskets) in bright whites and natural hues. Add a colorful rug to disguise any sand guests may carry in with them.
Photograph by Lucas Allen, Design by Alexandra Angle
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Shipshape Bathroom
Mimic the maritime charms of this master bathroom with a collection of seascapes, a navy soaking tub, and seafaring sconces.
ALEC HEMER
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Fresh Finishes + Vintage Charm
What this small kitchen lacks in square footage, it makes up for in charm. To freshen it up, the homeowners gave the 1950s space a bright coat of white paint, replaced the linoleum countertops with warm butcher block, and traded the upper cabinets with open shelving where they could display their collections of everyday dishes, serving pieces, and colorful vintage finds.
Brian Woodcock
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Breezy Window Seat
It's summertime and the loungin' is easy on this plush window seat, stacked high with pillows and tucked away behind pretty sea-blue curtain panels.
Gross & Daley
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Ocean Blues
Outside this 1800s cottage on Cape Cod Bay, you'll find pretty blue shutters that reflect colors from the sea. And inside, the homeowners decorated with furniture pieces in a variety of aqua hues.
Lisa Romerein
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Upcycled Vintage Finds
Best-selling author Mary Kay Andrews outfitted her charming 1930s beach cottage with upcycled vintage finds like a framed retro bathing suit and galvanized ice cream containers repurposed into conversation-starting lamps.
Lark Hotels/ Summercamp Hotel; Designer: Rachel Reider
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Seascape Wallpaper
Even if your space is landlocked, thanks to wallpaper, it can still have a scenic view. Try Phillip Jeffries' "Fade" wallpaper, as seen in this room at the Summercamp Hotel in Martha's Vineyard.
Photography by Brian Woodcock/Styling by Alison Allsopp
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Seascape Paintings
Ocean scenes have been a longtime favorite subject of artists, and seascape paintings have recently seen an uptick in sales at antiques stores and auction houses.
While each one looks great on its own, group multiples together for a gallery wall that really sets sail.
Get the Look: Vintage seascapes: lasttangovintage.etsy.com, magpieethel.etsy.com, greatlakesmodern.etsy.com, and lucksy.etsy.com. Wood frame and brass frame: framebridge.com. Pillows: schoolhouselectric.com. Special thanks to the antiques dealers who loaned us their pieces for this photo, including Nautical Antiques & Tropical Decor, Cuttysark Nautical Antiques, and Mate Gallery.
PHOTOGRAPHY: MALI AZIMA | DESIGN:TAMMY CONNOR
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Colorful Wall Installation
In this Seaside, Florida, oasis designed by Tammy Connor, a hanging collection of colorful vintage spools provides a fun and unexpected backdrop that guests will love.
Small Space Tip: To make your small space feel roomier, install the curtains as high as possible, as opposed to at window-height.
Brian Woodcock
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DIY Lattice Headboard
With just a few easy steps, plain home-improvement store garden lattice becomes a unique headboard. These mint-green lattice headboards pair nicely with crisp white sheets and pillows for a fresh beach home feel, while small framed prints of water fowl are a lovely added touch.
Get the step-by-step directions here.
Photography: Brian Woodcock/Styling: Alison Allsopp
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Signal Flags
In 1855, Great Britain established the International Code of Signals. The code evolved over time to designate a flag design to correspond with letters A to Z and digits 0 through 9, and it is used universally. Shopping Tip: Extremely old flags will be made from natural fibers (cotton, or, rarer still, wool) and have a slightly yellowed look.
Get the Look: Flags; historicalamericana.
com; Iron metal bed; overstock.com (painted in Symphony Blue by Benjamin Moore); Mattress; leesa.com. Bedding; schoolhouselectric.com. Quilt and shams; thecompanystore.com.
Victoria Pearson
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Whimsical Color
From the colorful vintage touches, like the oversized plastic E and red-and-blue chair, to the boldly striped rug, this whimsical kid's room screams breezy summer fun. Homeowner Vanessa Pleasants of @themarketbeautiful created her son's clever bed canopy using a trio of humble hardware store staples: a painter's drop cloth draped over a wooden dowel and hung from the ceiling with thick manila rope.
Lincoln Barbour
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White Shiplap
White paint is great for a beach-y vibe, but how do you make an all-white room feel cozy? One word...texture! The owner of this Tennessee home reinforced the kitchen's lived-in feel with shiplap paneling. "The wood walls keep things from feeling sterile," says Mandy, who also introduced an assortment of honey-hued wooden accents to warm up the look.
Gridley and Graves
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Water-Friendly Materials
Fill your seaside home with weather-resistant furniture that can stand up against wet swimsuits and summertime humidity. The homeowner of this rustic coastal cottage featured rattan, wicker, and bamboo pieces throughout her home to give it that cozy, beach cottage look.
Miki Duisterhof
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Sunny Breakfast Nook
This breakfast nook has a beachy, barefoot quality—underscored by a braided rug, deliberately mismatched painted chairs, and a pair of oars leaning in one corner. A crate full of glass bottles offers a foolproof way to arrange flowers.
Gridley + Graves
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Colorful Outdoor Seating
This Nantucket cottage proves bold colors can bring a fun, playful mood to a beach house. To recreate the look, all you need is bright Adirondack chairs.
Karyn Millet
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Natural Wood Accents
White is a go-to color for beach houses. Create visual interest in an all-white room by adding contrasting natural wood details, like this California bungalow's rustic ceiling beams, vent hood trim, and
barn-inspired X-brace island details.
Woven basket pendant lights add additional interest.
Courtesy of From The Seller / Etsy
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Picnic Basket Storage
Picnic baskets, like these available from Etsy, evoke memories of warm summer picnics in the outdoors, and they also make excellent under-bed storage. Plus, antiques that can be used for organization are the best kind.
Aimee Herring
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Nautical Wallpaper
Your kids will be dreaming of days by the shore with a bedroom like this.
Aimee Herring
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Pops of Turquoise
Add this watery accent color to unexpected places, such as the back of shelves and built-in bookcases, to bring the tranquility of the calm ocean waters inside.
Karyn Millet
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Outdoor Kitchen
This Newport Beach backyard goes way beyond the standard freestanding grill. Its built-in concrete cook space is at the ready for all types of outdoor entertaining.
Keith Scott Morton
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Stand Up tp Sand Floors
When topped with durable polyurethane, painted wood floors are up for the challenge of sand-covered feet.
Striped throw rugs provide color and softness and can be easily taken outside for a quick shakeout.
William Waldron
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Fashion "Accessories"
A wall of hooks on this Long Island, New York, cottage's front porch stands ready to collect beach hats and wicker totes for a look that is functional and stylish.
Christopher Baker
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Shades of Watery Blue
This light and airy living room is awash in a sea of blues. The patchwork rug anchors the room while an arrangement of tufted-back sofas and a wingback chair invites lazy day lounging.
Alec Hemer
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Nautical Accents
A crab trap side table and a lamp—both from a local boutique—bookend this South Carolina home's sink-in cozy comfortable chaise lounge.
Beach interior and its variations for creative decoration of the apartment
Today we will introduce you to the beautiful nautical style, which is a favorite among designers and most homeowners.
Fresh and relaxed, it reminds us of those beautiful summer days when sun, sand, surf and eternal celebration were just a stone's throw from us. Indoors, beach style creates a relaxing, airy and fun atmosphere.
There are several different beach decor options, so it's best to choose one that will serve you well all year round. Here are some beautiful examples of how to stay true to this great style and bring modern design into it. nine0003
Here are some amazing interiors that balance between the subtle and the sublime, the extravagant and the exclusive, and prove by example how great effect can be achieved.
Colors inspired by sand, surf and shells
The beauty and charm of these beach-inspired spaces is that they bring us closer to nature and its calming effects. The best way to achieve this effect is to borrow the colors that the beach offers us. nine0003
We've already seen a lot of great nautical interior themes that start off with matching color combinations, but for now let's try to focus on white.
The white background is perfect for getting started in beach style.
While other neutrals work well, you just can't go wrong with white.
Beach shades such as sandy beige, light cream, charcoal, light yellow, similar to the rays of the sun on the beach in the early morning, will look great. Refreshing light blue, cool aqua, light turquoise and turquoise are the perfect addition to freshen up a space. nine0003
Think creative!
Choosing furniture for beach style decor can be an interesting fun. Decor made from natural fibers and organic materials will highlight the coastal theme in a wonderful way.
Since the idea is to create an environment as close to life on the beach as possible, wicker details, rattan furniture sets and oak-framed beds fit perfectly into the overall scheme.
If you want to go further, stylish canvas chairs and bamboo blinds are the perfect choice. For the bedroom, consider clean, fresh colors, preferably in a neutral tone (predominantly white again).
