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Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home – jane at home

Recently, I realized that since I started adding a touch of modern coastal decor to our home, I don’t need to do a lot of seasonal decorating. By sticking with a color scheme that reflects the ocean and sky–including crisp whites, deep blues and neutral hues–everything seems to work together, no matter what time of year it is!

Although there are many versions of coastal style, my favorite is modern coastal interior design, which is light, minimal, and fresh, incorporating a mix of relaxed beach house and classic Hamptons styles.

Inspired by the organic colors and textures of nature, contemporary coastal décor might include light woods, baskets, natural fiber rugs, woven light fixtures, various shades of blue, gray, white, and neutrals, and easy-care textiles like cotton and linen fabric.

Pure Salt Interior Design

Because it’s based on natural elements, coastal décor never goes out of style.  As design styles and trends change, coastal style can easily evolve and adapt–for example, incorporating lighter wood tones rather than dark, or featuring softer neutral hues rather than bright colors.

When incorporating modern coastal design in your living room, bedroom, and home, try to use a light touch. 

Since modern beach house style is essentially carefree and relaxed, it’s easy to go overboard with coastal decorating.  (Believe me, I’ve gone there and am still editing!) 

Some things to avoid overdoing in a modern coastal or beach themed home include signs, rope accents, anchors, nautical themes, ocean waves, and lobster, crab, sea urchin, and starfish motifs.

For a modern coastal look, start with a background of white walls, as well as soft natural colors of the sand and sky, and crisp, casual fabrics like cotton and linen.  Then add in some natural materials, including lots of baskets, light woods, and lovely textures through rugs, throw pillows, and throw blankets.

For inspiration, you might want to take a look at sites like Serena and Lily, Dear Keaton, or Pottery Barn, all of which beautifully convey what modern coastal design style is looking like in 2022.   

Below, you’ll find beautiful coastal inspired spaces showing how to incorporate fresh, contemporary coastal decor in different rooms in your home.

Modern Coastal Living Room Ideas

The black and white stripes on the side chairs, natural fiber rug, and light wood mantel and shelves add the perfect touch of modern coastal style to this living room.  Similar chairs here, here, and here.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

This bright living room, designed by Livingston Interiors, is a great example of modern coastal style.  A neutral color palette, contemporary furniture, light touches of blue, stylish side tables, and natural elements add a light and airy feeling to this space:

 

Here’s a stunning space from Kate Marker Interiors — the wooden beams, accent pieces, ceiling windows, natural fibers in the jute rug, and a soft blue color scheme bring a serene coastal feel to this living space:

 

I love the two curved sofas and dark blue walls in this stylish living room.   The woven coffee table and textured rugs bring a contemporary coastal theme to the entire room.  From Salt Design Co.

 

Soft colors and a round wood coffee table create a warm and inviting space to relax, from Pure Salt Interiors.  Similar coffee table here and here.

 

Hanging rattan chairs, white furniture, light blues (the color of sea glass), and a natural sisal rug add contemporary take on beach cottage style to the living room, as shown in this coastal home designed by Julie Howard for Timber Trails Development Company, via Home Bunch:

 

Soft colors, a woven coffee table, and striped round ottomans lend a modern coastal feel to this contemporary space from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

Here’s another beautiful living room design with a modern take on coastal style.  The statement chandelier adds a chic and cohesive look to this space.  From Kate Marker Interiors:

 

A beautiful open-concept living room, kitchen, and dining area with modern coastal style, from Pure Salt Interiors.   Here’s a source for the chairs.

Here’s another view of this lovely coastal inspired living space, with its natural fiber rug, large ottoman, and abundant natural light:

 

Neutral tones and textures, combined with a subtly-patterned rug, a raffia-covered coffee table, high ceilings, and large windows, bring a touch of coastal boho style to this open concept great room.  From Ames Interiors:

 

I love everything about this chic modern coastal home from Pure Salt Interiors:

similar sectionals here, here, here, here, and here – similar coffee tables here, here, and here

I love this light and airy coastal living room, with its family-friendly round coffee table (with storage!), white slipcovered sectional, blue linen curtains, and gorgeous chandelier.  From Alaina Kaz, via The Everymom:

 

And in our home, I’ve been trying out some new looks in the living room.  I wanted to make this area feel a bit more relaxed and comfortable, so we brought in the white sofa / sectional and coffee table from our hearth room and purchased a new striped rug.

living room sources

Our new living room arrangement is kind of a “test drive.” Since we loved having the sectional in the TV area, I’m not sure how long this space will stay this way. 

But I’m really loving the lighter, more casual feeling in here, so if we end up moving the sectional back to the hearth room, I think I’ll be shopping for new furniture for this space!

For more living room decorating ideas, see this post:  Modern Living Room Ideas I Love.

Coastal Family Room Ideas

The family room is the perfect place to bring a touch of casual coastal style to your home. 

In the beautiful space below, from Lindye Galloway Interiors, the wooden beams, neutral color palette, striped pillows, shelf styling, and pop of classic blue on the cabinetry and in the rug, bring a fresh and comfortable feeling to this modern coastal family room:

 

This space is actually a sitting area adjacent to a master bedroom; however, I thought I’d share it here because it’s a great example of how to decorate a small living room or family room with modern coastal style.   From Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

Here’s another modern coastal family room from Pure Salt Interiors.  I love the wooden coffee table and soft coastal palette they used in this space.  Here’s a source for the round pendant light.

 

Love this beautiful coastal keeping room, featuring woven lounge chairs, a tiered chandelier, wood coffee table, round rug, and dreamy artwork.  From Courtney Egli.

 

A large sectional, jute or sisal rug, and a round ottoman create a warm and inviting space to relax in this open-concept kitchen and family room.  Here’s a similar ottoman.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

Here’s another view of this beautiful modern coastal living space from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

Love the classic look of this coastal themed living room with a round woven ottoman and four light gray swivel chairs.  Design by Salt Design Co.:

 

This beautiful small space off the kitchen, called a keeping room, incorporates soft neutrals, wood beams, and a gorgeous grouping of chairs around a striking coffee table to create a luxurious, yet approachable, coastal living room design.   From Pure Salt Interiors:

We have a similar small living room in our home, which we call our hearth room, where we hang out and watch TV most evenings. 

Because we have plenty of natural lighting in this space, I like to bring a relaxed, beach house feeling to this space with a round wood coffee table, natural textures, coastal wall art, a blue & white area rug, and a white sofa or sectional seating (this is the Gronlid sectional from IKEA, which is no longer available–here’s a similar alternative):

hearth room sources

Modern Coastal Dining Room Ideas

The lovely dining room below, from Jill Egan Interiors, shows how versatile and elegant coastal decor can be.  From the soft ivory slipcovered chairs, to the large coral decorative piece on the credenza, to the natural wood elements, this space evokes a feeling of casual elegance. The stunning light fixture reminds me of a cascading waterfall!

Artwork is an easy, yet impactful way to bring a touch of modern coastal style to the dining room, as shown in this beautiful space from Kate Lester Interiors:

This chic dining room features cane dining chairs, a white-washed dining table, coastal artwork, and a modern linear light fixture.   From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

I love this beautiful dining room from Light and Dwell–it shows that simple touches like a striped rug and beautiful chandelier can add a fresh, modern coastal vibe to a space:

 

Soft neutral tones and a white dining table and chandelier lend an elevated, modern coastal feeling to this stunning dining space from Kate Marker Interiors:

 

Love this beautiful modern coastal dining area with neutral furniture and decor and an elegant beaded chandelier.  From Pure Salt Interior Design:

For more dining room decorating and furniture ideas, see my post, Modern Dining Room Decorating Ideas.

Modern Coastal Kitchen Ideas

Whether you opt for lots of woven elements, glass & brass, light woods, or just an abundance of fresh white, there are many ways to bring a touch of modern coastal decor to the kitchen, as shown in the lovely spaces below. 

There’s so much to love about this beautiful kitchen from Andrea McQueen Design. It’s the perfect blend of light and dark, cool and warm, open and inviting. And that gorgeous combo of blue, white and brass gets me every time!  (The cabinet color is Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore.)

 

Woven pendant lights bring a modern coastal feeling to this light and airy kitchen from AKB Design.  The stylish counter stools are a favorite, too:

 

This beautiful coastal kitchen features modern black and white pendant lights, stylish woven counter stools, and the perfect shade of blue-gray (Benjamin Moore James River Gray) on the island.  From Julie Howard for Timber Trails Development Company:

 

Here’s one of my favorite kitchens, with an amazing blue island (Benjamin Moore Providence Blue).  I have the same woven pendant lights in our breakfast nook!  From Life on Virginia Street:

 

A beautiful beach house style kitchen, with an abundance of white, chic cone pendant lights, and wooden counter stools.   From Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

This lovely California coastal kitchen, from Caroline Kilmartin, has a wonderful, modern beach house aesthetic, and is a long-time favorite of mine:

 

Rattan counter stools (we have the same ones in our kitchen) and glass pendant lights add a fresh feeling to this contemporary coastal kitchen and open concept living area from Livingston Interiors:

 

 

Here’s a great example of modern coastal style in the kitchen, with gorgeous pendant lights and woven counter stools taking center stage.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

The light and airy coastal-inspired kitchen shown below was designed and styled by Studio McGee and Erin Hansen for Christine Andrew.  Here is a source for the beautiful counter stools:

 

A wonderful example of modern coastal decorating, the kitchen below features an abundance of white, striped counter stools, and a gray-blue kitchen island (painted with Sherwin Williams Smoky Candle).   From AGK Design Studio, via Home Bunch:

 

Beautiful warm woods, exposed beams, and coastal style pendant lights make this lake house kitchen feel cohesive and inviting – from Park and Oak Interior Design:

 

Woven seating, pendant lights, natural woods, and an abundance of white perfectly convey beach house style in this open-concept kitchen and dining area from The Grove Byron Bay.

 

Love this modern two-toned kitchen design with white cabinets and a black island color.  The woven counter stools and wood beams add a contemporary coastal feel to this space.  From Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

A stylish kitchen with an abundance of natural light.  The lantern style pendant lights add a beautiful focal point to this coastal space from Studio McGee:

 

Natural textures and pops of white and blue add a light touch of coastal style to our kitchen:

kitchen sources

For more kitchen decorating ideas, see this post:  Beautiful Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation.

Modern Coastal Bedroom Ideas

There are countless ways to bring a touch of contemporary coastal style to the bedroom, as shown in the beautiful spaces below. 

Gorgeous neutral tones and layers upon layers of soft bedding create a calm and restful coastal bedroom retreat.  From The Heart and Haven:

 

A relaxing modern master bedroom with a wood canopy bed with upholstered headboard, light wood nightstands, and a cushioned bench at the end of the bed.  From Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

Such a gorgeous space!  I love the mix of soft neutral tones throughout this bedroom.  The woven light fixture, vintage dresser, and wood beams add a touch of texture to offset all the soft finishes.  From Janette Mallory Interiors.

Here’s one of my favorite coastal bedrooms, from Marie Flanigan Interiors.  The shiplap and four-poster bed add a hint of coastal farmhouse style to this space:

 

This might be the space that inspired my love of modern coastal decorating.   I love the chic look of this boho coastal bedroom design from Amber Interiors.  Here’s a source for the chair (and here’s a more affordable version):

 

This lovely master bedroom suite features a modern black canopy bed and wonderful sitting area surrounded by windows.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

This master bedroom is a beautiful example of modern coastal style, including a soft natural color palette, natural elements, a cane bed, blue and white patterned rug, and white nightstands.  From Courtney Egli:

 

Something as simple as a striped pillow, woven pendant light, or a tasseled throw blanket can add a focal point and beautiful touch of the beach to the bedroom, as shown in this lovely space by Studio Life Style, via My Domaine:

 

A beautiful wood canopy bed, a chunky handwoven rug, different shades of neutrals, warm woods, and natural fabrics bring a modern yet approachable feeling to this lovely coastal bedroom from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

This dreamy coastal inspired bedroom features a woven bed, rattan nightstand, black chandelier, and lovely soft tones of blue and blush.   From Design Loves Detail:

 

White walls, casual fabrics, natural textures, coastal-inspired artwork, and a hint of stripes lend a light and breezy feeling to this wonderful master bedroom from Amber Interior Design:

 

Contemporary artwork is a great way to add a touch of modern coastal decor to the bedroom, as shown in this beautiful space from Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

The coastal artwork above the bed in our master bedroom was purchased locally a couple of years ago, but I found a few similar pieces, which I share on my artwork favorites page.

our master bedroom sources

For more bedroom ideas, see this post:  Modern Bedroom Decorating Ideas for a Dreamy Master Suite.

Contemporary Coastal Bathroom Ideas

The bathroom is one of the best spots to try out a touch of modern coastal decor — especially in a small powder or guest bath, where you can really get creative.

This is one of my all-time favorite modern coastal bathroom designs!  I love the mix of white and light wood cabinetry, as well as the brass sconces and black-framed mirrors.   From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

Wall molding, a striped fringed hand towel, and touches of brass add a coastal aesthetic to this beautiful small bathroom from A Thoughtful Place:

 

A dark blue vanity, as well as brass lantern sconces, and a large basket give a coastal feeling to this lovely bathroom.  From Mindy Gayer Design:

 

The light wood vanity, as well as the chrome fixtures and striped rug, create a beautiful coastal-inspired bathroom.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

The blue color on this bathroom vanity brings a touch of modern beach house interior design to this space.  I love how beautifully it pairs with the chrome faucet and fixtures–and how about that amazing floor tile?!  From Bria Hammel Interiors.

 

A mix of white and wood cabinet finishes lends an elegant coastal touch to this chic primary bathroom from West Bay Homes:

 

I love the mix of black and brass metal finishes in this beautiful modern coastal bathroom design from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

When we remodeled our guest bathroom last year, I wanted to add a touch of modern coastal style to this space without going overboard, so I simply painted the vanity (with Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue) and added a striped rug and towels, a few woven elements, and plenty of white:

our guest bathroom sources

For more bathroom ideas, see my post, Beautiful Bathroom Design & Decor Ideas You’ll Love.

Modern Coastal Entryway Ideas

I love this chic entryway design from Courtney Egli, with its light console table, upholstered ottomans, woven mirror, and white lamp. 

 

Shiplap walls, a natural fiber rug, and a glorious blue door create the quintessential coastal entryway, located on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.  From Barrow Building Group:

Handled two-toned baskets, modern coastal decor, and a curved natural wood console table bring a coastal aesthetic to this light and airy entryway from Studio McGee:

 

I love this beautiful beach house entryway with its vertical shiplap walls, woven pendant light, lidded baskets (here’s an alternate source), and oversized mirror, from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

A seashell gathered on one of our family trips to Charleston is displayed in a glass case in our entryway–it’s a nod to coastal decor and happy reminder of my favorite place–the beach.

entryway sources

For more entryway and foyer ideas, see this post:  Stylish Entryway Ideas for a Beautiful First Impression.

On the Patio

With its casual atmosphere and separation from the rest of the house, the patio is the perfect place to experiment with modern coastal decor. Here are a few outdoor spaces with a fresh, contemporary coastal look. 

One of my favorite outdoor spaces–I love the striped pillows and bench seating next to the fireplace.   From Teresa Hlista Design:

This beautiful patio area from Pencil and Paper Co., with its slipcovered furniture, striped pillow, and touches of bamboo, sets the ideal tone for summer relaxing and entertaining.

 

A beautiful outdoor dining area and covered patio.  The oversized woven pendant lights, gray-washed dining table, and unique dining chairs add a modern coastal feeling to this space.  From Pure Salt Interiors.

 

Striped cushions, sleek lanterns, and stylish outdoor furniture create a beautiful modern coastal outdoor living area.  From Design Works, via Style Me Pretty:

Hanging rattan chairs and a cool driftwood-like light fixture add a touch of modern coastal decor to this beautiful covered outdoor space, from Shop sKout, via Domino:

On our covered patio, floaty white curtains, baskets, and an abundance of blue and white bring a coastal feeling to our outdoor space.

our patio sources

For more patio decorating ideas, see this post: Beautiful Patio Ideas for Relaxed Outdoor Living.

Is coastal decor still in style for 2022?

The fact that both Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn launched new contemporary coastal home collections for 2022 is proof that coastal decor isn’t going out of style anytime soon.

Rather, the modern coastal aesthetic is a timeless look that continues to evolve, expand, and grow in popularity each year, as evidenced by the current coastal grandmother look taking the design world by storm!

What is coastal grandmother style?

Celebrating yet another twist on coastal decor, the coastal grandmother design trend recently emerged.

Incorporating a mix of Hamptons-inspired Nancy Meyers style and fresh modern coastal style, the coastal grandma look is all about adopting a relaxed, elevated lifestyle, even if you don’t live near the coast–and aren’t a grandmother! 

In coastal grandmother interiors, you’ll see lots of white slipcovered furniture, neutral hues of the sand and sea, flowers, and natural and organic elements–all of which speak to a more thoughtful and intentional way of living and decorating.   Needless to say, I love this look! 

For more about the coastal grandmother aesthetic, Nancy Meyers style, beach house style, and current design trends, you might also be interested in these related posts:

I hope you found this post informative and helpful!  Please let me know if you have any questions about adding a touch of contemporary coastal style to your home.  Have a wonderful day!  xo jane

favorite modern coastal decor:

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Looking for more design and decorating ideas and inspiration?  Here are a few related posts from Jane at Home:

2023 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love

Beautiful Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation

Beautiful and Affordable Turkish Oushak Runners for the Kitchen

Modern Coastal Living Room Ideas

Modern Bathroom Design Ideas You Will Love

A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom

Restoration Hardware Style: How to Get the RH Look for Less

The New 2022 Studio McGee Target Collection

Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2022

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Designer Spotlight: Pure Salt Interiors

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Modern Bedroom Design Ideas for a Dreamy Master Suite

Modern Living Rooms filled with Inspiration

A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen

Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas You Will Love

And, if you’re looking for modern coastal decor, pillows, furniture, modern coastal lighting, rugs, and more, I have an entire page devoted to Modern Coastal Favorites.   

   

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How to Get the Modern Coastal Look in Your Home

Pure Salt Interiors

Modern design and coastal design may seem like a bit of an odd couple. After all, modern design is known for its crisp lines, bold shapes, and sleek minimalism. And coastal design—with its vibrant colors, beachy prints, and kitschy décor—is known for just the opposite.

But, combine the two, and you end up with something truly special. “Modern coastal design is a fresh, simplified take on traditional coastal décor,” Ariel Schuster, sales and design consultant at Artaic, says. “It leans into the visceral experience of being in a coastal environment without being so literal.”

In other words, you end up with an aesthetic that feels like the beach, so much so that you don’t need décor telling you where you are.

“Modern coastal design evokes the feelings of that beachy lifestyle without the obvious kitsch,” Kate Shaw and Betsy Moyer, co-founders of the experiential design firm Retreat, say. That means fewer surfboards, fewer ocean photographs, and fewer fish-lined patterns. On the whole, you can expect to swap statements for subtleties. Focus on suggesting a sense of place to your guests rather than shouting it at them the moment they walk through the door.  

Of course, balancing two conflicting aesthetics is always a challenge, but there’s no need for overwhelm. Instead of getting intimidated, scroll down to see some of our favorite modern coastal interiors—and bookmark your favorite modern coastal design ideas from the bunch.

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Julian Porcino

If you want to craft a space that feels both coastal and modern, a great place to start is with your palette. Though classic coastal spaces are often filled with deep blues and bright oranges, modern interiors demand a more minimalist approach.

That doesn’t mean forgoing color entirely, but if you’re trying to craft the sleekest space possible, it might mean keeping your base color soft and subtle.

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Becca Interiors

Coastal interiors are full of texture, and that’s because the spaces they’re evoking are also full of texture. Classic accents—like seagrass rugs, driftwood pieces, and seashell mirrors—come directly from the ocean, and woven pieces nod to some of the plants you’d find along the beach.

By bringing these elements into your home, you can make your space feel cozy and coastal, even if your walls are lined with exposed brick as seen above.

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Jenn Pablo Studio

One of the most recognizable patterns in coastal design? The “classic ticking stripe,” Schuster says. Take one look at that print, and you’ll feel like you’re at the beach. A classic way to incorporate that motif into your décor scheme would be to pair the print with some of your sleekest modern furniture.

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LeClair Decor

When decorating a coastal interior, it can be tempting to stock up on beachy photographs and realistic-looking art. But remember, these aren’t your only options.

“You can nod to the ocean or the sand without being literal,” Schuster says. “For example, the ocean does not have to be depicted by crashing waves and sea life.” Instead, you can favor abstract pieces that allude to the ocean without replicating it exactly.

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Ashley Montgomery Design

No coastal home feels complete without a few woven pieces, and that holds true, whether we’re talking about a modern coastal home or a more classic one.

Of course, some woven accents are more versatile than others—jute rugs have no trouble looking contemporary, for instance. But, even traditional wicker chairs can look modern when paired with an elegant marble table and some sleek industrial lighting.

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Becca Interiors

“Oftentimes with coastal décor, the urge to over-style is difficult to resist,” Schuster says, adding that starfish, anchors, and nautical décor abound in coastal design. “After all, you want to pay homage to the location.”

But, there are ways to give your home a sense of place without flooding a room with clutter. Consider simplifying your gallery wall to include just one category of décor and invest in a couple statement-makers that signal location without crowding your space.

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Calimia Home

Few fabrics feel as synonymous with the coastal aesthetic as linen. The textile is sleek, soft, and versatile, and when rendered in classically coastal soft neutrals—like crisp whites and warm beiges—the fabric should be able to cozy up even your most contemporary pieces.

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Tyler Karu

There are plenty of blueprints for what coastal décor “should” look like—and many of them are filled with seashells, wicker furniture, and fish-covered curtains. But, don’t just dress your space in the costume of coastal décor you’ve seen before.

“The modern coastal design style is all about evoking the spirit of the beach without it feeling like a beach theme,” Shaw and Moyer say. So, focus on the motifs you associate with the beach. The color yellow isn’t in every coastal palette, but if it transports you to your childhood summer vacations, it should be in yours.

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Blue Copper Design

Dark colors and sleek metal accents may seem out of place in a coastal home, but they can add a touch of welcome and much-needed contrast. When balanced with the rest of your space, even bolder accents, like a striking black console table, can fit right in.

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Pure Salt Interiors

When many of us decorate our spaces, we neglect one of the most frequently used rooms in our homes: the bathroom. This is a grave mistake. To start, your bathroom deserves as much love and attention as the rest of your space, and according to Schuster, bathrooms are a particularly great candidate for a modern coastal makeover.

“Bathrooms provide a great opportunity to simplify and brighten up the space with modern coastal design,” she says. Keep the focus on light coastal colors and minimalist accents, and you should have a statement-maker in no time.

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Design: Mindy Gayer Design, Photo: Lane Dittoe

One signature element of many coastal homes? Shelves lined with seashells, starfish, and other popular beachy knick-knacks. But as Shaw and Moyer point out: “It's hard to bring in the glass buoys, rope art, seashells, and seagrasses without leaning into a little kitsch.”

To stay true to the coastal aesthetic without abandoning your modern roots, consider putting some less obvious baubles on display. Shaw and Moyer recommend glass beads and a sea urchin or two.

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Pure Salt Interiors

If you’re looking for a surefire way to make your space feel more coastal, pare your palette down to two classic coastal colors. “Blue and white forever,” Shaw and Moyer say. “If you have the power to edit your décor and keep the color scheme tight, a blue and white home will be so obviously modern coastal.”

Of course, minimalism is key to pulling this off, but the designers note that you can sprinkle in some natural colors and accents to make things more dynamic.

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Ashley Montgomery Design

One of the first motifs that come to mind when Schuster thinks of modern coastal homes? “Cool, glistening tile,” she says. Tiles make a classic and easy addition to the floors of any coastal home. Keep your space modern by snagging tiles in a striking print and a sleek neutral palette.

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Tyler Karu

If you’ve been blessed with a stunning beach view, put it on full display. After all, there’s no greater compliment to a beachy interior than a beachy exterior.

“I love the idea that you can throw open all of the doors and windows, and the beachy breeze will roll right in while you prop your sandy toes up,” Shaw and Moyer say.

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Julian Porcino

Coastal color schemes are often known for their crisp whites and nautical blues, but rest assured knowing these aren’t your only options—neutrals also play a key role in the palette. “I love the mix of neutrals and naturals in this particular style,” Shaw and Moyer say.

To keep things coastal, favor neutrals that evoke shades you’d find in nature: sandy light browns, soft cloudy whites, and blacks that mimic the darkest shades in the ocean.

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Mary Patton Design

Slipcovered furniture is a mainstay in any coastal home, but to keep your space feeling modern, you’ll want to stock up on pieces with sleek silhouettes and clean lines. And remember, if a piece is feeling particularly traditional, you can always balance it out with a striking light fixture—or a little modern art.

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Tyler Karu

The coastal homes you’ve seen may be filled with tropical prints and fish-lined patterns. But if you want to keep your space modern, consider snagging something a little sleeker. Schuster recommends skipping out on the “patterns featuring marine life” and favoring “simple strong patterns,” instead.

This could mean sticking with classics, like stripes and plaids. Or it could mean experimenting with the occasional pop of paisley.

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Pure Salt Interiors

Ropes abound in classic coastal design, and while they’re not necessarily off-limits in modern coastal design, you may want to balance them out with some of your more contemporary pieces.

A sleek black canopy bed is sure to make a pair of rope pendants look sophisticated. And in return, the rope lights will soften what might otherwise be a domineering piece in your space.

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Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

Many homes are lined with wood, and coastal homes are no exception. In order to keep your palette sleek and pared-down, you may want to opt for lighter woods wherever possible.

“Be careful with the woods you select throughout your home,” Shaw and Moyer say. “Think light and airy.” They recommend painting your woods white or sticking with lighter options. After all, coastal homes tend to be bright and light-filled, and a darker-stained wood could throw off that signature dynamic.

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LeClair Decor

Pampas grass makes a natural addition to any coastal home. But don’t just put it everywhere: remember, modern coastal design is about scaling back the kitsch and the clutter. So, place your pampas grass thoughtfully.

“Be sure to look at inspirational examples for where to place a plume of pampas grass before you go too crazy,” Shaw and Moyer say. Consider pairing it with some of the less obviously beachy plants in your space.

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Jessica Nelson Design

Coastal spaces—modern or otherwise—tend to be airy and light-filled, and open-concept floor plans naturally lend themselves to this look. “I think any open-concept space complements the aesthetic of modern coastal décor beautifully, and it is in keeping with that light and airy look,” Schuster says.

But if you don’t have an open-concept floor plan, rest assured knowing you’re not out of luck. Keeping your palette light and your decor minimal will make any interior look more spacious, whether it’s open- or closed-concept.

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Katie Hodges Design

Classic coastal blues tend to be either light or vibrant. But technically, every shade of ocean blue is on the menu. If a room in your home is craving a darker color, sprinkle in a deeper shade, and remember that you can always add levity with more classically coastal pieces like woven chairs and blinds.

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Pure Salt Interiors

Nautical elements abound in coastal décor, but since they’re often incredibly kitschy, they can be tough to weave into a modern coastal aesthetic. “So rather than the blatant sailboat and seashells, the style might pull in naval and nautical elements with modern application,” Shaw and Moyer say.

There are a few different ways to do this, but one particularly great one is to snag a sleek—but unfinished—wooden console table. The table’s low-profile silhouette will nod to modern design’s clean lines, while its natural finish will evoke rustic driftwood.

15 Nautical Décor Ideas That Are Actually Chic

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Pure Salt Interiors

Remember that Schuster described the modern coastal aesthetic as a fresh, simplified take on classic coastal décor, and editing is key to pulling off such a pared-down aesthetic. “If you want to transition your coastal décor to read modern coastal, clear out that clutter,” Schuster says.

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Pure Salt Interiors

All this talk of minimalism may have you feeling lost. Surely there must be some way to craft a sleek space without losing all the fun and personality of classic coastal décor—right?

The truth is, you don’t have to bid adieu to kitsch entirely. Just weave it into your space thoughtfully. “Think before you buy that seashell framed mirror at the local beach hut,” Shaw and Moyer say. “Actually, that mirror sounds cool. Just make sure you pick your statements carefully.”

If a printed backsplash tile has caught your eye, snag it—just consider keeping the rest of the room sleek and simple.

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Pure Salt Interiors

“Modern coastal design leans into the visceral experience of being in a coastal environment without being so literal,” Schuster says. “So instead of loading up on patterns featuring marine life, bold tropical colors, and maritime tchotchkes, think of how being in those coastal environments feels.”

In other words? Play with texture, color, and décor, but keep the focus chiefly on what your space feels like—and you’ll end up with a truly transportive interior.

How to Make Your Home Feel Like a Seaside Retreat

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.

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.

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.

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).

More natural light

Do you remember a dull, gloomy or dark day at the beach? Of course not! Living on the beach means a bright, sun-drenched shore, so light is an essential element when designing a beach-style home.

Light shades of beach interiors create a lively atmosphere in the room. Large glass doors and windows help achieve the right lighting.

There are many versions of beach style interiors, ranging from Mediterranean to tropical oceans, classic to modern. Regardless of which option you choose, the basics of style tend to be the same. Make sure you stick to them, and for everything else, trust your imagination.

Beach house design. Decor, interior and exterior photos

This luxurious beachfront home design features amazing ocean views from the master bedroom, living room with adjoining dining area and open plan kitchen.

Beach house offers 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with floor to ceiling windows. The private backyard terrace is the perfect place to enjoy this fantastic oceanfront location and take in the expansive views. From the back patio, visitors are led by steps to sand and inviting crystal clear blue water.

Inside the beach house you will find high quality finishes, detailed moldings and decor. The open plan kitchen is equipped with high-end Miele appliances, white flat cabinets and beautiful white quartz countertops. From the kitchen, you can enjoy beautiful views of the water and enjoy the open plan space that flows into the living area. The home has beautiful hickory hardwood floors and large picture windows that open out onto a glass-railed terrace.

Ocean view living room showcases million dollar views and décor is perfect for beach house style. Large, bright windows let in plenty of natural light, and the light-colored hickory wood flooring definitely helps to freshen up the room. The open plan living space flows into a small dining area next to the adjoining kitchen.

Guests can enjoy dining while watching the waves roll in and enjoy the amazing ocean views that come with this luxury home.

Large glass doors open onto a balustrade deck to provide additional opportunities to experience the sights and sounds of oceanfront life. Decor in neutral tones is ideal for furniture and various decorating styles.

Another view of the transitional living space with comfortable furniture, rustic wood coffee and dining tables. It is impossible not to feel the beach atmosphere in the decor of the room and the color palette.

A stylish gas fireplace with wall-mounted TV can be seen from behind the dining table in the room. The dining area opens onto the chef's kitchen with a quartz-topped breakfast bar.

Beach house kitchen design

The elegant white kitchen is well designed and built with gorgeous white flat cabinets, white quartz countertops, stainless steel Miele appliances and an island with integrated hob.

From this corner of the kitchen, you can see the rectangular kitchen island and the blue waters of the ocean on the other side.

This image shows a view of the kitchen in the evening with dim recessed and pendant lighting dimmed.

The luxurious Ocean View Master Suite continues the feel of oceanfront living with its contemporary coral-accented wall, detailed stucco and ornate white quad bed. Light walnut floors and multiple windows keep the light and brightness in.

The view of the master bedroom after dark shows the peaceful atmosphere of the room. Imagine waking up in this masterful retreat to the sound of the waves and seeing the ocean from your bed.

The main bathroom features bright white brick tiles with a white vanity and double sinks for him and her. Chrome trim and illuminated mirrors give the room a warm glow.

Elegant tile in the bathroom surrounds the large bathtub and contrasts well with the dark mocha floor tiles and powder blue wall paint.

Front view of a modern bathtub with ceiling mounted drain.

In this image you will find the guest bathroom. Opposite the dark wood bedside table with two sinks, you will find a large frameless shower with a glass wall and a relaxing shower system with 12 spouts and digital controls.

Close-up of modern bathroom sinks and fittings. Gray quartz countertops with a white subway tile backsplash are an eye-catching combination.

This bedroom is set up like a home office with a modern desk and shelving. Large panoramic windows let in plenty of natural light, which contributes to increased productivity and well-being.

Adjacent to the beach house is a brick paved patio with stunning ocean views, a modern fire pit and tropical palm trees.

The beach patio also has a small outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill, small fridge, storage cupboard and counter. A private walkway with wooden railings provides direct access to the beach. From the courtyard of the beach house, you can see the balcony of the second floor and the beautiful appearance of the house.

Aerial view of the beach house and neighboring properties.

A private wooden walkway leads to a cozy sandy beach which is the perfect place for a day of sunbathing and fun in the water.

The beach house features high quality construction that can withstand adverse weather conditions. The home was built with 25-foot pylons, impact-resistant windows, and chipped garage walls in mind for safety and insurance premiums.

The front view of the beach house is bright and cheerful with its yellow façade with white trim and blue accents around the windows.

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