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Modern coastal living


Beautiful Coastal Living Room Ideas You Will Love – jane at home

Modern coastal style is such a great way to add a contemporary and cohesive look to the living room.  Its lighter color palette, breezy aesthetic, and comfortable, relaxed attitude makes coastal style the perfect choice for living rooms and family rooms.

With that in mind, in today’s post I’m sharing some simple tips on how to bring a touch of modern coastal style to your living spaces, including coastal decorating ideas, images of living rooms featuring modern coastal style, places to shop for coastal furniture and decor, and much more.

Since modern coastal is the design style I’ve incorporated in my own living room and home, I’ve spent hours gathering ideas and inspiration on this topic — and today I’m sharing everything I’ve found. 

Whether you’re thinking of adding modern coastal style to your home, currently making choices regarding furniture or decor, or  simply looking for tips for adding a light touch of coastal style to your living room, I hope you’ll find all sorts of great ideas in this post!

Pure Salt Interiors

What makes a living room coastal?

A coastal living room typically incorporates the colors and textures of nature, including lighter-toned woods, baskets, natural fiber rugs, woven elements, and easy-care textiles like cotton and linen.

In a coastal living space, you’ll often see white slipcovered furniture, a color palette inspired by the sand and sea, and natural and organic elements–all of which convey a relaxed way of living.  

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

For more on modern coastal style, you might be interested in my post, Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home.

How do you design a coastal living room?

For a coastal look in the living room, I suggest beginning with a background of white walls and adding in furniture and window coverings in casual fabrics like cotton and linen and soft neutral hues of the sand and sky. 

Then layer in some natural materials, including lots of baskets, light woods, and lovely textures through rugs, throw pillows, and throw blankets.

For ideas and inspiration, you might want to take a look at sites like Serena and Lily, Dear Keaton, Crate and Barrel, or Pottery Barn, all of which beautifully convey what coastal style is looking like in 2022 and 2023.   

An elevated coastal look is all about mastering the mix of timeless and modern.  And, since coastal or beach house style is essentially carefree and relaxed, it’s easy to go overboard.  So when designing a beach-themed living room, I recommend using a light touch. 

Some things to avoid overdoing in a coastal or beach-themed living room include signs, ropes, anchors, nautical themes, and lobster, crab, sea urchin, and starfish motifs.  These elements are fine in small doses but can easily overwhelm a space if overdone. 

For more on beach house style, you might be interested in my post, Modern Beach House Style: Easy Decorating Ideas for Your Home.

Below, you’ll find several spaces filled with ideas and inspiration for adding a touch of coastal style to your living room.

This beautiful living room exudes chic coastal style, via a soft blue and white color palette:

Erin Fetherston

 

This light and airy living room relies on soft neutral colors and artwork to convey a modern coastal aesthetic:

Pure Salt Interior Design

 

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.)  

Pure Salt Interiors

Here’s another view of this beautiful modern coastal home:

Pure Salt Interiors

 

I love the elevated yet relaxed feeling of this stylish living room.  The woven coffee table, textured rug, and unique floor lamp bring a contemporary coastal aesthetic to this space. 

Studio McGee

 

This beautiful living room, with its tasteful mix of blues and neutrals, conveys an elevated coastal aesthetic:

Livingston Interiors

 

Soft colors, a woven coffee table, and striped round ottomans lend a modern coastal feel to this contemporary coastal family room:

Pure Salt Interiors

 

This beautiful modern coastal living room features two wooden armchairs, a woven coffee table, natural fiber rug, and striking paper lantern style pendant light:

JDP Interiors – Photo by Amy Bartlam

 

This beautiful open-concept living room and kitchen features two stylish arm chairs.   We have the same chairs in our hearth room!

Pure Salt Interiors

 

A cozy keeping room conversation area, complete with four blue striped swivel chairs, a fireplace, and a round coffee table.  

Eye for Pretty – Photo by Amy Bartlam

 

Soft, neutral tones and a round coffee table create a warm and inviting space to relax. 

Pure Salt Interiors – similar coffee table here and here

Here’s another view of this beautiful space:

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.  

Kate Marker Interiors

 

I love all the chic coastal grandmother touches in this small living room, which is actually part of a charming coastal casita:

Pure Salt Interiors – similar coffee tables here and here

 

I love the laidback, almost boho coastal feeling of this stylish living room:

Cortney Bishop Design

 

I love the relaxed feeling of this light-filled modern coastal living room:

Pure Salt Interiors

 

This beautiful coastal living room features neutral sofas and decor and a pair of stunning chairs.   Here’s a similar chair option. 

Lindye Galloway Interiors

 

A beautiful coastal themed keeping room with a round woven ottoman and four light gray swivel chairs. 

Salt Design Co.

 

Here’s a beautiful modern coastal family room featuring a wooden coffee table, round woven pendant light, and soft coastal palette. 

Pure Salt Interiors

 

Hanging rattan chairs, white slipcovered furniture, blue-gray French doors (Benjamin Moore James River Gray), and a natural sisal rug add contemporary take on beach cottage style to the living room, as shown in this beautiful coastal home:

Julie Howard for Timber Trails Development Company

 

This chic living room design features comfortable seating, plenty of natural elements, and contemporary coastal style:

Pure Salt Interiors

 

A white sectional, rustic woods, warm woven elements, and a unique beaded chandelier are the perfect additions to this stylish beach themed living room:

Designed for Katrina Scott by Pure Salt Interiors

 

This beautiful, light and airy living room features a large cozy sectional, two modern chairs, and a chic light wood coffee table.  

Pinteresting Plans

 

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 chic living room.  Similar chairs here, here, and here. 

Pure Salt Interiors

 

Wooden beams and accent pieces, ceiling windows, natural fibers in the jute rug, and a soft blue color scheme bring a serene coastal feel to this stylish living room:

Kate Marker Interiors

 

This living space is actually a sitting area adjacent to a master bedroom and offers a great example of how to decorate a small living room with modern coastal style. 

Pure Salt Interiors

 

In this beautiful living room, the wooden beams, neutral color palette, striped pillows, shelf styling, and touch of classic blue on the cabinetry and in the rug, add a fresh coastal feeling:

Lindye Galloway Interiors

 

Such a beautiful small living room idea.  I love the cohesive look the grouping of woven lounge chairs, tiered chandelier, wood coffee table, round rug, and dreamy artwork bring to this space: 

Courtney Egli – chairs – chandelier – rug

 

This open-concept living room, kitchen, and dining area is filled with chic modern coastal style.  

Pure Salt Interiors – chairs – alternate chair source – dining chairs – counter stools

Here’s another view of this lovely family room:

Pure Salt Interiors

 

Neutral tones and textures, combined with a subtly-patterned rug, a raffia-covered coffee table, high ceilings, and large windows, bring a touch of boho coastal style to this living room.  

Ames Interiors

 

I love this light and airy living room, with its round coffee table, white chaise sofa, and gorgeous chandelier.  

From Alaina Kaz, via The Everymom

 

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.  

Pure Salt Interiors

Here’s another view of this small living area:

Pure Salt Interiors

This beautiful open-concept living room and kitchen is a great example of transitional coastal style.   The darker color palette and wood tones bring an elevated look to this stylish home:

Julie Howard for Timber Trails Development Company

A large sectional and round wood coffee table create a warm and inviting space to relax in this open-concept kitchen, dining, and living room.  You can find similar sectionals here, here, here.

Pure Salt Interiors

Here’s a closer look at this beautiful modern coastal space:

Pure Salt Interiors

Where to Shop for Modern Coastal Decor and Furniture

Investing in modern coastal furniture and decor for your living room doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.  

Below are a few of my favorite places to shop for modern coastal rugs, lighting, pillows, decor, coffee tables, sofas, chairs, sectionals, and more:

Serena & Lily
Pottery Barn
Crate & Barrel
Dear Keaton
TJ Maxx
Wayfair
Ballard Designs
Joss & Main
World Market
McGee & Co.

coastal sofas, sectionals, and chairs:

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coastal coffee tables:

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coastal living room rugs:

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coastal artwork:

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modern coastal decor and pillows:

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modern coastal lighting ideas:

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Coastal decor is a timeless look that continues to evolve, expand, and grow in popularity with each passing year.   And, as long as people continue to love the feeling of living near the ocean and want to capture that relaxed coastal feeling in their homes, coastal decor will be in style.

In fact, both Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn recently launched new coastal home collections, which is further proof that coastal decor is on trend.

I hope you found this post informative and helpful.  Please let me know if you have any questions about decorating with modern coastal style in your living room and home.  Have a wonderful day! xo jane

Looking for more coastal living room ideas?  Here are a few related posts from Jane at Home:

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

How to Add a Touch of Nancy Meyers Style to Your Kitchen and Home

Modern Beach House Style: Easy Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas You Will Love

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

What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I’m loving this trend)

Favorite Spaces of the Week: Pure Salt Interiors

Where to Find Affordable Turkish Oushak Runners

The New Studio McGee Target Collection

A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom

A Review of our IKEA Farlov Sofa and Chairs, One Year Later

Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2023

Modern Living Room Design Ideas You Will Love

Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love

Modern Bedroom Design Ideas for a Dreamy Master Suite

   

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15 rules for modern coastal decor |

(Image credit: Margaret Ash Design, photography by Julia Sperling)

Our collection of coastal living room ideas can create a relaxed, carefree interior design that will evoke memories of sunnier climes.

Being by the water, and especially by the sea, is renowned to create a feeling of relaxation and calm. By bringing this positive energy inside the home through a collection of coastal decor ideas, such as natural materials, curated accessories and an ocean-inspired color palette, you can create a timeless and inviting living room space that pays homage to the beauty and power of nature.

From California cool to New England nautical, we present how to recreate the beach house aesthetic in your own home - and how this style can be enjoyed all year round for your living room ideas.

With the lure of living by the sea more popular than ever, explore our favorite living room coastal ideas to help you create your own beachy paradise in the comfort of your own home.

(Image credit: One Represents Ltd)

From simple blue and white stripes to nautical motifs, there are a range of beautiful wallpaper ideas to choose from to enhance the coastal design in your living room.  

Depending on your chosen style, using wallpaper can be both bold and subtle when establishing a theme in a room. 

The wallpaper in this living space, defined by a painted, brush-stroke effect, uses a pretty palette of blues and grays to create a modern, coastal design. The wallpaper is beautifully elevated by the use of material and texture, with the dark wooden shelf creating a platform for unique decorative designs in the same, coastal-inspired color palette.

2. Use inspiring artwork

(Image credit: Margaret Ash Design, photography by Julia Sperling)

When decorating with art, looking at a chosen piece of artwork for color ideas and inspiration is a great place to start when working with a theme for your interior design ideas.

Perfect for coastal living room ideas, taking the lead from the colors and textures found in a beautiful piece of coastal artwork will create a sophisticated and unified scheme.

In this living room, designed by Margaret Ash Design , she states of the process, ‘the clients wanted to incorporate a variety of soft gray tones as an ode to the quintessential San Francisco fog, and add in accents of blues and greens to further round out this Bay Area, nature-inspired color palette. The living room scheme was based on the client's existing art by Matthew Cusick .’ 

The beautiful wave designs establish a calming focal point in the room, with the elegant use of gray, blue and white for the furniture, accessories and paint ideas acting as the perfect complement, creating a relaxed coastal scheme.

You can also use these ideas to bring a lifestyle edge to your coastal kitchen ideas.

3. Incorporate the beauty of shells

(Image credit: Alecia Neo)

Shells have seen quite the resurgence in interior design over the last few years. From bold shell prints and wallpaper designs, to scalloped furniture pieces and shell trinkets, these recent seashell trends mark a unique, modern take on traditional coastal decor.

Incorporating thee shell designs into coastal living room ideas can create a stylish and contemporary coastal scheme. Whether you go bold with brightly colored shell vases, or choose an elegant shell print for a cushion or throw, the simple beauty and form of this natural object can be appreciated through many different mediums in the home.

4. Keep things subtle

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

If you want to embrace a coastal theme but in an understated way, using a curated selection of accessories and decorative pieces can add a stylish yet subtle touch of coastal decor to your space.

In this modern living room space, painted by Farrow & Ball , a collection of delicate starfish ornaments have been positioned above the tiled fireplace. The rounded mirror with brown leather strap placed above these decorative pieces also adds a subtle, maritime reference.

These styling choices create an elegant, coastal-inspired zone in the living room, making way for other themes and design ideas in the space to create a rich, modern look filled with character and contrast.

5. Use stripes for a timeless effect 

(Image credit: Future)

Decorating with stripes is a timeless choice for both classic and contemporary interior spaces. When planning your coastal living room ideas, introducing a striped element can add a stylish, nautical feel to the space.  

A simple striped pattern, whether you opt for classic blue and white, like for the inviting armchairs in the living room above, or pair different stripe sizes and colors, is a versatile and long-lasting design choice for upholstery and soft furnishings in a living room.

6. Evoke Cape Cod cool with wall paneling

(Image credit: Michael Sinclair / Future)

Weathertight shiplap has long been popular in areas with harsh climates – particularly the north-east coast of the States – but used inside it creates a light, informal space resonate of beaches and summer sun, as demonstrated in this coastal living room scheme.

'If you are opting for a traditional hardwood panelling, it is essential to commit to looking after it correctly,' says Brian Purnell, owner, Distinctive Country Furniture . 'The very hot and dry atmospheres found in modern homes can cause damage, so it is worth trying to mitigate that by either keeping the heating set at a lower temperature in the panelled rooms or by introducing some humidity to the atmosphere. '

7. Make coastal feel cozy with wood

(Image credit: Amalia Graziani/Alice Gao)

Using wood in the home is nothing new – it has been a popular choice for years because of their timeless appeal, not to mention the fact wood is a durable material that gets better with age. But if you think that using an abundance of wood in your home will feel too traditional in a modern living room, think again. 

Created by New York-based designer Amalia Graziani of Noor Property Group , honest materials and raw finishes lend natural charm in this calming coastal retreat in Amagansett Bay, East Hampton. 

‘The space is great for gathering, but felt cold prior to renovating,’ explained Graziani. ‘To offset this, I introduced unfinished oak wood paneling on the walls. It warms up the space and keeps a calm, uniform palette throughout.' 

8. Introduce modern rustic elements

(Image credit: Brent Darby / Future)

This coastal living room was designed to offer warmth in the winter and freshness and tranquility in the summer. The aim was to create a room that was calm and considered yet restrained and not overly decorated – less is so often more when it comes to beach house style. 

Here, the combination of darker tones with lighter finishes balances the feeling of solidity and depth, whilst still making the most of any natural light. Plus, the horizontal cedar wood shiplap cladding gives the living room a New England-style charm. 

9. Modernize your coastal living room

(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)

Coastal style can be a lot more design-led than you might imagine. Forgo the notion of weathered and rustic furnishings for a contemporary take on farmhouse living room aesthetic. 

Modern coastal designs have stepped into the light in recent years. The traditional hues and craftsmanship of antique and rustic furniture have been deftly brought up to date with the introduction of contemporary lines and detailing that bring drama and an almost-sculptural luxury to modern coastal schemes.  

In this minimalist living room, a delicate blend of light oak, soft white, caramel and dusky grey accentuates the soaring architecture of this serene mid-century modern space situated by the sea. The reinvention of this coastal living room is a masterclass in marrying high tastes with a relaxed beach lifestyle.

10. Decorate in tonal color palette

(Image credit: Rikki Snyder / Becca Interiors)

Coastal decor has been having its moment in the spotlight over the past few years –and for good reason. This living room trend strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and rustic; like an escape to the countryside without leaving the city limits.  

This renovated living room, designed by Becca Casey of Becca Interiors , surprises with a serene aesthetic that showcases the stunning light of its coastal location. 

'It is incredibly easy to over-furnish a coastal space, but that is one mistake you don't want to make,' says Casey. There is a tendency to create chaos in a themed space. 'I advise taking a less is more approach when it comes to furnishing,' says Becca. 'A simple color scheme is the perfect excuse to create a haven of peace and tranquility.'

Breathing new life into the classic coastal look, this scheme features a breezy palette of blues, from soft shades of pale sky through to denim. Plus, neutral living room favorites such as taupe, magnolia and chocolate for a sophisticated take on coastal decorating. 

11. Decorate for peace and tranquility

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

The interior won’t make you stop and stare, but that’s precisely the point of this seaside scheme which, thanks to a skilful overhaul by Sophie Ashby, Studio Ashby , feels as calm as a schooner on a millpond-smooth sea; an inviting, maritime retreat of azure, indigo and cerulean blues where deep sofas beckon and light floods through the windows. 

Re-jigging the floorpan to create an open-plan living room provided an excuse to reassess the furniture and furnishings in this coastal home. ‘It was a chance to create a fresh, contemporary look mixed with antiques that don’t detract from the lightness of the room,’ says Sophie.

12. Take an easy living approach to coastal decorating

(Image credit: Future / Jon Day)

Inspired by the timber-clad summerhouses of Scandinavia and New England, this relaxed decorating scheme, which also echos the delicate shades of nature, has been designed to blur the boundaries between indoors and out.

Here, a living room fireplace filled with real and faux potted plants creates a verdant focal point, while the relaxed seating including a hand woven sofa designed for outdoor use, enhances the garden-like feel.

Recreate the look indoors with plants carefully chosen to replicate an authentic seaside surrounding. For a true coastal aesthetic, we recommend rosemary, kentia palm, fiddle fig leaf and westringia.

13. Curate a coastal color scheme

(Image credit: Jake Curtis)

A shade that’s always been popular in the world of interiors, soft blue is the color du jour for coastal decorating. This powder-like blue has the quality of being both soothing and invigorating and offers plenty of design versatility. Used with crisp white, it creates a calming coastal feel, while as one block of color it can be an enveloping breath of fresh air. For a more transitional coastal scheme come winter, pair this living room color scheme with earthy shades like rust, ochre or mustard to really make this color sing.

14. Create a contemporary coastal scheme that works throughout the year

(Image credit: Rikki Snyder)

Take inspiration from your coastal haunts and add a nautical note to your interiors – the modern way. The latest maritime look goes beyond bleached cotton and seashells to embrace tonal color, themed sculpture, loose linens and nature-inspired artwork, giving interior depth and interest. This heritage home has been reimagined as a relaxed refuge from city life. 

Once summer draws to a close, introduce warmth underfoot and darker furnishings mixed in with brights for the perfect winter living room.  

15. Mix white with warm neutrals and layers of texture 

(Image credit: Tom Leighton )

If you think white living room ideas are only reserved for ultra-modern homes, think again. Surprisingly, a white decorating scheme will work beautifully in a coastal home. Evoking purity, cleanliness and serenity alongside confidence and sophistication, white is a wonderfully versatile color for your coastal living room.

Avoid a predominantly white space looking too clinical or sterile by decorating with neutrals. One important aspect to consider when decorating with a pale color palette is to bring in as much texture as possible as it creates interest and layers –important factors when strong colors are out of the picture. For an authentic modern rustic coastal aesthetic, consider using raw materials such as natural wood elements alongside linens, rattan, jute and seagrass. 

How do you decorate a coastal home?

Make your home feel like summer all-year round by decorating in a bright and breezy style.  

Light living room ideas are key, with whitewashed walls, painted shiplap cladding and blonde wood floors, with large picture windows and skylights to let maximum light in. 

Living room furniture and furnishings have a relaxed, lived-in feel – think woven wicker, weathered wood and bleached linen – while natural details add a coastal element, from pebbles and driftwood pieces to seashells and imitation coral.

Modern coastal unites the essence of coastal design - a relaxed and carefree vibe - with a contemporary, minimalist feel, where natural textures and simple color palettes take center-stage. 

Many modern coastal designs move away from using just blue and white to embody the feeling of being by the ocean, instead, they focus on versatile neutrals such as beige, cream and brown to create an inviting atmosphere.

The result is a spacious and uncluttered look where statement pieces such as artwork, ornaments or a chosen wallpaper design create a relaxing coastal design.

Not all modern designs need to focus on minimalism and the use of neutral colors however. Having subtle touches that reference the coast, whether that be through a print or decorative ornament, can help bring those peaceful feelings of being by the sea into your space.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development - Sustainable Development

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Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentElmira Tairova2020-07-29T13:49:33-04:00

The ocean determines the operation of global systems that make the Earth habitable for mankind. Our rain and drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. The rational use of this most important global resource is the key to a sustainable future. However, coastal waters are now steadily deteriorating due to pollution, and ocean acidification is adversely affecting ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. It also negatively affects small-scale fisheries. nine0003

Saving our ocean must remain a priority. Marine biodiversity is critical to the health of people and our planet. Marine protected areas must be effectively managed and adequately resourced, and regulations must be adopted to reduce overfishing, marine pollution and ocean acidification.

COVID-19 response

Ocean conservation and action must not stop while we fight the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to look for long-term solutions for the health of our planet as a whole. Our lives depend on the health of our planet. The health of the ocean is closely related to our health. According to UNESCO, the ocean can become an ally in the fight against COVID-19: bacteria found in the depths of the ocean are being used to conduct rapid tests to determine the presence of COVID-19. And the diversity of species found in the ocean holds great promise for the development of pharmaceuticals. The pandemic offers an opportunity to revive the ocean and start building a sustainable ocean economy. nine0003

A report from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic could provide a much-needed marine environment with business shutdowns and reduced movement of people and resources respite and let her start to recover. The UN Ocean Conference, originally scheduled for June 2020, has been rescheduled to a later date (to be determined) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.