Styled Spaces Co
Coastal interior design
Design Style

Coastal Interior Design

Relaxed and inspired by the sea

What is Coastal Design?

Coastal (or Coastal Cottage) design is inspired by the beach, sea, and seaside living. It creates light, airy, relaxed spaces that evoke the calm and beauty of coastal environments. Rooted in practicality, coastal design emphasises natural light, breezy textiles, and a palette inspired by sand, sea, and sky.

Core Characteristics

The defining features of this style

Light & Airy: Bright spaces with maximum natural light

Soft, Muted Palette: Blues, whites, sandy neutrals dominate

Natural Materials: Wood (especially weathered or whitewashed), rattan, linen, jute

Relaxed & Casual: Comfortable, unpretentious, lived-in feel

Nautical Touches: Stripes, sea-inspired motifs (used sparingly)

Weathered Textures: Driftwood, rope, distressed finishes

Personally selected

My Coastal Picks

Four pieces chosen to capture this look. Prices may change at the retailer.

Shop all 9 picks

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Colour Palette

The colours that define this aesthetic

Primary Colours

  • Whites: Pure white, soft white, chalk white (walls, furniture, textiles)
  • Blues: Soft blue, sky blue, aqua, navy (all shades of blue welcome)
  • Sandy Neutrals: Beige, sand, tan, taupe, cream
  • Soft Greys: Pale grey, dove grey, weathered grey

Accent Colours

  • Seafoam Green: Muted green-blue
  • Coral: Soft peachy-pink
  • Driftwood Brown: Weathered wood tones
  • Navy: For contrast and grounding

Colour Application

walls:White or very soft blue/grey
furniture:Whitewashed wood, white upholstery, natural wood
textiles:Whites, soft blues, stripes in blue and white
accents:Navy, coral, seafoam in cushions and decor

Materials & Textures

The building blocks of this style

Primary Materials

  • Whitewashed/Weathered Wood: Floors, furniture, driftwood decor
  • Linen & Cotton: Light, breathable fabrics for upholstery and curtains
  • Rattan & Wicker: Chairs, baskets, light fixtures
  • Jute & Sisal: Natural fibre rugs
  • Rope: Decorative accents, mirrors, lighting
  • Sea Glass: Decorative objects
  • Natural Fibres: Bamboo, seagrass baskets

Texture Strategy

  • Soft and Relaxed: Layered but not heavy
  • Combine smooth painted wood with woven rattan
  • Layer soft linens and cottons
  • Include natural fibre rugs (jute, sisal)
  • Add weathered or distressed textures
  • 4-5 light, natural textures per room

Flooring Options

  • Whitewashed or light wood floors
  • Painted wood floors (white, soft grey)
  • Natural fibre rugs (jute, sisal)
  • Stone or tile in coastal colours

Furniture Selection

Choosing the right pieces for this style

Key Furniture Pieces

seating

Slipcovered sofas in white or natural linen; wicker or rattan chairs; upholstered pieces in soft blues

tables

Whitewashed wood tables; driftwood coffee tables; natural wood dining tables

storage

Whitewashed cabinets, wicker baskets, open shelving

beds

Whitewashed wood frames or upholstered headboards in linen

Furniture Characteristics

  • Casual and Comfortable: Soft, inviting, family-friendly
  • Light Wood Finishes: Whitewashed, pickled, or natural light woods
  • Slipcovered: Easy to clean, relaxed aesthetic
  • Wicker and Rattan: Coastal signature materials
  • Weathered/Distressed: Aged, beachy look

Recommended Brands & Retailers

Serena & Lily (high-end coastal)Pottery Barn (coastal collections)West Elm (coastal modern)Ballard DesignsHomeGoods (affordable coastal decor)

Lighting Design

Illuminate your space the right way

Lighting Approach

  • Natural Light: Maximise with sheer or no window treatments
  • Woven and Natural Materials: Rattan, bamboo, rope fixtures
  • Nautical Influences: Lantern-style, cage lights (used sparingly)
  • Soft, Diffused Lighting: Bright but not harsh

Recommended Fixtures

chandeliers

Beaded chandeliers, wooden bead fixtures, woven rattan

pendants

Glass globe pendants, lantern-style, rattan shades

table

Ceramic bases in whites or blues with linen shades

sconces

Simple white or brushed nickel sconces

Room by Room Application

How to apply this style throughout your home

Living Room

  • White or natural slipcovered sofa
  • Rattan or wicker accent chairs
  • Whitewashed wood coffee table or driftwood table
  • Jute or sisal rug
  • Striped or solid blue cushions (4-6 total)
  • White or soft blue walls
  • Sheer white curtains or no window treatments
  • Coastal decor (sea glass, shells, driftwood used sparingly)
  • Woven or beaded chandelier

Bedroom

  • Whitewashed wood bed or upholstered in white linen
  • White or soft blue bedding with linen or cotton
  • Whitewashed nightstands
  • Ceramic lamps with linen shades
  • Sheer white curtains
  • Natural fibre rug
  • Minimal coastal decor (starfish, coral, sea glass)

Dining Room

  • Natural or whitewashed wood dining table
  • Mix of white upholstered chairs and woven chairs
  • Beaded or woven chandelier
  • Simple decor (bowl of shells, linen table runner)
  • Large windows with sheer curtains

How to Implement

A step-by-step guide to achieving this look

1

Create Light, Airy Base

  • Paint walls white or soft blue/grey
  • Choose light wood flooring or whitewash existing floors
  • Install or maintain large windows
  • Use sheer curtains or none
2

Choose Coastal Colour Palette

  • Select whites, soft blues, and sandy neutrals
  • Add navy for contrast
  • Include seafoam or coral as accent colours
  • Limit to 3-4 colours total
3

Select Light Wood Furniture

  • Whitewash or paint existing furniture white
  • Choose natural wood or wicker pieces
  • Add slipcovered furniture for easy cleaning
  • Keep lines simple and casual
4

Layer Natural Textiles

  • Use linen and cotton for upholstery and curtains
  • Add jute or sisal rug
  • Include blue and white striped cushions or throws
  • Keep textiles light and breathable
5

Add Woven and Natural Elements

  • Include rattan or wicker chairs, baskets, or light fixtures
  • Add driftwood or weathered wood decor
  • Use natural fibre baskets for storage
  • Include rope accents (mirrors, lighting)
6

Incorporate Coastal Decor (Sparingly)

  • Add 2-4 coastal objects (shells, sea glass, coral)
  • Include nautical touches subtly (stripes, blue and white)
  • Hang coastal art or photography
  • Avoid over-theming; keep sophisticated

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pitfalls that can derail your design

Too Nautical: Avoid overdoing anchors, ships, and "beachy" decor; keep sophisticated

Dark Woods: Coastal uses light woods; dark furniture breaks aesthetic

Heavy Textiles: Avoid heavy fabrics; keep light and breezy

Wrong Blues: Use soft, muted blues; avoid electric or bright blues

Too Themed: Real coastal homes are subtle; avoid looking like beach resort

Blocking Light: Maximise natural light; avoid heavy curtains

Budget Considerations

Achieve this look at any price point

High-End Approach

  • Serena & Lily furniture and textiles
  • Custom slipcovered furniture
  • High-quality rattan and wicker pieces
  • Professional whitewashing or refinishing

Mid-Range Approach

  • Pottery Barn or West Elm coastal furniture
  • Affordable slipcovered sofas (IKEA with custom covers)
  • Mid-range rattan and jute pieces
  • DIY whitewashing with quality materials

Budget-Friendly

  • Paint existing furniture white
  • DIY slipcovers or affordable IKEA covers
  • Thrift wicker and rattan furniture
  • Affordable jute rugs (IKEA, HomeGoods)
  • DIY driftwood and coastal decor from beach walks

Lifestyle & Maintenance

Is this style right for you?

Daily Habits

  • Keep spaces uncluttered and breezy
  • Wash slipcovered furniture as needed
  • Dust wicker and rattan regularly
  • Maintain light wood finishes

Potential Challenges

  • White and light colours show dirt; requires regular cleaning
  • Slipcovers may need frequent washing in family homes
  • Natural materials can be delicate
  • Can feel cold in non-coastal climates without proper styling

Best For

  • Beach house or coastal property owners
  • Those who love light, airy spaces
  • Families (slipcovered furniture is practical)
  • Anyone seeking relaxed, casual style
  • Those who want easy-to-maintain, comfortable interiors

Styles That Pair Well with Coastal

Scandinavian

Both share light, airy, natural aesthetic

Modern Farmhouse

Add more rustic elements and neutrals

Preppy

Introduce bolder stripes and navy

Bohemian

Layer more textiles, plants, and global elements ("boho beach")

Discover Your Perfect Style

Not sure if Coastal is right for you? Take our style quiz to find your perfect match.

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