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
Coastal in Practice
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
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
Slipcovered sofas in white or natural linen; wicker or rattan chairs; upholstered pieces in soft blues
Whitewashed wood tables; driftwood coffee tables; natural wood dining tables
Whitewashed cabinets, wicker baskets, open shelving
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
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
Beaded chandeliers, wooden bead fixtures, woven rattan
Glass globe pendants, lantern-style, rattan shades
Ceramic bases in whites or blues with linen shades
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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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