Dreaming of that laid-back, sun-soaked beach house look? Coastal design could be just what you’re after. This style brings the beach indoors, creating an atmosphere that feels refreshing, calming, and just a little bit vacation-like. Here’s a guide on how to capture that coastal charm in your home, even if you’re far from the shore.

1. Embrace the Ocean-Inspired Color Palette

Dive into the soothing shades of the sea with an ocean-inspired color palette, bringing calm coastal vibes right into your space. Nautical theme bedroom from @ decor_for_kids

Start with colors that remind you of the beach. Think of soft whites, sandy beiges, driftwood grays, and plenty of ocean-inspired blues and greens. Light, neutral colors work beautifully on the walls to open up your space, making it feel as expansive as a beach horizon. Adding subtle pops of blue or turquoise in accents like throw pillows, rugs, or artwork will bring the essence of the sea indoors.

2. Opt for Natural Textures

Bring nature’s charm indoors by opting for natural textures—think woven rattan, raw wood, and cozy linens that add warmth and a touch of organic beauty to any room. Nursery room from @ projectnursery

Texture is key to creating that coastal feel. Coastal design often includes natural, earthy elements—things you’d find near the shore. Look for materials like jute, seagrass, linen, and rattan. A jute rug, for example, not only brings in a natural texture but also adds durability. Linen curtains or cotton slipcovers add a breezy, relaxed look, while woven baskets and rattan furniture lend that effortless, organic touch.

3. Go for Light and Airy Furniture

Choose light and airy furniture to create an open, inviting space that feels effortlessly refreshing and perfectly relaxed. Coastal home decor from @ coastalhomepaige

In coastal design, heavy, bulky furniture is out. Instead, look for light wood finishes or painted furniture in white or pastel tones. Think about distressed finishes to capture the look of wood aged by salt and sun. Try a weathered, whitewashed coffee table, or a driftwood-like console, which add charm without feeling too formal. Sofas and chairs should be comfortable and inviting, with soft fabrics in neutral shades or subtle stripes.

4. Bring in Nautical and Beach-Inspired Decor

Infuse your space with nautical and beach-inspired decor—think driftwood accents, coastal artwork, and seashell touches for a breezy, seaside retreat at home. Beach-themed decor from @ home_bycourt

The decor is where you can have some fun with the coastal theme! Shells, starfish, or coral pieces are perfect accents, but it’s all about balance—too much, and it can feel a bit overdone. Subtlety is key! Consider a bowl of sea glass on a coffee table, framed nautical maps on the walls, or a piece of coral on an open shelf. Adding these little touches keeps the theme cohesive without overwhelming the room.

5. Layer in Coastal Lighting

Add coastal lighting with woven lanterns, glass pendants, and soft ambient glow to capture the warmth and tranquility of a seaside sunset. Coastal charm from @ suzannekasler

Lighting is often overlooked in coastal design but plays a huge role in setting the ambiance. Aim for natural light as much as possible with sheer curtains or blinds. For artificial lighting, look for fixtures that bring in natural textures, like woven pendant lights or table lamps with ceramic bases in coastal colors. Even something as simple as glass lamps filled with small pebbles or sand can add a playful coastal detail.

6. Infuse Outdoor Elements Indoors

Bring the outdoors in with natural textures, lush greenery, and earthy tones that fill your home with a fresh, nature-inspired vibe. Beach-themed room from @ interior_look_book

Lastly, embrace the greenery. Palm plants, succulents, and other hardy greenery add a natural touch that works well with coastal decor. The idea is to make it feel as if the outdoors is naturally spilling into your home. Potted palms or snake plants by a window or a few small succulents on a coffee table bring a fresh, vibrant feel to the room.

Room-by-Room Coastal Style Tips

1. Coastal Living Room

Turn your living room into a cozy beach getaway with ocean blues, sandy neutrals, and laid-back, natural textures for those easygoing coastal vibes. Living room decor ideas from @ calusabaydesign

A coastal living room should feel open, light, and welcoming. Stick to neutral sofas with soft throws in beachy tones. Add a rattan coffee table or driftwood-style end tables for an added coastal feel, and consider some wall decor featuring seascapes or nautical elements.

2. Coastal Bedroom

Create a chill coastal bedroom vibe with soft seafoam greens, sandy beige, and breezy linens that make every night feel like a relaxing getaway by the beach. Calming bedroom from @ gldesignhome

To make your bedroom feel like a seaside retreat, keep bedding light and airy. White or pastel-colored duvets work well, with soft, fluffy pillows in shades of ocean blue or sandy beige. Add a couple of woven baskets for storage or decorative purposes, and think about a woven headboard to complete the look.

3. Coastal Kitchen

Give your kitchen a beachy makeover with light, airy colors, natural wood accents, and coastal decor that make cooking feel like a sunny day by the shore. Kitchen design from @ theclevergoose

In the kitchen, coastal design comes alive with open shelving where you can display glass jars, white dishes, and maybe a few sea-themed accessories. Light-colored cabinets and stone or butcher-block counters feel just right. Add a small plant or two and finish with rattan bar stools if you have an island.