Coastal Interior Design - Style: Fresh, Relaxed Spaces

Essential Tips for What Is Coastal Interior Design Style?

Coastal interior design style is an aesthetic inspired by homes along the coastline. It aims to capture the breezy and easy elegance of oceanfront living. Originating from beachside homes, the style draws inspiration from sun-drenched coastlines and the laid-back way of life associated with coastal living. The philosophy behind this style is based on the idea that a home should be open, light and airy. It emerged in places where the beach lifestyle was an integral part of everyday life, such as the Hamptons and the Mediterranean coasts. It appeals to people today because it’s like bringing a little bit of vacation and relaxation into everyday life. And you don’t have to live on the coast to enjoy it. As a result, the coastal interior design style is timeless, joyful and practical, making the home feel warm and airy.

• Color Palette

  The color palette of this style focuses on nature’s softest tones. Think crisp whites, sand beige, sea glass green and pale sky blue as the foundation. Muted navy, driftwood gray and sun-faded coral often accent the more prominent colors. The colors are not overly bright, which means that all the outfits look calm and effortless. Accents in warm tan and woven textures avoid the nautical tropes. It works just as well in small and large rooms and creates a perfect base for layering textiles, art and natural materials. Which in turn makes the entire home feel as light and airy as possible (and not just during spring or summer).

• Materials & Textures

  Natural and tactile materials are another staple of the coastal interior design style. Wide-planked hardwood floors or white-washed wood boards recall sandy boardwalks. Rattan, jute and seagrass can add texture through rugs, baskets, or light fixtures. Linen and cotton fabrics that have been laundered to a soft hand for slipcovered furniture and simple window treatments. Glass in the form of bottle-green vases and rope-wrapped lanterns sparkles in the sunlight like the surface of a deep blue sea. Light woods—like oak and ash—keep the vibe fresh and never heavy. Details such as exposed beams or shell-inlaid furniture will also look appropriate. The goal is to create a layered, yet lightweight look.

• Furniture & Silhouettes

  Furniture will have relaxed shapes and forms to echo the laid-back feeling of being by the water. Sofas and chairs are generously scaled for comfort, often featuring casual slipcovers and low profiles for easy maintenance. Wood dining tables might look like they have just been sanded and salted down, while side tables could incorporate driftwood or rope nautical elements. Beds typically feature either rattan or cane headboards, or alternatively, minimalist painted wood frames. Note how the built-in bench seating for the table is fully integrated, which saves space and creates an inviting sunny nook. The effect is cohesive and welcoming—clean lines, smooth textures and minimal embellishment. This style embraces an unfussy approach, allowing for plenty of family life and sandy toes.

• Decor & Accessories

  Notice how the accessories stay on theme (ocean) without being obvious or cheesy. Consider items like ceramic bowls with shells, woven trays, or framed coastal photographs. Look for soft, oversized throw pillows in stripes, shibori, or geometric patterns. Lightweight blankets, nautical maps and driftwood sculptures provide visual appeal without overcrowding shelves and tables. Sheer curtains gently sway in the breeze, allowing sunlight to filter through and making every day feel like a beach day. Indoor plants—succulents, palms, or pothos—add a vibrant splash of life and enhance the connection to nature. Layer them thoughtfully so the space feels curated but still livable. The overall effect is expressive but understated and always inviting.

• Architectural Features

  Classic architectural elements of the coastal interior design style enhance the sense of bright, open space. Large windows, sometimes with transoms or clerestories, maximize natural light and frame views (real or imagined) of the water. Beadboard paneling or shiplap walls, painted in gentle hues or white, capture the spirit of vintage beach cottages. Vaulted or timbered ceilings echo the spaciousness of boathouses and pavilions. French doors and wide passageways blur boundaries between interior and exterior, bringing the outdoors in. Built-in storage cleverly keeps clutter to a minimum—think window seats with hidden drawers or wall-to-wall shelves. Clean-lined stair rails or cable balustrades nod to maritime influences without dominating. Every detail works to support a sense of breezy, effortless living in tune with the rhythms of the coast.

• Planning & Composition