What is Coastal Style

One of the more charming and popular design styles is the Coastal style. But what exactly is Coastal style and how can you make your house have a more coastal design. 

Keep reading to find out. 

What is the coastal style

Coastal style refers to a design aesthetic that is inspired by the colors, textures, and forms found in coastal environments such as beaches, dunes, and oceans. 

It often incorporates natural materials such as wood, wicker, and seagrass, as well as light and airy color palettes, nautical motifs, and elements of coastal architecture such as beadboard, shiplap, and louvered shutters. 

The overall effect is a relaxed and casual atmosphere that evokes the feeling of a beach vacation.

When and where did the coastal style originate

The coastal or beach style of interior design has its origins in the United States and can be traced back to the late 19th century. It first became popular in the coastal regions of the East Coast, particularly in New England where many wealthy Americans built summer homes. The coastal style was characterized by the use of natural materials like wicker and rattan, as well as light and airy color palettes that evoked the colors of the sea, sand, and sky.

It wasn't until the 20th century that the coastal style began to gain popularity in other parts of the country, as Americans began to take an interest in the casual, relaxed lifestyle associated with beach vacations. The style also became popular in other parts of the world, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.

In recent years, the coastal style has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many people looking to incorporate elements of this aesthetic into their homes, regardless of whether they live near the coast or not.

8 Coastal Design Decorating Tips

Here are 8 tips for incorporating the coastal style into your interior decorating:

Use natural materials: Incorporate natural materials like wood, wicker, and sea grass into your decor. These materials evoke the feeling of the beach and add a sense of warmth and texture to a space.

Stick to a light color palette: Coastal style is often characterized by light and airy color palettes that are inspired by the colors of the sea, sand, and sky. Use shades of white, blue, and gray to create a serene and soothing atmosphere.

Incorporate nautical elements: Nautical elements like ropes, anchors, and ship wheels can add a playful touch to a coastal-inspired room.

Use coastal-inspired patterns: Patterns like stripes, seahorses, and starfish can add a touch of coastal charm to a space.

Add plants: Bring the outdoors in by incorporating plants and flowers into your decor. This will add a sense of freshness and vitality to a space.

Incorporate coastal-inspired architectural elements: Elements like beadboard, shiplap, and louvered shutters can give a room a coastal feel.

Use textured fabrics: Textured fabrics like linen, cotton, and burlap can add a sense of warmth and coziness to a space.

Keep it minimal: Coastal style is characterized by its simplicity and minimalism, so avoid clutter and keep decor to a minimum.

By following these tips, you can create a space that feels relaxed, casual, and evokes the feeling of a beach vacation.

But what should you be looking for when looking for a specific piece of furniture? Keep reading to find out. 

Coastal Style Furniture

When buying a coastal style furniture, there are a few key things to look for in order to ensure that it complements your overall decor and creates the desired coastal aesthetic:

Coastal Style Sofas

Material: Look for a sofa made from natural materials such as linen, cotton, or wicker. These materials are commonly used in coastal-inspired decor and evoke the feeling of the beach.

Color: Stick to a light and airy color palette that is inspired by the colors of the sea, sand, and sky. Look for shades of white, blue, gray, or beige that will complement the overall coastal aesthetic.

Comfort: Coastal style is known for its relaxed and casual atmosphere, so make sure the sofa is comfortable to sit on.

Durability: Since coastal style often include natural materials, they might be more prone to wear and tear, so look for sofas with sturdy frames and high-quality construction.

Size: Consider the size of the room and the sofa in relation to the rest of the furniture. The sofa should be proportionate to the size of the room and the other furniture pieces.

Style: Coastal style often has a casual and relaxed look, so look for sofas with a simple, clean design and minimal ornamentation.

Fabric: Look for sofas with fabrics that can withstand the elements if you plan to have the sofa on an exterior space.

Cleanability: consider if the sofa is easy to clean, if you live near the beach it's a good idea to get a sofa with removable and washable covers.

Coastal Style Beds

Material: Look for a bed made from natural materials such as wood, wicker, or rattan. These materials are commonly used in coastal-inspired decor and evoke the feeling of the beach.

Color: Stick to a light and airy color palette that is inspired by the colors of the sea, sand, and sky. Look for shades of white, blue, gray, or beige that will complement the overall coastal aesthetic.

Design: Coastal style often has a relaxed, casual look, so look for beds with simple, clean designs and minimal ornamentation. Beds with a sleigh or panel design often work well with coastal style.

Durability: Since coastal style often include natural materials, they might be more prone to wear and tear, so look for beds with sturdy frames and high-quality construction.

Size: Consider the size of the room and the bed in relation to the rest of the furniture. The bed should be proportionate to the size of the room and the other furniture pieces.

Comfort: Make sure the bed is comfortable to sleep on, consider the mattress, pillows, and bedding that you will use.

Storage: If you're looking for a coastal style bed with storage, consider a platform bed with drawers underneath or a bed with a headboard that includes storage space.

Style: Consider the style of the bed in relation to the overall style of your room. Some coastal style beds have a more rustic look, while others have a more modern look.

Coastal Style Rugs

Material: Look for rugs made from natural fibers such as jute, sisal, or seagrass. These materials are commonly used in coastal-inspired decor and evoke the feeling of the beach.

Color: Stick to a light and airy color palette that is inspired by the colors of the sea, sand, and sky. Look for shades of white, blue, gray, or beige that will complement the overall coastal aesthetic.

Design: Coastal style often has a relaxed, casual look, so look for rugs with simple, clean designs and minimal ornamentation. Some coastal style rugs have a geometric pattern, stripes or even coastal-inspired patterns like starfish, shells or anchors.

Durability: Since coastal style often include natural materials, they might be more prone to wear and tear, so look for rugs with sturdy fibers and high-quality construction.

Size: Consider the size of the room and the rug in relation to the rest of the furniture. The rug should be proportionate to the size of the room and the other furniture pieces.

Comfort: If you're looking for a rug to place in high-traffic areas, make sure it's comfortable to walk on and not too rough.

Cleanability: If you live near the beach it's a good idea to get a rug that is stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Style: Consider the style of the rug in relation to the overall style of your room. Some coastal style rugs have a more rustic look, while others have a more modern look.

Coastal Style Lamps

Material: Look for lamps made from natural materials such as wood, glass, or sea-grass. These materials are commonly used in coastal-inspired decor and evoke the feeling of the beach.

Color: Stick to a light and airy color palette that is inspired by the colors of the sea, sand, and sky. Look for shades of white, blue, gray, or beige that will complement the overall coastal aesthetic.

Design: Coastal style often has a relaxed, casual look, so look for lamps with simple, clean designs and minimal ornamentation. Some coastal style lamps have a nautical-inspired design like ropes, anchors, or ship wheels.

Durability: Since coastal style often include natural materials, they might be more prone to wear and tear, so look for lamps with sturdy frames and high-quality construction.

Size: Consider the size of the room and the lamp in relation to the rest of the furniture. The lamp should be proportionate to the size of the room and the other furniture pieces.

Functionality: Consider the purpose of the lamp, whether it's for reading, task lighting or accent lighting.

Lighting: Consider if the lamp has a dimmable feature or if it has a bright or warm light, depending on the ambiance you want to create.

Style: Consider the style of the lamp in relation to the overall style of your room. Some coastal style lamps have a more rustic look, while others have a more modern look.