Take it from the pros: A beautiful beachy home doesn’t require views of swaying palms and gentle waves of aqua (though that’s certainly a bonus). There are tried-and-true design tips that anyone can try to create a coastal look that we all love for its bright and breezy feeling.
Interior coastal design makes a connection to the surrounding seascape. Coastal color schemes borrow from vivid sunsets, sandy beaches, deep-blue seas, and lush, tropical surroundings. Another beach house must is adding textures from local, natural materials like seagrass, jute, raffia, sisal, and bamboo that bring in the outdoors while being incredibly durable. Go serene and understated, mix it up with tropical prints and patterns, or land somewhere in between. No matter what, coastal design always stands up to the elements.
Ready for some inspiration? Check out these 25 timeless coastal design and decor ideas from designers that make a home feel like an airy, seaside escape.
25 Modern Coastal Decor Ideas You Need To Try!
1. Serene Seaside Retreat
Enjoy the tranquil vibe of a white linen sofa, accented with soft blue pillows that whisper tales of the sea. A smooth, pale driftwood coffee table anchors the space.
2. Nautical Chic Workspace
Find inspiration in your office at a sleek, white desk complemented by a classic navy-blue chair. Maritime-inspired art breathes a touch of the ocean breeze into the room.
3. Breezy Bedroom Haven
An ivory canopy for a wooden bed invites peaceful slumber. The sand-toned wool carpet underfoot mimics a soft, beachy shoreline.
4. Minimalist Coastal Charm
This loft showcases a modern coastal decor centerpiece: a sculptural driftwood art piece set against a backdrop of crisp white walls and furniture.
5. Airy Dining Delight
Gather around a live edge wood table set against a panorama of large, sunlit windows draped in airy white curtains that boast the grand views of the sea. It’s bright, inviting, and beautiful.
6. Seashore Vignette
A collection of delicate seashells and coral pieces are artfully arranged on a floating shelf, enveloped by walls in soothing pale seafoam green.
7. Coastal Cool Living
Soft neutral hues pair with soft white furniture, embodying a modern coastal decor aesthetic while maintaining a cozy atmosphere conducive to laid-back beach living.
8. Sandy Tones Study
Enjoy reading your favorite novels in an armchair upholstered in the hues of beach dunes, complemented by a sandy-colored jute rug.
9. Ocean-Inspired Oasis
Oceanic blues and sandy neutrals merge in pillows, blankets, and furniture, creating a space filled with modern coastal decor that feels like an escape to the seaside.
10. Sleek Seaside Entryway
Visitors are welcomed by a console table with clean lines, boasting natural accents like a wicker basket, a wicker tray, a plaster of paris starfish replica, and a vase of tall beachgrass. It’s great for setting the tone of the space in a stylish way.
11. Lighthearted Coastal Gallery
Guests smile at the gallery wall featuring an array of coastal scenes framed in bleached wood that evokes driftwood treasures. To match the gallery, choose a driftwood coffee table as the room’s centerpiece.
12. Fresh and Functional Kitchen
This culinary haven flaunts a mosaic of sea glass-colored tiles and modern bar stools that embody both function and coastal elegance.
13. Sandy Sojourn Lounge
A plush, off-white sectional couch sits atop a dune-colored natural fiber rug, inviting guests to relax in the embrace of modern coastal decor amid views of the ocean.
14. Tidal Tranquility Bathroom
This bathroom’s spa-like tranquility is captured with soft towels, round jute rugs, and accessories in hues of seafoam and sandy beaches.
15. Contemporary Coastal Book Nook
Lose yourself in a book nook ensconced in a snug corner with built-in shelves displaying a mix of books and modern and beachy decor elements and accessories. Below is a comfy linen couch by a window offering views of the sea.
16. Beachcomber’s Bedroom Bliss
This bed, with its crisp lines and neutral, layered blue and white floral accent bedding and sitting atop a beige woven wool rug, exudes the essence of modern coastal living, perfect for dreaming of high-tide adventures.
17. Maritime Melody Lounge
A melodious blend of blues from cerulean to navy dances across textiles and decor, harmonizing with the sand-colored sofa and area rug, along with the modern coastal design of the space.
18. Symphony Breakfast Nook
Beige and blue, this breakfast nook with wooden themes is highlighted by hues of blue cushions and accented by the beige of natural materials.
19. Coastal Curiosities Alcove
Natural curios, including delicate corals, pretty shells, and smooth beach stones, create a soft coastal vignette on a recessed shiplap shelf.
20. Understated Elegance Hallway
This hallway whispers of beachfront sophistication with its live-edge console table adorned with minimalist, sea-inspired sculptures.
Embrace Imperfections
Beach homes are beloved for their kick-your-shoes-off vibe, which means treating anything too delicately is more often than not a big don’t. “You never want to design a home that feels too precious to really live in, especially at the beach,” says designer Tim Clarke. Use materials with natural imperfections, such as recycled wood, and opt for a less buttoned-up, more chill approach to styling (e.g., a chunky throw strewn over the back of an armchair).
