Coastal Design: The Breezy Beauty

The coastal design style evokes feelings of peace and fun and is also meant to make you feel soothed and relaxed. It’s light and airy, reminiscent of the sand and sea. It’s often confused with nautical or tropical design, but is not that at all - it’s very much it’s own style. There are no anchors or seashells or other kitschy-type items involved; coastal design is much more refined and understated.

“Coastal style is all about that feeling of peace and fun that you get from being near water.” - Designer Caroline Koop

ORIGINS

Costal design in America originated on the Atlantic coast and then made it’s way across the country, often taking a slightly different shape based on the region. As Designer Amy Leferink says, "Coastal design has been around for centuries, largely because it was the manner in which people decorated their waterfront or seaside homes”

COLOR & TEXTURE

As we said before, coastal color palettes are reminiscent of the sand and sea. Palettes of white, cream and gray as well as soft tones of blue and green are the most popular choices, as they all evoke those feelings of calm and relaxation. If you’d like to make more of a bold statement, mix in pops of navy or slightly brighter hues of blue or green, such as the color of sea glass.

Here is an example of a coastal color palette:

Woven materials such as wicker, rattan, and sisal all have a solid place in coastal design, as well as grasscloth and jute. Fabrics such as heavy cotton, canvas and linen are also widely used on things like throw pillows. Layering all of these materials is recommended to create visual interest and contrast while keeping color schemes on the muted and understated side.

FURNITURE & DECOR

Furniture is big and comfy, and seating pieces are often covered with durable slipcovers to help with general wear and tear and to protect from sand and wet bathing suits. Driftwood and other lighter wood finishes such as white oak are also an integral part of the coastal style for items like tables, shelves, and even flooring. Windows are meant to stay open and free of heavy treatments in order to allow natural light and the outside elements in. Sheer or gauzy linen drapery panels with or without woven shades are popular choices that are sure to fit in your coastal design theme.

Lighting is also an important element within coastal spaces. Woven or beaded fixtures are very popular, as are fun sconces with various coastal elements to help round out the room. You’ll also see fixtures with clean and simple lines in weathered metal finishes. Rugs are often made of straw, sea grass or jute, and patterns are kept simple.

KITCHEN & BATHROOM

Coastal kitchens and bathrooms are just as airy as the rest of the style. Keep finishes light and choose fixtures with a natural feel. As you can see in this photo, the cabinets are white with light natural tones mixed in to create a warm balance within the space. The woven backs to the stools adds to the coastal feeling of this kitchen. The same look can easily be created in a bathroom as well.

The coastal design style is one that can lean in a few different ways. It blends perfectly with the transitional style, and can also go to a more modern or even a rustic feel. As long as you keep everything soft and airy, use the correct colors and avoid kitschy items at all cost, you’re sure to create a coastal space that perfectly emulates the sea, sand and sky.