Stay Current With These Coastal Interior Design Trends

Almost half the US population lives near the coast with over 180 million of us making our annual trip to the beach each year. And while some people bring back seashells or beach town trinkets, others make the coast a more permanent part of their home.  

Coastal interior designs have been around for years now, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. But while coastal designs remain popular, the trends continue to evolve and embody the region they’re based in.  

Want to bring the coast into your home? Here’s how to design your interior around the hottest coastal interior designs. 

 

 Small room with white walls and white baseboard heater and light wood chair and wardrobe.

The Basics of Coastal Design

Before we talk about trends, let’s get down to basics. There are several key elements that make a design “coastal,” including: 

  • Large windows

  • White walls 

  • Clean lines

  • Natural textures and materials 

  • Soft, light colors you’d find at the beach 

Many coastal interiors feature blues and whites alongside wooden materials and sand-toned rugs and linens. But the exact definition of coastal varies by area. Northeastern homes tend to have darker woods while Southern homes lead toward lighter wood tones. And warmer areas like California and Florida tend to have more tropical features to match their climate. 

No matter which region you live in, a coastal interior is achievable. Here are a few trends you can use to make your home a coastal oasis. 

 

 Tropical wallpaper on a living room wall with teal and mauve furnishings.

Use Nature to Your Advantage 

One of the reasons why we love the coast is the many natural delights around every corner. So it only makes sense for coastal designs to incorporate natural materials.  

Whether it’s a centerpiece or an accenting feature, elements of nature work all around your home. Here are a few hints of the outdoors to add to your home: 

  • Wood: A coastal kitchen looks great with a wooden countertop, backsplash, counter stools, or kitchen cabinets. Warmer woods, blond wood, and driftwood are especially great choices here with geometric tile providing an extra layer of contrast. Warmer wood will also work well for your bathroom vanity area. Pair it with a bamboo mirror for the finishing touch. 
     
  • Textiles: For an extra bit of nature, all-weather natural fabrics work as an added layer of contrast with the practicality of moisture and stain resistance.  
     
  • Wicker: Add a tropical touch to your bedroom by using hints of wicker. Sconce shades, side tables, lamp stands, and bed frames are great places to start.  

An extra perk of natural materials is their unique texture. You’ll get that outdoorsy look with a bit of a rustic feel that’s on par with what you’d find on the beach. 

Natural materials are a large part of the coastal aesthetic. But the right blend of colors is just as important with two main colors leading the way. 

 

 Light blue and white colors in a bathroom with a white baseboard heater.

Blue and White are Always Right 

No matter what iteration of coastal design you follow, a blue-and-white color scheme will play a large role in your finished product. Inspired by the light blue sky, the rise and fall of the ocean tides, and the white, sandy beach beneath your feet, these natural colors evoke that sense of calm and comfort you want in a beachfront home. 

Both blue and white are easy to incorporate inside your home. Here’s how to pull it off: 

  • Blue: A great way to add blue is through your kitchen cabinetry. Whether it’s a darker blue or a lighter blue is completely up to you. Other elements like backsplashes or tablescapes will also provide the proper aesthetic.  
     
  • White: Choosing a white shower curtain is of the easiest ways to add coastal flair to your home. Consider accenting it with blue shower tile or a botanical wallpaper print. 
     
  • Both Together: Blue and white are an excellent color scheme for bed linens like sheets, duvets, and pillowcases. For an extra hint of these colors, include blue curtains or lampshades. Additional products like furniture, lighting, and towels are just as receptive to shades of blue and white.  

Adding new shades of color plays a large part in establishing your coastal theme. But to go the extra mile, you can’t forget the details. 

 

 Bedroom in coastal colors and large windows.

Don’t Forget the Little Things 

The minute details of a coastal aesthetic will fill in the gaps for a well-rounded look and feel. Here are a few smaller coastal improvements that are easy to incorporate: 

  • Lighting: Nautical lighting adds an extra bit of flair without sacrificing any practicality. 
     
  • Hardware: New brass handles are small but mighty coastal touches.  
     
  • Register Covers: Register covers provide an excellent design accent for warmer wood floors and vanities.  
     
  • Baseboard Heater Covers: If you have baseboard heating, our baseboard covers are available in white to fit the coastal color scheme.  

Need a little more information on choosing your baseboard color? 

 

The Baseboarders Guide to Color

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