One of the top questions I receive from readers is, “Help! How do I decorate coastal when I don’t live anywhere near the shore?” Coastal decorating can seem like a challenge when you’re far from sandy beaches and ocean waves, but the truth is, you don’t need to live by the sea to capture the coastal aesthetic in your home. Modern beach wall art is all about creating an atmosphere that evokes a sense of tranquility, casual elegance, and the natural beauty of the coast. Whether you’re living in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, you can bring that laid-back, seaside vibe into your space with a few thoughtful design choices.
What is Coastal Style?
When you think of “Coastal Style,” many different images might pop into your mind. Hopefully, it’s not bright Hawaiian prints, neon palm trees, tiki bars, or pink flamingos! We all want to avoid the “Margaritaville” vibe, right?
American Coastal Style is about evoking a mood of casual, breezy seaside relaxation without overdoing it with beachy paraphernalia. Whether it’s transitional coastal, coastal cottage, or contemporary coastal, they all share common elements: natural sunlight, casual furnishings with natural textures, ocean-inspired color palettes, subtle sparkle from glass and mirrors, and nature-inspired decor elements like shells and driftwood.
Coastal Color Palettes
Choosing the right colors will instantly transform your home into a coastal retreat. Think about the ocean, sky, and sand for inspiration. Here are some great color options:
- Neutral Tones: Shades of soft sands and weathered driftwood are perfect for evoking the calm and muted beauty of the beach. These warm, neutral tones create a soothing foundation for any coastal room, making the space feel grounded yet relaxed.
- Crisp Whites: Nothing says coastal like fresh, clean whites. Imagine the crispness of sailboat canvas or the pure, delicate white of sand dollars. White walls, furniture, or accents can help brighten your space and reflect natural light, which is key to achieving that breezy coastal look. It also adds a sense of cleanliness and simplicity that pairs well with other coastal elements.
- Muted Greens: Inspired by coastal vegetation like beach grass, sea kelp, and sea glass, muted greens add a touch of nature to your space. These soft greens can bring a fresh, organic feel into your home without being overpowering, especially when combined with neutral tones or whites.
- Watery Blues and Aquas: To really capture the essence of the ocean, introduce shades of blue and aqua into your palette. These cool, calming colors evoke the peacefulness of the sea and the endless blue sky, making your space feel open and refreshing. Whether you choose pale aqua for a subtle touch or a deeper, watery blue for a more dramatic effect, these colors are essential for any coastal-inspired design.
- Deep Navy and Stormy Grays: For a more sophisticated take on coastal style, consider incorporating deep navy and stormy gray tones into your decor. These colors reflect the darker, moodier side of the ocean, such as storm clouds gathering over turbulent waters. When used sparingly, they can add depth and contrast to an otherwise light and airy space, helping to anchor the room and prevent it from feeling too washed out.
Let the Light Pour In
Coastal decor thrives on natural light. Beach homes are known for their open, airy feel, with large windows that allow sunlight to flood the space. While you may not have an ocean view, you can still create that bright, breezy atmosphere by using light, airy window treatments and keeping your curtains open during the day. If your space feels dark or gloomy, make it a point to invite as much natural light in as possible.
Casual Furnishings and Natural Fibers
Coastal-style furniture is casual yet elegant, comfortable but not stuffy. Natural fibers like rattan, cane, sea grass, and jute work perfectly for chairs and floor coverings. For sofas, consider slipcovers in light fabrics like linen or cotton, which create a relaxed and inviting vibe.
If you have kids or want something more durable, look for outdoor fabrics in sandy tones, which are both practical and stylish. You can also bring in distressed or hand-painted furniture pieces to add a bit of coastal cottage charm.
Woodwork Details and Flooring
To create a coastal cottage look, focus on woodwork details like board and batten, beadboard wainscoting, or whitewashed paneling. These details give your space a light, breezy feel.
As for flooring, keep it light. Choose finishes like weathered wood, driftwood tones, or natural maple, ash, and bamboo. Adding a few darker pieces can anchor the room, blending lighter tones with a more traditional or transitional coastal style—especially useful if you live far from the coast but still want to capture that seaside charm.
Accessorize with Treasures from the Sea and Shore
Accessorizing is the most fun part of coastal decorating! This is your chance to showcase memories, keepsakes, and treasures from the sea. Use shells, sea glass, driftwood, and stones to create artful displays. These small, natural elements can add a personal and nostalgic touch to your space.
Look for coastal-themed accessories like sea life sculptures, coral, or sea fans to enhance the theme. Throw pillows, glassware, and artwork featuring nautical or ocean prints also work well. This is the place where you can really have fun! If a sequined octopus pillow or a starfish chandelier dripping with rhinestones makes you happy, go for it. Coastal decor should be about expressing your personal style, so don’t be afraid to get creative and enjoy the process.
Conclusion
Bringing coastal art gallery into your home is about creating a relaxing, breezy, and light-filled space, even if you’re miles from the shore. By focusing on the right colors, casual furnishings, natural materials, and personal accessories, you can capture the essence of coastal living wherever you are. So go ahead, express your inner coastal self, and enjoy transforming your home into your seaside sanctuary!