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The coastal décor theme is inherently relaxing, as the presence of a water body nearby can evoke a sense of calm. This outdoor element can be brought indoors by incorporating the colours and features typically seen along the coast. For instance, the colour scheme can be used for the interior walls, while elements can become the house’s decor. You can transform your living room into a serene coastal retreat, where the tranquillity of the coast blends seamlessly with the comforts of your home. The theme and the space complement each other perfectly, as the home is where we all relax and unwind. Here are some of the best coastal decor ideas to help create a coastal-inspired ambiance in your home.
What is a Coastal Decor?
Coastal decor is a design style predominantly used to decorate beachfront houses or homes near the coast. This aesthetic was inspired by the colour palette and decorative elements found in coastal settings. Incorporating coastal-themed decor ideas, such as paint shades like blue, white, and red has become increasingly common. The houses are often painted white, and furniture is crafted from natural materials to serve as complimentary statement pieces. The overall palette is light, airy, and earthy, grounding the entire space in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Some may confuse coastal-themed decor with nautical décor, as the two styles share more similarities and few distinct differences. A nautical theme not only incorporates the aesthetics of coastal decor but also includes the elements associated with ships, such as anchors and ropes. It draws inspiration from the sea and maritime life, while coastal designs focus on the shore and relaxation.
Including elements of coastal theme into your living space can instantly create the ambience of the coast, evoking the feeling of a relaxing weekend by the sea. Let us get some inspiration to jump into this relaxing modern coastal decor ideas.
Modern Coastal Decor Ideas to Bring in the Sea
1. Snow White in Peace
The best and the only colour that can maximise light and airiness in space is white. Subtle hues like off-white and beige can complement it beautifully, paired with accents in muted or vibrant shades. However, white remains a key colour in any coastal colour palette. Designing coastal-themed decor ideas for your living room or incorporating a beach-inspired theme creates an easy-going hideaway, perfect for relaxation.
2. Modernity in Sea Blue and Cloud White
The coastal theme involves the presence of a sea element. Taking inspiration from the same, one can create beach-style decor that combines shades of blue and white. Along with this colour palette, you can incorporate decor elements such as cones or seashells directly from the coast. If you are a fan of rustic wooden textures, consider adding a piece of driftwood to make a difference.
3. Rustic Lightness in Wood
A coastal-themed decor for the living room can also be created around the rustic texture of wood. Refurbished or discarded pieces of wood bring out a rustic sense. Choosing lighter or paler shades of wood also helps brighten the space and make it feel more open. You can get creative by incorporating gold accents on furniture pieces made from the same material.
4. Eclectic Vintage Decor
Vintage-themed coastal interior decor naturally merges and brings the aesthetic to life. Accents like lace, beige tones, fabrics, vintage furniture, and second-hand beach furniture create the eclectic vintage decor. It almost evokes a sense of nostalgia, blending a subtle version of retro aesthetic with a coastal vibe. The use of wooden furniture can further elevate its effect.
5. Add Floral Ambience in White for Coastal Decor
Any colour set against a white backdrop looks stunning, and what can be more beautiful than incorporating floral tones into it? You can add flower vases and fresh flowers to introduce subtle yet cheerful pops of colour to your coastal living room decor. You can complement the base of white and beige tones with colours inspired by the flowers you display.
6. Nautical-Themed Decor
Although the nautical-themed decor is slightly different from the coastal theme, it has similar base palettes in textures and colours. Here combinations of blues, reds and whites are preferred over whites and earthy tones.
7. A Combination of Past and Present
Blending the past with the present creates a harmonious mix of vintage elements and contemporary palettes. Refurbish old furniture with new upholstery in brighter or more subtle tones. Modern coastal decor ideas allow the use of rustic metal textures for furniture and a minimalistic approach to arranging decorative elements.
8. Ocean Diner Vibes
For a true retro-themed coastal décor, you can embrace full-blown coastal diner vibes. The palette can have more pinks and subtle blues, complemented by soft, curvy patterns. Soft curtains and fabrics can adorn the furnishings refurbished from old diners, paired with one-of-a-kind lighting features from the era. The classic white can be retained while incorporating retro charm through added colours and textures.
9. Merging with the Sea
For a setting near the sea, embracing an open layout that seamlessly connects to the ocean creates a sense of harmony and unity with the surroundings. Taking inspiration from the sea, coastal wall decor ideas and beach decor ideas can include more blues and soft wave-like textures. Wallpapers inspired by the sea and decor items reflecting the surrounding vibe will surely enhance the feel of the space.
10. Classy in Black Accents
Black is a colour you might not typically associate with coastal interior decor. The elegant white background accentuates the classy essence of black accents in furniture and decor pieces. The wood adds texture while contributing to a light and minimalistic aesthetic in the space. The openness of the design completes the look.
5 Elements of Coastal Design to Look out for
Like any aesthetic, certain key elements define coastal design. Including these elements, while designing your space, gives you the framework that allows you to personalise it further. From brightening the space to packing it with the most comfortable elements, let’s look at a few that make up this kind of space.
1. Loads of Light
Openings in a space create an airy and breezy atmosphere, making the space comfortable for all. Incorporating large doors and windows in the coastal home decor, which opens up to the outdoors, creates a seamless continuity to the outside. Window treatments are minimal in this design to maintain the open and airy feel.
2. Keeping it Natural
As this aesthetic is very close to nature, incorporating decor elements that are made from natural materials elevates the impact of the design. Furniture crafted from wicker, weathered woods, fabrics, etc. with pale or off-white to white hue and incorporating more earthy and light tones is the best way to bring this aesthetic together.
3. White is a must-have Colour
To keep indoors light and bright with natural light, the use of white becomes key in this aesthetic. White accentuates the light and airy feel of the decor and can be paired with featured colours on the subtle spectrum. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining a minimalistic coastal home décor style.
4. Casual, Comfortable Space and Furniture
The vibe of the aesthetic is very casual and relaxing. For this reason, the elements of the coastal theme decor become very informal and easy-going. It focuses more on the comfort and coziness of the space, with soft, plush furniture that complements the overall essence of the design.
5. Wide-open Spaces
With so much emphasis on bringing in light and airing out the space, large wide openings are an inevitable feature of coastal design ideas. Incorporating a big wide opening that spans from the ground floor to the highest floor creates an open spacious plan that is clutter-free and calming. It, in a way, expands the space without actually expanding physically.
How to Invite Coziness??
To create a cozy and inviting coastal-style bedroom, focus on achieving a light, airy, and naturally inspired space. Here are some ideas:
- Colour Palette: Stick to soft, calming shades like whites, sandy beiges, and various blues to evoke a seaside atmosphere. A muted palette with pops of aquamarine or turquoise is ideal. Accent colors like coral, blush, or sunny yellows can add vibrancy, especially through accessories like pillows or throws.
- Natural Textures: Coastal decor shines with natural textures. Incorporate woven rugs, jute, rattan baskets, or driftwood accents. Linen bedding or a waffle-textured blanket adds softness and a beachy feel. You might also use distressed wood furniture to emulate weathered seaside materials.
- Decor Elements: For that coastal touch, consider incorporating seashells, starfish, and sea glass in framed displays or as small decorative items. A large mirror can mimic the look of an open window with a view, enhancing the light and airy feel. Hang some framed ocean-themed prints or photos of beaches to bring the outside in.
- Furniture: A beach-inspired room feels best with understated, often vintage or rustic pieces. Light wood furniture or whitewashed items work well, as do woven wicker or rattan chairs. A trunk at the foot of the bed can provide storage with a touch of vintage flair.
- Bedding: Crisp white bedding keeps things light, and layering with a coastal-inspired quilt or throw adds warmth. Consider subtle patterns like blue stripes or coastal motifs to add a playful touch.
Together, these elements create a cohesive coastal room that feels both serene and inviting. Adjust the amount of decor based on how minimalistic or detailed you prefer, and enjoy the relaxing vibe of your coastal retreat.
Stripe it Up
Bringing a coastal vibe to the space can also involve the use of motifs on the wall. These are usually striped and typically combine subtle shades of blue or red with white. With aspects of coastal aesthetics yet to be explored, these motifs can serve as a guide from the beginning. The rest is up to you in how you choose to play with elements and colour palettes to create a unique version of coastal-themed decor.
If you stick to a few basics of incorporating whites and airiness in the space, the space will elevate itself to a coastal home decor. Take your time in selecting each piece so that the end product will be the picture-perfect coastal home of your dreams.
Also Read: An Insight Into Hamptons Interior Design Style
FAQs on Coastal Decor Ideas
1. How can I Achieve a Perfect Coastal Theme Decor?
It is a theme that is a result of the culmination of natural elements that imbibe a sense of being closer to the sea. The theme emphasises on colours like white, blue, and beige and their shades. It features casual furnishings that are inviting and relaxed, with a cosy yet open interior space facilitating everything.
2. How do you Decorate with a Coastal Theme?
The right way to create a coastal-themed space is to go for natural textures found near the sea. Watery hues, wood textures, earthy tones, and decor elements of anchors, oars, surfboards, and seashells can combine to create a story of the sea. Classic combinations like red and white and beige textured crochets can also be additions to the same.
3. What is Coastal Interior Design Style?
Coastal interior design style emphasises shades of blue, green, beige, and white. It is created around a relaxed atmosphere with a cosy, open, and light ambiance to the space. It brings in textures in the form of rugs, fabrics, and patterns.
4. What are Coastal Colours?
Red, blue, and white are considered coastal colours and different shades of them are used in this aesthetic. The combination is a classic that has been around for decades and represents the sense of having a beach day.
5. How do you Make Beach-Themed Room?
You can start by painting your room white to bring in as much light as possible. Characterise the space with textures and complementary colours such as blue and red. Textures of crochet work, rustic furniture, patterned walls, etc, can add to the beauty of this theme.
Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.