All the beach vibes without the kitsch.
We love serene homes with a coastal decor aesthetic. Just looking at photos of them makes you feel like you're on vacation. But we're here to help you do one better than that. No matter where you live, you can surround yourself with the coastal decor ideas that make the best beach houses so calming. You may not be able to see the ocean out your window, but you can borrow the colors, textures, and motifs that give them their chic, laid-back style.
Coastal decor can go in many directions. A coastal grandmother–style beach bungalow filled with cool antiques fits, as do a traditional cottage in Maine, bohemian California surf shacks, and so many fancy seaside hotels. It also encompasses the rustic coastal cowgirl design style that's trending now in interiors out west, as well as classic nautical motifs and light pastel colors. No matter what design style you prefer, there's a variation on coastal decor to suit you.
All these coastal decor ideas share a few features too. They stick to a neutral palette built on white or off-white to create an airy, open feeling. They add touches of blue and green to channel the calm, cool sea. And they mix in natural materials like linen, rattan, jute, and canvas in the form of rugs, furniture, and even lighting fixtures to bring in the texture of the dunes and sand.
If it were possible to copy and paste Nancy Meyer's home, we'd all jump at the chance. Until then, the next best thing is to take inspiration from her laid-back but polished aesthetic with easy-to-execute coastal decor ideas. We've gathered 20 that channel the calm, cool vibe you want without fighting against your home's flow.
The world is your oyster in this room designed by Kate Lester. She draws attention to the panoramic view with a statement-making chandelier and soft drapery panels.
Corey Damen Jenkins balanced old-world furnishings and modern design in this Massachusetts home. The antique secretary in the mudroom hides mail and a secret stash of beloved vases.
This crisp powder room designed by Doniphan Moore features a mirror from Oly Studio that really is the prettiest of them all. The exquisite shell art hits the "feminine but not too fussy, elegant, comfortable, and joyful" note Moore wanted perfectly.
This Caren Rideau–designed coastal kitchen in Pacific Palisades, California, is made for entertaining. The juice bar lets the owners make fresh orange juice or tea all day and sample favorite wines at night. We love how the metal-and-glass shelving stands out so sharply against the soft white walls and light cabinetry.
The secret to a neutral interior that's not boring or basic? Texture. This living room designed by Jen Samson incorporates a mixture of rich wood finishes, metal, glass, and linen.
Let marble reign as Hilary Matt did in this contemporary coastal dining room. From the sideboard to the walls, the marble in this room has a cool-to-the-touch vibe that the rope chandelier and plants balance with their warmth.
A cozy cloud couch is the star of any living room—but stark white can be offputting to guests. To make a pristine sofa look more approachable, Mackenzie & Co. added a textured rug, striped throw pillows, and low wooden tables for a lived-in feel.
You'll dream you're floating on the waves if you pare your bathroom decor down to simple, flowy blue curtains and a rattan stool. (Just stash all the clutter in the cabinets.) This spa-like space designed by Erin Sander makes self-care a lifestyle, not a routine.
Give your guestroom a playful element by copying the big idea in this Lark & Linen–designed space. The rope ties break up the bunkbeds in a modern way that recalls traditional nautical decor.
To give your dining nook a modern island vibe, stick to simple colors. In this kitchen designed by Amber Interiors, the tight palette ensures the palm print and woven textures aren't overpowering.
Skip the '90s-style vases full of shells and display one giant statement piece. This one's gray exterior complements the room's minimalist color palette while adding interesting lines and texture.
What's more nautical than a map room? This cadet-blue wall has all the personality and detail of a framed print, only bigger and better. Pops of darker blues keep the theme from falling flat.
This coffee table might be the most innovative example of upcycling we've ever seen: It's made of an old nautical chain. Shiplap walls complete this crisp room with rustic details.
Worn metal baskets turned upside-down become coffee tables for an industrial take on the coastal decor trend. Seaglass-colored vases and decorative stones add a fresh, bright contrast.
Reclaimed wood walls and distressed furniture give this beach home a wonderfully weathered feel. The sage green dresser has a lovely patina that adds character.
Behold: the most glamorous and peaceful spot for a bath. The ornate mirror and coral-style sconces complete a scene that's fit for mermaid royalty without being kitschy.
Gleaming sconces made of brass marine fixtures subtly nod to the bigger nautical theme in this room, filled to the rafters with ship models, paintings, and flags.
Colorful surfboards may belong in the shed, but this wooden one looks right at home in the dining room. Its warm, weathered surface complements the ceiling and woven wood shades.
Classic touches like sailboat artwork and woven baskets complement woven wood shades. Open shelves like the ones on this wall can display other knickknacks your family collects.
Coastal parties are always outdoors. A rattan bar cart fully stocked with drinks instantly makes happy hour on your patio or porch more transporting.
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