Coastal Interior design has had a complete transformation in the last decade. Many designers and large retailers have given coastal decor a revival in the interior design space. A recent resurgence in this space was fueled by the “coastal grandmother” trend on TikTok which we’ll dive into.
What is Coastal Decor?
Coastal decor is often labeled as cliché. Coastal decor is associated with a Nautical style inclusive of anchors and boats. Today, coastal decor has many different variations to fit different regions and styles. Coastal decor incorporates seaside elements in various ways – some more subtle than others. But it is no longer the decor style used only on beach front properties. Rather, sea side elements are used to create the feeling of a calm retreat regardless of proximity to the coast.
Coastal Grandmother
Coastal grandmother is the latest trend in the Coastal Decor space. The trend originated on TikTok. The term, coined by lexnicoleta, describes the elegant lifestyles of characters in movies like “Somethings Gotta Give” and “Its Complicated”.
The TikToker stated “If you love Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, recipes and cooking, cozy interiors, and more there;s a good chance you’re a coastal grandmother, and no you don’t have to be a grandmother to be a coastal grandmother.”
Its all about living your life like it’s a Nancy Meyers movie – which are known for their beautiful homes that are perfectly decorated with a sophisticated yet effortless look. This is the style expected in the summer homes of the elite society in the Hamptons, Cape Cod and Nantucket.
Additionally, we see white and light colored walls with lighter tones of blue rather than stark contrast. The ultimate coastal grandmother decor piece are blue and white chinoiserie vases that have an older world feel of elegance and high society. The Coastal grandmother lifestyle includes key aspects of home life like a focus on cooking and gardening. Bring these lifestyle elements into the home by incorporating hydrangeas- classicaly found in Nantucket and Cape Cod homes
Mediterranean Coastal
Mediteranean coastal design style incorporates rustic coastal decor elements like stone walls, rustic raw wood and clay-like pieces. Additionally, cement/stucco looks that give the essence of a handmade look. These elements are woven into the home along with blue coastal touches and earthy greens that bring the outside in. You will see a lot of clay like tans, beiges and browns in this design style. Furniture in this style will be rich in color while maintaining space to create an open and airy feel. We also see hints of a nautical coastal style that is drawn from Mediterranean fisherman culture and sea-side life.
This look various based off where you might draw inspiration. An Italian inspired coastal design would include a lot of wood elements as well as nature pieces like olive trees. It would include texture inspired by old ruins and cobblestone streets.
A Greek coastal design will draw more inspiration from its cities with white clay like exteriors and vibrant blues. This style has more contrast than other coastal design types. The bright blues and greens along white stone walls provide a strong contrast compared to other Mediterranean regions.
Get the Look
Mediterranean coastal is perfect for those who love an old world feel in their home as well as the airy-ness of a coastal surrounding. If you can imagine looking outside to a beautiful vibrantly blue sea while inside a rocky sea side cliff’ you might be dreaming of a Mediterranean coastal space.
This olive tree is a staple piece in my home. I move it around because it works perfectly everywhere I put it. It is a large staple piece that gives a natural look and the pot looks weathered and lived in.
Modern Coastal
Modern coastal decor aims to create the feeling of being on the coast. You want to create a feeling of tranquility, calmness and relaxed living whether you find yourself near the water or in land locked suburbia. Because of this, modern coastal decor does not incorporate traditional motifs or knick-knacks as other coastal design styles. The elements of the modern coastal design type are much more subtle.
This includes white paint colors, white oak wood that has a creamy tone to it. Rather than pictures boats – water antique style paintings are included. Rather than coral or starfish, include pieces that have wave like ridges that nod to the sea side without being obvious. It includes nosed of blues – the blue isn’t the center of attraction but a compliment to the piece. This includes texture like rattan or basket like materials rather than a ship-like rope.
Get the Look
Studio Mcgee designs often aim to provide inspiration for all design styles, but Shea McGee’s California coastal roots are strong. You can see strong ties to the coastal style including beachy artwork and hints of blue throughout many of their pieces. If you’ve watched the Mcgee hit Netflix tv show, My Dream Home Makeover, you might’ve seen this style come through in some of their episodes. Specifically Season 2 Episode 6 where they designed a Modern Coastal Retreat master bedroom and in Season 3 Episode 1 where they designed a modern coastal kitchen. Their target line is always a hit and a great place to shop for modern coastal pieces.
Modern Coastal Design is perfect for those looking to build a home that has subtle coastal elements. These elements make the space feel serene to create a timeless look that is easy to incorporate to new trends. This style is the most flexible of all the coastal design styles as it incorporates so many neutral pieces with subtle pops to create a coastal ambiance. Check out this modern coastal living room for more inspiration.
Nautical Style
The Nautical style isn’t necessarily about the water but more so about boat life and marine living. In this style you will see the ever so loved model boats with beautiful intricate details. You will find elements of sailor life – anchors, rope, sails, life savers and compasses used in decor. This coastal design style leans rustic with wood elements resembling the wood of a boat and creating that feeling of being on a ship. This includes wood floors, shiplap and wood beams.. I love seeing wall art with beautiful ships in this decor style. This decor style also includes a nod to marine life on the open sea– whales, sea horses, fish, coral pieces etc.
The colors are the classic navy and white sailor inspired colors. The key is the high contrast between the white and the dark navy. I’ve seen this style work very well in kids room as some of these pieces may not look as elevated, in a kids room they work well.
Get the Look
The Nautical Coastal decor style is for you if you love the elements of marine life and are inspired by elements of being out at sea. In this decor style you can really create a space that feels fun and inspired. But also take note to not incorporate all the elements just discussed but to stick to a couple of elements like rope and boat wall art or maybe whales and anchors. This will ensure the space doesn’t fell over the top.
California Coastal
One of the most popular coastal design styles is California Coastal. I also call this style – boho coastal. This style is all about fun in the sun! Its about enjoying the beach and having a good time. California coastal design is what we often imagine in a traditional beach house – including oars as decor, navy, white and the classic “beach house” sign. This decor style includes subtle motifs of the beach- striped fabrics, driftwood, sea glass, coastline plants and sand-like colors.
California Coastal is often called California Casual – it includes a strong connection to a surfer and beach lifestyle so it is key to create relaxed, carefree environment that feels cozy and effortless rather than a perfectly put together showroom. This soothing sea-scape style is what beachy vacation homes are made of – creating a relaxing retreat and making you feel like you’ve escaped to the beach and are living a calmer life. Tranquility is the goal of the California coastal decor style.
If you dream of owning a beautiful beach house or lake house you might’ve pictured the home in this style and for good reason. This coastal style blends modern elements with traditional beach/shore components so it feels like the best of both worlds.
Get the Look
Shea McGee is the golden girl of the California coastal style – her and her husband used to live in California and her husband is a California native. Her time there has inspired her style. You can clearly see her California coastal style reflected in her home Decor pieces in her line at Target and on the Studio McGee site.
Coastal Farmhouse
The Coastal farmhouse decor style is unique in that it combines two decor styles that don’t seem to have much in common. What could a farmhouse out in the country have in common with a beach front coastal home? But they actually have much more in common when we think about the feelings they aim to create. Both are an escape into tranquility and a slow living experience.
This style has become increasingly popular as those who have had a farmhouse theme look to update their space with modern touches. In this design look we’ll see a blend of the farmhouse ornate and arched pieces with simple beige and blue pieces. You’ll see a mix of vanilla tones – beige, white and tan colors creating little contrast but rather a muted pallet. There is an emphasis on wood tones which both these styles share.
Coastal decor continues to provide a beautiful timeless aesthetic style to homes. The decor style provides flexibility and the ability to easily create a combination of styles. Its appeal continues to be the calming affect coastal decor can have on a home near the water or in a land locked location. There are plenty of ways to experiment with these design styles in your home!
Leave a Reply