Coastal living room with white furniture, blue accents, and natural textures in an open-plan design.

Waves of Style: Coastal Design Tips for a Beachy Home

Mark & Day

Today, We’re beyond excited to dive into one of our absolute favorite design styles—coastal design. If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming your home into a serene, beachy haven, then this fun blog is for you.

Get ready to bring the breezy vibes of the seaside into your living space, making every day feel like a mini vacation. Let’s dive right in!

Entryway with a wicker bench, white and floral pillows, and a blue patterned rug on hardwood floor.
Tours Cottage Denim Area Rug

What is Coastal Design?


First things first, what exactly is coastal design? Picture this: crisp white walls, soft blues and sandy beiges, natural textures, and an overall airy and light feel. Coastal design is all about creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that echoes the beauty and tranquility of the seaside. It’s not just a look; it’s a lifestyle that brings a sense of peace and relaxation into your home.

Key Elements to Achieve the Coastal Look

1. Color Palette


The foundation of any coastal design starts with the right color palette. Think soft, soothing colors that reflect the beach environment. Whites, creams, and beiges serve as perfect base colors, while shades of blue, turquoise, and seafoam green add those essential pops of coastal charm. 


Imagine the colors of the sky, sea, and sand—you want to incorporate these hues to create that perfect coastal vibe.

2. Natural Light


Natural light is a cornerstone of coastal design. Large windows, sheer curtains, and open spaces help to maximize light and make your home feel bright and airy. If you’re lucky enough to have a sea view, let that natural beauty be the star by keeping window treatments minimal. Not enough sun-light? How about lighting made from natural materials.

3. Materials and Textures


To truly capture the coastal design essence, use natural materials and textures. Think rattan, wicker, jute, and sisal. These materials add an organic feel to your space. Wooden furniture, especially in light or weathered finishes, enhances the coastal look. And don’t forget about textiles—linen, cotton, and other breathable fabrics are perfect for this style.

4. Furniture


Coastal furniture is typically casual, comfortable, and functional. Overstuffed sofas, slipcovered furniture, and distressed wood pieces are all great choices. Opt for pieces that are inviting and make you want to kick back and relax. Coastal design is all about comfort and ease.

5. Accessories and Decor


Accessories are where you can really have fun with coastal design. Incorporate nautical elements like ropes, seashells, and driftwood. However, be careful not to go overboard (pun intended) with the theme. A few well-placed accessories can add just the right amount of coastal charm home decor without feeling kitschy. 

Consider glass vases filled with beach finds, a statement mirror with a driftwood frame, or a collection of ocean-inspired artwork.

6. Patterns


When it comes to patterns, stripes are a staple in coastal design. They add a classic touch and can be incorporated through throw pillows, rugs, or even wallpaper. Other patterns to consider are botanical prints, coral motifs, and sea-inspired designs. Just remember to keep it balanced and not too overwhelming.

7. Greenery


Don’t forget to bring a bit of the outdoors inside your coastal design. Adding some greenery can breathe life into your coastal design. Think tropical plants like palms, ferns, or even succulents. These plants not only enhance the coastal vibe but also add a touch of freshness to your home.

Coastal dining room with a wooden table, woven chairs, artwork, and a striped rug on hardwood floor.
Okswerd Global Pale Blue Area Rug

Room-by-Room Coastal Design Tips


Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore how to bring coastal design charm into different areas of your home.

1. Living Room & Dining Room


Your living room is the heart of your home, and it’s the perfect place to start your coastal design transformation. Go for a light, neutral base with your walls and large furniture pieces. Add pops of color with throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. Incorporate a mix of textures with a jute rug, wicker baskets, and linen curtains. 


And don’t forget to accessorize with coastal-inspired decor like seashells, driftwood, and nautical elements.

Living room with a white sofa, ottoman, and patterned pillows next to a dining area with chairs.
Amelia Traditional Charcoal Light Gray Beige Area Rug

2. Bedroom


For a serene and relaxing coastal bedroom, stick to a soft color palette. Whites, creams, and soft blues create a calming environment. Choose lightweight bedding in natural fabrics like cotton or linen. A statement headboard in a natural material, such as rattan or weathered wood, can add a focal point to the room. Keep the decor simple and airy, with minimal clutter to maintain that breezy feel.

Bedroom with white & blue pillows, wicker wall sconce, framed beach photo, and glass bedside table.
Durnstein Global Wall Sconces

3. Kitchen


In the kitchen, you can incorporate coastal design through color and materials. White cabinetry with blue or seafoam green accents can create a fresh, beachy feel. Open shelving with neatly arranged dishes and glassware can add to the airy vibe. Use natural materials like wood and stone for countertops and backsplashes. 

And don’t forget to add some coastal decor elements like glass jars filled with seashells or a bowl of fresh lemons for a pop of color.

 Bright kitchen with white cabinets, marble countertops, a wooden ladder, and woven barstools.
Treviso Cottage Cream Area Rug

4. Bathroom


Transform your bathroom into a coastal oasis with a few simple changes. Choose light-colored tiles and fixtures to create a bright and airy space. Incorporate natural materials like a wooden vanity or a jute rug. Add coastal decor elements like a seashell soap dish, a driftwood mirror, or ocean-inspired artwork. And keep your color palette soft and soothing with whites, blues, and greens.

Bathroom with dual sinks, marble countertops, decorative mirrors, and a wicker basket for storage.
Pfunds Modern Wall Mirror

Final Tips for Achieving the Coastal Look

  • Keep it Simple: Coastal design is all about simplicity and elegance. Avoid clutter and keep your spaces open and airy.

  • Embrace Imperfections: Coastal design style is casual and laid-back, so don’t stress about everything being perfect. Embrace the natural, weathered look of materials and decor.

  • Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different textures, patterns, and materials. The key is to create a cohesive look that feels effortless and relaxed.

  • Personal Touches: Add personal touches that reflect your own coastal experiences. Whether it’s a collection of seashells from your favorite beach or a piece of artwork that reminds you of the ocean, these personal elements make your space truly unique.

Living room with white sofas, blue pillows, striped rug, and large windows overlooking greenery.
Biddulph Cottage Navy Area Rug

Embrace Coastal Design


And there you have it—your ultimate guide to achieving the perfect coastal design! With these key elements and tips, you can transform your home into a serene, beachy paradise that feels like a permanent vacation. Remember, coastal design is all about creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

So have fun with it and let your personality shine through with Mark & Day coastal design collections!

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