1. Light, Airy Neutrals
Choose a soft color palette with shades of white, beige, and driftwood gray. Pair a white linen sofa with a light oak coffee table and woven seagrass baskets for texture. Interior designers love this approach because it creates a calming and timeless foundation that works with any decor. The neutral backdrop allows for flexibility in styling, making it easy to swap out accents seasonally.
Designer Quote: "A neutral color palette is the backbone of coastal design. It keeps things fresh and allows natural light to do the heavy lifting." – Sarah Sherman Samuel
2. Textured Wall Art
Incorporate depth with woven tapestries, framed seagrass panels, or sculptural wall hangings. A large rattan-framed mirror or a wood bead wall hanging adds a natural coastal vibe. Designers love textured art because it brings dimension and warmth without overwhelming a space. The right piece can also add personality while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.
Designer Quote: "Texture is what makes a space feel lived-in and inviting. It adds richness, especially in monochromatic rooms." – Shea McGee
3. Natural Wood Tones
Opt for furniture with organic, weathered wood finishes. A reclaimed wood dining table or a natural oak console blends seamlessly with a coastal chic look. Designers favor natural wood tones because they bring authenticity, preventing a room from feeling too cold or sterile. The organic grain and soft hues complement the effortless coastal aesthetic.
Designer Quote: "Wood finishes with character add soul to a space. They ground the design and create a connection to nature." – Amber Lewis
4. Woven Lighting Fixtures
Upgrade lighting with rattan or bamboo pendants. Try a woven seagrass chandelier over the dining table or a rope-wrapped table lamp for a casual yet refined look. Designers love woven lighting because it diffuses light beautifully while adding texture and craftsmanship. These natural materials create an inviting glow that enhances the coastal aesthetic.
Designer Quote: "A woven pendant light is like a piece of art—functional but full of personality." – Justina Blakeney
5. Coastal-Inspired Murals
Transform walls with ocean-inspired wallpaper or soft watercolor murals. Consider peel-and-stick wallpaper with wave patterns for an easy coastal update. Interior designers use murals to create depth and mood, making a space feel immersive. They also work as a focal point without the need for heavy furniture or extra decor.
Designer Quote: "A well-placed mural or wallpaper pattern can transport you—it’s storytelling through design." – Emily Henderson
6. Oversized Linen Sofas
Invest in a deep-seated linen sectional in a soft neutral tone. Pair it with natural fiber throw pillows and a chunky knit blanket for an inviting space. Designers prefer linen sofas because they are durable, breathable, and develop character over time. Their relaxed yet refined look makes them perfect for high-traffic areas.
Designer Quote: "A linen sofa is effortless. It ages beautifully and gets even better with time." – Leanne Ford
7. Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces
Blur the line between indoors and out with folding glass doors, weather-resistant furniture, and outdoor rugs. A teak outdoor sofa and striped cushions create a stylish patio retreat. Designers love this idea because it maximizes square footage and allows for a more cohesive, open-concept design. It also helps bring fresh air and nature into the home, making everyday living feel like a retreat.
Designer Quote: "Outdoor spaces should feel like an extension of the home, not an afterthought." – Bobby Berk
8. Layered Rugs
Combine a jute or sisal base rug with a patterned wool or cotton rug on top. Try layering a striped coastal rug over a neutral jute foundation for texture. Designers use this technique to add depth and define spaces, especially in open layouts. The mix of materials and patterns helps soften hard flooring and makes a room feel complete.
Designer Quote: "Layering rugs adds instant coziness and helps define zones within a larger space." – Nate Berkus
9. Mixed Metal Accents
Blend antique brass, brushed nickel, and matte black finishes in lighting, cabinet hardware, and decor. A brass pendant light above the kitchen island adds a coastal-modern feel. Interior designers appreciate mixed metals for their ability to add depth and prevent a space from looking overly uniform. When done right, mixing finishes creates a curated, custom look.
Designer Quote: "Mixing metals adds richness and complexity. It’s the difference between ‘builder-grade’ and ‘designer-approved’." – Kelly Wearstler
10. Vintage Coastal Finds
Decorate with unique secondhand pieces like weathered oars, ship lanterns, or reclaimed wood frames. A vintage-inspired rattan bar cart or brass-framed mirror completes the look. Designers love vintage elements because they add authenticity and character to a space. These one-of-a-kind pieces make interiors feel collected rather than staged.
Designer Quote: "Vintage pieces tell a story. They bring history and personality into a home." – Athena Calderone
11. Organic-Shaped Mirrors
Swap standard mirrors for driftwood-framed, arched, or scalloped-edge designs. A round rattan mirror above a console table enhances a coastal entryway. Organic shapes soften hard edges and create movement in a space, which designers love for keeping coastal interiors feeling relaxed and inviting. These mirrors also help bounce natural light, making rooms feel more open.
Designer Quote: "A uniquely shaped mirror is like a piece of sculpture. It adds dimension while keeping the space light and airy." – Cortney Bishop
12. Handmade Ceramic Decor
Add handcrafted pottery and ceramic vases in oceanic hues. A hand-thrown blue and white ceramic lamp or an artisan bowl elevates coffee tables and bookshelves. Designers love handmade ceramics because they add an element of authenticity. Their slight imperfections make a space feel lived-in and curated.
Designer Quote: "Handmade decor pieces add soul to a home. You can feel the craftsmanship in every detail." – Jean Stoffer
13. Striped Upholstery
Incorporate stripes in accent furniture like a slipcovered striped armchair or blue-and-white striped cushions for a nautical touch. Stripes bring movement and energy without overwhelming a space, which is why designers use them to add subtle contrast. They’re also a timeless pattern that never feels outdated.
Designer Quote: "Stripes are the definition of classic. They ground a room and add just the right amount of visual rhythm." – Mark D. Sikes
14. Statement Coastal Chandeliers
Opt for a large seagrass-wrapped chandelier or cascading capiz shell light to bring an airy elegance to dining spaces. Designers love statement lighting because it anchors a room while enhancing the overall mood. A well-chosen coastal chandelier balances sophistication with laid-back charm.
Designer Quote: "Lighting should be the jewelry of a room. A statement chandelier sets the entire tone for the space." – Brigette Romanek
15. Sculptural Side Tables
Choose curved or organic-shaped end tables in stone, weathered wood, or plaster. A natural travertine side table adds a refined coastal feel. These pieces work well because they add softness to a space and keep interiors from feeling too rigid. Their artistry enhances the natural beauty of coastal decor.
Designer Quote: "Furniture should be both functional and sculptural. The right side table feels like a piece of art." – Athena Calderone
16. Botanical Prints and Greenery
Decorate with framed palm leaf prints or soft watercolor botanicals. Add potted olive trees or a rattan planter filled with lush greenery. Designers incorporate greenery to bring life and movement to a space. It balances out neutral coastal tones and adds a fresh, organic layer.
Designer Quote: "Every room needs something alive. Greenery gives energy and dimension, even in the most neutral spaces." – Emily Henderson
17. Stone and Marble Accents
Use honed marble coffee tables, travertine trays, or stone sculptures to add texture and natural elegance. Designers love stone because it brings a grounding, luxurious touch to coastal interiors without feeling overly formal. The mix of cool, smooth surfaces with soft textiles creates perfect contrast.
Designer Quote: "Stone and marble pieces feel timeless. They age beautifully and give a room a solid foundation." – Brigette Romanek
18. Breezy Sheer Curtains
Hang white linen or sheer cotton drapes to let in natural light while maintaining a soft, airy feel. Designers love sheer curtains because they create movement and keep a space feeling open. They’re also a simple way to add a layer of softness to any room.
Designer Quote: "Sheer drapes act like a filter for natural light. They create a dreamy, effortless glow." – Shea McGee
19. Textured Upholstered Headboards
Choose a rattan, cane, or linen-upholstered headboard to introduce a subtle coastal feel in the bedroom. Designers prefer textured headboards because they bring depth to a room without needing additional wall decor. The right fabric or weave can transform a space into a cozy retreat.
Designer Quote: "A well-chosen headboard makes a bedroom feel intentional. Texture is key to making it look and feel complete." – Leanne Ford
20. Vintage-Inspired Bar Carts
Style a rattan or brass bar cart with coastal accessories like blue glassware, woven trays, and fresh citrus in a ceramic bowl. Designers love bar carts because they’re functional yet decorative, allowing for a curated look that changes with the seasons. They’re also a great way to bring personality into a dining or living area.
Designer Quote: "A bar cart is an opportunity to display beautiful objects, not just bottles. It’s all about styling." – Nate Berkus
21. Layered Coastal Bedding
Mix and match linen sheets, soft quilts, and oversized knit blankets in soft seafoam or sandy tones. Designers emphasize layering for both comfort and style. The mix of textures makes the bed feel inviting and luxurious without looking overstyled.
Designer Quote: "A well-made bed is about layers—lightweight, textured, and effortlessly inviting." – Amber Lewis
22. Nautical Rope Details
Incorporate rope-wrapped mirrors, hanging pendant lights, or woven rope baskets for a subtle coastal touch. Designers love rope details because they add depth without feeling overly themed. They work especially well in small doses, balancing rustic and refined elements.
Designer Quote: "Natural fiber details like rope keep a coastal home feeling casual and welcoming." – Mark D. Sikes
23. Sculptural Candles and Accessories
Choose driftwood candle holders, wave-shaped vases, or stone-inspired trays to bring an artistic edge. Designers love sculptural pieces because they create focal points without cluttering a space. They also add an organic element that enhances the overall design.
Designer Quote: "Sculptural accessories make a room feel curated, not just decorated." – Kelly Wearstler
24. Mixed-Tone Wood Cabinetry
Pair light oak lower cabinets with painted blue or off-white uppers for a relaxed, beach-inspired contrast. Designers appreciate this approach because it prevents kitchens and bathrooms from feeling too flat. The mix of wood tones keeps things visually interesting.
Designer Quote: "Two-tone cabinetry makes a space feel bespoke and layered. It’s an easy way to add depth." – Sarah Sherman Samuel
25. Soft, Earthy Coastal Blues
Use muted seafoam, misty blue, or dusty navy for accent walls, upholstery, and decorative pillows. Designers love soft blues because they bring a sense of calm without overpowering a space. These shades also complement natural wood and woven textures beautifully.
Designer Quote: "Coastal blues should feel like a whisper, not a shout. Soft and inviting, never overpowering." – Emily Henderson
