20 Breezy Coastal Style Interior Ideas

I don’t know about you guys, but I am so completely drawn to that Contemporary Coastal look. There’s something about it that just feels so relaxed and fresh, reminding me of those lazy summer days with sun and sand.

The ideas I’ve gathered here show off such a beautiful balance between staying true to the style and still feeling sleek and modern. They range from simple and subtle to totally extravagant, so I wanted to share some amazing interiors that show just how to get it done!

Let the Sunshine In

Have you ever been at the beach on a gloomy, dark day? If it got stormy, you probably left pretty quick, right? That’s because beach life is all about soaking up the sun!

If you’re decorating with a coastal look, I think light is the single most important thing. Honestly, there is just no substitute for great natural light to create an interior that feels open and cheerful.

The lighter colors of coastal interiors just make that light feel even brighter, creating such a lively setting. Using large glass windows and doors is the best way to get that lighting just right.

Hard to go wrong with white and light blue look in the bedroom — You really can’t go wrong with white and light blue in a bedroom.

Corals and conch shells are the decorations for a coastal style interior — Corals and conch shells are perfect decorations for this style.

There are so many versions of coast-inspired interiors, from Mediterranean to tropical or classic nautical. No matter which specific style you pick, the basics pretty much stay the same. Just make sure you get these core ideas right, and the rest will be so easy!

Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair in the coastal bedroom — Love that Eames lounge chair in this coastal bedroom.

Usher in the coastal theme with subtle touches of color — Bringing in the coastal theme with just a few subtle touches of color.

You need not always go overboard with the coastal theme — You don’t always have to go overboard with the theme.

Add Navy blue if you prefer a look that borrows from a nautical theme — You can always add navy blue for more of a nautical look.

Family room displays a crisp coastal style — This family room has such a crisp, coastal style.

Go for Natural Textures

Choosing the furniture for a coastal-style room can be so much fun. I find that décor made from natural fibers and organic materials is what serves you best to really play up that coastal theme.

The whole idea is to create a serene and tranquil setting that feels as close as possible to that beach life experience. Wicker stools, rattan furniture, and beds with a natural oak frame? They fit perfectly into the look.

If you want to take it a step further, some stylish canvas chairs and a few bamboo blinds are just the ideal choice.

Contemporary dining room showcases sublime beachy textures — This dining room shows off those lovely beachy textures.

Shape of the headboard evoke a cool coastal vibe — The shape of this headboard has such a cool coastal vibe. *by Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects*

Wicker chairs and plush white sectional sofa anchor the coastal look — Those wicker chairs and the white sofa really anchor the look. *by Robert Young Architects*

Even with all those great natural fiber furnishings, I think it’s important to anchor them with a plush couch in a clean, pristine white. For the bedroom, think about fabrics that are crisp and come in a single neutral tone. (I prefer white here, too!)

You can bring in some color with accent pillows, maybe with a striped pattern or a nautical print, which adds that pop without messing up the whole theme.

Coastal style brings in a relaxed and serene look — Coastal style always brings such a relaxed and serene look. *by Rizzoli New York*

Relaxing bedroom combines the coastal style with a cottage look — Such a relaxing bedroom, mixing coastal and cottage looks. *by JAUREGUI*

Natural fibers and understated colors are perfect for a coastal theme — Natural fibers and soft colors are just perfect for this theme. *by Diane Bergeron*

Chaise lounge and the crisp cream shades bring in a beachy appeal — That chaise lounge and the crisp cream colors feel so beachy. *by Robert Young Architects*

Woven stools bring in the beachy vibe in a subtle manner — Woven stools are a great way to add a subtle coastal vibe. *by Richard Bubnowski Design*

A Beachy Color Palette

The beauty of a living room or bedroom with that perfect coastal look is how it brings us closer to nature and just feels so soothing. I think the best way to get this feeling is to borrow right from the color palette the beach offers.

We’ve looked at nautical themes before, so this time we’ll stick to the basic ‘beach style’. An all-white backdrop is just the perfect way to start. Other neutral colors can totally work, but honestly, you just can’t go wrong with white.

Coastal living room with bright pops of orange — Loving the bright pops of orange in this coastal living room. *by Michael McKinley and Associates*

Lovely combination of aqua and white in the living room — Such a lovely combination of aqua and white. *by Kate Jackson Design*

Beautiful combination of country and coastal styles with chic patterns — A beautiful mix of country and coastal styles. *by Darci Goodman Design*

If white isn’t really your thing, you can use other beach-inspired shades. Think sandy beige, light cream, charcoal, off-whites, or even a super light yellow that makes you think of a sun-kissed beach at dawn. Then, refreshing light blues, cool aqua, light teal, and turquoise are the perfect additions for accent shades to liven up the space.

I try not to use more than two accent colors. You can use some sober oranges or deep coral shades if you want to complement those cool blues with a few warm hues.