Contemporary coastal style combines the relaxed vibe of beach living with modern design for a look that’s fresh, airy, and easygoing. This popular decorating style emerged in the 1990s in coastal California and has spread across the country, appealing to those drawn to laidback luxury. By incorporating certain key elements, you can capture the essence of contemporary coastal whether you live on the waterfront or far inland. Let’s dive into the components that define this gorgeous look.

Choose Light, Neutral Tones

The foundation for achieving a contemporary coastal aesthetic is light, neutral coloring. White, tan, gray and other pale natural shades keep spaces feeling open and breezy. Paint walls, ceilings, built-ins and trim work in neutral hues like:

• Soft white
• Light tan
• Warm gray
• Pale driftwood
• Seashell white
• Cloud white

Beige, taupe and oatmeal work beautifully too. Painting the ceiling white helps rooms feel more expansive. For a bit of contrast, consider navy blue or charcoal trim.

Cover floors in pale wood, tile or colored concrete in white or light gray. Natural fiber rugs in seagrass, sisal or jute add texture in soothing neutrals.

Incorporate Lots of Natural Textures

While colors set the neutral foundation, natural textures add visual interest and reinforce the laidback vibe. Use these elements liberally when designing your coastal retreat:

• Wood surfaces – Driftwood, oak, acacia and mango wood add warmth. Distressed finishes feel beachy.
• Rattan and wicker – For furnishings, headboards, pendant lights.
• Natural fiber rugs – Seagrass, sisal, jute and coir rugs feel casual and textural.
• Linens – Choose linen, cotton and other natural fabrics for upholstery and pillows.
• Wool knits – Cozy chunky blankets in natural hues.
• Ceramics – Handthrown pots, sculptural vases, stoneware dinnerware.

Accent walls in wood paneling, brick or textured wallpaper also bring natural surface interest.

Select Comfortable, Unfussy Furnishings

The furniture and decor in contemporary coastal style strike a balance between casual and refined. Clean-lined sofas and chairs mix with weathered wood tables and storage.

Aim for pieces that feel:

• Unpretentious
• Relaxed
• Classic with simple lines
• Comfortable and inviting

Choose furnishings made from natural materials like wood, rattan, sea grass, linen and cotton. Soft upholstered sofas encourage relaxation. Wooden kitchen tables feel family-friendly.

In the bedroom, upholstered headboards provide a welcoming spot to unwind. Wood nightstands add warmth. Platform beds keep the look unfussy.

Slipcovered dining chairs around a reclaimed wood table set a laidback scene for gathering. In living spaces, distressed wood coffee tables anchor neutral sofas.

Aim for a collected look of furnishings from different eras to express the casual, evolving spirit of coastal living.

Bring in Lots of Natural Light

Coastal interiors feel bright and sun-washed. Welcome natural light into your home through large windows, sets of windows, glass doors and skylights.

• Use sheer white curtains to filter bright sun while allowing light through.
• Paint window frames and trim in fresh white to amplify brightness.
• Add mirrors and reflective surfaces to bounce light around.
• Use pale colors on walls to prevent heaviness.

Incorporate blue and white ceramic table lamps or sconces to add a watery, seaside feel. Seek out blown glass fixtures in white for an airy ambiance.

Embrace Breezy, Indoor-Outdoor Lifestyle

Contemporary coastal design erases borders between indoor and outdoor space to embrace breezy, casual living. Bring the outdoors in by:

• Incorporating large potted plants and fresh greenery
• Displaying natural elements like stone, shells and driftwood
• Choosing furnishings like wood chairs and wicker pendant lamps
• Leaving windows bare to connect interiors with nature outside
• Extending living spaces into porches, patios and decks
• Using an airy, natural color palette throughout

Conversely, make outdoor living areas feel like extensions of the home with:

• Upholstered seating and soft rugs underfoot
• Fireplaces and fire pits for evening relaxation
• Cozy lighting like table and floor lamps
• Serving and dining areas for meals alfresco
• Stylish cabinetry for storage and prep space

This blurred line between indoor and outdoor creates synergy and serenity.

Include Ocean-Inspired Accents

Nods to the sea help reinforce the coastal vibe. Add layers of beachy accessories like:

• Shells and starfish
• Weathered buoys and anchors
• Blue and white ceramics
• Netting and glass floats
• Black and white ocean photography
• Books on seaside living
• Driftwood and seashell wreaths
• Sailboat models

A stunning console or sideboard styled with gathered shells, coral and candles makes a gorgeous focal point.

Choose a Relaxed, Unfussy Style

Contemporary coastal eschews fussiness in favor of a laidback look. Some guiding principles:

• Avoid formal symmetry in furnishing arrangements
• Embrace lived-in, collected look of beloved objects
• Keep surfaces clutter-free but not sparse
• Feel free to mix metal finishes, woods and styles
• Choose furnishings for comfort and utility over impressive appearance
• Use accents and textiles to soften hardness of walls and floors
• Arrange seating areas to promote relaxed gathering and conversation

The overall aesthetic should feel welcoming, casual and family-friendly.

Key Takeaways

• Light, neutral base with pale woods and natural textiles
• Comfortable, classic furnishings from wicker, wood, rattan
• Indoor-outdoor flow and connection with nature
• Bright, sunwashed ambiance
• Unfussy, relaxed attitude embracing imperfection
• Ocean-inspired accessories like shells, driftwood and ceramics

The beauty of contemporary coastal style is that it combines approachable elements to create a fresh, beachy feel. This versatile look works anywhere from seaside locales to landlocked homes wanting an airy escape. Keep colors light, textures natural and furnishings unfussy for a space that whispers, “Welcome home.”

Bringing the Look to Life

With its casual refinement and breezy spirit, contemporary coastal style makes any house feel like a soothing escape. Achieving this gorgeous aesthetic takes thoughtful planning and key elements. Here are guiding tips for bringing the coastal look to life in your home:

Choosing a Neutral Foundation

The light, neutral foundation sets the relaxed tone. Follow these guidelines when selecting your color palette:

Wall Colors

Stick with white, off-white, light tan, very pale gray or other neutrals. Avoid stark white for a soft, welcoming look. Benjamin Moore colors like Chantilly Lace, Shell White and Classic Gray work beautifully.

Paint ceilings bright white to increase the sense of space. For contrast, choose navy blue, charcoal or black for window sashes, trim work and doors.

Flooring

Pale wood, bleached oak or light-stained concrete make ideal choices. For variation, use natural tiles like travertine or limestone in soft hues. Sea grass or sisal carpets and rugs in natural undyed hues add cozy texture.

Textiles

Choose linens, cottons and other natural fibers. Stick to solids and subtle natural patterns like stripes and textures rather than bold prints. Aim for off-white, cream, linen, jute and similar soft, beachy hues.

Cabinets/Furnishings

Look for pieces in oak, bleached woods, mango wood, rattan and driftwood. Avoid highly polished or stained finishes. Weathered, reclaimed and painted pieces fit right in.

Bringing in Natural Textures

In addition to floors and textiles, use these elements to incorporate natural texture:

• Wood paneled walls or accent walls in reclaimed wood
• Stone backsplashes and bathroom surfaces
• Shells and starfish for table accents
• Ceramic garden stools or side tables
• Woven baskets, wall hangings and macrame pieces
• Knit throws and textural bedding
• Indoor plants like orchids, palms and succulents

Vary textures while keeping them natural and muted. Too many competing textures creates visual chaos.

Choosing Furnishings

Seek out relaxed but elegant furnishings with welcoming vibe.

Sofas: Choose neutral slipcovered styles. Linen, cotton and denim offer great textural appeal. Avoid heavy carving and ornate details.

Chairs: Capture breezy style with natural woven basket or wicker chairs. Adirondack styles work indoors and out.

Beds: Upholstered headboards lend softness. Wood frames keep the look unfussy. Avoid heavily carved beds.

Dining Tables: Farmhouse styles and reclaimed woods make great choices. So do bamboo, mango wood and acacia tables.

Dressers: Look for pieces with simple lines and light finishes. Painted, distressed styles add charm.

Coffee Tables: Opt for rustic driftwood, reclaimed wood or rattan. Avoid heavy ornate styles.

Accessories: Choose ceramic garden stools, woven baskets, wood chests and concrete accents for versatile natural appeal.

Aim for relaxed elegance over fussy formality. Seek out pieces offering uncomplicated style, comfort and utility.

Creating Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Connect indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly through:

• French doors leading to patios and decks
• Skylights and clerestory windows for natural light
• Large potted trees and plants indoors
• Matching furniture sets for indoor and outdoor use
• Cohesive wall colors and design features
• Transitional rugs extending from inside to outside
• Backyard lighting, speakers and ambiance

Having adjoining indoor and outdoor gathering areas allows for seamless entertaining and relaxation. Keep boundaries blurred.

Including Ocean Touches

Nod to the sea subtly with:

• Shells along a mantel or in bowls
• Driftwood sculptures on shelves
• Glass floats grouped on an accent table
• Photographs of waves or sea views
• Ceramic starfish or shells on bathroom vanities
• Sailboats or anchors on throw pillows
• Neutral striped blankets draped on sofas

A large piece of coral, a weathered lobster trap or a gather of shells makes a simple but stunning focal point.

Achieving Balance

The essence of this look lies in achieving balanced contrast. Think:

• Light and airy yet grounded and textural
• Crisp and clean yet collected and evolved
• Simple lines yet natural variation
• Refined yet unpretentious
• Indoor comfort yet outdoor freshness

Keep the look harmonious by avoiding stark contrasts in textures, styles or colors. The blend is what makes this style so welcoming and livable.

With a neutral base, natural textures, breezy furnishings, coastal accents and relaxed refinement, you can create a contemporary coastal oasis anywhere. Keep the guiding principles in mind and you’ll achieve this gorgeous look for enjoying easy, beach-inspired living.

Elements for Key Rooms

Certain elements deserve focus in specific rooms when designing in contemporary coastal style. Here are important considerations for the main living spaces:

Living Room

As the main gathering space, the living room should exude easygoing comfort.

Sofas

Choose a neutral linen slipcovered style with washable covers. Sectional sofas work nicely to accommodate groups. Add plenty of cotton and linen throw pillows for cozying in.

Chairs

Incorporate natural textures with woven rattan or wicker armchairs. White washed oak or mango wood frames add warmth.

Tables

A large reclaimed wood, driftwood or oak coffee table anchors seating. Add woven baskets underneath for storage. Side tables in aged wood, concrete or ceramic add flair.

Lighting

Aim for breezy and beachy with woven pendant lights or ceramic table lamps. Add floor lamps behind seating areas for cozy illumination.

Accents

Macrame wall hangings, seashell wreaths, stacked books and woven baskets keep the vibe casual. Complete the look with elements like a urn, sculpture or piece of driftwood.

Dining Room

Make the dining space feel comforting and conversational.

Table

A reclaimed or scrubbed wood dining table adds rustic warmth. So do tables made from salvaged oak, pine or mango wood.

Chairs

Choose slipcovered linen Parson’s chairs or wood frames with rattan or woven backs. Avoid heavy upholstered styles.

Centerpiece

Keep it casual with a gathering of shells, flowers, starfish or driftwood. Ceramic vases also add subtle ocean flair.

Lighting

A woven rattan pendant light reinforces the coastal vibe. White ceramic table lamps also illuminate gracefully.

Sideboard

Style with collected seashells, candlesticks, woven baskets and ceramics for relaxed styling.

Bedroom

Make the bedroom a tranquil, welcoming escape.

Bed

Upholstered headboards lend a cozy, comfortable feel. Choose wood frames with whitewashed finishes. Platform beds keep the look light.

Bedding

Opt for off-white linens and a textural cotton matelasse coverlet or knit blanket at the foot. lots of linen and cotton throw pillows make lounging comfortable.

Nightstands

Keep bedsides unfussy with rattan, mango or oak nightstands. Concrete or ceramic work too.

Seating

Incorporate a slipcovered bench or linen barrel chair for additional lounging.

Lighting

Use woven pendants, ceramic table lamps or natural woven wall sconces.

Accents

Add warmth with natural elements like rattan laundry baskets, woven wall hangings and potted palms or orchids.

Bath

Make the bath an extension of the serene vibe.

Surfaces

Use stone or ceramic tile in soft white, tan, gray or blue-gray hues. Or try colored concrete in pale neutrals.

Cabinets

Shaker-style cabinets in oak, mango wood or painted white keep things simple. Open shelving adds breezy storage.

Sinks

For contemporary appeal try a stone trough, rectangular ceramic or modern stone vessel sink.

Hardware

Unlacquered brass or chrome hardware adds subtle shine. Avoid ornate styles.

Rattan storage baskets, ceramic containers and woven wall hangings continue the casual vibe. The overall look should feel relaxed, welcoming and rejuvenating.

Creating Unique Spaces

Beyond the main living areas, you can infuse contemporary coastal flair in special spots throughout the home.

Entryway

Make guests feel right at home with casual refinement:

• Whitewashed wood console table with rattan baskets for storage
• Slipcovered linen bench
• Woven jute rug
• Shell or driftwood wreath on the wall
• Pale palette continued from adjacent spaces
• Stacked books and natural accents on console

Hallway

Incorporate light and nature with:

• Mirrors to reflect light from windows or skylights
• Large-scale nature photography
• Console table with collected shells and ceramics
• Woven baskets and textural baskets on open shelving
• Gallery wall with mix of nature photos and art
• Indoor plants on console tables

Kitchen

Keep the kitchen casual, inviting and unfussy:

• Shaker-style cabinets in a light wood or painted white
• Pale wood open shelving for breezy storage
• Marble, quartz or butcher block countertops
• Ceramic, stone or concrete tile backsplash
• Neutral fabrics on windows – linen cafe curtains or wood blinds
• Woven bar stools
• Ocean-inspired pottery, dishes and glassware

Home Office

Promote focus with light and natural elements:

• White washed or reclaimed wood desk
• Woven rattan chair or slipcovered linen desk chair
• Neutral woven or sisal rug
• Macrame wall hangings
• Rattan or woven storage baskets
• Large potted plants to add freshness
• Ceramic desk accessories and ocean-inspired objects

Laundry Room

Infuse utility spaces with style:

• Shaker cabinets painted or stained light neutral
• Wicker laundry baskets
• Stone or concrete sink
• Framed nature photography
• Ceramic canisters for detergent storage
• Woven pendant light over sink
• Pale wood or tile flooring

Even in specialty rooms, maintaining a light, organic look brings coastal vibes throughout.

FAQs

Get answers to commonly asked questions about achieving the contemporary coastal aesthetic:

What colors work best in coastal style interiors?

Stick with light neutrals like white, ivory, tan, beige, pale gray, and wood tones like pale oak or driftwood. Avoid bold colors that feel too saturated. Keep wall colors light. Navy blue makes for nice contrast on trim and accents.

What flooring works with this style?

Light-stained hardwood, weathered oak, bleached pine, and pale-stained concrete all evoke coastal vibes. For variation, try ceramic or porcelain tile in soft whites, grays or pale wood-look finishes. Natural sisal, seagrass and jute rugs add warmth.

Should you paint or stain wood furniture?

Either works well. Weathered driftwood finishes and whitewashed styles feel beachy. For painted pieces, stick to neutral whites, creams, and light grays