The coast represents a beloved escape for so many. The sound of crashing waves, the feel of sand beneath your feet, and the simple pleasures of seaside living hold an undeniable allure. When it comes to decorating a beach home, the aim is to create an inviting space that evokes the easy, breezy essence of the shoreline. With a palette of cool neutrals, natural textures, and a few well-chosen accents, it’s easy to bring coastal style into any home by the sea.
Incorporating Neutrals
Neutral, beach-inspired color palettes create an effortlessly elegant look. Shades of white, sand and beige reflect the tones of the shoreline and provide a clean, airy backdrop. Touches of grey-blue complement the colors of both the skies and the sea. A secondary palette featuring leafy greens, sky blues and sandy browns allows you to subtly incorporate the colors of nature. Creamy neutrals feel both timeless and soothing, creating an ideal restful retreat.
Some stunning neutral paint colors to consider for a coastal-style home include:
- Soft Greige – A warm, welcoming neutral that pairs well with whites and wood tones.
- Weathered White – A bright white with subtle grey undertones, evoking sun-bleached driftwood.
- Beach Glass – A soothing pale green with a hint of blue, like sea glass smoothed by the tide.
- Coastal Fog – A pale, slightly moody grey that suggests misty mornings on the shore.
- Sand Dollar – A creamy off-white, versatile alternative to stark white paint.
Keep fabrics similarly understated – crisp white linens, textured cottons in sand and linen hues, and light wovens like Belgian flax evoke the easy elegance of seaside living.
Textures & Natural Materials
The use of natural materials and textures is a hallmark of inviting, livable coastal design. The casual fabrics and surfaces of a beach home celebrate raw, organic textures that endure the seaside climate.
- Wood Tones – Driftwood, rattan, oak and teak suggest the natural beauty just beyond your door. Aged wood finishes in grey and white-washed tones amplify the coastal look.
- Woven Accents – Seagrass, jute and sisal rugs and baskets provide organic texture. Cotton and linen in natural hues and simple woven patterns are ideal for pillows, curtains and upholstery.
- Stone & Concrete – Concrete, limestone, marble, and pebbles are popular choices for floors and surfaces throughout the home. Concrete tiles lend an updated, modern vibe to a beach house.
- Metal Accents – Coated metals and galvanized finishes resist wear from the seashore environment. Metals like iron, aluminum and tin add interesting patinas and handcrafted appeal.
- Shells & Coral – Natural objects collected from the beach make beautiful accents. Display real coral, shells, starfish or sand dollars for a taste of ocean allure.
The Right Furniture & Fabrics
Furnishings for a beach home should be inviting, unfussy and designed to endure the salty, sandy environment.
Ideal Upholstery Fabrics
- Denim
- Wicker
- Linen
- Cotton canvas
- Soft chenille
- Performance fabrics like Sunbrella
Perfect Furniture Pieces
- Driftwood tables
- Whitewashed wood chairs
- Wicker headboards
- Wooden sideboards & consoles
- Galvanized metal stools & tables
- Rustic wood dining tables
- Daybeds & hanging chairs for porches
- Water-resistant sectionals & sofas
Incorporate furnishings with a handmade, weathered appearance and fabrics that stand up to the coastal setting. Furniture should evoke a sense of history and be built to last generations in this unique environment.
Inviting Bedding & Bath Essentials
Creating a relaxing, beachy vibe in the bedroom and bath is all about texture, simplicity and subtle aquatic references.
Bedding Ideas
- White quilts or bedspreads in linen, cotton or denim
- Textured knit blankets in ivory or oatmeal
- Woven throws in stripes or solids
- A net canopy overhead
- Washed linen duvet covers
- Accent pillows in whites, blues, greens
- A padded headboard covered in driftwood or woven seagrass
Bath Essentials
- White marble or limestone surfaces
- Soap dishes featuring shells, starfish or sea glass
- Glass bottled products with nautical inspired scents
- Woven baskets for storage
- Fluffy white towels
- Robes in sand or sky blue colors
- Candles with coastal scents like salt air or driftwood
Tips for Harmony
- Stick to a minimal color palette
- Layer whites, creams and beiges
- Utilize natural woven textures
- Incorporate wood, marble and stone
- Allow patinas and wear to show history
Beautiful Beach Kitchen Ideas
The heart of a coastal home is often a bright, welcoming kitchen that flows easily into the living space. When designing a beach home kitchen, it’s all about light, unfussy materials and references to nature.
Ideal Surfaces
- Quartzite counters with soft grey veining
- Limestone or sandstone counters and backsplashes
- White subway tile backsplashes
- Butcher block islands and counters
- Whitewashed or weathered wood cabinets
- Concrete floors with beach pebbles embedded
On-Trend Appliances
- Gas ranges in stainless steel for easy cleaning
- Farmhouse sinks and industrial faucets
- Refrigerators with wood-paneled fronts
- Exposed shelves and beams for added texture
Smart Storage
- Galvanized metal shelving
- Woven baskets for fruits and vegetables
- Glass canister sets with cork lids
- Open shelving for easy access
- Driftwood or sliding barn door cabinets
Finishing Touches
- Pendant lights with woven or rattan shades
- Shell or starfish knobs on cabinets
- Ocean inspired art – maps, shells, sea fans
- Potted herbs growing in the window over the sink
Keep It Breezy
- Whites, greys and wood tones create a clean, beachy look
- Incorporate natural elements like stone and wood
- Allow for open, airy spaces whenever possible
- Display beautiful objects found on beach walks
- Use furnishings and fabrics meant to weather the coastal climate
Perfect Beach House Paint Colors
Choosing the right color palette is one of the most important decisions when decorating a coastal home. Paint colors can instantly transport you to the mood of a breezy, salt-washed cottage by the sea. Cool, airy hues enhance the sense of sunlight and space, while warm neutrals add a sense of grounding and comfort.
Some fail-safe coastal paint color combinations to get the beach house vibe include:
Light & Bright
- Ceilings and walls: Cloud White
- Trim and doors: Beach Glass
- Accent wall: Saltwater
Warm & Weathered
- Ceilings and walls: Clam Shell
- Trim: Oyster Bay
- Accent wall: Beach Pebble
Calm & Cool
- Walls: Coastal Star
- Trim: Seaside Villa
- Cabinets: Storm Cloud
Relaxed & Welcoming
- Walls: Sand Dollar
- Trim: Weathered Oak
- Front door: Bayberry
Tips for Choosing Paint
- Stick to a neutral palette of soft blues, greens, taupes, whites, greys and wood tones
- Matte finishes reproduce the texture of weathered surfaces
- Deeper shades can add accent walls or highlight architectural details
- Semi-gloss trim and doors lend a traditional coastal cottage look
- Paint ceilings white for an airy, spacious feel
Paint is an affordable way to set the scene. Inviting paint schemes evoke beach living without overstating the obvious.
Beautiful Beachy Lighting Ideas
Nothing sets the mood like lighting. The right coastal lighting elevates the tranquility and harmony of a beach house.
Perfect Fit for Your Space
Living Room – Statement chandelier with a natural material like rattan or driftwood.
Dining Room – Show stopping gilt or glass pendant light centered over the table.
Kitchen – Galvanized metal pendants for an industrial touch. Rattan or woven pendants in white for breezy brightness.
Bedrooms – Hand thrown pottery or seeded glass table lamps, sconces or pendants in soft white or sea glass colors.
Outdoor Spaces – Strung globe lights, bamboo torchiere lamps, or lanterns.
Bathrooms – Wall mount vanity lighting, sconces and recessed lighting around the mirror.
Foyer/Hallways – Flush or semi-flush mount fixtures.
Accent Areas – Under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Toe kick lighting. Backlit glass shelves.
Types of Coastal Lighting
- Seeded/frosted glass pendants and sconces
- Ceramic table lamps or pendant lights
- Industrial cage pendants
- Wicker, rattan or bamboo pendants
- Lanterns in coastal hues
- Recessed lighting on dimmers
Proper lighting transforms a space. Evaluate each area and select light fixtures that enhance the overall coastal design.
Selecting & Arranging Beach House Art
From driftwood mobiles to photography of breaking waves, art plays a special role in perfecting the aesthetic of a coastal retreat. When selecting artwork for a beach house:
- Stick to a minimalist, pared-down style. The serenity of white space enhances seaside living.
- Incorporate natural elements like shells, starfish, coral, and sea glass as sculpture, mobiles or framed collections.
- Black and white photography of ocean views and marine life add an on-theme focal point over furniture.
- Pastel beach scenes, watercolor seashell studies and still life paintings of sand dollars or seaglass make subtle artistic statements.
- Classic nautical maps, compass roses and illustrations of boats, anchors and life preservers are traditional coastal artwork.
- Framed cording, rope, netting or lobster traps are unique three dimensional pieces.
- Signage using distressed wood with a beachy saying like “Salty Hair, Sandy Toes” makes functional folk art for the home.
Tips for Hanging & Arranging
- Group in odd numbers – try 3-5 pieces clustered over a console.
- Keep symmetrical arrangements simple, and offset art wall groupings.
- Hang artwork about 60″ up from the floor to eye level.
- Include one large star coastal piece per room for maximum impact.
- Rotate selections seasonally for fresh inspiration all year long.
- Incorporate beach finds like oars or floats as sculpture.
Thoughtfully chosen and properly placed, beach-inspired artwork adds the perfect finishing touch to complete the coastal design.
Beach House Exterior Ideas
First impressions start on the outside. When designing a coastal home exterior, create a space that seamlessly flows between indoors and outdoors.
Set the Scene
- Light, natural hued siding like cedar shakes or board & batten planks
- Accent trim in shades of white, light grey or pale blue
- A wrap-around front porch with painted railings and wood decking
- Features like shiplap and beadboard for visual texture and interest
- Bahama shutters in white, grey-blue or sea green
- Exposed wooden support beams under the eaves
- Windows with divided light patterned panes to suggest maritime influence
- Flower boxes below windows blooming with colorful trailing plants
- Potted palms, ornamental grasses and agave for easy coastal landscaping
Finishing Touches
- A painted or natural cedar front door in glossy red, blue, green or sunny yellow
- Window boxes overflowing with bright flowers
- Outdoor sconces flanking the front door
- Statement exterior lighting like a coral reef chandelier
- Number or address plaque in materials like cast concrete
- Gate, arbor or fencing entwined with flowering vines
- Sand and pebble yard pathways meandering through plantings
- Seaglass pathway solar lights
- Deck or patio seating with weatherproof cushions
Keep It Coastal
- Use architecture, materials, colors and accents that connect to the mood of the seaside
- Ensure the facade visually welcomes and connects indoors and out
- Withstands and embraces the coastal climate and lifestyle
Perfect Backyard & Patio for Beach Homes
Life flows effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces in a coastal home thanks to mild climates and easy, breezy living. Make the most of seaside outdoor areas with design choices that continue the beach house look outside.
Relaxing Seating Areas
- Woven outdoor sofas, loveseats and chairs in weatherproof materials
- Washable cushions in bright whites and nautical stripes
- Outdoor rugs and poufs in coral, turquoise, navy
- Wooden Adirondack chairs painted in beachy hues
- Wicker egg chairs or hanging rattan bubble chairs
- Built-in benches and window seating as part of architecture
Functional, Inviting Dining Spaces
- Harvest style wood farm tables
- Folding aluminum bistro tables
- Concrete, stone or tile-top tables
- Weather resistant woven chairs
- Nautical stripe tablecloths and umbrellas
- Tiki torches or strung lighting overhead
On-Trend Surfaces
- Decomposed granite pathways
- Pebble, shell or glass aggregate concrete
- Star and spiral mosaic tile patios
- Painted wood planks or composite decking
- Blue stone slate patios and walking paths
- Sandy stone firepits and conversation areas
Tropical Touches
- Palms, banana trees and lush greenery
- Citronella candles to naturally repel insects
- Outdoor ceiling fans
- Spa style canvas cabanas
- Colorful hammocks for ultimate relaxation
Keep It Coastal
- Use furniture and fabrics made for outdoor wear
- Incorporate natural materials like stone, wood and wicker
- Add texture with woven rugs, furnishing and finishes
- Include decorative yet functional lighting
Welcoming Beach House Entryway Ideas
The entryway sets the tone for the style of the entire coastal home. A space that evokes seaside whimsy, simplicity and charm welcomes you in.
Dreamy Design Touches
- Whitewashed wood walls or shiplap paneling
- Sea glass mixed into wall plaster or concrete floors
- Paint color choices like pale aqua or sand
- A bright coral or turquoise front door
- Neutral sisal, jute or coconut fiber rugs
- An upholstered bench with open weave linen or linen upholstery
- Natural wood console table behind the bench
- Wall mounted rod with woven baskets for organizing
- Hooks for hanging bags, hats, leashes and coats
- An ocean-inspired mirror framed with shells or driftwood
- Coastal signs for wall decor like “Salty Hair, Sandy Toes”
- Washed wood photo ledges to display family beach shots
- Tabletop lanterns or a sconce for a welcoming glow
Design for Function
- Provide seating to take off shoes – benches or chairs
- Offer accessible storage for keys, bags and beach gear
- Include a mirror space to check your look
- Accent with colors and textures that reflect the overall aesthetic
The Impression It Makes
A thoughtfully decorated beach house entryway sets a peaceful, welcoming tone from the moment you arrive. Keep it simple, provide smart storage and evoke the relaxed feeling of the shoreline. This special space can be both beautiful and highly functional for your family.
Beach House Style Home Office Ideas
Today’s home offices allow you to soak up the serenity of the sea while seamlessly working from your seaside retreat.
Necessities for Work
- A designated desk – live edge wood, painted cottage style or a soft white laminate
- Task lighting – desk lamp, overhead or recessed lighting on a dimmer
- Comfortable desk chair like a linen slipcovered style
- A complementary desk calendar, notepad and accessories
- Built-in or freestanding shelving for storage of files, books and supplies
- Electrical outlets – consider extension cord with USB ports as needed
- A dedicated phone line and high speed internet access
- Printer stored neatly on shelving built for the space
On-Theme Accents
- Woven baskets to corral office supplies
- Beach glass vase with seashells or flowers
- Ocean-inspired artwork – framed maps, sea shells, coral prints
- Driftwood styled desk organizers for pens, notes, etc.
- Ceramic desk collections – sea turtles, lighthouses, sailboats
- Bookends decorated with starfish or bubbles
- Tabletop coral paperweight
- Beach hut style cabin signage – “Quiet! Creative Work in Progress”
Soothing Touches
- Sand colored walls
- White noise machine with sounds of lapping waves
- Essential oil diffuser with relaxing coastal scents
- Houseplants like aloe or air plants
- Window treatments like breezy linen curtains or woven wood blinds
Create a functional seaside office space that inspires productivity and enhances creativity with every thoughtfully chosen detail.
Inviting & Stylish Beach House Bathroom Ideas
A dreamy, coastal-inspired bathroom channels the mood of a relaxing day at the shoreline
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