Coastal Style For Your Living Room

Coastal style is a popular interior design aesthetic that gets all inspiration from the seaside - creating a vibe of relaxed atmosphere that comes with living close to the beach. This style emphasizes lots light, lot's of room and airy spaces, a color palette that is dominated by whites, creams, soft blues, and sandy beiges, and details or home decor with accents of navy, coral, or turquoise colours that have a goal to add beach vibe.

How to know if your living room can is suitable for coastal vibe

Determining if your living room can embrace a coastal vibe involves assessing its current elements and potential for transformation.

Here are the key factors we look for:

1. Lots of natural light: Coastal style thrives on natural light. Large windows or opportunities to enhance light with sheer curtains or light-reflecting surfaces will be an ideal scenario to start with.

2. Color Palette: Goal is to incorporate a light, airy color scheme. Whites, creams, soft blues, and sandy beiges will set the stage for a coastal interior vibe of your living room.

3. Furniture and Layout: Coastal living rooms favor comfortable, casual pieces with natural materials like wood and rattan.

4. Texture and Decor: Look at your decor for opportunities to add textures such as jute rugs, woven baskets, and beach-inspired accessories like seashells and driftwood.

5. Space and Openness: Coastal interior design requires an open, wide, uncluttered space. You can achieve a spacious feel through decluttering and smart furniture placement.

How your living room needs to look like if you're going for the coastal vibe

Light & airy vibe

It's all about creating a relaxed, beach vibe. The living room is a focal point, so it needs to be functional and work seamlessly with the rest of the home. If you can incorporate white or light colored furniture, you will be able to work with textile to create a vibe that is going to remind you of sea foam and waves. Coastal living room is a room that breathes easily.

For example, using linen as the textile of choice for your couch, armchairs, etc., will increase the room's calming feel. You can also set some beach style with statement wood pieces that are sculptural in design and harken back to driftwood that gets washed up. And be sure to add a large room rug, made from natural and airy materials for the barefoot living.

2. Rustic

Rustic elements can support that relaxed and comfortable vibe of coastal style. No pomp or pretensions here. Make the living room as comfortable for you and your family as possible. Strong focus on natural materials - rattan and wick make several appearances, and we can get some bonus points if we can include wicker armchairs.

If you are a fan of cushions, throws and blankets - rejoice!  The more, the merrier! We always suggest fringed throws and cushions in exciting textures, and pastel colours. Nothing says beach house more than wood cladding on interior walls. If you're ready for a more permanent styling detail, it's something to consider.

3. A touch of bohemian style

Picture yourself walking around in a maxi dress, barefoot with flowers in your hair. If the neutral colour scheme is not for you, think about creating a more earthy and pastel boho beach vibe. It's your chance to clash bold colours and patterns with each other. Perhaps you've got souvenir antiques from all the places you've visited — display them. Vibrant colours can lift the mood, so having them adorn your living room may work well. Choose couches that are low to the ground, and a rug is essential. Coffee tables with striking patterns or mosaic tiling could also work. When selecting textiles, pick throws and cushions with fringe, crochet and macramé for maximum affect.

4. Bright Colour Scheme

A lover of colour? Pick one tone to go with and style the room around it. Either take your inspiration from the blue of the ocean or the sunshine. In Australia, the blue is usually of a more muted variety, like a grey-blue. But, as always, go with what you like. The sunkissed scheme includes red, yellow and terracotta that exude warmth just by looking at them. Be inspired by corals, their colours and shapes. Take a look at this living room below that features a coral-shaped chandelier.

5. Plants (live plants!)

Incorporating greenery into a coastal living room will create that natural, fresh ambiance that is essential for coastal style. Plants bring in elements of nature, adding vibrancy and a sense of calm. They can soften hard lines, fill empty corners, and provide a connection to the outdoors, reinforcing the relaxed, beachy vibe.

Suitable plant types can be:

1. Succulents like aloe vera and echeveria are perfect for a coastal living room. Their structural beauty complements the simplicity of coastal decor.

2. Boston ferns or maidenhair ferns will thrive in light and will add a lush, tropical feel to the space. And let's not forget that their delicate fronds create a soft, airy atmosphere we want in a beach home.

3. Palms, such as the Kentia or Parlor palm, bring a dramatic, beach-like touch. Their tall, arching fronds mimic the look of palm trees swaying by the sea.

4. Spider plants, with their arching leaves and white stripes fit well with the coastal interior. They can be placed in hanging baskets (for a boho vibe) or on shelves for a cascading effect.

5. Pothos plants are versatile and hardy, with trailing vines that can be trained to climb or hang. They will add calming, green touch to any living room, actually.

Tips for placement and styling include woven baskets or ceramic pots in neutral or ocean-inspired colors. Also, grouping plants of different heights and types together will work well if you don't have a lot of shelves and corners. And you can always consider hanging plants from the ceiling to maximize space and add a vertical element to your greenery.

Incorporating these plants will not only enhance the coastal aesthetic but also improve air quality and contribute to a relaxing, nature-inspired living space.

6. Accessories

Incorporating the right accessories is crucial to enhancing the coastal aesthetic of your living room. Accessories like rugs, woven baskets, and beach-inspired decor add depth, texture, and interest, helping to create a cohesive and inviting space.

Rugs are an excellent way to anchor your furniture and add warmth to your living room. For a coastal vibe, opt for natural fiber rugs such as jute, sisal, or seagrass. These materials not only add texture but also bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Light-colored or subtly patterned rugs in shades of white, beige, or soft blue can enhance the airy feel of the room. Large area rugs can help define seating areas, while smaller rugs can be layered for added visual interest.

Woven baskets are versatile accessories that can serve both functional and decorative purposes. Made from materials like rattan, wicker, or seagrass, these baskets add a rustic charm and organic texture to your living room. Use them to store throw blankets, magazines, or toys, keeping the space tidy and clutter-free. Baskets can also be used as planters for your indoor greenery, adding an extra layer of natural beauty.

To truly capture the essence of coastal style, incorporate beach-inspired decor items throughout your living room. Consider adding decorative pieces like seashells, driftwood, coral, and nautical artifacts. These items can be displayed on shelves, coffee tables, or as part of a centerpiece. Framed artwork or photographs featuring coastal scenes, marine life, or ocean waves can further enhance the seaside ambiance.

Mirrors with driftwood or rope frames can reflect light and make the space feel larger and more open. Lanterns or hurricane lamps with candles can provide soft, warm lighting, contributing to the cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Don't forget to add a few personal touches, such as souvenirs from beach vacations or family photos in coastal-themed frames, to make the space uniquely yours.

By thoughtfully selecting and arranging these accessories, you can add depth, texture, and a sense of coastal charm to your living room, creating a space that is both beautiful and inviting.

Conclusion

Embracing coastal style in your living room is all about creating a serene, inviting space that echoes the tranquility of the seaside.

By focusing on natural light, a light and airy color palette, comfortable and casual furniture, and the thoughtful incorporation of textures and accessories, you can transform your living room into a coastal haven.

Adding greenery and beach-inspired decor completes the look, ensuring a cohesive and relaxing environment.

With these elements, your living room will not only reflect the beauty of the coast but also provide a peaceful retreat in your lovely coastal home.