When it comes to home decor, there's something inherently calming and refreshing about coastal style, especially when it comes to the interior trends of Spring Summer 2023. Inspired by the serene beauty of the seaside, coastal decor brings a sense of tranquillity, warmth, and a touch of the ocean into your living space. Whether you live by the coast or simply want to infuse your home with a coastal vibe, this guide will show you how to incorporate coastal style into your home decor. From soothing colour palettes to natural textures and nautical accents, get ready to create your own seaside serenity.

What Defines a Seaside Space?

According to our design team, a seaside inspired space infuses elements of the coast into your home space. Everything from colour, textures & atmosphere is transferred into your home to create an airy and tranquil maritime haven. It is the perfect Spring/Summer trend to embrace, that is both timeless and appropriate all year round.

ILIV designer, Debbie Leigh says “When working on our seaside inspired textiles collections, I found it really important to consider the mood that the seaside emotes – how it makes a person feel and how to recreate this when bringing it into a space.”

“We combined this with colour schemes that encompassed the sea, sky & sand and took inspiration from famous seaside areas such as New England, an old coastal town or small fishing village.”

Embrace a Soothing Colour Palette

The foundation of coastal decor lies in a soothing colour palette that mimics the colours of the sea, sand, and sky. Opting for maritime hues such as soft blues, aquas, whites, and creams as your primary colours will immediately bring back memories of the beach. These tones evoke a sense of calmness and create an open, airy feel in your space. Consider white or neutrally coloured walls with shades of blue across your furniture to create a fresh, coastal backdrop for your space.

Our New England inspired Portland collection plays with timeless stripes and nautical accents to add a coastal charm to your interior. Upholster furniture with lengths of Portland Riviera, Aqua & Mineral to perfectly tie together a coastal themed space.

Incorporate Natural Textures

To bring the essence of the coast indoors, embrace natural textures reminiscent of the beach. Introduce woven rattan or seagrass furniture pieces, such as chairs or coffee tables, to add a touch of seaside warmth. You can also layer your floors with jute rugs or sisal carpets for a coastal-inspired texture underfoot.

This can even be taken to the walls with wooden features such as panelling or a textured wallcovering. Specialist commercial wallcovering brand, Newmor have an amazing selection that can add an exciting statement to any room. This is made even easier with increasingly realistic wallpaper options that are minimal effort yet highly effective when it comes to incorporating such features into your space. You could also consider adding driftwood accents or using reclaimed wood for shelving and other furniture pieces to enhance the natural appeal. (Image below courtesy of Newmor Wallcoverings).

Play with Nautical Accents

Nautical elements are quintessential to coastal decor. Incorporate these accents to infuse your home with a seaside charm. Hang artwork featuring sailboats, seashells, or lighthouses on your walls. Display decorative items like weathered anchors, ship wheels, or glass bottles filled with seashells on shelves or side tables. Incorporate striped patterns in cushions, curtains, or bedding to evoke a maritime feel. Don't be afraid to mix and match these elements to create a cohesive and curated look. You can also incorporate these nautical patterns into your upholstery other than through the use of a well placed stripe. 

Neutral Nautical Themes

With the effectiveness of natural tones in a coastal inspired space, you don’t even need to commit to bold blues when it comes to creating a beachy vibe in your home. Linen hues teamed with subtle greens also create a New England effect when teamed with maritime accents such as driftwood, jute & the right mix of accessories.

Let There Be Light

Natural light is key to achieving a coastal ambiance. Maximize the amount of natural light in your home by keeping window treatments minimal or opting for sheer curtains that allow light to filter through. If privacy is a concern, choose lightweight fabrics in white or light neutral tones. Additionally, strategically place mirrors to reflect natural light and create an illusion of a larger space.

Our Voiles Collection perfectly complements a light and airy space by adding both texture and flow around your windows, letting in plenty of natural light. This can even be layered behind a heavier curtain so you have the option of more privacy.

Seaside-Inspired Accessories

Complete your coastal oasis with carefully selected accessories. Incorporate elements such as seashells, starfish, or coral in jars or bowls as elegant tabletop displays. Hang a large decorative mirror with a weathered frame reminiscent of a porthole. Introduce coastal-themed artwork or photographs of the ocean to evoke a sense of serenity. Add throws and cushions in shades of blue and white for an inviting touch.

Incorporating coastal style into your home decor allows you to bring the tranquillity and serenity of the seaside into your everyday life. By embracing a soothing colour palette, incorporating natural textures, playing with nautical accents, maximizing the sunlight, and adding seaside-inspired accessories, you can create a coastal sanctuary right in your own home. So, whether you reside by the coast or miles away, let the coastal style transform your space into a serene retreat where you can escape the stresses of everyday life and bask in the seaside serenity.