4 Interpretations of Modern Coastal Decor

In this post: Modern coastal decor is more than beach house decor, touting a serene lifestyle all year long. Here are 4 ways to do modern coastal decor.⇒

There was a time when the term ‘coastal decor’ evoked images of a Motel 6 near a cheesy beach town, more honky-tonk than peace and tranquility.

But this is not that time.

Instead, coastal decor has been reinvented for the modern home, refined to incorporate a more upscale aesthetic and retooled to work with today’s easy-going vibe.

In many ways the elements have always been there, most notably an appreciation for the sea and the colors it inspires and a fondness for the relaxation that a beach vacation promises.

But the current iteration of coastal goes a bit further. It coincides with our desire to bring more summer into our lives all year long, including a respect for the environment and a quest for more serenity. Brought to you at a time when the value of “live to work” has morphed into “work to live”, modern coastal is the celebration of a more genteel lifestyle.

Let’s look at 4 interpretations of the style, driven primarily by color palette but also by the influence of a secondary design style. All have organic textures and components, as well as similar imagery, and could easily sit together in the same home. Yet they do still embody an individuality of their own.

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*This post is sponsored by Walmart, but all opinions and styling are my own. This post may include affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure policy.

Coastal Decor Themes

Sand and Seaglass

The first look is the quintessence of the new coastal, with a palette that’s at once “beachy”, while at the same time championing the popularity of neutrals and nearly neutrals. Whites, beiges, and tans lend softness, while the infusion of pale aqua is reminiscent of the sea glass you might find in the sand.

This palette can easily carry forth through fall and winter and is, above all, calming and very livable. Pale woods, rattan accents, textured throw pillows and blue-green glass work well with this theme. While you could add some literal coastal imagery like a bowl of sea shells, I tend to prefer a subtle approach. Still, a lovely painting of the sea is perfectly welcome in the mix.

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Sand, Stone and Iron

The next look is a little less obvious and a little more updated, and takes its inspiration from the rocks on a beach jetty. The foundation begins with sand and stone, yet pulls in a bit of faded black for punch. It almost has an industrial feel with iron accents played off the more organic textures of cane, wood and seagrass. Ivory and cream are still present to lighten things up.

This is a very fresh and on trend way to tackle a coastal look and could certainly be viewed as more rustic chic than beach house decor. Yet throw in some driftwood and, yes, those aforementioned seas shells, and you’re right back at the shore. Natural jute plays in heavily here, as well.

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Linen, Sea and Sky

Probably the most traditional of coastal looks, you can’t really escape the blue option. But a more current application of this oft used color feeling makes use of a softer, greyed-over blue, evocative of a stormy sky. It lends a note of sophistication to a color palette that can look dated, overdone or downright campy if one is not careful.

Still, who doesn’t love blue and white? The most summery and beach-house feeling of the interpretations I’m showing, it is also delightfully uplifting and refined enough to be used in an urban apartment as easily as in a waterfront home. I would limit the seashore imagery to a hint here and there, perhaps a single piece of wall art or a coral object on an end table, and let the palette do the rest of the talking.

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Sand and Storm

The final look is as neutral as neutral gets, marrying the twin kingpins of the neutral world: grey and beige. Both look freshest when balanced by the other and each works fabulously with lots of white and cream. This palette is all about texture and organic materials and the sum total is the epitome of nuance and restraint.

Tactile surfaces add interest to the look, with fringes and tassels adding a bit of adornment. Lattices, herringbones and distressed finishes work well, along with the ever present seagrass, rattan and other woven accessories. An all-year palette and the most versatile of the bunch, this is where I’d feel most comfortable using coastal motifs because they’d maintain a level of sophistication blending into an understated color presentation.

Whichever theme you choose to use, there’s a lot of opportunity to mix and match. And why not add more summer to your calendar all year long?

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