How to Achieve the Coastal Look in Your Home
We’re all about the California Coastal Lifestyle over here — light, airy, fresh, modern. Are you a fan, too? Well you’re in luck — we’re sharing how you can achieve it for yourself. Whether you’re team West Coast or East Coast, use these tips and tricks for getting the coastal look in your home.
Psst…this blog post contains some affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase. Just think of us as your virtual interior designers! Everything we recommend we love and would truly use for a design project.
a few of our fave natural
material pieces
first up: natural materials
The materials you select for your space will have a huge impact on your home’s overall vibe. To achieve that laidback coastal style, opt for natural materials like linens, grasscloth, and wood. Combine these organic textures with a light and neutral color palette. This will make your home feel large and spacious — even if it’s not. But remember, the smaller your home is, the more important it is that you choose the right finishes!
Layer different textures and add subtle touches of color to add a bit of excitement and personality to the space.
Next up: window coverings
These are one of the most prominent elements in creating your overall aesthetic. Stick with a neutral color palette and natural textures to infuse the coastal look into your space through your window coverings.
Pssst…here’s a secret: by extending the curtain rod 2"-6" below the ceiling and 6"-18" on each side of the window, you are creating the impression that the windows are bigger than they actually are — making the room feel larger and more spacious!
here are a few curated finds from us
now you’ll add in some art & accessories
The right art and accessories will give your home the personality it needs to turn into your coastal haven.
But don’t go overboard (nautical pun intended).
Be sure that the pieces you choose are organic, light, and airy. Think handmade pottery, woven baskets, and subtle pops of blues and corals.
a quick note on minimalism
No, we’re not saying you need to get rid of all of your stuff and pivot immediately into a capsule wardrobe. However, having a clutter-free space is important when creating the light airiness of the coastal style. Declutter things you haven’t used in a while, and store items away in stylish furniture and pretty baskets.
our favorite rugs for the coastal style (and some of those rug pads we talked about)
let’s move on to our next item: rugs
The rugs that you choose for your space define the flow and its character.
To keep your coastal look alive and well, choose rugs that fit within your low key color palette. However, have some fun with pattern and texture here. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality a bit.
Insider secret: always purchase a rug pad to make sure your rug doesn’t bunch up — and to avoid any slips.
finally, some finishing touches
Okay, okay. We know you’re super excited to go shop some new coastal pieces and get started on your home’s transformation. But before you go, there are a couple of finishing touches we need to talk about.
paint
Crisp, white paint is a key ingredient in the coastal style recipe. Now, that doesn’t mean pop over to Home Depot and get the whitest shade you can find. Instead, head over to this blog post to see our tried and true white paints that we love when it comes to achieving a spacious, airy feel in your home.
lighting
Lastly, we have to talk about lighting. If you’re lucky enough to have (or be able to get) recessed lighting, that is the best option as it provides even lighting throughout your space. However, if you’re renting — or can’t add recessed lighting right now — then a dimmer will also work wonders by giving you more control over the lighting in your space.
Add in some of those natural textures and neutral colors with your lamps, shades, and light fixtures.
we can’t wait to see how you implement coastal style into your home!
Tag us in your photos on the ‘gram (we’re @asrdesignstudio) so we can see!
Oh, and if you want some more coastal style inspo, visit our curated collection of home decor pieces over at Salt + Citrus Home.
Happy home decorating!
