There’s something about the seaside that evokes the timeless sense of peace and organic meditation. It’s no wonder, then, that people want that feeling incorporated into their own homes – a coastal style is comfortable, welcoming, and grounded. It is individualized, soothing, and charming. It is a style that has the power to make one feel as though s/he is on vacation, even amid the chaos of everyday life.

The thing about coastal style, despite its name, is that it doesn’t have to literally translate to mean “on the beach.” Coastal style doesn’t necessarily require sea stars and surfboards, although it certainly can if the homeowner loves those things. That’s the beauty of this style. It’s highly personalized and, ultimately, is more of a feeling than a style – a calm and ever-so-gentle breeziness that charmingly juxtaposes life’s busy-ness.

Coastal Style: Light & Natural Color Scheme.

Few design choices do more to keep the atmosphere light and airy than a literal translation of keeping things light and airy. Light colors are less dramatic, less noticeable, and less impactful than bold colors…which makes those same hues perfect for a coastal setting. When you choose your color palette for a coastal style, choose to be inspired by the colors of the seaside – white puffy clouds, sparkling turquoise waters, shining sand, and dignified grey driftwood, to name a few. Keep these colors, and you’ll keep an undeniable sense of the coast in your space.

Coastal Style: Plank Wood Walls. There’s nothing more charming and down-to-earth than planked wood walls in a space, and this is true in coastal style as well as any other. Painted white, planked walls are a perfect coastal backdrop for any space, be it a bedroom, dining room, or living room.

Coastal Style: Nautical Art & Accents.

Taking the “coastal” part of coastal style literally, you can easily incorporate anything to do with the sea into your home décor accents for an instant coastal feel. Think maritime maps, trunks, jute rope, even seabird replicas. White, gauzy drapes make you feel like you’re enjoying a nice sea breeze even if the coast is hundreds of miles away.

Coastal Style: Casual & Lived-In.

Just like heading to a beach house for vacation brings a sense of calm and relaxation, warm and friendly serenity is the name of the game in a coastal space. Keep things light and not too stuffy by using forgiving textiles and a variety of textures. Slouchy slipcovers over upholstered furniture give people a sense that you welcome their sinking down in and staying awhile.

Coastal Style: Outside Elements Brought Indoors.

Consider the outside nature of wicker furniture and lantern-style lighting. These are prime candidates, outside OR inside, for inhabiting a space with coastal style. Incorporating items from the sea is a literally way of bringing outside objects inside – think driftwood, sand dollars, sea stars, and shells. All create a tangible sense of coastal charm.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8and 9.