Coastal style interiors often draw inspiration from their seaside surrounds. But there’s so much more to this serene scheme than just driftwood décor and seashell accents. In fact, the best coastal interiors feel effortlessly breezy — balancing relaxed elegance with natural textures.
From selecting the right flooring to mastering the art of layering, creating a chic coastal space is all about the details. Get it right, and you’ll have a home that feels sun-kissed and tranquil year-round. Below, we round up the design details to overhaul to help you create your dream seaside retreat.
Overdoing the nautical theme
It’s easy to think coastal style means filling your space with anchors, sailor stripes, and seashell motifs — but that’s where many can go wrong. One or two references is sweet, but a heavy-handed nautical approach can feel more themed than timeless.
Instead, channel the essence of the coast with a refined palette of oceanic blues, soft sandy neutrals, and sun-bleached whites. Subtle details such as a woven jute rug or breezy sheer curtains can capture the feeling of coastal living without veering into kitsch. Think sophisticated sanctuary over beach hut.

Neglecting the foundation
The secret to effortless coastal style isn’t just in the décor — it starts from the ground up. Selecting the wrong flooring can throw off the entire aesthetic, making a space feel too dark, cold, or disconnected. The fix? Light, sun-kissed tones that evoke the warmth of sun-bleached boardwalks and sandy shores.
Hybrid flooring strikes the perfect balance, blending durability with breezy elegance. Its natural wood-look finish grounds your space in coastal charm while ensuring practicality for modern living. Get the foundation right, and the rest of your coastal style will fall seamlessly into place.

Ignoring texture and layering
A coastal space isn’t just about colour, it’s also about feeling. Without the right mix of textures, a room can fall flat, lacking the depth and warmth that make this specific style so inviting. To get it right, it all comes down to layering.
Start with soft linen upholstery, add rattan furniture for an organic touch, and introduce timber for that sun-worn charm. Embroidered rugs, plush cushions, and light cotton throws bring effortless relaxation, creating a lived-in and airy aesthetic that’s integral to the interior scheme. By blending natural materials, you’ll transform a stark space into a soothing coastal sanctuary.