If you’ve ever tried to bring a bit of the beach into your home, you know how easy it is to go from coastal chic to coastal cheesy, fast.
I’ve been on a bit of a coastal decor kick lately, thanks to a couple of spring beach getaways that totally reset my creative energy. Something about the soft blues, breezy textures, and unfussy calm of those spaces stuck with me. And even though I live in Missouri, nowhere near the ocean, I’ve been admiring how people full off the breezy, coastal vibes without all the seashells and anchor motifs.
Because here’s the truth: modern coastal decor and the trending coastal grandma aesthetic can be beautiful, timeless, and calming without going overboard. In this post, I’m breaking down how to get that classy beach house feel no matter where you live, no nautical clichés required.
How to Pull Off Coastal Decor
1. Skip the Obvious (Yes, Even the Starfish)
The first rule of classy coastal decor? Say no to novelty.
If your coastal-inspired item looks like it belongs in a souvenir shop, skip it. That means no glittery shells, fish-shaped pillows, or wooden plaques that say “The beach is my happy place.”
Instead, look for subtle nods to the coast: think natural textures, soft blues and whites, and organic shapes. Let the mood suggest the beach, not scream it.
Try these:
2. Embrace the Coastal Grandma Palette
The coastal grandma trend isn’t just about linen pants and big sun hats—it’s an entire vibe. For interiors, that means muted blues, crisp whites, and warm neutrals. Layer textures like light cotton, linen, rattan, and driftwood tones to give your space depth and softness.
Paint your walls a soft white, add creamy slipcovers, and use pops of pale blue in your artwork or textiles. It’s serene, stylish, and completely timeless.
Favorites for this look:
- This striped armchair
- This coastal oak sideboard buffet
- A breezy linen curtain set (I love pinch pleat curtains!)
- Blue ceramic vases
3. Use Natural Materials Wherever You Can
The best part of modern coastal decor is how effortlessly it mixes with natural elements. Bring the outdoors in with unfinished wood, rattan furniture, clay pottery, and light, open-weave fabrics.
Don’t overthink it! Natural materials are what make a space feel inviting rather than staged.
Try these options:
4. Keep the Ocean-Inspired Art Subtle and Soft
Ocean artwork can be beautiful when done right. Look for abstract coastal landscapes, soft watercolor waves, or vintage nautical maps. Avoid overly literal or cartoonish art (you know the ones) and instead go for pieces that feel soothing and organic.
Bonus points if you can find downloadable coastal art to frame yourself to put in vintage or thrifted frames!
Top picks:
- This downloadable abstract coastal set
- Antique-style map prints
- Driftwood frames for a touch of texture
- OR mix in with vintage frames for a touch of an old-world feel
5. Use Accessories Sparingly—but Thoughtfully
Less really is more here. A bowl of shells can be beautiful, but maybe not on every surface. Aim for intentional vignettes rather than a full-blown beach theme in every room.
I almost brought home a really unique coral fossil rock from one of my trips but then was kindly informed that I would be fined $1500 – so I put it back. Whoops!
Try (legally) styling a small nook with:
- A stack of books about coastal living
- A small bud vase with local blooms
- A single piece of coral (real or faux). I love these coral fossil rocks.
It’s all about the feeling—light, airy, and relaxed—not hitting a nautical checklist.
Coastal decor has come a long way from seashell everything—and your home can reflect that. By sticking to natural materials, thoughtful accents, and soft coastal colors, you can get that breezy, beachy feeling without the cheese.
Whether you’re channeling your inner coastal grandma or just trying to make your space feel a little more like summer, a classy coastal refresh might be just what your home needs.
Ready to start decorating? Shop my favorite modern coastal finds here.
And don’t forget to pin this post so you can come back to it later!
