Coastal cottage interiors are beloved for their breezy charm and casual elegance. Rooted in natural textures, light-filled spaces, and a palette inspired by sea and shore, this style blends comfort with timeless seaside living. Whether you live steps from the beach or simply want to bring coastal calm into your home, here’s a guide to the key décor elements and artwork that embody the coastal cottage aesthetic.
1. Light and Airy Foundations
At the heart of coastal cottage style is a sense of openness and natural light. Whitewashed walls, pale wood floors, and airy window treatments create a fresh backdrop reminiscent of sunlit beach cottages (Baker, Coastal Style, 2015).
What to add:
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White or off-white wall paint with a matte or limewashed finish
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Light oak or weathered pine flooring
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Sheer linen or cotton curtains that let natural light flow in
2. A Palette Inspired by Sea and Sand
The coastal palette reflects the natural surroundings: soft whites, sandy neutrals, seafoam greens, and shades of blue ranging from misty sky to deep navy (Williams, Seaside Interiors, 2018).
What to add:
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Pale blue or soft aqua accents in textiles and ceramics
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Navy-and-white striped fabrics for pillows or rugs
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Neutral upholstery in cream, beige, or light gray
3. Natural Materials and Textures
Like French countryside design, coastal cottage style celebrates authenticity. Materials feel organic, weathered, and inviting, reflecting the relaxed pace of life by the sea (Smyth, The New Coastal: Inspiration for Modern Seaside Living, 2020).
What to add:
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Rattan chairs and woven seagrass baskets
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Jute rugs and sisal runners
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Driftwood or whitewashed furniture pieces
4. Nautical and Seaside Accents
Décor pieces reference life by the water—sometimes subtly, sometimes playfully. The key is balance: a nod to the sea without overwhelming the space (Taylor, Coastal Modern, 2017).
What to add:
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Weathered lanterns or hurricane lamps
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Striped throws or cushions
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Rope or net-inspired details in mirrors and light fixtures
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Collections of shells, coral, or sea glass displayed simply
5. Artwork for a Coastal Home
Artwork sets the tone for coastal cottage interiors, tying the space to sea and sky.
What to look for:
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Seascapes: Soft oil or watercolor paintings of beaches, harbors, or waves that capture light and atmosphere.
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Nautical prints: Antique maps, sailing sketches, or ship engravings to bring in maritime history.
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Botanical & marine life studies: Prints of coastal flora, shells, or fish illustrations for a naturalist touch.
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Abstract coastal art: Modern interpretations of sea colors and textures for a fresh take on tradition.
6. A Casual, Lived-In Feel
The essence of coastal cottage design is its ease. Nothing feels overly styled or precious. Instead, the look comes from layering comfortable pieces that feel collected, not contrived (McCormick, Coastal Blues, 2016).
What to add:
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A mix of slipcovered and natural wood furniture
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Stacks of beach reads and nautical artifacts
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Art hung in driftwood, white, or lightly distressed frames
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Cozy throws and pillows in layered blues and creams
Why Coastal Cottage Endures
Coastal cottage style is more than a design trend—it’s a reflection of a lifestyle shaped by light, water, and simplicity. By combining natural textures, breezy palettes, and seaside-inspired art, you can create a home that feels both grounded and refreshed, timeless and inviting.
Sources Cited
Baker, Linda. Coastal Style. Sterling Publishing, 2015.
Williams, Angelika Taschen. Seaside Interiors. Taschen, 2018.
Smyth, Lauren. The New Coastal: Inspiration for Modern Seaside Living. Harper Design, 2020.
Taylor, Tim Neve. Coastal Modern. Rizzoli, 2017.
McCormick, Phoebe Howard. Coastal Blues. Abrams, 2016.