Beach Interior Design: A Coastal Home Guide for 2025

Beach Interior Design: A Coastal Home Guide for 2025

Whether you’re waking up to ocean mist in Nantucket or golden light in Sarasota, beach interior design isn’t just a look—it’s a lifestyle. This guide explores how to achieve effortless, collected, and elegant coastal interiors without slipping into cliché.

What Is Coastal Interior Design?

Coastal interior design channels calm, light, and restraint. It’s rooted in natural materials and architectural honesty—not seashells and sailboat motifs. Think: linen drapes that catch the breeze, a palette that mirrors sand and sky, and furniture that invites barefoot living.

“I design for people who want their homes to feel like summer—without looking like a souvenir shop.”
—Rachel Blindauer

Coastal vs. Beachy: What’s the Difference?

“Beachy” interiors tend to be casual, colorful, and sometimes kitschy. “Coastal” is about restraint and refinement. It uses light palettes, soft materials, and sculptural furniture to evoke relaxation with sophistication.

Sarasota Coastal Style: Mediterranean Revival curves, indoor-outdoor flow, sun-bleached wood
Nantucket Coastal Style: Cedar shingles, crisp white trim, historical detail

Your 2025 Coastal Color Palette

Colors are influenced by light and landscape. Here’s how to use them wisely:

Neutrals as Anchors:

  • Misty white

  • Dune beige

  • Warm greige

Soft Coastal Blues:

  • Sea salt

  • Sky blue

  • Dusty teal

Nature-Rooted Accents:

  • Seafoam

  • Clay pink

  • Sunwashed terracotta

Want help choosing the right hues? Read: The Best Paint Colors By Region

Top Materials for a Luxury Coastal Look

Coastal interiors rely on honest, natural materials that wear well with time and use:

  • Linen

  • Rattan

  • White oak

  • Hand-thrown ceramics

  • Jute rugs

  • Cane and slipcovers

If it feels like plastic, it probably looks like it too.

Design Elements That Define Elevated Coastal Homes

Vernacular Architecture

A coastal interior should reflect the rhythm and heritage of its environment:

  • Nantucket: Cedar shingles, white millwork, historic moldings
  • Sarasota: Mediterranean curves, breezy layouts, limestone floors

“The best beach houses don’t imitate their setting. They interpret it.”

Textural Layering

  • Woven lighting
  • Slipcovered sofas
  • Cotton throws

Let pieces breathe—don’t overcrowd.

Curated Accents

  • Artisanal glassware
  • Shell-inspired glazes
  • Antique coastal finds

Edit down to the essentials.

Best Rooms for Coastal Design Features

Indoor-Outdoor Dining Areas

  • Pocket doors or French doors
  • Natural stone flooring that continues outside
  • Woven pendant lighting and white linen drapery

Bedrooms That Breathe

  • Sky-toned walls (hint of blue or gray)
  • Whitewashed wood tones
  • Soft cotton bedding + blackout linen drapes

Living Rooms With Intent

  • Upholstered furniture in chalky neutrals
  • Floor lamps with sculptural bases
  • Art: abstract seascapes or simple linework

Coastal Interior Design Tips by Room

Indoor-Outdoor Dining Spaces

  • French or pocket doors
  • Natural stone flooring
  • Woven pendants + linen drapes

Bedrooms That Breathe

  • Sky-hued walls
  • Soft whitewashed wood
  • Cotton bedding + blackout linen

Living Rooms With Intention

  • Neutrals with layered texture
  • Floor lamps with sculptural lines
  • Coastal-inspired art: abstract seascapes, minimal line drawings

What Coastal Clients Ask For (and What They Really Mean)

“I want it to feel like vacation, every day.”
✓ Translation: Calm, clutter-free, and functional

“I love the beach, but I don’t want it to look theme-y.”
✓ Translation: Tactile materials, no anchor prints

“Can we keep it modern but warm?”
✓ Translation: Natural woods, soft neutrals, clean silhouettes

Rachel’s 3 Rules for Elevated Beach Interior Design

1. Let the architecture lead.

2. Design with light first, then color.

3. Texture is the new pattern.

Design Like a Local: Sarasota vs. Nantucket

No two coasts are alike. Rachel’s interiors reflect the rhythm of each location:

  • Sarasota: Sun-flooded homes with indoor-outdoor fluidity with pool areas, pale stone, and travertine

  • Nantucket: Historic shingles and trims and well appointed intimate living spaces that have a mix of modern with vintage/antiques for provance

Looking for a Coastal Interior Designer?

Whether you’re renovating a Sarasota vacation home or reimagining a Nantucket retreat, Rachel Blindauer offers virtual and in-person interior design consultations. Her interiors layer neutral palettes, natural textures, and a deep sense of place.

FAQ: Coastal Interior Design

What is the difference between coastal and beach house design?
Coastal design is refined and rooted in architectural clarity. Beach house design is often casual, more colorful, and relaxed.

What are the best colors for beach interior design?
Soft blues, warm whites, and muted clay tones work best for an elevated coastal palette.

Is coastal interior design still in style in 2025?
Yes—especially with today’s focus on timeless, nature-connected living.

Can I bring beach interior design into a non-coastal home?
Absolutely. The principles—light, texture, warmth—work anywhere.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to bring coastal calm into your home, book a consultation. Rachel will help you translate your favorite coastline into a feeling that lasts all year.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TOAGAIN AND AGAIN

2024 Interior Design Trends

2024 Interior Design Trends

As we look ahead to 2024, let’s explore the new trends in interior design from furniture to color schemes. Based on my research of trending searches and design knowledge, here are the top 9 trends in interior design for 2024:

Embracing the Warmth of Brown

Brown couches are set to be popular in 2024 as they bring earthen warmth, hide spills/dirt and function as a warm dark neutral in room. They create a cozy and inviting atmosphere and function as a neutral that grounds the popular cream texture looks. Sofa shown by Vladimir Kegan

 

Curved Couches and Chairs

Embracing flowing lines and organic shapes, curved couches and chairs are becoming increasingly popular. They add a touch of modernity and sophistication to your living space while also promoting a sense of comfort and relaxation. Chair and ottoman by Rachel Blindauer’s vendor Collector Group

Stacked Tile and Brick

This trend puts a twist on the classic tile and brick pattern by stacking tiles so they are aligned horizontally and vertically creating an unexpected layout. Stacked-tile backsplashes create visual interest and add a unique touch to your kitchen or bathroom. Domomite stacked tile pictured.

Industrial Charm Gets Sophisticated

Industrial-style decor continues to be popular in 2024, but gets more sophisticated with hand hewn stone, hand hewn wood, brick and metal accents. These features add a rustic yet modern charm to your home, creating a earthen and relaxed atmosphere.

Sculptural Art + Statement Pieces

Wall-mounted sculptures offer depth and dimension, adding a unique touch to your space. Mixing artworks in a variety of finishes, textures, and shapes can create a bold statement. Statement pieces add personality and create a wow factor. Moon Light by Rachel Blindauer vendor Ben & Aja Blanc at Future Perfect.

Dynamic Range Hoods

I anticipate a greater focus on hood vent covers in 2024. Bolder designs incorporating distinct textures such as plaster or wood fluting will be popular. Pairing a dramatic hood vent with an eye-catching range can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Custom plaster range hood pictured.

Two or Tri-Tone Color Schemes

Creating depth and complexity, two or tri-tone color schemes are among the top interior design color trends for 2024. These combinations of colors add visual interest and allow you to play with different shades and tones in your home.

A Pause From Technology

In 2024, there is a shift towards “dumb homes” where clients are seeking a break from technology. Harsh blue daylight lights, flashing led lights, tech listening in and bright touchscreens are giving way to a love of mechanical controls: old-school buttons, switches that toggle up and down, and simpler toilet washlets.

Inviting Living Rooms

So long to cold, white living rooms! Embrace a living room you can actually enjoy without worrying about accidental wine stains. Minimalism has evolved into a look that is less rigid for a more organic and inviting feel. Warm, textural spaces with natural materials in moodier, earthy color palettes. We’re moving away from bright whites and grays toward more creams, browns, rusts.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN

The Differentiation of Rachel Blindauer

The Differentiation of Rachel Blindauer

Rachel Blindauer works directly for her clients with assistants just helping behind the scenes. You won’t be given a junior designer that just got out of college and has no idea what they are doing at Rachel Blindauer. As they say the most expensive advice is bad advice…

Rachel Blindauer, who has over 15 years of experience in designing spaces and residential products, often works with clients that have multiple properties, developers, architects, hoteliers and help them on their own estates and their commercial properties. Rachel’s expertise as an industrial designer also adds a level of high end bespoke furniture and built-in designs on estates and furniture manufacturing cost savings on commercial properties.

Throughout her career, Rachel Blindauer has designed over 1000 pieces of furniture, seating, lighting, and decor items for the various Williams Sonoma, Inc. brands, and was an Assistant Vice President (AVP) at Gabby, a trade furniture company.

Rachel’s expertise in interior design is widely recognized, and she has been featured in various publications for her exceptional work. Her designs have been widely published, and her experience in designing interiors and furniture spans over 15 years.

Now centrally based out of St. Louis, Missouri, Rachel Blindauer continues to take on projects in various locations, from Nantucket, Massachusetts, to Sarasota, Florida, and anywhere her clients need her. This allows her to bring her unique design perspective to her jet set clients in different regions, ensuring that each project is tailored to the client’s specific needs and preferences. Each project is unique, and every item she designs has a story of its own. With a deep commitment to using high-quality materials, Rachel ensures that her creations are not only visually stunning but also durable and grows with you.

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EichlerColorPopKitchen

From residential interior design to assistance on commercial projects, Rachel Blindauer offers comprehensive services tailored to your specific preferences and requirements. Whether you need help selecting the perfect flooring, designing a nursery, or curating a shopping experience, Rachel’s personalized solutions will exceed your expectations.

What sets Rachel Blindauer apart is her extensive experience and expertise in the industry. Her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of design principles are evident in every project she undertakes, and her work has been widely published.

Rachel Blindauer is dedicated to providing exceptional design services that are functional and comfortable. Whether you are looking for interior design decor ideas, residential interior designers near you, or home interior design services, we have the expertise and experience to meet your needs.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a high-end client with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier, a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you , Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With their wealth of experience and expertise, they can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of luxury and sophistication.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TOAGAIN AND AGAIN

Top Hotel Interior Design Trends

Top Hotel Interior Design Trends

In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, where the pursuit of excellence is unending, the realm of interior design takes center stage. Crafting distinctive, immersive experiences for hotel guests isn’t merely a matter of aesthetics—it’s a symphony of art, functionality and hidden practicality. I invite you to explore seven groundbreaking trends that are revolutionizing the landscape of hotel interiors. These trends not only redefine how hotels operate but also create indelible, unforgettable experiences for the discerning traveler.

1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices:

In an era of increased environmental awareness, sustainable design and its savings on lowering the energy consumption of the building is a focus for hotels. From energy-efficient lighting to eco-friendly systems, hotels are adopting sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. The integration of natural elements, such as green walls and rooftop gardens, energy-efficient systems, reducing waste, and using locally sourced and organic products not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes a sense of well-being among guests. Energy-efficient systems, such as lighting and appliances, are also being implemented to reduce energy consumption.
  • Well Designed Energy-Efficient LED lighting: The lighting design plays a crucial role in setting a memorable ambiance and mood of hotel interiors. From warm and inviting lighting in lobby areas to adjustable reading lights and ambient lighting in guest rooms, well-designed lighting creates a sense of comfort and luxury.
  • Passive Solar
  • Waste reduction: Beyond aesthetics, it’s about responsible management. Water-saving fixtures, waste reduction strategies, green low-wash initiatives, and a commitment to recycling.

2. Biophilic Interiors

The concept of biophilic design is beyond a trend; it’s an enduring philosophy. As an interior designer, I’ve witnessed this approach transform spaces from ordinary to extraordinary. Biophilic design aims to connect guests with nature by incorporating natural elements into interior spaces. Creating a calming environment through the use of natural elements has been shown to reduce stress levels and enhance the overall guest experience. In hotels this is how to amplify this experience:
  • Indoor Plants, Gardens and Living Walls: Bringing nature indoors with automated watering is necessary to keep a space from looking sterile and commercial.
  • Atriums and Large windows: The orchestration of natural light through expansive windows, panoramic views, skylights, and the careful integration of atriums transforms hotel spaces into sanctuaries where guests find solace and inspiration.
  • Natural materials: Use of authentic materials like wood and stone portray quality and are an affordable way to achieve an expensive look.
 

3. Technology Integration

Hotels today are at the forefront of technological integration. Seamless and sophisticated, technology is interwoven into the guest experience.  Interactive displays, smart room systems, and mobile check-in services are just a few examples of how hotels are integrating technology seamlessly into their design. The result is a modern, convenient stay that befits the most tech-savvy traveler:
  • Mobile check-ins and keyless entry systems: Your smartphone becomes your key to a world of luxury and comfort as hotels leverage digital systems to offer hassle-free check-ins and keyless room access.
  • In-room Automation: Through intuitive smart systems, guests can customize room features like lighting and temperature with effortless ease.
  • Personalized recommendations: Thanks to artificial intelligence, hotels can now provide recommendations that cater to individual preferences, turning the stay into a bespoke journey.
  • Mobile Apps: Cutting-edge mobile applications put guests in command, allowing them to personalize their environment, request services, and access vital information from their fingertips.
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4. Multi-functional Spaces and Comfortable Spaces

Hotels are reimagining their spaces to cater to the changing needs of guests. Flexible and multi-functional spaces are becoming more popular, allowing hotels to accommodate various events and activities. From co-working spaces to pop-up shops and art galleries, hotels are creating dynamic environments that appeal to both guests and the local community.

  • Thoughtful Design and Cozy Nooks: Design, comfort, and groupings in a vast space is a hallmark of my work. Thoughtfully designed seating areas, communal spaces, and cozy nooks provide guests with comfortable spaces for relaxation, work, or socializing. By offering versatile and inviting spaces, hotels foster a sense of comfort and enhance the overall guest experience.
  • Co-working Spaces: Not hidden away in a stale room, co-working spaces offer more than just a desk; they offer a comfortable, social environment conducive to productivity and networking.
  • Pop-up Shops and Art Galleries: By hosting pop-up shops and collaborating with local artists, hotels create cultural microcosms that bridge the gap between guests and the local community. These spaces can be set aside in the lobby with curtain tracks.
  • Versatile Event Venues: Flexibility is paramount. Hotels offer versatile event spaces that can be tailored to host various events and activities.

5. Wellness and Well-being

Guests are increasingly prioritizing their health and well-being when choosing a hotel. Wellness amenities now include fitness centers, yoga studios, spa facilities, healthy dining options. Personalized wellness programs are also on the rise, providing guests with opportunities to rejuvenate and maintain their well-being during their stay. Combining business trips with leisure and services results in a need to cater to both business and leisure needs, such as conference facilities as well.

  • Fitness Centers: Elevating the hotel guest’s workout experience by incorporating state-of-the-art fitness centers with modern equipment.
  • Yoga Studios: Hotels are providing dedicated spaces for yoga and meditation.
  • Pool and Spa Facilities: A sanctuary for body and soul hotel pools allow guests to relax and rejuvenate during their stay.
  • Healthy In-Room and Restaurant Dining: The menu extends beyond traditional offerings, including Gluten Free/Vegetarian/Keto options.

6. Personalization and Customization

In the age of personalization, hotels are crafting unique and tailored experiences that resonate with each guest:
  • Tailored Room Amenities: The era of one-size-fits-all is behind us. Now, personalized room amenities elevate the guest’s experience, making it truly exceptional.
  • Curated Local Experiences: Hotels are weaving the local culture into the guest experience, offering curated, authentic experiences that resonate with the destination’s spirit.
  • Customized Recommendations: By analyzing guest preferences and previous stays, hotels are using data-driven AI to offer guests recommendations that align with their interests, saving them precious time in research and planning.
  • Customized Concierge Services: Guests no longer need to fit into a template; hotels are fitting their services around each guest’s unique needs and desires.

7. Immersive Art, Cultural Integration, Sense of Place

Hotels are embracing art and cultural integration to provide guests with unique and immersive experiences. Incorporating local artwork, traditional motifs, or showcasing the work of local artists adds a touch of authenticity and creates a connection to the destination. By incorporating local artwork, traditional motifs, and showcasing the work of local artists, hotels are able to add a touch of authenticity to their spaces and establish a profound connection between guests and the destination they are visiting.
  • Celebrating Local Artwork: By displaying paintings, sculptures, and other forms of artwork created by local artists, hotels can showcase the talent and creativity of the destination they are situated in. This not only creates a visually appealing environment but also allows guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and art scene.
  • Traditional Motifs and Designs: Traditional motifs and designs into their interior spaces. By using elements inspired by the local culture, such as traditional patterns, colors, and materials, hotels can create a sense of place and authenticity. Whether it’s incorporating intricate Moroccan tiles in a hotel lobby or adorning guest rooms with Chinese calligraphy-inspired wallpaper, these design choices enable guests to feel a genuine connection to the destination’s cultural heritage.
  • Showcasing Local Artists: Supporting local artists and providing them with a platform to showcase their work. Many establishments have started collaborating with artists from the community, dedicating gallery spaces within the hotel premises to exhibit their art. This not only gives guests the opportunity to appreciate and purchase unique artwork but also fosters a sense of connection between guests and the local art scene. Moreover, some hotels even organize art workshops and events, allowing guests to actively engage with the artists and gain deeper insights into the local culture.
  • Enhancing the Guest Experience: By immersing guests in the local culture through art, hotels create a memorable and engaging stay. Guests feel a sense of belonging and are more likely to develop an authentic connection with the destination. This connection can extend beyond the hotel walls, as guests explore the local community and seek out authentic experiences based on the cultural influences they have experienced.

In sum these trends are reshaping the hospitality industry by incorporating sustainable practices, connecting guests with nature, leveraging technology for convenience, creating versatile spaces, prioritizing wellness and well-being, and providing personalized experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, interior designers and hotels continue embrace the ever-changing needs and preferences of travelers. Feel free to download our Designing Iconic Hospitality document to see how we can help you.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TOAGAIN AND AGAIN

Rachel Blindauer as Creative Director in Commercial Projects

Rachel Blindauer as Creative Director in Commercial Projects

In the world of development, the role of an interior designer as a creative director should not be underestimated. Expertise in aesthetics, marketing, and finishes brings a unique perspective that enhances the overall success of a project. This article will explore why collaboration with Interior designers like Rachel Blindauer, who operate as creative directors, is essential for professionals in the fields of real estate investment, building, and development, and how this collaboration positively impacts the outcome by bridging aesthetics with commercial intelligence to increase value, speed up sales, and turn architectural concepts into emotionally resonant experiences.

EXPERTISE IN AESTHETICS

Interior designers possess a refined eye for form, scale, and spatial clarity. When brought into a commercial or residential development project early, they can transform spaces from standard to standout—integrating color theory, spatial harmony, and material sequencing in a way that maximizes perceived value. This isn’t decoration. It’s visual communication with ROI.

When an interior designer works in the role of creative director, the outcomes become layered, intentional, and market-aligned. From flooring transitions to sightlines to the palette chosen for lighting, every detail communicates brand and quality.

BRANDING REINFORCEMENT

Collaborating with interior designer/creative director Rachel Blindauer allows developers to strengthen their brand identity throughout the project as she carries the developer’s brand ethos through every visual and tactile decision. Rachel Blindauer not only oversees finish palettes, furniture, and fixtures—but also brings consistency to the full brand expression: sales brochures, model units, websites, signage, and even social media content and rhythms.

A truly integrated design narrative increases recognition, trust, and cohesion—ultimately shortening the buyer decision cycle. Creating a memorable experience for potential buyers or tenants, reinforcing a developer/builder’s branding and perception of quality.

ENHANCED FINISHES AND DETAILS

Attention to detail is crucial for the success of any development project, Rachel’s experience designing over 1,000 furnishings informs her nuanced approach to materiality. From sourcing custom light fixtures to specifying smart home technology that aligns with a building’s tone, her role ensures that no finish feels generic.

Projects with elevated finishes don’t just photograph well—they live well. And that difference gets noticed by brokers, buyers, and tenants alike.

MAXIMIZING MARKET APPEAL

Well-designed developments sell faster and command higher pricing. By tailoring design toward the specific buyer profile—be it modern minimalists, urban professionals, or coastal downsizers—a creative director can stage more than a space: they create aspiration.

Rachel’s design process includes studying target demographics and understanding the psychology of buying behavior. The result? Spaces that feel like a perfect fit before a word is spoken.

What Creative Direction Looks Like in Development

Developers often rely on architects and builders to define the physical structure—but it’s the creative director who gives the space a point of view. Rachel Blindauer works directly with project teams to:

  • Define the design concept and positioning

  • Create visual cohesion between interior and exterior

  • Develop design guidelines for signage, model units, and marketing

  • Ensure a consistent brand message across print, digital, and physical touchpoints

The result is a space that tells one clear story—from the first rendering to the final walk-through.

When to Bring in a Creative Director

The earlier, the better. While some developers wait until construction begins, Rachel’s best results come when she is brought in during the planning or schematic design phase. That allows her to:

  • Align the design vision with market strategy
  • Influence architecture for livability and finish integration
  • Design models and renderings that pre-sell units effectively

Waiting too long often leads to missed branding opportunities, mismatched finishes, or generic experiences that underperform.

CASE STUDY: 332 COCOANUT CONDOMINIUM

332 Cocoanut, located in downtown Sarasota, is a prime example of layered creative direction. Rachel Blindauer acted as interior consultant and design lead for multiple facets of the project:

  • Designed model units for walk-throughs
  • Led interior and exterior 3D renderings
  • Designed and managed install of signage, wayfinding, website, social media, branded collateral and marketing materials
  • Oversaw finish selections, smart home technology, and the design and install of all shared spaces including pool deck furniture, outdoor kitchen and pool deck finish selections
  • Smart home product upgrades included Ecobee Smart Thermostats, USB/Lightning outlets, and a Samsung Smart Fridge.

The result? A cohesive residential brand that captured the warmth of coastal Sarasota through layered whites, warm woods, and restrained modernism—elevating the building’s profile in a competitive condo market.

Final Thoughts

When developers collaborate with interior designers as creative directors, they’re not just getting aesthetics—they’re gaining a brand steward, a sales strategist, and a market translator.

Rachel Blindauer brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality and residential design, with a portfolio that spans custom furnishings, commercial strategy, and editorial-grade styling.

Ready to Elevate Your Next Development? Whether you’re designing a boutique hotel, branded residence, or pre-sale model unit—Rachel Blindauer offers creative direction that makes the ordinary unforgettable.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

Something for Everyone

THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TOAGAIN AND AGAIN