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

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.