Ocean Breezes & Serene Spaces | Your Coastal Interior Design Guide

Waking up to the gentle sound of waves, the scent of salty air, and a home bathed in soft, natural light. This idyllic vision is the essence of Coastal interior design. We’re not talking about a gaudy maritime approach—Coastal design is far from being overtly themed with anchors and seashells (though subtle nods are welcome!). True Coastal design is about creating a serene, airy, and light-filled environment that evokes the relaxed elegance of a beach house or a breezy seaside retreat in one of this nation’s great coastal regions. 

This is a style where comfort, natural materials, and a connection to the outdoors come first. This guide will help you navigate the calming currents of Coastal decor, showing you how to achieve its signature look with furniture, decor, and even barn door installations—even if you don’t live by the coast anymore! 

Core Coastal Design ideas & principles to follow

The Coastal design style is defined by a sense of calm and openness. To capture its spirit, focus on these key characteristics:

• Light & airy color palette. The foundation is a refreshing, soothing color scheme. Whites and creams dominate, evoking the foam of the sea or the clouds above the beach. These are accented by shades of blue, sandy neutrals, and soft greens that mimic natural coastal elements.
• Abundant natural light. Nights at the beach are great, but modern Coastal design thrives on daylight. Spaces are designed to maximize natural light flow to create an open, uncluttered feel that mirrors the expansive horizon.
• Natural materials & textures. Embrace the organic beauty of the coast. Materials that match the color scheme and things found by the sea add texture and warmth without overwhelming the palette.
• Relaxed & comfortable furnishings. Coastal design prioritizes comfort and ease, with light fabrics inviting you to kick back and relax. Pieces are typically understated, with clean lines, allowing the natural light and textures to shine.
• Subtle nautical & beach motifs. Subtle nods to the sea are welcome, as long as you don’t turn your home into a Long John Silver’s! This might include decorative items or abstract art inspired by waves—just keep it classy. 
• Open & uncluttered spaces. A sense of spaciousness is paramount. Modern Coastal interior design tends to be uncluttered, allowing for clear sight lines and an uninterrupted flow of light and air.
• Incorporating Coastal Design elements into your home

To infuse your home with this serene, beach-inspired aesthetic, consider these elements:

• Furniture. Opt for light-colored wood furniture, with slipcovered sofas and armchairs in white, cream, or light blue linen or cotton are perfect. Wicker or rattan accent chairs add natural texture and have a “beach lounger feel”.
• Textiles. Use light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, much like you would when dressing for the beach. Incorporate patterns like subtle stripes, muted florals, or solid colors in your chosen coastal palette. 
• Accessories. Decorate with natural, vaguely nautical elements, such as glass jars filled with seashells, bowls of polished pebbles, pieces of driftwood as sculptural accents, or woven baskets for storage. 
• Lighting. For artificial lighting, choose fixtures with natural materials like rattan, rope, or simple, lightweight metal finishes. Lamps with clear/blue-tinted glass bases or distressed wood are also appropriate.
• Walls & floors. Keep walls light with white, off-white, or pale blue/green paint. Whitewashed or light-stained hardwood floors are ideal. Large area rugs made of jute, sisal, or cotton in neutral tones or subtle stripes help to define zones.

Picking your Coastal doors… from the barnyard? 

While barn doors might conjure images of a life on the range, their inherent versatility, space-saving benefits, and customizable finishes make them a shockingly spot on fit for a Coastal interior design scheme. With the right design choices, a barn door can blend into a serene, light-filled environment, adding functional elegance and relaxed charm.

Whitewashed or light-washed barn doors

A solid barn door painted in crisp white, soft cream, or a pale blue, with a slightly distressed or whitewashed finish, perfectly embodies the light and airy feel of California Coastal design. This finish mimics the sun-bleached wood of the humble surfboard and creates an immediate sense of calm. If you can, maybe look for barn doors made from reclaimed wood for some extra organic texture. 

Maximizing light with glass panels

Barn doors with clear glass panes offer the ultimate light flow to maintain an open, expansive feel. This allows natural light to penetrate deeper into interior spaces, enhancing the bright and airy characteristic of Coastal design. For added privacy, as needed (bathrooms, etc.), frosted or reeded glass panels can diffuse light beautifully while tactically obscuring views.

Clean & understated hardware

Avoid heavy, dark industrial hardware. For Coastal design, opt for finishes and styles that are light, clean, and subtle. Choose stainless steel barn door hardware or brushed nickel finishes for a sleek, modern look that complements the light palette. Handles and pulls should be chosen for minimalist designs, perhaps a simple bar pull or a classic cup pull, to maintain the uncluttered aesthetic.

Strategic placement for flow & functionality

• A barn door can create a beautiful, wide opening to a sunroom, balcony, screened porch, or patio, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow central to Coastal living.
• Use a whitewashed or light-colored barn door to conceal a laundry area or pantry, adding a touch of charm while maintaining a relaxed aesthetic.
• A barn door, especially with frosted glass, can provide a stylish entrance to a Coastal-inspired bedroom or bathroom.
• Use them as the entryway leading into your kitchen, enhancing the aesthetic to match all the southern Coastal classics that you might be cooking up in there. 

Take your home to the seaside with Coastal interior design

Coastal interior design offers a refreshing escape without leaving the house, transforming your home into a serene sanctuary inspired by the beauty of the ocean. It's a style that prioritizes light, natural materials and comfort to create a tranquil retreat from the everyday.

A barn door, far from being confined to rustic settings, can be surprisingly well-suited to a Coastal home. These sliding or bifold doors can seamlessly integrate with the aesthetic, whether through its sun-bleached finishes, light-enhancing glass panels, or understated hardware. 

For more guides on interior design or even some more focused insights on using barn doors, visit our blog today.