Coastal style decor has become increasingly popular in recent years. This relaxed, beach-inspired look is making its way out of vacation homes and into primary residences across the country. As I unpack the reasons behind the rising popularity of coastal style, I’ll explore some of the key elements of this trend and provide tips for integrating it into your home.
The Appeal of Coastal Style
What is it about coastal style that makes it so popular right now? Here are some of the factors driving its mainstream appeal:
Casual and Carefree
Coastal decor evokes a casual, carefree vibe that offers an escape from the stresses of everyday life. The light and airy palette and natural textures create a laidback environment. This provides a relaxing retreat within your own home.
Focus on Natural Elements
Coastal design brings the outdoors in through the use of natural materials and colors. Lots of wood, wicker, rattan, driftwood, seashells, and sand dollars add organic texture. Accents in sea glass greens, ocean blues, and sandy neutrals connect to the colors of the beach landscape.
Sense of Vacation
The beach conjures feelings of vacation and the leisurely pace of a holiday escape. Coastal decor captures that carefree, weekend state of mind. Just being surrounded by these beachy accents can promote relaxation and contentment.
Incorporating Coastal Elements
Here are some tips for bringing coastal influences into your home:
Color Palette
Stick to light, neutral shades like sand, ivory, tan, and light blue. Then layer in accents of deeper ocean blues and sea greens. White walls keep the backdrop airy.
Natural Textures
Incorporate materials like rattan, seagrass, driftwood, raffia, and wood. The more texture, the better, so layer rugs over wood floors and hang woven shades.
Nautical Accents
Add pops of nautical flair with accents like shells, starfish, anchors, boats, buoys, and oars. Stick to one or two statement pieces as focal points instead of going overboard.
Relaxed Furnishings
Choose casual, comfortable furniture, like whitewashed wood pieces, rattan settees, and slipcovered sofas. Stain-resistant outdoor fabrics are ideal for upholstery.
Breezy Fabrics
Lightweight linens, cottons, and seersuckers promote a beachy vibe. Crisp white bedding feels fresh. Sheer curtains filtered sunlight beautifully.
The Coastal Lifestyle Trend
The coastal design trend ties into a larger coastal lifestyle movement. People are drawn not only to the decor of beachside living but also the activities and mindset.
Spending Time Outdoors
Coastal life encourages spending more time outdoors enjoying ocean breezes and water views. Decorating with outdoor furniture blur the lines between indoors and out.
Focus on Experiences
A beachy mindset is about disconnecting from devices and enjoying simple pleasures. People want to focus less on stuff and more on collecting experiences.
Slower Pace
The laidback vibes of seaside towns inspire people to unwind and move at a more leisurely pace. Coastal style invites you to put your feet up and relax.
Healthy Living
Coastal living promotes wellness through activities like swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and long walks on the beach. The casual style motivates healthier habits.
Mainstream Appeal
As people seek to infuse more relaxation and nature into their lives, coastal style provides the perfect decor solution. Its casual elegance and focus on simple pleasures offer an escape from the stresses of everyday life. For these reasons, the beachy look will continue to ride the wave of popularity for years to come.