While the nautical decor captures the adventurous spirit of the high seas, the coastal decor is all about recreating the serenity of the shore and the simplicity of the carefree beach lifestyle.

Whether it conjures traditional Cape Cod house style, a sophisticated beachfront ambience, or a more bohemian aesthetic, going coastal gives interiors a feeling of freshness, openness, and connection to nature. But how do you get a coastal look? The following guidelines might give you a hand in creating an ultimate summer retreat.

Use Cushions to Create the Perfect Coastal Sofa

Turn your space into a never-ending summer paradise with coastal cushions made of high-quality and durable fabrics. Throw pillows with attractive and eye-catching patterns will improve the look of your sofa and your living space as a whole by adding texture and colour.

However, when going coastal, cushions’ scale and proportion are key factors in achieving a designer look. Threes are visually appealing and offer a sense of equilibrium. Always begin with a huge pillow at the back to achieve this look. Add a pillow that is a little bit smaller after that. Finally, add a lumbar or perhaps a smaller square pillow to complete the look.

More traditional designs use two pillows on each end of the soft. This works if you prefer a “less is more” look. To achieve the perfect balance, use a larger Hamptons cushion in the back and a smaller one in the front, just like above.

Moreover, coastal cushions are the perfect way to add colour to your space. Use two to three colours when mixing and matching as a general rule. It will make your interior intriguing without being overly cluttered.

When experimenting with patterns, tend for a balanced look where Hamptons cushions aren’t competing with one another. The best way in achieving resort-style living is to use plaid patterns with small floral prints. A combination of solid, striped and floral patterns can be a terrific option as well.

To create dimensions effortlessly, use a variety of textures within your fabrics. Finishing touches like fringe and tassels will add even more texture and appeal.

Set the Tone with Wall Art

One of the simplest ways to successfully implement the coastal decor into your home is to hang a gorgeous coastal print on your blank wall and instantly transform your room into a summer haven. Before summer even arrives, you may warm up the mood in your home by adding beautifully framed seaside art prints.

Additionally, choose beach art and images of traditional Australian landscapes like kangaroos, banksia trees, or Pandanus palms to give your home a truly Australian feel.

Another great way to transport yourself to the shore while also incorporating a touch of modern abstract art is to select an aerial coastal print.

These coastal prints are produced using aerial drone photography, and they include the gentle pastel tones and mellow warm colours of beaches and coasts combined with the turquoise blues of the ocean. Their organic colour combinations will set the mood in your room while also conjuring up visions of your ideal beach trip or summer holiday.

Stock Up on Wood, Rattan and Wicker Furniture Pieces

Vintage wicker chairs, rattan headboards, and bamboo-woven lampshades are popular furniture options for going coastal. These natural materials give texture and are always in style.

Therefore, the living room is the ideal location for your new rattan piece of furniture if you want to incorporate a seaside escapism theme or simply enjoy playing with light woods and different textures. Rattan typically works best when utilized as a statement piece and surrounded by straightforward furnishings.

But, if you are prone to obsession, you can also furnish with multiple rattan, wicker, and wood pieces. To exhibit your favourite books as well as decorations, lighting or portraits, a wooden bookshelf with storage, for example, might be a great choice. Keep in mind though the type of wood you choose, as not all woods are coastal-friendly.

On the other hand, every dining space needs a sideboard to hold some eye-catching décor items that tastefully tie the room together in addition to storing dinnerware. A wicker corner would look beautiful in a boring dining room corner, and it would be the ideal place to hold some books, trinkets, or perhaps a minibar.

Stick to Strong but Simple Patterns

The conventional ticking stripes are one of the most distinctive patterns in coastal home decor. Just by glancing at the print, you'll feel like you're at the beach. A tried-and-true method of adding the pattern to your décor plan is to pair it with a piece of attractive contemporary furniture.

The seaside homes you've seen, though, might have caught your eye because of their use of tropical textiles and fish-lined motifs. However, if you prefer to keep your space modern, consider purchasing something a little more streamlined. Go for simple forceful patterns over the classic marine ones. This may include established patterns like stripes and plaids and a paisley pop now and then.

Go Nautical but Modern

Nautical elements are prevalent in coastal décor, and sometimes it can be difficult to blend them into a modern coastal aesthetic because they are typically fairly cheesy. In this regard, stay away from the tried-and-true sailboat and seashell patterns and incorporate a modern nautical design instead.

Stocking up on chic, unfinished wooden furniture is just one of many possibilities that work. The raw finish of this furniture piece will evoke ideas of rustic driftwood while its silhouette will pay homage to the clean lines of modern design.

The inclusion of pampas grass is inherently beneficial to any seaside home. However, modern coastal design is all about eliminating kitsch and clutter, so take care not to go overboard. As a result, strategically organize your pampas grass. Also, consider mixing it with some of the less blatantly beach plants in your area.