Coastal Decorating Ideas for Exceptional Interior Designs

Airy, relaxed, and inviting, coastal interior design is the perfect style for breathing tranquillity into any interior space. Drawing on the idyllic beauty of sand, sea, and sky, modern coastal decor is characterised by its seamless blending of indoor and outdoor space.

Think of high ceilings, whitewashed walls, and weathered timber. Sprinkle in a few nautical touches, and everyone can enjoy the luxurious charm of a coastal-style home, no matter their proximity to the shore.

Here, the Intrim team shares some of our favourite modern coastal interior design ideas and tips to help you deliver this popular, laid-back style to clients. From selecting the ideal palette to maximising natural light, achieve the ultimate coastal interiors look with the help of our premium timber skirting boards, mouldings and architraves.

Choose coastal interior design colours

When it comes to achieving the coastal aesthetic for your next project, simplicity is key. Above all else, that is true of your colour palette. The term ‘blank canvas’ certainly applies to coastal homes, and achieving a contemporary seaside feel starts with simple, neutral tones. Whitewashed walls, beige furnishings, and grey accents—a light palette is key for establishing a calming base.

Of course, there is such a thing as too much neutral, so striking the right balance for your client’s space is essential. Add soft blue or green accents for a subtle take on nautical tones, or go bolder with statement pieces in sophisticated navy and teal.

Celebrate indoor and outdoor living

Coastal interior design doesn’t just draw on elements of the great outdoors, it celebrates the effortless blending of inside and outside. By not only replicating the colours of the natural environment but inviting the outside in through bi-fold doors and wall-length windows, coastal homes exude unparalleled lightness and airiness.

You may want to blur the lines further to transition traditional indoor aspects to the outside space. From living-room-style patio furniture to spa-like outdoor showers, you can achieve the perfect marriage between inside and out, no matter the budget.

Let in the light

Large windows and doors that open completely are ideal for maximising natural light. But that’s not to say they’re the only weapon in your coastal interior decorating arsenal.

Higher and vaulted ceilings flood the space with light and air, while carefully considered window treatments can provide privacy without blocking out the light. Opt for lightweight shutters and shades or simple cotton or linen curtains to mellow the sun’s glare.

When you need a little extra light on the scene, choose lighting solutions that blend seamlessly with your style of coastal decor. For indoor lighting, favour ceiling pendants and floor lamps with a natural finish, and deck the outside space with festoon lights and lanterns for breezy outdoor mood lighting.

Embrace natural textures

Bringing the outside in is much more than throwing open the door. Instead, aim for an uninterrupted flow of natural elements that harmoniously knit the two words together.

Whether in your choice of timber mouldings, furniture, or accessories, natural features are vital for bringing contemporary coastal interior design to life:

• Timber panelling: beach hut chic or seaside sophistication, vertical wood panelling fits any coastal interior project. From dado rails to half rounds, timber mouldings are perfect for elevating your coastal decor.
• Natural furniture: select large furniture pieces that complement the style without taking over. Consider stone table tops, rattan chairs, weathered timber stools, and driftwood accessories.
• Organic materials: add a calming, homely touch with natural, organic, or recycled soft furnishings. When coastal home interior decorating, layer linen, cotton, and hemp with wicker, jute, and bamboo to bring dimension and comfort to your finish.

Create WOW moments with our Modern Coastal samples box

At Intrim, we provide a range of timber moulding samples to make choosing your new look effortless. Hand-selected by our design experts, our Modern Coastal samples box contains a sample of our SK1474 primed timber skirting board and WB09 wall batten.

Add nautical finishing touches

Gone are the days of anchor motifs and sailboat prints. Encapsulating the contemporary coastal aesthetic is all about sophisticated seaside-inspired accessories. Think rustic ceramic trinket dishes, glazed glass vases, and woven storage baskets.

However, don’t neglect nature’s own treasure trove. The core of coastal interior decorating lies on the beach itself, so dotting the finished space with shells, coral, and driftwood is an elegant way of keeping all interior elements on theme and celebrating coastal environs.

Bring your coastal interior design ideas to life with Intrim

At Intrim, we’re here to deliver the tools and the inspiration. We provide an unrivalled range of interior mouldings to help you realise your coastal vision. From skirting boards to architraves to wall battens and panelling, you can rely on Intrim to add style, character, and finesse to your project.