We think we’re not alone in saying that our worries melt away when we hit the beach. And so, it’s no surprise that many of us wish to recreate this relaxed coastal feeling in our homes.
Of course, the beauty of nature is a major factor. But the feeling is what matters, right? The sights, the smells, and the sounds. The soft colors and the natural textures. That overall feeling is what soothes us.
The best part is that you don’t need to head out to the beach to experience this. You can transform your own home into a cozy coastal retreat—and, in this blog post, we’ll show you exactly how. Keep reading for our top interior design tips for shore homes!
Select the Right Materials
When choosing the materials for your coastal home, it’s important to think about the challenges of a shore environment. Coastal homes are exposed to elements like humidity and salty air—which can take a toll on standard materials. So, you want to blend durability with coastal style when choosing materials. These include:
- Hardwood, engineered wood or tile floors. With a little care, hardwood floors can last you a lifetime, while engineered wood provides stability against humidity. You want to stick to lighter-toned wood, like white oak, to stick to the vibe of a beach house. Another great choice for coastal homes is tile flooring, which is easy to clean, moisture-resistant, and perfect for high-traffic areas. Plus, pairing tile with a radiant heated flooring system can keep the house warm and cozy in the winter months.
- Stone countertops. In kitchens and bathrooms, countertops must stand up to both heat and moisture. For durability, consider quartzite, quartz, sintered stone, or soapstone—all of which are highly resistant to heat and scratches. These materials also bring a sleek, modern look to your coastal home. For those seeking a luxurious design touch, marble is a timeless option, though it requires a bit more care. While not ideal for heat resistance, it does offer unparalleled elegance!
- Weather-resistant fabrics. There’s one place you don’t want to skimp on in your shore home—and that’s the outdoors. Use outdoor fabrics for your patio furniture, like Sunbrella (this is UV-resistant and easy to clean).
- Coastal-friendly furniture. The laid-back, breezy vibe of coastal living can be captured with rattan and wicker furniture. Both materials are stylish and lightweight. Plus, their organic texture perfectly complements the beach house aesthetic. Materials like sisal and grasscloth also add a tactile element to beach house interiors. For even more durability, consider materials like marine-grade polymer, aluminum, and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) resin. These options are built to resist corrosion, fading, and moisture damage, ensuring that your furniture remains beautiful and functional in any coastal environment!
Choose a Coastal Color Palette
A coastal color guide includes colors that create a serene and welcoming atmosphere. These are inspired by the natural beauty of the shore and aim to bring the outdoors inside. In a nutshell, they reflect the sky, sea, and sand. The key to a successful coastal palette? Keep the mood light, airy, and refreshing while incorporating pops of color.
To help your coastal interior connect with the natural surroundings, consider hues like:
- Blues and greens—Use varying shades of these (from pastel blue to deep navy) for a soothing, airy feeling that is reminiscent of coastal waters
- Sandy neutrals—Beige, taupe, and cream help add warmth to the interior
- Whites—Crisp whites create a clean and fresh backdrop that enhances the sense of space
- Pops of coral and turquoise—These warm up a cool blue space and bring to mind beach sunsets
- Sunny yellows—These evoke the warmth of the sun (stick to using this only as an accent color)
Beyond these colors, there’s always room for pastel shades of lavender and blush. Don’t forget to layer your colors for depth!
Opt for Coastal-Inspired Decor
Starfish and seashells belong in the ocean, not in a vase in our homes (sorry, but you’ll thank us later!). We recommend keeping your coastal interior unthemed to mirror the actual coastal mood. Instead, you want to add a few subtle coastal touches here and there for your shore house decor. Think a few natural driftwood pieces or a handcrafted clay vase on your coffee table.
Also, go big on texture with woven pillows (some anchor motifs won’t hurt) and jute rugs. If you’re really feeling it, some rustic pieces like ropes and a ship wheel will also work.
Maximize Views of the Water
… and sunshine! If you live on the shore, you definitely want to make the most of the beautiful outdoor view and sunshine.
Folks building their home from scratch can focus on the orientation, that is, positioning your home in a way that maximizes ocean views. Prioritize water-facing windows—and instead of multiple small windows, consider floor-to-ceiling ones for boasting views. Also, remember that an open-floor plan means unobstructed lines of sight (directed to the outdoors).
If you’re working on an existing home—why not create an open-floor plan by removing non-load-bearing walls? You can also swap out your windows with floor-to-ceiling ones (and minimal window treatments, like sheer curtains or easy-to-wind blinds). Also, make sure to keep the clutter out to clear the line of sight. And leverage large mirrors on walls that face a water view to reflect the scenery and light into the room.
Get Professional Help
If you’re looking to try coastal home design in your space, we’re here to help! At CRAFT by Anika, we specialize in luxury coastal interior design and decorating services throughout New York City and New Jersey, including areas like Monmouth County and Ocean County (Brick, Seaside Heights and Park, Lavallette, Mantoloking, Ortley Beach, and more).
Our approach ensures that your home not only reflects the beauty of the coast but also provides comfort and livability—whether it’s your primary residence or vacation getaway. We combine design expertise with project management, handling everything from paint and furniture selection to outdoor decor for patios and decks.
And, guess what? As the summer season winds down, now is the perfect time to start planning any renovation or interior design projects for your shore home! By starting your project in the fall, you’ll have ample time to plan, design, and transform your home before next summer arrives 😉
Reach out today to schedule a consultation 🤍
