Coastal decor can encompass a lot of looks, from the kitschy - seashell animal figurines (no thank you) - to sparse minimalism, which can be altogether dreamy.
The palette tends toward blues, any shade will do, dipping over into greens and sometimes including yellow too (can't forget about the sun!). Red also makes an appearance, especially when paired with navy, as nothing says nautical like all-American red, white, and blue. As for pattern, geometrics play well, as do stripes, and actual coastal representations, like fish, coral, and ships, if done in moderation, ocean-inspired rooms tend to have plenty of texture too, calling on seagrass, sisal, ropes, and sand.
We've pulled together five living rooms with seaside schemes, unified in their tasteful restraint from going overboard with too much of a good thing. You'll find coastal themes in moderation, from model sailboats to sea creatures, in relaxed, elegant settings.
This is a traditional, distinctly American space, calling on Colonial era accents, like the brass nautical mirror and period sailboats. Crisp chevron drapes and a sisal rug keeps it from feeling stuffy. Interior image: House Beautiful.
Shopping guide: 1 Porthole 21 1/4" High Oval Wall Mirror 2 Sailboat Framed Art 3 Expedition Chestnut Faux Leather Storage Chest 4 Sung Collection Quito Jute Area Rug 5 Modern Chevron Marine Swoop Accent Chair 6 Eggshell Lattice Ceramic Garden Accent
This cheerful enclosed porch looks to be perched right on the beach. A nautical-inspired lantern hangs from the breadboard ceiling painted a watery blue. Splashes of color are worked in with bold stripes and the piping on the cushions of the rattan porch furniture. Interior image: Southern Living.
Shopping guide: 1 Casa Sierra Hanging Lantern 2 Tabs Bright Accent Pillow 3 Jamie Young Natural Jute Urn 4 Red Chenille Throw Blanket 5 Riviera Outdoor Sofa 6 Fishtail Fern with Black Metal Stand
Pale blue painted paneled walls paired with a sofa upholstered in white duck and casual white curtains on a stainless steel rod is a sure way to score a casual coastal decor feel. The sailboat clinches it. Interior image: via Completely Coastal.
Shopping guide: 1 Newport Sloop Replica-Model Sailboat 2 Natural Light Cordage Square Jute Table Lamp 3 Admiral Set of 3 Navy Throw Pillows 4 Rachel Classic Natural Slipcover Sofa 5 Loop Mohair Lake Blue Throw Blanket 6 Nautilus Fossil Shell Sculpture
This well-sized living room has ample seating, including a cozy armchair in blue ticking. Nautical-inspired lanterns hang from the beamed ceiling, while sturdy floor lamps and a colorful table lamp adds extra light for reading. Coral pillows and fish prints stamp it "beach." Interior image: Jupiter Riverfront Homes.
Shopping guide: 1 Arteriors Home Cassidy Coral Orange Porcelain Table Lamp 2 Pinebrook Round Accent Table 3 Blue and White Striped Kids Armchair 4 Coral Accent Pillow 5 Wrass and Rudd Set of Two Framed Fish Prints 6 Uttermost Set of 2 Gloss White Coral Bowls
This great room is obviously located in a beachy-locale, given the sea fans, coral, and hydrangeas, but rather than go with the expected baby blue or navy, the palette gets a little zing with a zestier sky blue. Interior image: Better Homes & Gardens.
Shopping guide: 1 Judith Edwards Designs Silver Sea Star 2 Natural Sea Fan with Base 3 Rivoli Porcelain Faux Bamboo Table Lamp 4 Turquoise Bonded Leather Parson Chair 5 Rattan Accent Storage Trunk 6. Caleb White Linen Arm Chair