What Is Coastal Interior Design? (And How to Bring That Breezy, Relaxed Feeling Into Your Home)

Vacation HomesRenovationRoomsDesignSustainability

Aug 6

Let’s Start with the Big Question…

What the heck is coastal design—and why am I so obsessed with it?

If you’ve been around since last year (or even just the start of 2025), you probably noticed I was a little more open-ended with my design style. But recently, I decided to really lean into what lights me up—and that’s coastal-inspired interiors.

I rebranded Merritt Design Co. this spring to focus on helping homeowners—whether it's your main home, second home, or vacation rental—create a space that feels like a retreat. Because when you love how your home feels, you naturally want to be there. You relax more. You host more. You breathe deeper.

And honestly? Every day should feel like vacation… or at least like something close to it.

Coastal Design Is Not One Look

Here’s the thing: coastal interior design is not just blue and white or filled with seashells and driftwood (unless that’s your vibe—no judgment!).

There are so many ways coastal design shows up, like:

Classic Nautical – sailboats, navy stripes, crisp contrast
Boho Beach – natural textures, linen fabrics, laid-back energy
New England Cottage – clapboard siding, hydrangeas, whitewashed finishes
Modern South Florida – sleek finishes, luxury touches, oceanfront views
Rustic Coastal or Fisherman-Style – weathered wood, aged metal, function-first materials

Whether you live by a lake, on the ocean, or in a landlocked state with coastal dreams, you can bring the essence of the coast into your home.

At Merritt Design Co., we celebrate all forms of coastal living. I grew up on a lake in the Midwest and now live on the Atlantic. So trust me—I don’t play favorites. It’s not about where you are. It’s about how you want your home to feel.

Why I’m Creating This Series

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be walking you through exactly how to bring a coastal look and feeling into every space in your home—no matter your square footage or location.

This series is for you if:

You’re a homeowner who wants a space that feels relaxing and pulled together
You’ve got a second home or vacation rental and want it to feel like an escape
You love the calm, layered, beachy-but-refined vibe of modern coastal design
You want practical tips, not just pretty Pinterest photos

This isn’t about copying trends. It’s about building something that feels like you.

So… What Is Coastal Interior Design?

If you ask 10 designers, you’ll probably get 10 different answers—and I kind of love that. Here’s what a few top sources say:

The Spruce: “Coastal design is characterized by the reflection of natural seaside elements—surf, sand, and sky—through color and texture.”
Miami Luxury Interior Design: “Coastal interiors rely on watery hues and natural textures to create an aesthetically appealing and relaxing seaside atmosphere.”
Architectural Digest: “Coastal design is more nautical, leaning into darker elements and touches that feel reminiscent of a captain’s quarters.”
HGTV: “Coastal style emphasizes lighter tones in shades of blue, green, beige, and white to communicate a relaxed feel.”

So, is coastal design about color? Texture? Light? Flow? Yes—to all of it. But what matters most is that your home feels peaceful, grounded, and like your personal version of paradise.

Coastal Entryway — Design That Works for *Your* Life

Coastal design isn’t a one-size-fits-all aesthetic. It’s a *feeling.*
For some, it’s breezy whites and soft linens. For others, it’s moody blues and antique brass. The key is designing a space that reflects *you*—your story, your lifestyle, your rhythm. Not just what’s trending.
This is especially true if you're designing a vacation home or short-term rental: it should feel different than your primary home. It should feel like you're stepping into an entirely new energy—something slower, lighter, more relaxed. That’s what good coastal design does.

Here’s What’s Coming Next

This is the first of a seven-part blog series that’ll walk you through coastal design room by room, including:

The Coastal Kitchen – Flow-focused layouts, functional finishes, and layered texture
Coastal Bathrooms – Spa vibes, calming tones, and smart storage
Coastal Bedrooms – Spaces that feel breezy, layered, and restful
Open-Plan Living – How to tie the living room, kitchen, and dining areas together
Outdoor Spaces – Coastal patios, balconies, and backyard retreats
Bringing It All Together – How to create a full-home coastal feel

Each post will include real-life examples, tips you can use right away, and a peek into how I help my clients bring these elements into their homes.

Want a Coastal Home That Actually Feels Like You?

Whether you live oceanside or miles from the nearest beach, you can create a home that feels like your favorite place to unwind.

So stay tuned. I’ll be sharing:

My favorite coastal paint colors and materials
Tips for layering texture without clutter
How to design for comfort, function, and flow
And how to personalize your space so it still feels like you

If you’re already thinking, “Yep, this is what I need”—let’s chat. Book a discovery call below and let’s start designing the home you’ve been dreaming of.

let's partner together