Your Complete Coastal Home: A Room-by-Room Design Guide
Well, if you haven't jumped ship yet and you're still following along on how to make your home really exude those coastal vibes from top to bottom, then I thank you! This is a style that so many of us want to achieve, but it can be a struggle to figure out how without just buying the "Beach Please" sign at HomeGoods (we've all been there, no judgment).
Look, I get it. You want that effortless coastal look that makes you feel like you're on vacation every day, but where do you even start? And how do you make sure your living room doesn't look like it's from a completely different house than your bedroom?
Here's the thing - creating a cohesive coastal home isn't about following a strict rulebook or buying everything from the same collection. It's about understanding how to weave your style through each space so everything feels intentionally connected, not accidentally thrown together.
Don't Go Overboard (See What I Did There?)
Before you dive into decorating every room, let's talk about your game plan. Because trust me, without one, you'll end up with a house that looks like a nautical gift shop exploded.
Your coastal foundation (the stuff that matters):
Pick your vibe: Are you more "sophisticated Hamptons" or "laid-back Key West"? There's no wrong answer, but pick one and stick with it
Choose your colors: 2-3 neutrals that you love, plus 1-2 accent colors that make you happy
Select your hero materials: Think natural wood, linen, maybe some rattan - whatever speaks to you
Not sure where you land on the coastal spectrum? Start with What is Coastal Design? - It'll help you figure out your style without getting lost at sea.
Your Room-by-Room Treasure Map
Set the Scene with Color
Color is like the soundtrack to your home - it sets the whole mood. Get the inside scoop on coastal paint colors that actually work in South Florida's crazy-intense sunlight.
The Heart of Your Home
Your kitchen is where the magic happens (and by magic, I mean coffee and wine). Learn how to create a coastal kitchen that's Instagram-worthy but actually functional. Then take it up a notch with entertaining ideas that'll make your dinner parties the talk of the neighborhood.
Your Personal Oasis
Your bedroom should feel like a five-star resort, not a college dorm room with seashells. Here's how to design a coastal bedroom that's actually restful (and looks amazing on Instagram).
Don't Forget the Bathroom
Yes, even your bathroom can have coastal vibes without looking like a beach-themed restaurant. Check out these coastal bathroom ideas that feel more spa, less tourist trap.
Take It Outside
The real magic happens when you blur those indoor-outdoor lines. Create outdoor spaces that feel like an escape without requiring a full renovation budget.
Tying It All Together (Without Losing Your Mind)
Here's the secret sauce: repetition without replication. Use the same color family in different shades. Repeat materials in different ways. Keep your overall vibe consistent while letting each room have its own personality.
Think of it like getting dressed - you wouldn't wear the exact same outfit every day, but you probably have a style that's recognizably you, right? Same concept for your house.
Your cheat sheet:
Figure out your coastal style first (seriously, don't skip this)
Start with one room that you love and use it as your North Star
Layer in connections as you tackle other spaces
Remember: coastal should feel effortless, not like you tried too hard
Ready to Dive In?I hope this little tour through coastal design has been helpful and way more fun than reading a boring design manual. Creating a home that flows beautifully from room to room doesn't have to feel overwhelming - it just takes a little planning and a lot of personality.
If you're ready to create a coastal home that actually feels like YOU (and not like a vacation rental catalog), I'd love to chat about how we can make that happen. Because life's too short for boring rooms and homes that don't make you smile.
Let's talk! Book a discovery call and we'll figure out how to turn your house into the coastal retreat you've been dreaming about.
REBECCA MERRITT
founder & principal designer
We are a boutique interior design studio based in The Keys, Florida.
