What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I’m loving it!)

If you’ve been following along for a while, you know how much I love both modern coastal and Nancy Meyers style interiors, having embraced both design styles here on my blog and in our home.  So when I heard about coastal grandmother style (sometimes called coastal grandma or coastal granddaughter style), a mingling of coastal décor and the breezy, elevated aesthetic portrayed in Nancy Meyers movies like Something’s Gotta Give, it was a match made in heaven.

If you’ve been wondering what coastal grandma style interior design is all about, today I’m taking a look at this decorating trend, along with easy ways to bring the coastal grandmother aesthetic to your home, inspiration images, places to shop for coastal grandmother furniture and decor in 2025, and more.

Kate Marker Interiors

First, what is coastal grandmother style?

The term coastal grandmother was first used by Tik Tok influencer Lex Nicoleta and refers to a relaxed, elevated way of living–the kind of chic lifestyle exemplified by Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give and Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated. 

I’m sure there are many different takes on this aesthetic, but when I think of coastal grandmother interiors, it brings up visions of light-filled rooms, fresh flowers, an abundance of books, comfortable slipcovered furniture, neutral hues, baskets, and natural elements –anything that represents a relaxed, elevated, lighter way of living and decorating. 

Pure Salt Interiors

Incorporating a mix of elevated Hamptons and fresh modern coastal styles, coastal grandmother style is all about adopting a slower-paced, leisurely lifestyle – even if you don’t live near the coast and/or aren’t a grandmother!

All in all, coastal grandmother style interior design is a chic, comfortable aesthetic that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Pure Salt Interiors

How to add a touch of coastal grandmother style to your home

The coastal grandma look embraces the little details that make a house feel like home — herbs on the kitchen windowsill, bowls of fruit, fresh flowers, plenty of books, cozy slipcovered furniture, casually thrown pillows, and an abundance of natural light. 

Jean Stoffer Interior Design

To bring the coastal grandma aesthetic to your home, start with a background of white walls, then add in window coverings, bedding, and accents in natural fabrics like cotton and linen.

Next, layer in some natural elements, including light wood furniture, plenty of baskets, and textured rugs. 

Pure Salt Interiors

The coastal grandmother aesthetic is based on a calming color palette drawn from nature, complete with soft neutral tones and textures.

Finally, accent your spaces with decorative items, throw pillows, and cozy blankets in soft, muted colors of the sea, sand, and sky. 

The key to coastal grandma style interior design is all about mastering the mix of timeless and modern.

Greige Design

Since coastal grandma style is essentially carefree and relaxed, it’s easy to go overboard when bringing a coastal-inspired look to your home. 

Some things to avoid overdoing in a coastal-themed home include signs, ropes, anchors, sea creatures, and nautical motifs.

Rather, coastal grandmother style is thoughtful, neutral, serene, and elevated. 

Pure Salt Interiors

Here are some suggested elements to capture the coastal grandmother look:  

• Jute, wool or sisal rugs.
• Soft cotton or linen slipcovers and bedding.
• Ceramic or terracotta planters.
• Fresh herbs on the windowsill, a vase of fresh flowers, orchids, or lush plants in terracotta pots.
• Linen aprons, napkins, and dish towels
• Display lovely items used for cooking: a salt & pepper cellar, a marble mortar and pestle, olive oils, wood utensils and rolling pins gathered in a crock
• Copper pots and pans displayed on an iron pot hanger
• Fruits and vegetables on display on the kitchen counter
• Wood cutting boards and marble pastry boards
• Flowing white or off-white curtains in cotton or linen
• Baskets
• Candles
• Mementos from your travels
• Lots of books, stacked and displayed on shelves, side tables, console tables, and coffee tables. 

In our kitchen, an assortment of favorite cookbooks and cutting boards are kept within easy reach in a small basket:

A great example of coastal grandmother style, Nancy Meyers’ kitchen features white cabinets, an abundance of natural light, and two kitchen islands — perfect for cooking and entertaining.

Nancy Meyers kitchen – Architectural Digest

Coastal Grandmother Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Coastal grandmother style is a great way to add a chic, timeless look to any space.  Here are some ideas for incorporating this trend in your home.

Jenni Kayne – throw

A blue and white ginger jar, natural fiber rug, and glorious blue door create the quintessential coastal entryway, located on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. 

Barrow Building Group – door color is Sherwin Williams Denim Blue

This charming bathroom design incorporates plenty of white, light wood elements, and a luxurious bathtub.

AKB Design Studio

Here’s another view of this coastal grandmother style bathroom:

AKB Design Studio

I love the soft color palette and interesting tones and textures in this lovely coastal themed bedroom:

The Lily Pad Cottage – pendant – stools

Here’s a charming reading nook under the stairs—the perfect spot to hide away and enjoy a good book!

Brooke Wagner Design

This light and airy coastal grandmother style living room features soft neutral colors and an abundance of natural textures:

Pure Salt Interiors

Here’s another view of this beautiful space:

Pure Salt Interiors

A fully-equipped coastal grandmother style kitchen with amazing views:

Marianne Simon Design

I love this luxurious bathroom design with a light oak wood linen cabinet and white double vanity.

West Bay Homes

I love the thoughtful layering and interesting tones and textures in this beautiful coastal grandmother style bedroom:

Pure Salt Interiors

This beautiful kitchen design features wood beams overhead and thoughtful kitchen countertop decor, creating a warm and cozy yet modern feeling.

Brandon Architects and Patterson Custom Homes

This beautiful living room exudes chic neutral coastal grandma style:

Jenni Kayne

This elegant kitchen incorporates a hint of coastal grandma style via the brass pendants and charming potted topiaries:

Christopher Architecture and Interiors

This stylish bathroom design incorporates plenty of white, light wood elements, and natural woven textures — as well as a luxurious bathtub — the perfect spot to relax and unwind!

Pure Salt Interiors

Here’s a lovely primary bedroom, layered with soft bedding and interesting textures:

Alexis Andra Austin

This beautiful family room, with its soft neutral tones and abundance of texture, is the epitome of relaxed coastal style:

Pure Salt Interiors

Offering a wonderful example of a kitchen any coastal grandmother would love, this space features an abundance of storage, chic striped counter stools, and a beautiful gray-blue island (in Sherwin Williams Smoky Candle).  

AGK Design Studio

Slipcovered counter stools, woven light fixtures, and an abundance of wood cutting boards create a timeless coastal grandmother aesthetic in the kitchen. 

Pure Salt Interiors – similar pendants

This lovely coastal grandma bedroom design features a wood canopy bed and a light and airy aesthetic.

Pure Salt Interiors

This elegant kitchen design features black countertops, crisp white cabinets, and timeless brass finishes, exuding a chic coastal grandmother aesthetic:

Jen Langston Interiors

Here’s a lovely coastal grandmother bedroom idea featuring wood beams, modern coastal artwork, woven elements, and touches of blue:

Studio McGee

Contemporary artwork is a great way to add a touch of laid-back coastal grandmother style to the bedroom:

Pure Salt Interiors – artwork

This beautiful kitchen design is a great example of chic coastal grandmother style.  The cabinet color is Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore.

Andrea McQueen Design – pendant lights

This chic open-concept living room, kitchen, and dining area offers a modern take on coastal grandmother style.

Pure Salt Interiors – similar sectionals here and here – similar coffee table here and here

This gorgeous kitchen, with its tasteful mix of whites and woods, conveys a relaxed, elevated coastal grandmother aesthetic:

The Cabinet Gallery Utah – Cambridge Home Co.

Here’s a closer look at the sink area in this charming kitchen design:

Cambridge Home Co. – The Cabinet Gallery Utah

A dark blue vanity, as well as brass lantern sconces and a large basket, bring a coastal feeling to this lovely bathroom design:

Mindy Gayer Design

This dreamy coastal grandma style bedroom features a rattan nightstand, woven bed, black chandelier, and lovely soft tones of blue and blush.

Design Loves Detail

This beautiful coastal grandmother bedroom features a beaded chandelier, woven canopy bed, light wood nightstands, and a cozy sitting area to enjoy a quiet moment:

 

Pure Salt Interiors

Here’s another great example of a coastal grandma bedroom.  The shiplap walls, driftwood, and four-poster bed add a hint of coastal grandma style to this space:

Marie Flanigan Interiors

A beautiful coastal grandmother style living room, featuring woven lounge chairs, a tiered chandelier, round rug, wood coffee table, and dreamy artwork.  

Courtney Egli

Here’s a beautiful coastal themed living room with a round woven ottoman and four light gray swivel chairs.  

Salt Design Co.

This beautiful living area adjacent to the kitchen incorporates soft neutrals, wood beams, and a gorgeous grouping of white swivel chairs around a striking coffee table to create a luxurious, yet approachable, coastal aesthetic.

Pure Salt Interiors

Fresh flowers and herbs, dark blue cabinetry accented with crisp brass hardware, and a white planked ceiling bring a timeless look to this stylish mud room:

Studio McGee – pendant

Layered bedding, a neutral color palette, and subtle stripes are hallmarks of a coastal grandmother style bedroom:

Pure Salt Interiors

Here are a few places to find coastal grandmother decor, furniture, and linens with a light, contemporary aesthetic:

• Serena & Lily
• Jenni Kayne
• Pottery Barn
• Dear Keaton
• McGee & Co.  

And here’s a collection of coastal grandmother decor, furniture, and more:

coastal grandmother decor ideas

As I’m sure you can tell, I love everything about this stylish mix of modern coastal décor and Nancy Meyers style, and I hope you found all sorts of ideas to help you bring a touch of coastal grandmother interior design to your home in 2025. 

Wishing you a beautiful day!  xo Jane

For more coastal decorating ideas and inspiration, here are a few favorite related posts from the blog:

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for 2025

Interior Design Trends for 2025: Beautiful Home Decor Ideas to Try Now

2024 Home Decor Trends and Design Ideas You Will Love

Color of the Year 2025 + Top Home Color Trends

My Favorite Nancy Meyers Interiors (and how to bring her look to your home)

California Casual Interior Design: How to Bring Chic West Coast Style to Your Home

Stylish Coffee Bar Ideas and Trends for 2025

Beautiful Transitional Style Decorating Ideas

Modern Coastal Living Room Ideas for 2025

Beautiful Coastal Bathroom Ideas and Trends for 2025

Modern Coastal Bedroom Ideas and Trends for 2025

Beautiful Coastal Dining Room Ideas and Trends

Coastal Farmhouse Style: How to Bring this Chic, Timeless Aesthetic to Your Home

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2025 Kitchen Design Trends and Decorating Ideas

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