Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Recently, I realized that since I started adding a touch of modern coastal decor to our home, I don’t need to do a lot of seasonal decorating. By sticking with a color scheme that reflects the ocean and sky–including crisp whites, deep blues and neutral hues–everything seems to work together, no matter what time of year it is!

Although there are many versions of coastal style, my favorite is modern coastal interior design, which is light, minimal, and fresh, incorporating a mix of relaxed beach house and classic Hamptons styles.

Inspired by the organic colors and textures of nature, contemporary coastal décor might include light woods, baskets, natural fiber rugs, woven light fixtures, various shades of blue, gray, white, and neutrals, and easy-care textiles like cotton and linen fabric.

Pure Salt Interior Design

Because it’s based on natural elements, coastal décor never goes out of style.  As design styles and trends change, coastal style can easily evolve and adapt–for example, incorporating lighter wood tones rather than dark, or featuring softer neutral hues rather than bright colors.

When incorporating modern coastal design in your living room, bedroom, and home, try to use a light touch. 

Since modern beach house style is essentially carefree and relaxed, it’s easy to go overboard with coastal decorating.  (Believe me, I’ve gone there and am still editing!) 

Some things to avoid overdoing in a modern coastal or beach themed home include signs, rope accents, anchors, nautical themes, ocean waves, and lobster, crab, sea urchin, and starfish motifs.

For a modern coastal look, start with a background of white walls, as well as soft natural colors of the sand and sky, and crisp, casual fabrics like cotton and linen.  Then add in some natural materials, including lots of baskets, light woods, and lovely textures through rugs, throw pillows, and throw blankets.

For inspiration, you might want to take a look at sites like Serena and Lily, Dear Keaton, or Pottery Barn, all of which beautifully convey what modern coastal design style is looking like in 2022.  

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Below, you’ll find beautiful coastal inspired spaces showing how to incorporate fresh, contemporary coastal decor in different rooms in your home.

Modern Coastal Living Room Ideas

The black and white stripes on the side chairs, natural fiber rug, and light wood mantel and shelves add the perfect touch of modern coastal style to this living room.  Similar chairs here, here, and here.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

This bright living room, designed by Livingston Interiors, is a great example of modern coastal style.  A neutral color palette, contemporary furniture, light touches of blue, stylish side tables, and natural elements add a light and airy feeling to this space:

 

Here’s a stunning space from Kate Marker Interiors — the wooden beams, accent pieces, ceiling windows, natural fibers in the jute rug, and a soft blue color scheme bring a serene coastal feel to this living space:

 

I love the two curved sofas and dark blue walls in this stylish living room.  The woven coffee table and textured rugs bring a contemporary coastal theme to the entire room.  From Salt Design Co.

 

Soft colors and a round wood coffee table create a warm and inviting space to relax, from Pure Salt Interiors.  Similar coffee table here and here.

 

Hanging rattan chairs, white furniture, light blues (the color of sea glass), and a natural sisal rug add contemporary take on beach cottage style to the living room, as shown in this coastal home designed by Julie Howard for Timber Trails Development Company, via Home Bunch:

 

Soft colors, a woven coffee table, and striped round ottomans lend a modern coastal feel to this contemporary space from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

Here’s another beautiful living room design with a modern take on coastal style.  The statement chandelier adds a chic and cohesive look to this space.  From Kate Marker Interiors:

 

A beautiful open-concept living room, kitchen, and dining area with modern coastal style, from Pure Salt Interiors.  Here’s a source for the chairs.

Here’s another view of this lovely coastal inspired living space, with its natural fiber rug, large ottoman, and abundant natural light:

 

Neutral tones and textures, combined with a subtly-patterned rug, a raffia-covered coffee table, high ceilings, and large windows, bring a touch of coastal boho style to this open concept great room.  From Ames Interiors:

 

I love everything about this chic modern coastal home from Pure Salt Interiors:

similar sectionals here, here, here, here, and here – similar coffee tables here, here, and here

I love this light and airy coastal living room, with its family-friendly round coffee table (with storage!), white slipcovered sectional, blue linen curtains, and gorgeous chandelier.  From Alaina Kaz, via The Everymom:

 

And in our home, I’ve been trying out some new looks in the living room.  I wanted to make this area feel a bit more relaxed and comfortable, so we brought in the white sofa / sectional and coffee table from our hearth room and purchased a new striped rug.

living room sources

Our new living room arrangement is kind of a “test drive.” Since we loved having the sectional in the TV area, I’m not sure how long this space will stay this way. 

But I’m really loving the lighter, more casual feeling in here, so if we end up moving the sectional back to the hearth room, I think I’ll be shopping for new furniture for this space!

For more living room decorating ideas, see this post:  Modern Living Room Ideas I Love.

Coastal Family Room Ideas

The family room is the perfect place to bring a touch of casual coastal style to your home. 

In the beautiful space below, from Lindye Galloway Interiors, the wooden beams, neutral color palette, striped pillows, shelf styling, and pop of classic blue on the cabinetry and in the rug, bring a fresh and comfortable feeling to this modern coastal family room:

 

This space is actually a sitting area adjacent to a master bedroom; however, I thought I’d share it here because it’s a great example of how to decorate a small living room or family room with modern coastal style.  From Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

Here’s another modern coastal family room from Pure Salt Interiors.  I love the wooden coffee table and soft coastal palette they used in this space.  Here’s a source for the round pendant light.

 

Love this beautiful coastal keeping room, featuring woven lounge chairs, a tiered chandelier, wood coffee table, round rug, and dreamy artwork.  From Courtney Egli.

 

A large sectional, jute or sisal rug, and a round ottoman create a warm and inviting space to relax in this open-concept kitchen and family room.  Here’s a similar ottoman.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

Here’s another view of this beautiful modern coastal living space from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

Love the classic look of this coastal themed living room with a round woven ottoman and four light gray swivel chairs.  Design by Salt Design Co.:

 

This beautiful small space off the kitchen, called a keeping room, incorporates soft neutrals, wood beams, and a gorgeous grouping of chairs around a striking coffee table to create a luxurious, yet approachable, coastal living room design.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

We have a similar small living room in our home, which we call our hearth room, where we hang out and watch TV most evenings. 

Because we have plenty of natural lighting in this space, I like to bring a relaxed, beach house feeling to this space with a round wood coffee table, natural textures, coastal wall art, a blue & white area rug, and a white sofa or sectional seating (this is the Gronlid sectional from IKEA, which is no longer available–here’s a similar alternative):

hearth room sources

Modern Coastal Dining Room Ideas

The lovely dining room below, from Jill Egan Interiors, shows how versatile and elegant coastal decor can be.  From the soft ivory slipcovered chairs, to the large coral decorative piece on the credenza, to the natural wood elements, this space evokes a feeling of casual elegance. The stunning light fixture reminds me of a cascading waterfall!

Artwork is an easy, yet impactful way to bring a touch of modern coastal style to the dining room, as shown in this beautiful space from Kate Lester Interiors:

This chic dining room features cane dining chairs, a white-washed dining table, coastal artwork, and a modern linear light fixture.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

I love this beautiful dining room from Light and Dwell–it shows that simple touches like a striped rug and beautiful chandelier can add a fresh, modern coastal vibe to a space:

 

Soft neutral tones and a white dining table and chandelier lend an elevated, modern coastal feeling to this stunning dining space from Kate Marker Interiors:

 

Love this beautiful modern coastal dining area with neutral furniture and decor and an elegant beaded chandelier.  From Pure Salt Interior Design:

For more dining room decorating and furniture ideas, see my post, Modern Dining Room Decorating Ideas.

Modern Coastal Kitchen Ideas

Whether you opt for lots of woven elements, glass & brass, light woods, or just an abundance of fresh white, there are many ways to bring a touch of modern coastal decor to the kitchen, as shown in the lovely spaces below. 

There’s so much to love about this beautiful kitchen from Andrea McQueen Design. It’s the perfect blend of light and dark, cool and warm, open and inviting. And that gorgeous combo of blue, white and brass gets me every time!  (The cabinet color is Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore.)

 

Woven pendant lights bring a modern coastal feeling to this light and airy kitchen from AKB Design.  The stylish counter stools are a favorite, too:

 

This beautiful coastal kitchen features modern black and white pendant lights, stylish woven counter stools, and the perfect shade of blue-gray (Benjamin Moore James River Gray) on the island.  From Julie Howard for Timber Trails Development Company:

 

Here’s one of my favorite kitchens, with an amazing blue island (Benjamin Moore Providence Blue).  I have the same woven pendant lights in our breakfast nook!  From Life on Virginia Street:

 

 

A beautiful beach house style kitchen, with an abundance of white, chic cone pendant lights, and wooden counter stools.  From Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

This lovely California coastal kitchen, from Caroline Kilmartin, has a wonderful, modern beach house aesthetic, and is a long-time favorite of mine:

 

Rattan counter stools (we have the same ones in our kitchen) and glass pendant lights add a fresh feeling to this contemporary coastal kitchen and open concept living area from Livingston Interiors:

 

 

Here’s a great example of modern coastal style in the kitchen, with gorgeous pendant lights and woven counter stools taking center stage.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

The light and airy coastal-inspired kitchen shown below was designed and styled by Studio McGee and Erin Hansen for Christine Andrew.  Here is a source for the beautiful counter stools:

 

A wonderful example of modern coastal decorating, the kitchen below features an abundance of white, striped counter stools, and a gray-blue kitchen island (painted with Sherwin Williams Smoky Candle).  From AGK Design Studio, via Home Bunch:

 

Beautiful warm woods, exposed beams, and coastal style pendant lights make this lake house kitchen feel cohesive and inviting – from Park and Oak Interior Design:

 

Woven seating, pendant lights, natural woods, and an abundance of white perfectly convey beach house style in this open-concept kitchen and dining area from The Grove Byron Bay.

 

Love this modern two-toned kitchen design with white cabinets and a black island color.  The woven counter stools and wood beams add a contemporary coastal feel to this space.  From Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

A stylish kitchen with an abundance of natural light.  The lantern style pendant lights add a beautiful focal point to this coastal space from Studio McGee:

 

Natural textures and pops of white and blue add a light touch of coastal style to our kitchen:

kitchen sources

For more kitchen decorating ideas, see this post:  Beautiful Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation.

Modern Coastal Bedroom Ideas

There are countless ways to bring a touch of contemporary coastal style to the bedroom, as shown in the beautiful spaces below. 

Gorgeous neutral tones and layers upon layers of soft bedding create a calm and restful coastal bedroom retreat.  From The Heart and Haven:

 

A relaxing modern master bedroom with a wood canopy bed with upholstered headboard, light wood nightstands, and a cushioned bench at the end of the bed.  From Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

Such a gorgeous space!  I love the mix of soft neutral tones throughout this bedroom.  The woven light fixture, vintage dresser, and wood beams add a touch of texture to offset all the soft finishes.  From Janette Mallory Interiors.

Here’s one of my favorite coastal bedrooms, from Marie Flanigan Interiors.  The shiplap and four-poster bed add a hint of coastal farmhouse style to this space:

 

This might be the space that inspired my love of modern coastal decorating.  I love the chic look of this boho coastal bedroom design from Amber Interiors.  Here’s a source for the chair (and here’s a more affordable version):

 

This lovely master bedroom suite features a modern black canopy bed and wonderful sitting area surrounded by windows.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

This master bedroom is a beautiful example of modern coastal style, including a soft natural color palette, natural elements, a cane bed, blue and white patterned rug, and white nightstands.  From Courtney Egli:

 

Something as simple as a striped pillow, woven pendant light, or a tasseled throw blanket can add a focal point and beautiful touch of the beach to the bedroom, as shown in this lovely space by Studio Life Style, via My Domaine:

 

A beautiful wood canopy bed, a chunky handwoven rug, different shades of neutrals, warm woods, and natural fabrics bring a modern yet approachable feeling to this lovely coastal bedroom from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

This dreamy coastal inspired bedroom features a woven bed, rattan nightstand, black chandelier, and lovely soft tones of blue and blush.  From Design Loves Detail:

 

White walls, casual fabrics, natural textures, coastal-inspired artwork, and a hint of stripes lend a light and breezy feeling to this wonderful master bedroom from Amber Interior Design:

 

Contemporary artwork is a great way to add a touch of modern coastal decor to the bedroom, as shown in this beautiful space from Pure Salt Interior Design:

 

The coastal artwork above the bed in our master bedroom was purchased locally a couple of years ago, but I found a few similar pieces, which I share on my artwork favorites page.

our master bedroom sources

For more bedroom ideas, see this post:  Modern Bedroom Decorating Ideas for a Dreamy Master Suite.

Contemporary Coastal Bathroom Ideas

The bathroom is one of the best spots to try out a touch of modern coastal decor — especially in a small powder or guest bath, where you can really get creative.

This is one of my all-time favorite modern coastal bathroom designs!  I love the mix of white and light wood cabinetry, as well as the brass sconces and black-framed mirrors.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

Wall molding, a striped fringed hand towel, and touches of brass add a coastal aesthetic to this beautiful small bathroom from A Thoughtful Place:

 

A dark blue vanity, as well as brass lantern sconces, and a large basket give a coastal feeling to this lovely bathroom.  From Mindy Gayer Design:

 

The light wood vanity, as well as the chrome fixtures and striped rug, create a beautiful coastal-inspired bathroom.  From Pure Salt Interiors:

 

The blue color on this bathroom vanity brings a touch of modern beach house interior design to this space.  I love how beautifully it pairs with the chrome faucet and fixtures–and how about that amazing floor tile?!  From Bria Hammel Interiors.

 

A mix of white and wood cabinet finishes lends an elegant coastal touch to this chic primary bathroom from West Bay Homes:

 

I love the mix of black and brass metal finishes in this beautiful modern coastal bathroom design from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

When we remodeled our guest bathroom last year, I wanted to add a touch of modern coastal style to this space without going overboard, so I simply painted the vanity (with Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue) and added a striped rug and towels, a few woven elements, and plenty of white:

our guest bathroom sources

For more bathroom ideas, see my post, Beautiful Bathroom Design & Decor Ideas You’ll Love.

Modern Coastal Entryway Ideas

I love this chic entryway design from Courtney Egli, with its light console table, upholstered ottomans, woven mirror, and white lamp. 

 

Shiplap walls, a natural fiber rug, and a glorious blue door create the quintessential coastal entryway, located on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.  From Barrow Building Group:

Handled two-toned baskets, modern coastal decor, and a curved natural wood console table bring a coastal aesthetic to this light and airy entryway from Studio McGee:

 

I love this beautiful beach house entryway with its vertical shiplap walls, woven pendant light, lidded baskets (here’s an alternate source), and oversized mirror, from Pure Salt Interiors:

 

A seashell gathered on one of our family trips to Charleston is displayed in a glass case in our entryway–it’s a nod to coastal decor and happy reminder of my favorite place–the beach.

entryway sources

For more entryway and foyer ideas, see this post:  Stylish Entryway Ideas for a Beautiful First Impression.

On the Patio

With its casual atmosphere and separation from the rest of the house, the patio is the perfect place to experiment with modern coastal decor. Here are a few outdoor spaces with a fresh, contemporary coastal look. 

This beautiful patio area from Pencil and Paper Co., with its slipcovered furniture, striped pillow, and touches of bamboo, sets the ideal tone for summer relaxing and entertaining.

 

A beautiful outdoor dining area and covered patio.  The oversized woven pendant lights, gray-washed dining table, and unique dining chairs add a modern coastal feeling to this space.  From Pure Salt Interiors.

 

Striped cushions, sleek lanterns, and stylish outdoor furniture create a beautiful modern coastal outdoor living area.  From Design Works, via Style Me Pretty:

Hanging rattan chairs and a cool driftwood-like light fixture add a touch of modern coastal decor to this beautiful covered outdoor space, from Shop sKout, via Domino:

On our covered patio, floaty white curtains, baskets, and an abundance of blue and white bring a coastal feeling to our outdoor space.

our patio sources

For more patio decorating ideas, see this post: Beautiful Patio Ideas for Relaxed Outdoor Living.

Is coastal decor still in style for 2022?

The fact that both Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn launched new contemporary coastal home collections for 2022 is proof that coastal decor isn’t going out of style anytime soon.

Rather, the modern coastal aesthetic is a timeless look that continues to evolve, expand, and grow in popularity each year, as evidenced by the current coastal grandmother look taking the design world by storm!

What is coastal grandmother style?

Celebrating yet another twist on coastal decor, the coastal grandmother design trend recently emerged.

Incorporating a mix of Hamptons-inspired Nancy Meyers style and fresh modern coastal style, the coastal grandma look is all about adopting a relaxed, elevated lifestyle, even if you don’t live near the coast–and aren’t a grandmother! 

In coastal grandmother interiors, you’ll see lots of white slipcovered furniture, neutral hues of the sand and sea, flowers, and natural and organic elements–all of which speak to a more thoughtful and intentional way of living and decorating.  Needless to say, I love this look! 

For more about the coastal grandmother aesthetic, Nancy Meyers style, beach house style, and current design trends, you might also be interested in these related posts:

• What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I love it)
• My Favorite Nancy Meyers Interiors (and How to Get Her Style)
• Modern Beach House Decorating Ideas
• Restoration Hardware Style: How to Get the RH Look for Less
• 2022 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You’ll See Everywhere This Year
• Fall 2022 Home Decor Trends I Love

I hope you found this post informative and helpful!  Please let me know if you have any questions about adding a touch of contemporary coastal style to your home.  Have a wonderful day!  xo jane

favorite modern coastal decor:

Looking for more design and decorating ideas and inspiration?  Here are a few related posts from Jane at Home:

Beautiful Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation

Beautiful and Affordable Turkish Oushak Runners for the Kitchen

Modern Coastal Living Room Ideas

Modern Bathroom Design Ideas You Will Love

A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom

Restoration Hardware Style: How to Get the RH Look for Less

The New 2022 Studio McGee Target Collection

Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2022

2022 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love

Designer Spotlight: Pure Salt Interiors

A Review of our IKEA Farlov Slipcovered Sofa and Chairs, One Year Later

Modern Bedroom Design Ideas for a Dreamy Master Suite

Modern Living Rooms filled with Inspiration

A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen

Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas You Will Love

And, if you’re looking for modern coastal decor, pillows, furniture, modern coastal lighting, rugs, and more, I have an entire page devoted to Modern Coastal Favorites.