6 coastal color schemes for a calm and tranquil home
Many of us head to the coast when we want to break up the rhythm of our lives and sink into a slower pace. The large expanse of space that the ocean creates, the whooshing of the waves, and the fresh sea air all contribute to a calming, almost meditative feeling.
There are many examples in interior design of how we take inspiration from the natural world. From filling our rooms with houseplants to softening a scheme with wood and maximizing natural light, a lot of how we decorate inside, starts with how things naturally operate outside.
So, as one of the most relaxing places to go, it makes perfect sense coastal decor is such a popular style. Here we’re sharing the key coastal color schemes (and no, they’re not all blue) so you can get those restorative and reviving vibes, without stepping foot outside your front door.
1. Choose a calming seafoam green
(Image credit: Neptune)
Seafoam green is a soft and pale bluey-green that’s fresh, pretty and uplifting.
‘Seafoam green, when paired with crisp white, evokes the freshness of ocean waves against a clean, white shoreline,’ says Allison Kaminsky, at Lola Tucker Interiors. ‘Seafoam green is soothing and reminiscent of the sea, while white keeps the space light and airy. Seaform green is also an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms, where you want a crisp, clean atmosphere.’
Here, seafoam green is used on the tongue and groove paneled walls, on the ceiling, and the door frames, to enhance the sea views by extending the palette indoors.
2. Go for a classic navy and white combo
(Image credit: OKA)
Reminiscent of navy soldiers’ uniforms, navy and white is a classic color combination. The high contrast between the two colors makes for a dynamic and bold scheme that’s also sophisticated and confident.
‘For a more traditional coastal look, navy blue paired with crisp white is a stunning choice. The navy provides depth and a touch of formality, while white brightens the space,’ says Allison.
The brighter and crisper the white you choose, the more stark the contrast and the more impactful your space will be. If you’re after a softer scheme, a white that errs on the side of beige is your best bet.
‘This combination works well in dining rooms, living rooms and outdoor spaces, where you want a bit of elegance whilst maintaining that coastal vibe,’ adds Allison.
3. Layer neutrals for a more subtle coastal scheme
(Image credit: Mylands)
A coastal color scheme doesn’t always need to involve decorating with blue. Going all over in various shades of warm white is a great way to form a light and airy room that feels calm and collected.
This is an especially good palette to go for if you want the calming vibes of the coast, but don’t actually live near the sea. ‘If you want to get the coastal color vibe even if you don’t live by the coast, I would recommend leaning towards light and airy colors versus overly saturated colors,’ says Grey Joiner of Grey Joiner Interiors.
Various shades of white make for a soothing feel to this kitchen, with chopping boards, vases, and bowls in natural textures adding warmth and depth to the scheme.
4. Go bolder with red and white stripes
(Image credit: David Hunt Lighting)
There is no pattern that’s more symbolic of the seaside than red and white stripes. You can bring this playful pattern into your home in a sophisticated way with an oversized striped wallpaper design like this.
Creating a statement in this otherwise neutral traditional-style bathroom, a broad stripe also works to visually elongate the space, making it feel bigger than it is. We’d suggest using a bold print like this on the upper half of your wall only, so as not to overwhelm the space.
The tongue and groove paneling on the lower half balances out the scheme while adding texture and depth too.
5. Think about texture with woods and earthy colors
(Image credit: Knight Varga Interiors)
Mimic the rustic nature of the coast by inviting as many different textures into your home as possible. A neutral palette of browns, creams, blacks, greys, and tans pays homage to stony beaches, caves and shells for a rustic twist on the scheme.
‘The key point to consider in a coastal color scheme is the connection to nature,’ says Trish at Knight Varga Interiors. ‘Mix in natural materials such as wood, stone, and locally sourced objects with the idea that they give a nod to the surrounding environment. They age gracefully and tell the story of a time and place.’
6. Mix various shades of blue
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
With the obvious link to the sea and the sky, blue is the quintessential color to use in a coastal color scheme. Here, a pale blue used across all four walls gives a light and airy feel, while the bolder blue sofa works to form a centerpiece and focal point for the space.
Complete with rattan and wooden furniture and white accessories, such as table lamps, picture frames, and cushions, the space feels calm and collected. Small obviously coastal touches, like the starfish on the mantlepiece, solidify the coastal theme.
7. Create a modern scheme with blue toned grays
(Image credit: Scooms)
Deep blues and soft grays work to mimic the stormy side of the coast for a moody and sophisticated yet cozy aesthetic.
‘This look combines sophisticated shades of gray with moody blue and teal hues for a calming and minimalist feel, evocative of the sea,’ says Emily and Jonathan Attwood, founders of Scooms. ‘A modern take on the traditional coastal style, this aesthetic uses cool, muted shades to create a harmonious design.’
‘It’s all about striking a balance between the blues and greys that helps to bring that contemporary edge,’ they continue. ‘Gray textiles, especially in bedrooms, bring an understated elegance and are a solid foundation for a serene space.’
‘Paired with deep, inky blues, this combination evokes a sense of tranquility and timelessness, which is why it’s a look that’s always in style.’
Coastal color schemes create calming interiors that are timeless, and you needn’t live any where near the ocean to recreate the soothing feel these shades invoke.
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