What is coastal style? Is it American Coastal, Mediterranean Coastal, Scandinavian Coastal, English Coastal, or something else entirely?

Actually, it’s all of the above, and although they’re very different, they all share some common elements.

Think: sea and beach colors, weathered patinas, natural elements, and lots of light.

Depending on the look you’re going for, adding ocean, beach, and nautical themed home accessories can be a simple way to incorporate a touch of coastal style to your space.

Defining your coastal style

It really all comes down to this: where’s your dream coast? Is it someplace you’ve been, or hope to go someday? When you think of those places, how do you feel? Relaxed, carefree, happy-go-lucky? Cozy? Limitless? Inspired? Dreamy? Grounded? I say this about everything, but it’s important to start with the feelings you want to invoke, because from there it’s easy to figure out what invokes those feelings for you.

Let me explain…

These are the coasts I dream of, the ones I’ve visited and loved, and love still. They’re all on the Atlantic Ocean or the North Sea, misty and wild, sun and clouds and sand and wind:

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When I even think of these places, I feel magical, expansive, full of wonder. I remember the constant sounds of the sea and wind, the smell of salt water and peat. I feel deep peace, and a thrum of something – ancestral memories? – so strong that it’s a physical sensation. That’s how I want my coastal memories to make me feel!

Throughout my home I have bowls and jars of shells and sea glass and shards of pottery I’ve found on beaches near and far. I rescued this little vintage wooden boat from a junk shop; it lives in a jar of shells, and reminds me of the wooden boat in the Abbey on Iona, off the coast of Scotland.

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Another favorite ocean memory is of a pivotal New Year’s Eve I spent camping on the beach at Port Aransas, Texas. I gathered dried (dampish, honestly) seaweed and sea grasses, then made a wreath using those, a tangle of fishing line I’d found in the grass, driftwood, and a few seashells and feathers I’d collected there. It hangs in my bedroom now, to remind me I am strong and resilient and brave and free.

I have tiny jars of sand, too, some with bits of long-dried seaweed in them. Sometimes I open them just to smell the sea.

Creating your coastal style

Maybe your coast is different, filled with lighthouses and ships’ wheels, or mermaids and sea glass, or sailboats and knotted ropes and anchors. Wherever it is – even if it’s only in your dreams – you can bring some of it (or all of it, if that makes you happy!) into your home by using color, textures, and themes that invoke the feeling you most want to create.

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Tips to keep in mind:

• Much of what constitutes “coastal style” decor is achieved through color, texture, and materials. Do you have something you can repaint or repurpose? Items that are the right piece, but the wrong color? Things in the right colors and textures that you’ve never thought of as “coastal”? Shop your home!! Maybe you already have some of what you need to get a seaside vibe going. If not, there’s always thrifting…
• Coastal style home decor is not a new trend. Thrift stores are a great source for beachy, coastal, ocean themed items at bargain prices.
• Thrift stores are also a great place to find home accessories in your chosen color scheme. When you start looking for it, you’ll see it everywhere! Also: baskets galore!

Here’s a small sample of coastal inspired home decor and accessories I spotted at two local Goodwill stores in one afternoon…

• If you just can’t wait, or want some more ideas, here’s a whole idea board full of lovely coastal inspired accents for your home. (Affiliate link; see full disclosure here.)
• Have fun! Follow your best beachy feelings when deciding how to incorporate a coastal style into your space, and I promise, you won’t go wrong.

Pinnables!

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Where’s your dream coast? Do you have any coastal vibes going on in your space? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!