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3 min read<\/p>\n3 min read<\/p>\n
Ask just about any designer and they\u2019ll likely tell you that the biggest coastal design trend<\/a> right now is to make spaces that feel not as obviously coastal<\/a>. Gone are the heavy-handed nautical interiors and fish motifs. In their place is a look that\u2019s lighter, fresher, and far more elevated.<\/p>\n \u201cCoastal<\/a> design is evolving into something more refined and architectural, rather than literal or theme-driven,\u201d say Kilian Camp and Alison Green, founders of \u00c9lan Design House<\/a>, via email. But there are a number of ways designers can translate this style into reality. Here\u2019s what the experts are seeing.<\/p>\n Departure From Coastal Motifs<\/p>\n The biggest coastal trend involves a shift away from more traditionally beach-themed ornamentations. Gone are ropes, anchors, and blue-and-white stripes, and in their place are pieces that Ashley Wilkins of Islyn Studio<\/a> says feel more \u201cpersonal and sensory.\u201d \u201cThis shift reflects a deeper instinct toward context, storytelling, and the emotional character of a place,\u201d she notes. Michelle Murphy of DEMI RYAN Interiors<\/a> agrees, noting this departure marks a desire to make coastal spaces feel less themed. Instead, they\u2019re more grounded in their organic atmosphere through \u201cabstract, textural nods to the coast.\u201d<\/p>\n How exactly this shift takes shape looks a little different depending on the designer and client. Ghislaine Vi\u00f1as<\/a>, for example, is looking to the shoreline for inspiration. Inspired by her walks on the beach and the plastic she sometimes encounters, Vi\u00f1as has started using more recycled materials in her projects.<\/p>\n While the heavy-handed use of nautical and coastal motifs is largely considered outdated, Danielle Balanis of Danielle Balanis Design<\/a> emphasizes that shift doesn\u2019t render some details, such as shell art, entirely obsolete. To make it feel current, she says, one should find \u201cdiscipline in your color palette and editing choices to really create a refined one-of-a-kind product.\u201d<\/p>\n Shifting Color Palettes<\/p>\n In some cases, coastal color palettes are becoming more daring, according to designer Emma Corner<\/a>. While Camp and Green of \u00c9lan Design House<\/a> say the go-to blue-and-white scheme is still relevant, many are reinterpreting it through \u201cwarmer, more nuanced tones.\u201d Clients are using deep navy, sand, and creams layered with wood finishes like walnut and mixed with lighter, weathered textures. Justine Wolman of Justine Wolman Interiors<\/a> highlights muted blues and earthy neutrals, while Dvira Ovadia<\/a> of Dvira Interiors specifically recommends warmer whites like CC-70. This particular shade then sets the stage for walls \u201ctreated with plaster, faux finishes, or subtly textured wallpapers.\u201d<\/p>\n Wood Paneling<\/p>\n This style has roots in retro surf shacks, where sandblasted basic wood structures were the norm simply because they were easiest. Now, according to David Ries of design firm Ries Hayes<\/a>, that functionality is becoming in vogue. \u201cThere\u2019s a sense of nostalgia to it, but reinterpreted through a more modern lens\u2014defined by cleaner lines, tighter detailing, and a greater sense of restraint,\u201d he says. As for the wood, Corner is seeing an increased use of pronounced grain and warmer tones rather than the heavily bleached finishes of the past.<\/p>\n A home designed by Trish Lynn of Colette Interiors.<\/p>\n Layered Interiors<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we\u2019re seeing now is a far more layered, expressive approach; one that embraces depth, texture, and a sense of individuality,\u201d says Corner.<\/p>\n Once again, the interpretation of this layering varies by designer. For Emily Del Bello<\/a>, a layered look manifests in the use of limewash, Roman clay, and plaster finishes\u2014which \u201ccreate a soft, calming atmosphere that evokes the natural ease of the coast.\u201d Brianna Untener<\/a> echoes the use of plaster and limewash\u2014and adds lacquers, light woods, and textiles to her rolodex of materials. Trish Lynn of Colette Interiors<\/a> cites white oak or deeper-stained woods, painted paneling, honed stone, linen, and woven textures as a favorite combination.<\/p>\n The Beach House as the Main House<\/p>\n![\"east](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/toddhellmuth2020-690df225b4d09.jpg\" "\\"east")
Billal TarightA fireplace inlaid with seashells in an East Hampton home<\/a> that was designed by Todd Hellmuth.Elevated Shell Art<\/p>\n![\"Cozy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4266cf95-c3b4-4b51-8c85-fbbfa302a8ab.jpg\" "\\"Cozy")
Photography by Tim Lenz<\/p>\n