{"id":484306,"date":"2026-02-22T18:58:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T18:58:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/484306\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T18:58:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T18:58:12","slug":"the-beachy-aesthetic-is-dead-designers-reveal-the-new-trends-in-coastal-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/484306\/","title":{"rendered":"The \u201cBeachy\u201d Aesthetic Is Dead\u2014Designers Reveal the New Trends in Coastal Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Home<\/p>\n

Designers Reveal the New Look of Coastal Style Carmel Brantley<\/p>\n

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For a long time, an overtly beachy aesthetic prevailed in aspirational waterfront home design. Today, a subtler and more refined approach has taken hold; it still reads as coastal, but without veering into that \u201ccheesy souvenir shop\u201d energy.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany of the \u2018beachy\u2019 looks that feel dated tend to lean on coastal clich\u00e9s,\u201d notes interior designer Cece Bowman<\/a>. \u201cThink starfish and seashell decor, rope-everything, nautical stripes and anchors, overdone \u2018coastal living\u2019 signage, weathered driftwood wall art, and overly themed blue-and-white rooms that scream vacation rental.\u201d<\/p>\n

In other words, anything that\u2019s obviously beachy is decidedly pass\u00e9. But there are still plenty of ways to evoke vacation vibes stylishly. Here\u2019s how interior designers are redefining coastal design in 2026.<\/p>\n

Go for Richer Wood Tones\"Living<\/p>\n

Surf-softened wood tones, as seen in this table in a space by Gray Oak Studio, are versatile and have stylistic staying power. Brooke DelRossi<\/p>\n

Interior designers are saying goodbye to cerused and whitened woods in coastal projects and instead are turning toward more color and contrast. This includes using richer wood tones.<\/p>\n

Leah Hook, founder and principal of Gray Oak Studio<\/a>, says, \u201cPairing the deeper stain with lots of grain or an organic shape makes these furnishings feel natural and complementary to the ocean and nature itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prioritize Craftsmanship and Context<\/p>\n

Shell art, rope motifs, and nautical elements can still work in coastal homes, but the difference between cheesy and chic comes down to execution.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink Lulu DK\u2019s exquisite handmade shell panels, Decwood\u2019s rope molding applied thoughtfully to doors or casings, or a curated display of architectural wall brackets holding natural curiosities,\u201d Bowman says. These pieces feel bespoke and architectural rather than decorative because they\u2019re rooted in craftsmanship and context versus mass production.<\/p>\n

Make It Art\"Decorative<\/p>\n

This striking shell-encrusted mirror steals the show in a space by Mabley Handler. Mabley Handler<\/p>\n

In that same vein, you can dial up sophistication on coastal elements by turning them into high-end art. Interior designer Jennifer Mabley<\/a> is especially into coquillage art, which ranges from shell-encrusted mirrors, chandeliers, and other objects to large-scale decorative installations applied directly to walls and surfaces.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is an artistry and a historical significance to the art form that can elevate a space,\u201d she says. \u201cThe key is in the quality of the shells, and even more important, the talent of the artist creating it. The color palette is limited to what nature can provide, but you can swing from monotone white, cream, and soft shell pink to more vibrant magenta, green, and purple tones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embrace Fresh Color Palettes<\/p>\n

Historically, coastal design conjures navy blue and white color palettes. This has been done so much that it now feels a bit gimmicky. Reinvent the color wheel with a less expected take on coastal, Bowman says. \u201cNew color combinations that feel fresh will lead the way. Look out the window, what do you see? The palette of the coasts is driven by nature. Feel free to branch out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hook adds that by adding contrast and rich tones, the space will feel more layered, cozy, and inviting. Her tip is to create repetition within your color palette. For example, if you’re including a steel blue to layer on your light, neutral foundation, be sure that it shows up more than once, ideally three or more times.<\/p>\n

Add Personalized Details\"View<\/p>\n

Not every detail has to read as overtly \u201ccoastal\u201d\u2014the textures and tones are enough, as seen in this space by Cece Bowman Interiors. Carmel Brantley<\/p>\n

Part of what feels a little corny about the overtly beachy aesthetic is that it lacks personality. Anyone can buy a framed sand dollar from the souvenir shop or a \u2018beach vibes\u2019 sign from a mass retailer. Whether your everyday home or a part-time coastal retreat, the real design magic lies in personalized details.<\/p>\n

\u201cHomeowners should lean into what they love about the ocean and share it through the art, coffee table books, and even wallpaper in their home. The unique details will change everything,\u201d Hook says. \u201cDon’t be afraid to get personal and think out of the box. Frame your daughter’s old toddler swimsuit in a shadow box.\u201d You could also source a vintage map of a meaningful coastline. Frame handwritten postcards or old vacation itineraries. Commission a piece of art.<\/p>\n

Weave In Natural Textures\"Home<\/p>\n

Subtle textural accents and coastal motifs create a soothing, vacation-ready mood, as seen in this bar area from Cece Bowman Interiors. Carmel Brantley<\/p>\n

Pulling from nature remains paramount in coastal interior design, but this doesn\u2019t have to mean literal driftwood or starfish. \u201cI love bringing natural materials into the project or home,\u201d Bowman says. Not everything needs to be new, and there’s nothing like rattan or bamboo to create a tropical coastal environment,\u201d Bowman tells us.<\/p>\n

Mabley agrees, adding that hand-painted grasscloth wallpaper is one of her favorite unexpected ways to add texture and color in her coastal design projects. \u201cThe sky is the limit when it comes to hand-painting grasscloth wallpaper,\u201d she says. \u201cStart with a great ground, and let the art make as little or as much of a statement as you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram<\/a> and TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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