Easy Breezy: Your Guide to Tiles in Coastal-Style Design

With our love of beaches and bays, it’s no wonder that Aussies are obsessed with coastal-style design. After all, who doesn’t want to spend every moment by the sea in the sun? If you’ve always dreamt of a coastal-inspired abode but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. This guide is packed with tips to help you create a perfect chilled-out yet refined coastal aesthetic for your home that will never go out of style. From the tiles (of course) to the colour scheme and textures, we’ll talk you through everything you need to nail that coveted coastal style. 

What is Coastal Style?

The clue is in the name — coastal style is a homage to all things seaside. This design aesthetic aims to create a serene, laid-back atmosphere that reflects the beauty and tranquility of coastal landscapes. Through clever use of colour, texture and finishes, you can capture the relaxed, breezy ambience of seaside living and bring it to your space. 

Hamptons vs. Coastal: What’s the Difference?

Coastal and Hamptons styles both draw inspiration from seaside living but have distinct characteristics that set them apart. 

Coastal style embodies a more relaxed, beach-inspired aesthetic, emphasising a light, airy feel — think natural textures like weathered wood and rattan paired with sea-inspired colour palettes like blues, whites and sandy neutrals. It often incorporates nautical elements like ropes, shells, and marine motifs, aiming to create a breezy, casual atmosphere reminiscent of coastal living. 

Hamptons style, originating from the upscale Long Island region in New York, offers a more refined take on coastal design. It combines sophistication with a relaxed beach feel by incorporating higher-end finishes like polished timber, plush fabrics like linen and cotton, plus a more subdued colour palette with soft blues, greys and whites. The Hamptons style often includes more ornate furnishings and finishes — it’s basically a more bougie, less laid-back version of its coastal cousin. 

Creating a Coastal-Style Home: Hot Tips

Embrace the pillars of coastal style and you can’t go wrong!

The perfect palette

Coastal-style homes generally use a base colour palette inspired by the sea — think soft blues mirroring the ocean's tones, gentle greys evoking misty mornings and crisp whites resembling sandy beaches. These colours — whether on walls, in decor accents or in tile installations — create a serene environment that reflects that all-important seaside ambience.

Texture tips 

Natural textures are crucial in achieving an authentic coastal vibe. Incorporating materials like wood, rattan and linen brings a sense of outdoor tranquility indoors. Whether through rustic wooden furniture, rattan decor pieces or breezy linen fabrics, these textures add warmth, casual elegance and a touch of luxury without coming off as too rigid or stuffy. Our tip? Items like this Havana-style rattan planter. 

Dreamy decor

Your decor should aim to subtly evoke the spirit of the sea — the key word being subtly. Pared-back palms, nautical-striped fabrics, coastal artwork and light textiles in serene hues complement the theme without overwhelming the space. Add your own personal touches that bring you into a coastal mindset. Some of our favourite pieces include 

Keep it illuminated

Lighting is integral in setting the mood of a coastal-style home — your goal should be a soft, warm glow akin to a beach sunset. Using warm-toned fixtures made of natural materials, fixtures with organic shapes and layered lighting setups (including dimmer switches) creates that relaxed and inviting atmosphere we’re going for.

Tiling for tranquility

Tiles play a significant role in coastal design by aligning with the airy colour palette, offering natural textures and providing opportunities for subtle nautical touches. Introduce ocean-inspired hues and create a breezy, open feel with options like the Newport Gloss Sky Blue small square tile or the Newport Matte Square & Subway pattern tile in crisp white.

Looking for a more comprehensive guide? Check out our article on creating a coastal-style home.

A Tranquil Retreat: Coastal-Inspired Bathrooms

When it comes to creating a serene retreat in your home, you should never neglect the bathroom — and quality tiles are the perfect foundation. Our Coastal Collection is a great place to start – you’ll find our carefully curated collection of tiles and fixtures that effortlessly embody that seaside style. 

Accessorising also plays a crucial role in bringing the coastal theme to life. Towels and bath mats in coastal shades, scented candles and artwork or photography highlighting beach scenes are all subtle ways of getting the theme across. Opting for light wood tones for cabinets, brushed brass fixtures, woven baskets and greenery can all further create a natural beachy feel, easily transforming the bathroom into a coastal haven.

Optimising natural light through large windows or skylights, sheer window treatments and reflective surfaces can enhance the space's brightness and connection with the outdoors. It also bears repeating that soft, warm lighting is your friend — anything that looks overly artificial or stark will throw off the mood. 

This is just a brief rundown — for a more comprehensive guide, take a look at our article on how to create a coastal-style bathroom.

Cooking Up Coastal Inspo: Kitchen Ideas You’ll Love

The kitchen is another focal point of the home where tiles get to have their moment. Tiles form the cornerstone of a coastal-inspired kitchen — whether it’s pretty yet practical flooring or a breathtaking backsplash, you can use tiles to help elevate the overall aesthetic of the space. From sandy beige flooring to glossy blue or sea green backsplashes, our Coastal Collection of tiles offers diverse textures and hues to match individual styles.

Attention to detail is crucial in a coastal kitchen. From brushed brass fixtures evoking sunlit coastal tones to thematic centrepieces featuring shells, driftwood or natural greenery, each accent piece subtly reinforces the overall theme. Seascape artwork, woven baskets, linen towels, wooden cutting boards and strategic lighting are all key factors in creating the right feel. 

Space configuration plays a vital role in emulating the breezy, open feel reminiscent of your favourite beach. Incorporating islands, open shelving and flowing layouts, as well as maximising natural light through windows or skylights, fosters a bright, airy environment. Keeping it simple and clutter-free is best – this ensures your kitchen remains a calm and relaxing space.

This is just a taste — we’ve also got a full run-down on how to create a dreamy coastal kitchen.

Steal Their Style: The Best Aussie Coastal-Style Homes

Looking for a little more in-situ inspiration? We’ve tracked down some of the coolest coastal-inspired homes in Australia to show you what this style looks like when it’s executed perfectly. To help further, we’ve even picked out some of the best tiles to help you replicate the look of these immaculately curated spaces — take a look at our favourite coastal-style homes in Australia to get your creative juices flowing. We’ve also got loads of envy-inducing ideas over on our coastal homes Pinterest board.

Australia’s Home of Coastal-Style Tiles

Feeling inspired to start your own journey to a coastal-style paradise? TileCloud should be your first stop on the tour. Our collection of coastal tiles and fixtures has been handpicked to effortlessly infuse your home with the breezy, regenerative power of the sea. Pale blues, rich whites, muted beiges and seafoam greens take centre stage to perfectly encapsulate the coastal style. You can even pick up one of our coastal-style sample packs to try some of our favourite pieces in situ.

Not sure if the seaside life is for you? Take our free style quiz for some additional inspiration.