How to Create a Coastal-Style Home: Your Ultimate Guide

Ever fancied turning your home into a coastal retreat? No, we're not talking about relocating to the beach (though that sounds tempting). We're talking about infusing your space with the serene vibes of Australia's iconic shores. There are so many things — big and small, subtle or more overt — that you can do to evoke that elusive oceanside atmosphere. In this article, we’ll take you through the elements you need to create a coastal-style home.

Embrace the Coastal Palette

The colour palette of a coastal-style home is inspired by the natural beauty of the seaside. This palette typically includes:

Soft Blues: These hues reflect the colours of the ocean and the sky. From pale turquoise to soft sky blue, these shades bring a sense of serenity and spaciousness to a room. They work well on walls, as accent colours in decor or in tile backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms.

Gentle Greys: Inspired by the colour of beach pebbles and misty seaside mornings, gentle greys add a sophisticated and calming element to the coastal palette. They are versatile and can be used in larger areas like walls and floors or in smaller elements like cushions and rugs.

Crisp Whites: White is a quintessential part of the coastal palette, evoking the imagery of pristine sandy beaches and fluffy clouds. It helps to brighten and open up spaces, making rooms feel airy and fresh. White can be used extensively in coastal homes, from walls and ceilings to furniture and linens.

The key to mastering this palette is in the balance and harmony of these colours. They should complement each other and create a visually soothing environment that reminds you of a peaceful day at the beach.

Play with Textures

Incorporating natural textures is essential in creating an authentic coastal vibe. These textures help to bring the outdoors inside and add a tactile dimension to the decor. Key materials include:

Wood: Wood is a versatile material that effortlessly brings warmth and natural beauty to a coastal home. Think of a rustic wooden dining table, driftwood decor pieces or reclaimed wood flooring. The natural grains and tones of wood complement the coastal colour palette beautifully.

Rattan: Rattan/wicker furniture or decor items add a casual, beachy feel to any space. Whether it's a wicker basket for storage, a rattan light fixture or wicker outdoor furniture, these pieces are lightweight and durable while embodying the relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Linen: Linen fabrics are perfect for coastal homes due to their natural, breezy quality. Linen curtains that flutter in the sea breeze, while linen upholstery on furniture or linen bedding in bedrooms can create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The texture of linen also adds an element of understated luxury.

When incorporating these textures, it's important to consider the overall balance in the room. The textures should complement each other and not overwhelm the space. They should add layers of interest while maintaining the light, airy feel that is characteristic of coastal interiors.

Decor: Elegantly Nautical

When it comes to decor in a coastal home, the aim is to evoke the spirit of the sea without being too literal or over-the-top. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Seashells and Driftwood: These elements can be used tastefully to add a nautical touch. A bowl of assorted seashells, a piece of driftwood as a centrepiece or framed artwork featuring coastal elements can be elegant nods to the seaside. The key is subtlety – a few well-placed items are all you need.

Nautical-Striped Cushions and Fabrics: Stripes are synonymous with nautical style. Incorporating striped cushions, throws or rugs can add a maritime feel. Opt for blues, greys and whites to stay within the coastal colour palette. The stripes should be clean and simple, avoiding overly busy patterns.

Artwork and Photography: Art can play a significant role in setting the coastal mood. Consider artwork or photography that depicts serene beach scenes, nautical landscapes, or abstract pieces in coastal colours. These can serve as focal points in a room and tie the coastal theme together. There are heaps of talented artists out there who create this kind of work — some of our favourites include Linda Greedy, Sally Browne, Cassandra Kirk and Miranda Joy Summers. These ladies perfectly encapsulate the beachside feel but also infuse a distinctly Australian edge in their pieces — so it’s a great way to infuse some local flavour into your space. 

Textiles: Textiles in a coastal home should be light and airy. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton and linen in light colours. Sheer curtains that allow natural light to filter through can add to the breezy, beach house feel.

Incorporating these elements thoughtfully will ensure that your coastal decor is sophisticated and cohesive, creating a space that is both tranquil and stylish, much like the serene Australian coastline itself.

Tiles and Tapware: Your Foundational Coastal Details

In coastal interior design, tiles and tapware are more than just a practical choice — they are a key element in setting the tone and atmosphere of the space. While decor and styling are crucial for setting the tone, foundational elements like tiles and tapware create the evergreen, unchanging base for your beachy oasis. Here's a deeper look into how tiles contribute to coastal charm:

Colour Palette: Light and Airy

The coastal colour palette is typically light and airy, featuring soft blues, gentle greys, and crisp whites. Tiles like the Newport Gloss Subway Sky Blue Tile are perfect for introducing a subtle splash of ocean-inspired colour. 

Newport Gloss Subway Sky Blue Tile

The Sydney Matte White Stone Look Tile and Albert Park White Subway Tile provide a clean, crisp backdrop that can make your space feel more open and airy, much like a breezy beachside.

Albert Park White Subway Tile

Incorporating natural textures is key to achieving an authentic coastal look. The Byron Travertine Look Ivory Matte Tile and Annangrove French Pattern Grey Travertine Look Tile offer an earthy, stone appearance that brings the rugged beauty of coastal cliffs indoors. 

Byron Travertine Look Ivory Matte Tile

Accent Tiles: Nautical Touches

Accent tiles can add a nautical touch to your coastal-style home. The Newport Gloss Sky Blue Small Square Tile can be used in smaller areas or as a decorative border, adding a pop of coastal colour.

Newport Gloss Sky Blue Small Square Tile

For more coastal style tile recommendations, check out our Coastal Style Tile & Tapwares Collection.

Sample and Experiment

Picking up a Coastal Style Sample Pack can be extremely helpful in visualising how different tiles and textures work together. You can experiment with various combinations and see how they complement each other in your specific space.

Lighting: Soft and Inviting

In a coastal-style home, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. The goal is to emulate the soft, warm glow reminiscent of a beach sunset — here’s your cheat sheet to achieving the same effect (without having to manipulate the solar system):

Warm Light Tones: Opt for lighting fixtures that emit a warm, soft light. This can be achieved through the use of bulbs with a lower colour temperature, which produces a warm, yellowish hue, similar to the golden hour at the beach.

Natural Materials: Lighting fixtures made from natural materials like wood, rattan or woven grass can add a touch of nature and enhance the coastal feel. These materials often diffuse light in a gentle way, contributing to a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Soft, Rounded Shapes: Fixtures with soft, rounded shapes can evoke the feeling of smooth sea stones or driftwood worn by the ocean. These shapes are more organic and can help soften the overall look of the room.

Layered Lighting: Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. For example, a central ceiling fixture for overall ambient light, table lamps for reading or focused tasks, and accent lights to highlight artwork or architectural features. This approach allows you to adjust the lighting to suit different moods and times of the day.

Dimmer Switches: Installing dimmer switches can be a great way to adjust the lighting intensity based on the time of day or the desired ambience, further enhancing the cosy, beach-like atmosphere.

Make Brushed Brass Tapware Your Base

Beyond colours, textures, tiles and decor, there's an element that can elevate the coastal style to new heights: brushed brass tapware. The warm, golden hue of brushed brass exudes luxury and sophistication. 

But why brushed brass? Its matte finish offers a subtlety that polished metals often can't. It doesn't scream for attention but rather complements the surrounding elements, making it a perfect fit for the coastal style.

Integrate brushed brass taps in spaces like the bathroom or kitchen. When paired with soft blue or ivory tiles, they create a harmonious look, where the tapware stands out yet feels integrated, much like golden sunsets on the beach.

Live Your Coastal Dream with TileCloud

Creating a coastal-style home is more than just a design choice; it's a lifestyle. It's about embracing the calm, laid-back vibes of the Australian coast and bringing them into your everyday life.

Ready to ride the wave to your dream coastal home? Explore our coastal collection and get inspired to create your own version of seaside bliss. Remember, with the right tiles and a splash of creativity, every day can feel like a day at the beach.