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Livingetc
Livingetc
Brigid Kennedy

12 Coastal Decor Buys That Give Vacation Vibes All Year Round

Coastal decor items on a colorful background.

Is there anything better than a weekend on the coast? That soft, salty breeze; the feel of white sand and crushed seashells underfoot; refreshing cocktails in blue and white glassware; a respite from the sun under a cabana-striped towel after an hour spent floating in the water — it's the stuff of daydreams. And while we can't spend every weekend in a seaside oasis, we can bring that coastal vacation vibe back home, which is basically the next best thing.

And how do we do this? We invest in coastal decor, of course. I'm talking (understated and classy) seashell motifs, rich blue nautical stripes, sun-bleached driftwood, and rattan/wicker/seagrass everything. Though such pieces tend to function best in beach and lakefront homes, those of us in landlocked states can enjoy this breezy aesthetic, too. As a frequent flyer at all Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and more, I know exactly where and how to nail this trend—and I'm here to share that intel with you today.

Below, find 12 inarguably chic coastal decor buys, from soft, striped duvets to glass lamps to delicate decorative bowls. I selected each piece with contemporary style in mind — we're going for modern luxury, not kitsch. If you wouldn't find it in a lavish hotel on the Amalfi Coast or inside an opulent villa along the French Riviera, you won't find it here. I also strove to emphasize subtle touches to avoid overwhelming the room or space with seaside motifs. Ideally, you could sprinkle all 12 of these pieces throughout your home and it would be enough for an obvious coastal influence without totally upending your existing design scheme. You'll soon sea what I mean ...

12 breezy coastal decor buys

What are the key features of coastal decor?

There are a number of key features that define the coastal interior design aesthetic. Ocean-inspired pieces such as seashells and coral designs are the go-tos. Both replicas of natural coral reefs and oversized seashells make striking centerpieces, and their natural forms can also be alluded to more subtly with, say, mother of pearl or scalloped detailing on a serving bowl, or a coral-like texture on a stoneware vase.

Bleached wood and rope materials are also popular elements to incorporate coastal style into your everyday decor, making accessories like lamps, bowls, and plant pots feel more coastal. Chain accents like the marble decor piece above also lend a subtle coastal touch.

In terms of prints and colors, nautical stripes and anything relating to sea life in natural beachy shades like deep blue, sandy beige, and seafoam white are an easy way to incorporate the coastal style.

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