This year, coastal aesthetics have been a favorite amongst homeowners and interior designers alike, introducing a calming and laid-back style to interiors. Whether it's the serene color palette featuring ocean-inspired hues or the natural textures and materials that offer enduring appeal, the relaxed designs certainly appeal.
But there's a new take emerging with a more elevated finish – and interior designer Kathy Kuo is calling it 'coastal elegance'. Taking to Instagram, her reel showcased inspiring interiors that balance the core staples of coastal style with a more luxe finish. In her words, 'It’s one of our most-coveted styles. It is a relaxed, breezy ambiance that captures the causal comfort of seaside living.'
But how exactly can you execute this elevated style? Here, Kathy explains exactly what coastal elegance is, and takes us through the design elements that are key to nailing this interior design style.
What is the coastal elegance design style?
Coastal decor has never really gone out of style – it offers a relaxed aesthetic that's perfectly suited to homes on the coast. But this more elegant take features a more elevated finish, adding a sense of sophistication to interiors.
'Coastal elegance is all about natural materials, organic silhouettes, and a soothing color palette inspired by the ocean itself. It's a design style that's equal parts comfort and sophistication,' Kathy explains.
'The universal appeal of unwinding with some sea and sun, and of living in laidback luxury gives coastal elegance a wide reach. It's also a style that doesn't feel over the top or out of reach; it's very sophisticated and beautiful but also for everyone and very rooted in comfort and livability,' she adds.
How to add coastal elegance to your home
1. Embrace as much natural light as possible
As with any coastal style aesthetic, natural light is really important to create that natural, indoor/outdoor style of living. 'Maximize the natural light in your home with lightweight window treatments in neutral colors; you'll still be able to get the privacy you need, but you won't block all the light,' says Kathy.
If you don't have the luxury of abundant natural light in your living spaces, there are a few smart ways to maximize what you do have. 'I'd also recommend wall mirrors as a decorative element; mirrors will multiply the amount of light in a room and also make your space feel larger and as if it has more depth,' she adds.
A wall mirror is a stylish way to add interest to walls and help to bounce natural light around a room. This textural design is perfect for coastal elegance style spaces – the organic shape gives a relaxed feel.
Sheer curtains are perfect for maximizing how much natural light filters into your space and providing a degree of privacy. These are a beautiful quality and the subtle texture adds interest to a neutral scheme.
In a bedroom or dressing room, a full-length floor mirror always comes in handy. This rattan mirror would look perfect in a sophisticated coastal scheme, adding natural texture and organic design.
2. Incorporate natural tones and textures
Furniture and decor should be made from natural materials – look to light-toned woods, wicker, and jute rugs to capture the essence of coastal living. Stay away from any furniture that's too dark or modular, as it will jar with the rest of the design elements.
It's not just furniture, but any decor should feel in keeping with the natural tones typical of coastal elegant interiors. Light wooden frames, woven details, and more rustic decorative objects feel really at home here. The key to this design style is that the bones of the home lean more coastal, and the decorative adornments add elegance and luxurious appeal.
3. Choose soft blue and sandy neutral colors
'A coastal color palette of blues, sandy beiges, and sea greens are super easy and versatile to work with. These are colors that can be infinitely mixed and matched and varied depending on your preferences,' says Kathy.
The colors are where you can introduce an element of elegance into your scheme, depending on the shades you choose. 'Navy blue, teal, and ecru is going to feel very stately and upscale, whereas sky blue, turquoise, and warm sand is going have a more youthful and boho-beach feel,' she explains.
Having elements of darker hues not only adds depth to space, but it offers a nod to a more luxe palette that works beautifully in the coastal elegance design style.
4. Pick comfortable fabrics
The furniture and decor are key to this interior design style, blending comfort and elegance. 'You'll see lots of wicker and rattan and comfy slipcovered sofas, but also high-end cashmere throw blankets and artfully curated coastal decor,' she says.
The fabrics and upholstery you choose should still adhere to the color palette, but really consider how they look and feel – they should add coziness while also looking soft, sumptuous, and of beautiful quality.
Cashmere throws, textured throw pillows, and natural materials such as cotton should all have a presence in coastal elegance style interiors.
A jute rug is an impactful addition to ground a room if you've gone heavy on the neutrals for your furniture and accessories. This piece has been handwoven and perfectly captures the look of rustic elegance.
This subtle stripe design offers the perfect balance of coastal and elegant. A pared-back pattern adds interest in more neutral schemes, especially on a cream sofa. Layer with pillows in various tones and textures for visual interest.
A luxurious cashmere throw blanket in a soft blue or warm sandy hue is the ultimate addition to a sofa or bed. These pinstripe designs come in a selection of coastal-inspired colors and add a sophisticated touch.
From the soft color palette to the natural textures and sumptuous fabrics, nailing the coastal elegance aesthetic is easier than you might think. Plus, it's the perfect way to blend cozy interiors with luxurious finishes!
