Decorating Tips For Your Beach Home

The first step in any interior project is gathering inspiration. Look for images that speak to your personal style and the way you want your home to feel. Pinterest and Instagram are goldmines for curated content, but don’t overlook more personal sources—travel memories, magazine spreads, and even local coastal landscapes can spark ideas.

Once you’ve collected a decent number of images, take time to spot patterns. Are there repeated textures, colours, or materials that keep showing up? You might notice a love for linen fabrics, driftwood accents, or weathered finishes. These elements will help you refine your moodboard and guide your styling decisions going forward.

One of the defining features of coastal interiors is the generous use of natural materials. Texture is what makes a space feel relaxed and lived-in, which suits the unpretentious nature of beachside living.

Focus on warm, organic elements like timber, linen, rattan, stone, and jute. A jute rug is a great starting point—it’s durable, low-maintenance, and adds instant earthy charm to any room. You can layer it under a large floor rug to create visual interest and softness underfoot, especially in open-plan spaces.

Other materials like wool throws, rattan light fittings, and textured ceramics help build that layered, inviting atmosphere. Embrace materials that feel imperfect, natural, and raw—they add character and nod to the coastal environment outside.

The coastal palette is all about creating a calming and cohesive atmosphere. You don’t have to stick rigidly to whites and blues—there’s room for depth and warmth too. Soft neutrals like ivory, sand, driftwood, stone grey, and muted greens work well as a base. Think of the tones found in nature: sun-bleached timber, ocean foam, sea glass, and coastal vegetation. These subtle colours don’t compete with the outdoors; instead, they complement it and allow your space to feel connected with its surroundings.

For a global take on coastal style, explore Mediterranean influences with sun-washed terracotta and olive greens, or consider the laid-back coastal homes of Mexico and California with their warmer palettes and earthy textures.

Living near the coast often means more time spent outdoors—and more of the outdoors finding its way inside. Sand, salt, and water are part of everyday life, so your interiors need to be as practical as they are beautiful.

Flooring is especially important in coastal homes. Consider easy-to-clean, durable options like laminate flooring, which is not only budget-friendly but also resistant to moisture and daily wear. In living areas and bedrooms, a solution dyed nylon carpet offers a hardwearing, fade-resistant surface that stands up well to sun and sand without sacrificing softness or comfort.

For areas prone to heavy foot traffic, like entrances, hallways, or patios, outdoor rugs are a smart addition. They’re designed to handle the elements and can be easily hosed down or shaken out, all while adding a stylish finishing touch.

The final layer in any well-designed space is the styling. Coastal interiors call for accessories and furniture that are relaxed, tactile, and thoughtfully curated. In the living room, layer large floor rugs with casual furniture made from light timbers or whitewashed finishes. Use linen slipcovers and soft, oversized cushions to add a sense of ease. Accessories like driftwood, ceramic vases, woven baskets, and indoor plants bring texture and authenticity to the space.

Look for balance—avoid going overboard with overtly nautical décor. Instead, use small nods to the coast with items like shell-shaped trays, coral sculptures, or beach photographs in simple timber frames. Keep things breezy and effortless. If you have an alfresco area, carry the same styling outside. Rattan chairs, a few oversized cushions, and an outdoor rug can transform even the simplest patio into a coastal escape.

What should I consider when choosing a rug for my bedroom?

There are a few things to consider here. Do you want the rug to feel plush underfoot or would you prefer a flatter pile? Do you want the rug to become a feature (with pattern and colour) or more understated? Bedrooms are not incredibly high-traffic spaces so you can afford to choose something like wool or a light colour which you may not, say, in an entryway. Ensure the rug is large enough too, you can see a few different size and placement ideas in our Rug Guide.

What type of rug fibre is the most durable for a busy home?

Rugs fibres are similar to that of carpets and if you’re on the lookout for a durable option, a synthetic fibre like polypropylene is a great idea. Something also to consider is an outdoor or washable rug for those really messy areas of the home!

How often should you vacuum carpet?

Vacuuming frequently will help reduce wear and tear on your carpet by removing dirt and grit from fibres. Vacuum frequently, weekly if possible and book in a yearly professional clean too.