Get ready for summer 2026 with these coastal design trends

3 minute read

Ask just about any designer and they’ll tell you that perhaps the biggest trend in coastal design right now is creating spaces that feel different from coastal design. clearly Along the coast. Gone are the heavy-handed marine interiors and fish motifs. In its place comes a lighter, fresher, and much more elevated look.

“Coastal design is evolving from being literally theme-driven to being more sophisticated and architectural,” say founders Killian Camp and Alison Green. Elan Design Houseby email. But there are many ways designers can turn this style into reality. Here’s what experts see:

Departure from the coast motif

The biggest trends along the coast include moving away from traditional beach-themed decor. Gone are the ropes, anchors and blue and white stripes, replaced by items designed by Ashley Wilkins. Airin Studio He says it feels more “personal and sensuous.” “This change reflects a deeper instinct for the context, storytelling and emotional character of the place,” she points out. Michelle Murphy of DEMI RYAN Interiors agreed, noting that this departure reflects a desire to keep the coastal space from feeling thematic. Instead, it’s more rooted in an organic feel through “abstract and textural nods to the coast.”

Exactly how this change materializes will vary slightly depending on the designer and client. Ghislaine VenusFor example, I look to the coastline for inspiration. Inspired by walks on the beach and the plastics he sometimes encounters, Viñas began using more recycled materials in his projects.

East Hampton Home Tour

Bilal Talaito
Shell-studded fireplace in East Hampton home designed by Todd Hellmuth.

elevated shell art

Although the heavy use of marine and coastal motifs is considered passé; Daniel Balanis of Daniel Balanis Design We emphasize that the shift does not make some details, such as shell art, completely obsolete. To feel contemporary, she says, you need to be “disciplined in your color palette and editorial choices to really create a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind product.”

Color palette changes

In some cases, coastal color palettes are becoming bolder, designers say. emma corner. between camp and green Elan Design House Many say the classic blue and white color scheme is still valid, reinterpreting it through “warmer, more nuanced tones.” The client used deep navy, sand, and cream, layered with wood finishes like walnut, and mixed with lighter, weathered textures. Justine Wolman Interior Justine Wolman Emphasizing calm blues and rustic neutrals, Dovira Obadiah At Dvira Interiors, we especially recommend a warm white like CC-70. This particular shade sets the stage for walls that are “treated with plaster, faux finishes, or wallpaper with a subtle texture.”

wooden panel

This style has its roots in retro surf shacks, where basic sandblasted wooden construction was the norm simply because it was the easiest. According to David Rees of the design company, Reese Hayesthat feature is becoming popular. “It has a nostalgic feel, but has been reinterpreted through a more contemporary lens, defined by cleaner lines, tighter details and a more restrained feel,” he says. When it comes to wood, corners are increasingly using distinct grains and warmer tones rather than the heavily bleached finishes of the past.

Cozy living room with sofa, coffee table, decorations and window.

Provided by Colette Interiors

Home designed by Trish Lynn of Colette Interiors.

layered interior

“What we’re seeing now is a much more layered, expressive approach that embraces a sense of depth, texture and individuality,” Corner says.

Again, the interpretation of this layering varies from designer to designer. for emily del veroThe layered look is manifested in the use of lime wash, Roman clay, and stucco finishes, “creating a soft, calming atmosphere that evokes the natural peace of the coast.” brianna untainer Reflecting her use of plaster and lime paint, she adds lacquer, light wood, and textiles to her Rolodex of materials. Trish Lynn of Colette Interiors Favorite combinations include white oak or darker wood, painted paneling, honed stone, linen, and woven textures.

Beach house as main house

The case of James “Ford” Hunniford Hunniford Design Studiothe biggest change he sees in coastal homes is approaching their design not as a “secondary” home, but with “the same level of intentionality as the primary home.” This encourages a more curated approach to design, particularly when it comes to art, such as selecting pieces that are “designed to form both a collection and a stunning landscape.”

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