The calming vibes and airy aesthetic of coastal interiors have long been a favourite among homeowners and top interior designers. But this year coastal interior design gets a refresh; moving away from kitschy features and towards a more grown-up and sophisticated aesthetic.

Explore how to take inspiration from the look and discover the best doors for coastal properties in this essential guide.

What is the Modern Coastal Design Style?

At its core, the coastal trend is all about creating a sense of peace and relaxation in your home.

It’s a trending look that’s less about actually living in a coastal property and more about bringing the feeling of a seaside getaway indoors, wherever you live in the UK.

This is achieved through a combination of colour and texture to create an ‘old money coastal’ look that’s both luxurious and laidback.

How do I Make my House Look Coastal?

Soothing Shades
Neutrals like beige, white, and light greys form the foundation, often accented with calming blues and greens reminiscent of the ocean. Deep, rich blues are a popular choice, adding a touch of drama without overwhelming the space.

Rustic materials
Coastal interiors are all about embracing the beauty of nature. Think light wooden interior doors and woven textures like rattan and jute. Combine with textiles made from linen, cotton, and seagrass. These elements bring a sense of organic texture and casual elegance.

What are the Key Elements of Coastal Interior Design?

The allure of coastal interiors lies in their ability to create a calming and serene atmosphere, reminiscent of a relaxing seaside getaway or aspirational beachside homes glimpsed in movies.

Take a moment to imagine the sounds of lapping waves and fresh breeze…

Light and Airy Feel
Prioritise natural light to create a cool, refreshing atmosphere. Pair glazed internal doors with sheer blinds or linen curtains that allow sunlight to filter through. Enhance this feeling of openness by minimising clutter and maintaining clean lines.

Sophisticated Touches
Modern coastal interiors lean towards a more elevated feel. Thoughtfully curated collections (rather than themed décor) adds personality while keeping the look refined. Subtle shades such as coral or seafoam green can be incorporated through pillows, artwork or rugs.

Nature Indoors
Bring the outdoors in with plenty of houseplants. These add a touch of life and reinforce the connection to nature. Team with sliding doors for immersive natural views and a burst of refreshing breeze or bifold patio doors that lead to a fire pit and outdoor kitchen.

Discover the latest patio door trends to add to your project by reading our essential trend report.

How to Make Your Home Look Like a Nancy Meyers House?

Renewed appetite for coastal interiors can be traced back to the Nancy Meyers interior design trend. Inspired by the comforting interiors that appear in Nancy Meyers movies such as: The Parent Trap, It’s Complicated or The Holiday.

The Nancy Meyers aesthetic is synonymous with comfortable luxury. Think welcoming spaces bathed in warm, natural light, with a base of creamy whites, beiges, and soft earth tones such as terracotta. The kind of interior you might glimpse in a nostalgic romcom movie.

Rooms are filled with plush furniture upholstered in linens and cottons, inviting you to curl up with a book. Natural textures abound, with woven rugs, jute accents, and plenty of greenery adding depth and visual interest.

While the style can incorporate various architectural elements, the key is a sense of timeless elegance that feels lived-in and inviting, like a home designed for entertaining friends and family.

Learn more about the coastal grandmother interior design trend to capture a similar look.

How Do You Create a Modern Coastal Interior?

The foundation of a coastal space is a soothing colour scheme.

So, what is the colour palette for coastal? Soft neutrals such as whites, creams, and light greys dominate, often accented with calming blues and greens that reflect the ocean’s hues. Darker blues, greys and browns are an on-trend addition; infusing a sense of contemporary contrast.

Maximise natural light to create a bright and breezy atmosphere. Illuminate your space with white interior doors and choose doors with glazed panels to boost the effect. Internal French doors and bifold doors help to open up your layout and optimise multifunctional spaces.

Combine California modern interior design with minimalist interior design for the ultimate modern beach house aesthetic.

How to Style a Modern Beach House?

While the core principles of coastal interior design will always remain the same, there are ways to update your the look for a more contemporary feel.

Go for unique pieces that feel personal to you (rather than a strict nautical theme) and introduce warmer neutrals like beige or greige for a more grounded feel. Pair pastel blues with darker greys and blacks to stop living spaces looking overly twee.

Buy internal doors online that strike a balance between classic and contemporary such as bestselling Mexicano oak doors, rich in natural warmth and texture.

What is the Best Door Material for Coastal Areas?

If you currently live by the coast or already own coastal properties, there are practical aspects to think about too. When it comes to the best doors for coastal areas, the key is choosing robust materials that can withstand the harsh elements – salt spray, strong winds, and constant moisture. It may also be worth thinking about doors with glazed panels (made from toughened glass, of course) to ensure a bright and airy feel all year round.

Best Doors for Coastal Areas

Composite Doors
Modern composite doors are champions in coastal environments. They’re highly resistant to moisture, salt air, and even corrosion. They won’t warp or rot, and they require minimal maintenance.

uPVC Doors
An excellent affordable choice, uPVC doors are known for their durability against moisture and salt. They’re also typically more affordable than fiberglass. Choose UV resistant doors to prevent sun damage.

Aluminium Doors
Naturally resistant to corrosion, aluminium doors are a good option for coastal areas. They’re lightweight and strong, making them ideal for larger doors. However, they can dent more easily than other materials.

Treated Wood Doors
While wood can be a beautiful choice, it requires special treatment to withstand the elements. Look for wooden doors that are pressure-treated for moisture resistance and have a protective finish.

Learn more about composite doors, interior door trends and the different types of wooden doors. Plus, discover how to elevate your entrance with our essential guide to the best front doors.

Final Tips for Stylish and Modern Coastal Homes

Embrace Neutrals with Nuance
opt for neutral tones with variations. Experiment with warmth or coolness. Greige (grey + beige) adds depth, while a pale blush or sage green injects a subtle contemporary touch.

Mix Materials, Not Match
Move away from a uniform look. Juxtapose natural textures like woven baskets and seagrass rugs with sleek metal lamps or a polished concrete coffee table.

Step away from the Seashells
Ditch the mass-produced displays. Instead, create a gallery wall with coastal-inspired photography, abstract art in calming blues and greens, or keepsakes from your own personal getaways.

Pops of Unexpected Colour
Don’t be afraid to add a burst of vibrancy. Think coral throw pillows, a seafoam green accent chair, or a statement rug with geometric patterns in ocean hues.

Design-led Furniture Pieces
Comfort is key in coastal interiors. Choose clean lines and simple silhouettes for furniture. Think low-profile sofas, sleek armchairs with metal accents, and minimalist dining tables.

Light and Airy with Purpose
While boosting natural light is important, incorporate modern lighting fixtures. Sculptural pendant lamps or sleek sconces can add visual interest and a warming glow.

Living Plants, not Plastic Replicas
Real greenery adds life and a touch of nature to your space. Opt for low-maintenance plants that thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, common in coastal areas.

Natural Fibres, Modern Applications
Textures like rattan and jute are coastal classics, but use them in a modern way. Think chunky knit throws on sofas or a woven headboard with clean lines. Combine with metallic elements for a trend-led feel.

Oh We Do Like to be Beside the Seaside…

The beauty of the latest coastal interior design ideas is that they can be adapted to any budget and personal style. Whether you live by the beach or yearn for a seaside escape, this trend offers a way to create a calming and inviting space in your home. Buy interior doors online or ask our team about made to measure doors and begin a beach-inspired home refresh today.