These Coastal Design Tips Are Straight out of a Nancy Meyers Movie

Life might be a beach, but decorating your home to look like one can is no easy feat. While fish, shells, and lots of kelp run rampant along the shore, these classic motifs tend to look tacky inside. “The most memorable coastal homes feel personal and collected, not perfectly coordinated,” explains Christine Markatos Lowe, an interior designer in Santa Monica. “The biggest mistake is relying on literal nautical references.”

So what’s the secret to crafting a chic, coastal space that resembles the backdrop of a Nancy Meyers movie? The right design know-how, of course. Below, several few West Coast designers share their secrets behind a beautiful (and brilliantly low-key!) beach abode. 

Design by Hearth Homes Interiors; Photo by Public 311 Design

Coastal Colors 

If you want to bring the beach’s easy, breezy spirit to your home, match your accent shades to its surroundings. While shades of blues and greens are obvious choices, Katie Labourdette-Martinez of Hearth Homes Interiors encourages you to sidestep the status quo. “Some of my favorite coastal homes are built almost entirely around warm neutrals,” she says. “They feel more connected to the landscape than homes that rely on traditional beach colors.” 

Design by Christine Markatos Lowe; Photo by Manolo Langis

Nature-Made Materials 

A beachy setting is where Mother Nature really shows off, so why should your coastal crib be any different? “It should prioritize natural materials, durable finishes, and spaces that transition effortlessly between indoors and outdoors,” says Labourdette-Martinez. “Cane, natural woven fibers, linen, plaster, and handmade ceramics add richness while keeping the palette calm.” Woods of all species are also welcomed—bonus points if they have slightly distressed details.

Design by Hearth Homes Interiors; Photo by Public 311 Design

Skip the Hyper-Specific Touches

Lighthouses and seaside signage have no place in a classy, coastal-inspired space. “If an item would feel wildly out of place in any other setting, it’s probably trying too hard,” cautions Courtney B. Smith, an interior designer in California’s Marin County. Instead, she recommends pieces that delivered a laidback je nais se quois—but aren’t basic. “Coastal nods should be sophisticated enough to live anywhere, even if they never leave the oasis of a seaside setting,” Smith shares. For example, spring for a rattan lampshade, papier-mâché coral mirror, or a close-up photo of whitecaps.

Enlist Your Senses

Subtly, of course. “Just as color and texture shape the atmosphere of a room, scent has the ability to instantly transport you, creating an emotional connection that makes a house feel like home,” says Deborah de Vries of Hara Home. Not to play favorites, but de Vries says HIʻuwai candle is oceanic without being over-the-top. “Inspired by the Hawaiian ritual of cleansing and renewal in the ocean, its notes of sea salt, driftwood, and sun-warmed coastal botanicals evoke that first deep breath at the water’s edge,” she adds.

Design by Hearth Homes Interiors; Photo by Public 311 Design

Layer Up

As beautiful as the beach is, it’s not a static, styled-to-perfection environment. The weather changes, tides ebb and flow, and it evolves as the day does. “The goal is for every room to feel effortless, not unfinished,” says Labourdette-Martinez. “Those moments feel much more impactful because they’re layered thoughtfully instead of repeated throughout the home.” Lowe agrees and says thoughtful proportions, custom upholstery, layered lighting, and curated furnishings can keep your digs “refined while remaining comfortable.”

Go Outside 

Of course, there’s more to a coastal space than gorgeous décor. Though Lowe believes there should always be “a seamless connection” between the outdoors and indoors, don’t overlook your backyard. “People underestimate how much landscaping contributes to the feeling,” adds Labourdette-Martinez. “Native grasses, gravel pathways, and layered planting can do as much for a home’s coastal character as the furnishings inside.” If you’re looking for some idyllic, al fresco inspo, consider an outdoor shower or a pool-free yard.