10 Ways to Create a Coastal Summer Retreat in Any Home
There’s something magical about the coast that instantly makes us feel relaxed and rejuvenated. The gentle sound of waves, the fresh sea breeze, and the calming blue horizons work together to create a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. But what if I told you that you don’t need to book an expensive beach house to experience that coastal tranquility? With some thoughtful touches and design choices, you can transform your home into a breezy summer retreat that captures the essence of coastal living, no matter where you actually live.
After years of helping clients bring that seaside feeling into their urban apartments and suburban homes, I’ve discovered that creating a coastal retreat isn’t about nautical clichés or literal beach references—it’s about capturing the feeling of lightness, the easy living, and the natural elements that make coastal spaces so inviting.
In this article, I’ll share my top ten strategies for infusing your home with coastal charm that works year-round but feels especially refreshing during summer months. These approaches work whether you’re in a city high-rise, a country cottage, or anywhere in between. Let’s dive in!
1. Embrace a Light and Airy Color Palette
The foundation of any coastal retreat starts with color. When I think of coastal spaces, I immediately envision a palette that reflects the natural seaside environment: soft whites, sandy beiges, various blues from sky to navy, and gentle sea glass greens.
Start with a base of crisp whites or warm off-whites for your walls. This immediately brightens your space and creates that airy feeling so characteristic of beach houses. I recently helped a client transform their dark, heavy living room into a coastal haven simply by switching their deep taupe walls to a warm white (Benjamin Moore’s “White Sand” is my go-to).
You don’t need to repaint every room to achieve this effect. Instead, focus on one area that you want to feel particularly retreat-like—perhaps your bedroom or living room. Then, layer in your coastal colors through:
- Throw pillows in varied blues and aquas
- Light, natural-toned furniture
- Soft sea glass green accents
- Sandy beige textiles
The key is to keep the palette soft and weathered rather than bold and primary. Think of colors that have been gently faded by the sun, just like you might find in a well-loved beach cottage.
2. Incorporate Natural Textures
What makes coastal spaces feel so inviting is their connection to natural elements. In my experience, introducing varied textures is even more important than coastal-themed decorations.
Consider adding:
- Jute or sisal rugs that mimic the texture of sandy beaches
- Rattan or wicker furniture and baskets that bring in that casual beach house vibe
- Linen curtains and upholstery that billow and move with air currents
- Weathered or whitewashed wood elements
- Rope details on lamps, mirrors, or furniture
Last summer, I added a simple jute rug to my dining area and was amazed at how instantly it transformed the feeling of the space. There’s something about these natural fibers that grounds a room while simultaneously making it feel more relaxed.
Mix your textures rather than matching everything. The casual, collected-over-time feeling is what gives authentic coastal spaces their charm. I always advise clients to incorporate at least three different natural materials in each room.
3. Let There Be Light
Coastal spaces are all about maximizing natural light, creating that sun-drenched feeling that makes beach houses so appealing. If your home lacks abundant natural light, there are several tricks I’ve learned to compensate:
First, reconsider your window treatments. Heavy drapes might provide privacy but they block precious light. Consider replacing them with sheer linen panels, simple bamboo blinds, or plantation shutters that can be adjusted throughout the day.
I’ve found that hanging mirrors strategically across from windows dramatically increases the light in a room. In my own north-facing office, adding a large weathered wood mirror doubled the natural light and created a much more uplifting space.
Next, evaluate your artificial lighting. Coastal spaces often feature multiple light sources at different heights rather than relying on a single overhead fixture. Try:
- Table lamps with slender, transparent bases that don’t block views
- Pendant lights with natural materials like rattan or rope
- String lights for outdoor spaces
- Candles (real or flameless) to add that flickering glow reminiscent of sunlight on water
Remember that coastal lighting should feel warm rather than harsh or clinical. Look for bulbs labeled “soft white” rather than “daylight” for a more flattering, golden-hour type illumination.
4. Simplify and Edit Your Space
One of the most defining characteristics of coastal retreats is their sense of spaciousness and simplicity. Unlike our typically cluttered everyday environments, beach houses tend to feature carefully edited collections and plenty of breathing room.
This doesn’t mean you need to become a minimalist overnight. Instead, I recommend trying a seasonal edit: pack away about 25% of your decorative items for the summer months to create a lighter, more spacious feeling.
Focus particularly on:
- Clearing horizontal surfaces like coffee tables and countertops
- Reducing heavy winter textiles like thick throws and multiple pillows
- Storing books and magazines out of sight
- Minimizing small trinkets in favor of fewer, more substantial pieces
When I work with clients on their summer transformations, we often create a “rotation box” where seasonal items are stored during the warmer months. This not only creates that coastal spaciousness but also makes those items feel fresh when they return in the fall.
Remember that coastal spaces are functional—they need to accommodate sandy feet, wet swimsuits, and casual entertaining. Your summer retreat should feel relaxed rather than precious or overly styled.
5. Bring in Elements of Water
What’s a coastal retreat without references to water? While you definitely don’t need to go overboard with seashell collections or anchor motifs, subtle nods to the water element help cement the coastal feeling.
Some sophisticated ways I like to reference water include:
- Large-scale ocean photography (black and white works particularly well for a modern take)
- Abstract art with fluid, watery movements in blue and aqua tones
- Glass vases and vessels in sea-inspired colors
- A small collection of sea glass or smooth stones displayed simply in a glass bowl
- Watercolor textiles featuring gentle washes rather than distinct patterns
One of my favorite projects involved helping a client in Arizona create a coastal feeling using large-format photography from their annual Maine vacation. The photographs served as both personal mementos and perfect color inspiration for the rest of the room.
Water sounds can enhance the coastal atmosphere as well. Consider a small tabletop fountain, or simply create a summer playlist featuring gentle waves as background ambiance for entertaining.
6. Focus on Indoor-Outdoor Connection
The essence of coastal living is that seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Even if your outdoor area is limited to a tiny balcony or patio, strengthening this connection enhances the retreat feeling.
Start by ensuring your transition spaces are inviting. The path to your outdoor area should be uncluttered and welcoming, with perhaps a small table for setting down drinks or a hook for beach towels.
Extend your interior styling to your outdoor spaces with:
- Weather-resistant pillows and throws in your coastal palette
- Lanterns or string lights for evening ambiance
- Potted plants that thrive in coastal environments (grasses, succulents, or lavender)
- An outdoor rug to define the seating area
If your view isn’t naturally coastal, create focal points that draw the eye. A simple blue ceramic pot with cascading plants can become a visual anchor reminiscent of the sea.
When working with a client whose apartment faced another building, we placed tall grasses in planters on their balcony, creating movement that mimicked seaside vegetation. The gentle swaying in the breeze instantly transformed their outdoor experience.
7. Incorporate Coastal Scents and Sounds
Our senses of smell and hearing powerfully influence how we experience spaces. Coastal environments have distinctive scents and soundscapes that you can subtly recreate at home.
For scents, avoid obviously artificial “beach” fragrances in favor of:
- Salt and sea minerals
- Clean cotton
- Light citrus
- Coconut (used sparingly)
- Subtle floral notes like jasmine or plumeria
I’ve found that reed diffusers work particularly well for coastal scents as they provide a constant but not overwhelming fragrance. Place them near entry points so the scent greets you when you arrive home.
For sounds, consider:
- A small tabletop fountain for gentle water sounds
- Wind chimes for outdoor areas (bamboo or metal produce different coastal-appropriate tones)
- Curated playlists of wave sounds or breezy instrumental music
When I created a coastal retreat for a basement apartment in Chicago, sound elements were crucial since the space lacked natural light. A small water feature became the focal point, providing both visual movement and that soothing water sound.
8. Choose Coastal-Inspired Textiles
Textiles offer an easy way to transform your space seasonally without major investment. For summer months, I recommend lightening up your fabric choices to reflect coastal influence.
Consider:
- Replacing heavy drapes with sheer linen panels that move with the breeze
- Swapping out thick pillows for covers in cotton, linen, or lightweight canvas
- Adding a cotton slipcover to dark furniture
- Using lightweight throws in cotton or linen rather than heavier winter blankets
- Introducing subtle patterns like thin stripes, faded batik, or watercolor prints
The key to coastal textiles is their performance—they should feel casual and unfussy. Nothing should feel too delicate or formal. I often advise clients to select washable fabrics that don’t require special care, just like you’d want in a true beach house.
One textile change that makes a dramatic difference is bedding. Switching to linen or cotton percale sheets in white or soft coastal colors instantly creates that “luxury beach hotel” feeling. Add a lightweight cotton blanket and remove unnecessary decorative pillows for the ultimate coastal sleeping experience.
9. Display Collected Treasures Thoughtfully
While I generally advise against themed coastal décor, there is something special about incorporating actual items from beach experiences. The key is restraint and thoughtful display.
Instead of spreading seashells throughout your home, consider:
- A single large shell as a sculptural object on a stack of books
- A shadow box frame with sand and tiny shells from a meaningful beach trip
- A glass hurricane with a candle surrounded by collected sea glass
- A simple glass jar of perfectly smooth stones gathered from the shore
I worked with one family to create a yearly ritual of selecting just one special find from their annual beach vacation. These objects, displayed together on a dedicated shelf, became a meaningful visual history of their time together rather than clutter.
Remember that coastal style at its best isn’t about beach-themed objects—it’s about capturing the feeling of ease and connection to nature that coastal living provides.
10. Create Zones for Relaxation and Gathering
What makes a coastal retreat truly special is how it functions for both quiet relaxation and easy entertaining. The most successful beach houses I’ve visited feature well-defined areas for different activities, all with that signature coastal relaxed attitude.
Consider creating:
- A reading nook with a comfortable chair, good light, and a small side table—perfect for afternoon breaks
- An easy entertaining area where glasses, simple snacks, and drinks can be accessed without fuss
- A transition zone near entrances for dropping beach bags, hats, or shoes
- A quiet spot for morning rituals like coffee or yoga
In my own home, I’ve created a small beverage station with a tray holding glasses, a pitcher for water or cocktails, and usually some citrus. This simple setup encourages the kind of impromptu gathering that beach houses naturally inspire.
The furniture arrangement matters too. Unlike more formal living spaces, coastal rooms often feature conversation areas with seating facing each other rather than a TV. This subtle shift encourages connection and conversation.
Bringing It All Together
Creating a coastal summer retreat isn’t about following rigid design rules or filling your home with beach-themed items. Instead, it’s about capturing the essence of what makes coastal living so appealing: the light, the natural elements, the sense of ease, and the connection to the outdoors.
You don’t need to implement all ten of these strategies at once. Start with the elements that speak to you most—perhaps a lighter color palette and some natural textures—and build from there. Each small change will contribute to that overall feeling of coastal relaxation.
What I love most about this approach is its adaptability. These principles work whether you’re in a tiny apartment or a spacious home, whether your style leans modern, traditional, or somewhere in between. The coastal feeling is ultimately about creating spaces that help you slow down, breathe deeply, and connect—both with your surroundings and with the people you share them with.
As summer approaches, I invite you to consider which of these coastal elements might bring a bit more joy and relaxation into your own home. Sometimes the smallest changes—a new pillow cover, a carefully edited shelf, or simply rearranging furniture to better capture the breeze—can transform how you experience your space.
Here’s to creating your own personal coastal retreat, no matter how far you might be from the actual shore. After all, the best beach house is the one that makes you feel as relaxed and rejuvenated as a day spent by the sea.
If you love home decor and interior design as much as I do, check out these other articles I think you might like.
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