Coastal style, redefined: 5 ways to channel beach vibes with a leather sofa

The soothing sound of waves swishing over the sand, the distant cry of gulls, and the smell of the fresh salty breeze wafting through the air — there’s a musicality to the coast, and a beauty so profound it creates a unique connection to nature that many Australians feel in their bones.

It’s no wonder, then, that breezy coastal decor is a style found in trending homes around the country. But how often does this quintessential beachy design trend undergo an evolution? An elevation to something similar yet refreshing?

If you love the idea of beachside vibes but want something a touch removed from the sun-bleached whites and driftwood tables, the new take on the classic Coastal Retreat might be perfect for you. With the simple act of swapping out linen for leather, you can instantly transform your classic coastal home into a modern oasis that’s guaranteed to turn heads.

So how can you do beachside design differently with a leather sofa? Here are five ways to achieve this seamless yet elevated take on coastal style in your home.

1. Mix up the materials

Like the eclectic beautiful detritus of a beach after a storm, the classic coastal home is one of many mixed treasures — and the same goes when you have a leather sofa as the centrepiece. Mixed materials are key to mirror that feeling of organised chaos and natural beauty that’s intrinsic to the ocean.

When it comes to this modern take on coastal, it’s all about picking materials that complement the leather centrepiece: think recycled timbers, natural fibre rugs, textured art, and wooden accessories.

The secret of mixing all of these materials without creating actual interior design chaos is to keep them all in the same tonal colour range so they work together in hue, if not in material. From the natural warmth of timber to the inviting softness of leather, the muted, soft, and warm colours create an open and airy sense of the sea on a warm summer day — with a luxe twist.

Beachside luxe: The Draper 3-Seat Leather Sofa holds centre stage in this coastal style home, with mixed materials throughout the furniture and décor choices.

2. Bring in the colours of the ocean

At its heart, every coastal style, contemporary or classic, needs to call back to the ocean. When you’re styling this look, the colour palette stays the same — ranging from the soft white of wave foam breaking on the shore, to golden tones of warm sand, to the worn and sun-baked tan of natural timber, and (most importantly) bright blue jewel of the ocean.

Occasional flares of sapphire blue and viridian green will add points of interest to any coastal home and further invite the artistry of the beach indoors. These shades are also perfect for tying together the look and offsetting the balmy muted tones of leather sofas and natural timbers.

3. Stick with natural materials

Coastlines are wildly spectacular largely because there is not a single man-made shape or texture in sight. Coastal homes emulate this wild ambience with natural textures from the ground up — and with a leather sofa, this is no different.

Striking in form and stature, the mid-century look of a leather sofa needs to be balanced out with softer textures, such as teak, rattan, nude leather or even denim. Together, all of these work to create a breezy and natural home that exudes elegance while remaining its beachside appeal.

Natural beauty: Furniture such as the Luna Coffee Table in teak timber provides a captivating design that alludes to a copse of trees, while the soft gentle of the Cuba Armchair mimics the graceful curves of nature. Finish it off with the artisan jute rug, which adds woven fibres and textile fabric.

4. Add a touch of Australiana

Many countries enjoy coastlines and beaches, but few boast the effortless allure of the Australian shoreline. That’s why every coastal aesthetic, from Scandi to Mediterranean, often incorporates a touch of local culture.

A vintage surfboard adorning the walls adds an undeniably coastal style to any space, while glass bottles of golden sand collected from local beaches add subtle touches. For a personal touch, adorn your sideboard or coffee table with trinkets collected from iconic neighbouring shopfronts for that extra-local feel.

Hanging on our walls: Feel the warmth of weathered sun-heated boards under your bare feet and feel the anticipation of getting your first glimpse of the ocean every day with this dream-like Beach Path Wall Art in your coastal home.

5. Bring in a touch of the tropics

Greenery is a staple in any interior design scheme, brightening rooms with vibrant life and a refreshing dash of nature. When it comes to coastal home décor ideas featuring leather, the lushness of tropical plants further enhance the feeling of summer-time warmth and sparkle.

A leafy green monstera or a flourishing kentia palm can bring a quiet corner to life, while a bird of paradise flower adds a bright flash of colour as a point of interest and a declaration of beachy indulgence on any coffee or dining table.

Bold yet balanced: The Black Draper Leather Sofa gives this coastal style a more masculine, raw look, while the bright greenery of a tropical plant balances with natural softness and vivacity.

Loving this fresh twist on the coastal style? Shop our redefined coastal furniture collection here.