Style: Contemporary Coastal

Life by the sea — it’s part of who we are. The relaxed pace of beachside living, memories of sun-kissed skin and a simple, healthy existence are all interwoven into this contemporary take on the coastal style.

Escape is the key word behind this design trend. Channelling alfresco living with an abundance of natural light, this resort-inspired look brings a laid-back vibe into any home — think cabanas, coast and plenty of sunshine.

Ocean living: Discover the Contemporary Coastal moodboard

Love the Contemporary Coastal style? Get inspired with the Lounge Lovers Contemporary Coastal Pinterest board.

What’s important in the Contemporary Coastal style

Coastal homes have long been associated with striped beach umbrellas and towels perched on sandy shores. Bring these striped patterns into your space with banquettes and shutters — exuding the free-flowing lifestyle that’s quintessentially coastal, and quintessentially Australian.

When it comes to furniture, organic materials are a staple for any coastal home. Look for linen sofas, rattan chairs, and wooden coffee tables to keep your interior design looking as natural as the coastline, all year round.

The Contemporary Coastal Colour Palette

Using white as a base, Contemporary Coastal draws upon influences from Australian shores with ocean hues. Paring back the darker shades of Mediterranean blue, ‘Down Under’s take on coastal style privileges pastel blues that exude lightness.

Key accents and materials

Stucco walls and jute are hallmarks of the Contemporary Coastal trend, and bring an effortless elegance while drawing the eye. When paired with natural light, splashes of blue and tonal pattern layering, this look ensures a seamless transition from the sunny outdoors to the stunning indoors.

4 ways to achieve the look in your home

1. Show off your stripes

Lines, lines, lines — that’s what separates this look from its Mediterranean counterpart. From white shutters to lined rugs and cushions, the Contemporary Coastal home channels the patterns of beach umbrellas and striped towels at every turn.

When it comes to adding stripes, don’t be afraid to go beyond the classic blue and white stripe combination. This contemporary spin on the coastal interior design trend is as much about minimalism as it is about sunkissed splendour. Explore the sleek stripes created by the lines of timber tables and benches, such as the Coffee Tables, or a combination of white wood boards against a mirrored wall.

2. Light and breezy

Beachside living in Australia has always been about glittering blue seas and a carefree sense of youth. Contemporary Coastal spaces bring this relaxed way of living to life with equally as relaxed hues.

Style every room with the ‘less is more’ approach, and stick to a combination of white, beige and cream as your core colours. Accent these with pastel blues and cool greys for a cohesive space that oozes with sun and surf.

3. Opt for natural fibres

The Australian coastline is stunning in its own right — and it’s key to take a similar approach in your home when designing in the Contemporary Coastal style. Look for products made from organic materials, such as untreated American oak or natural rattan, which reflect the beauty of the natural environment.

To avoid going from beach to bland, mix up the textures and materials to keep the room interesting: linen sofas pair well with wooden tables, while textured jute rugs can instantly spruce up any living area. Last but not least, let the sunlight stream in whenever possible to create an air space that’s fit for life by the sea.

4. It’s all glass and mirrors

Glass tables and mirrored walls instantly open up even the most petit floor plans, and create the illusion of a spacious expanse that’s as light and breezy as the beach on a summer’s day. The trick is to be deliberate and stick to a few feature pieces, such as a glass dining table or a striped mirror feature wall. These add a contemporary touch on the coastal style, without going over the top.

Ready to bring this look into your home? Shop the Contemporary Coastal style below.