Coastal Interiors - how to create the Australian look

With our great love of beaches and memories of holidays near the sand and sea, it’s no surprise that contemporary coastal is one of our most coveted interior styles. Look everywhere on social media and it’s all white interiors with rattan and pops of ochre. It’s a relaxed, natural aesthetic beautifully reflecting our way of life.

Beautiful view over the water from the gorgeous lounge and dining room. Image via Salt.

How to get the coastal look

Style Tip 1- Using paint for a light neutral background

The key to coastal design is a light backdrop. So think all the shades of white ranging from pure white to the tinted tones. The key is picking the right white for your space. Do you need a cool white or a warm white?

When painting with white, note that warmer shades of this colour work better in older buildings and the cooler whites better suit more modern buildings.

Style Tip 2 - Light coloured flooring

The traditional Hamptons look calls for dark stained floorboards, this also has a colonial resort feel. Contemporary Australian coastal however is all about light flooring. Think light stained oak floorboards to softly ground the space. Other options include travertine tiles, terrazzo and polished concrete. These all work beautifully with white walls and rattan accents.

Light timber floorboards:

Light timber floorboards. Image via Three birds Renovations

Polished concrete:

Polished concrete flooring. Image via Oz Design

Style Tip 3 - Natural fabrics are ideal

Complement the warm weather vibe with fabrics in natural cotton and linen. Layer a linen covered lounge with cotton cushions and a light throw. In the cooler months swap the light throw for a woollen blanket.

Lounge:

Linen upholstered lounge via Lounge lovers

Window treatments:

Combining lightweight sheer curtains on windows with a heavier fabric adds not only texture but gives privacy in the summer months and keeps the cold out during winter.

Sheer curtains capture the coastal style perfectly. Image Pillowtalk.

Style Tip 4 - Coastal style furniture

To enhance the coastal design style, furniture needs to be comfortable, light coloured and made from natural materials. A white sofa is perfect but shades of blue, grey and sand also work beautifully.

Beautiful timber furniture by RAW Sunshine Coast

Style Tip 5 - Lighting and accessories

Pendants and lamps

To create the ultimate coastal look you can't go past a rattan light pendant. These beautiful basket pendants will transform your space into a dreamy coastal-inspired oasis. Suiting all the spaces in your home select an oversize feature or keep it small and hang two or three together. Rattan lights are available as desk lamps and floor lamps.

Double rattan pendants over kitchen island. Image via DecorPad

Single oversized rattan pendant light. Image from Pinterest

Coastal rattan lamp with coral motif lampshade. Via Etsy

Accessories:

The finishing touch to a coastal look is to style with tasteful beach decor. Adding pieces that are both functional and aesthetic elevate a room to lust-worthy coastal. Select from natural woven baskets, artwork, driftwood, textured cushions and ceramic sculptures and urns.

Seagrass bags hanging on timber hooks add to the coastal vibe.

Coastal styling with beautiful accessories. Image via Jennifer Squires

Creating our Australian coastal style can be achieved by focusing on the right paint, light flooring, natural fabrics, coastal furniture, lighting and accessories.

I hope you enjoyed reading these tips and that they inspire you to create your own coastal look.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like help in designing your own coastal oasis.

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Have a wonderful day,

Grace xo