Creating a Seaside Sanctuary: How to Nail the Modern Coastal Aesthetic

 

Beachside interior design has undergone a chic transformation, replacing seashells and lobster trap tables with a breezy, minimalist modern coastal aesthetic. Here, Scouted interior experts offer guidance on creating an elevated oasis, whether you own a shore home or seek to embody casual coastal sophistication. To find a scouted design professional in your area, browse The Scout Guide Directory.

Interior design by Barbara Gisel Design. Photography courtesy of Barbara Gisel Design.

Subtlety is key. Exercising a light touch is a must when working with coastal interiors, explains Barbara Gisel, owner of Barbara Gisel Design in Haverford, Pennsylvania. Cleverly integrating thematic elements, like this hook that evokes a nautical knot, is a lovely subtle nod instead of every decorative element adhering to a beach theme.

Interior design by Megan Molten. Photography by Margaret Wright.

Opt for organic colors. Choosing a color scheme is one of the most complicated parts of the design process. Megan Molten, owner and lead designer at Megan Molten Interior Design Studio in Charleston, South Carolina, simplifies this core element by choosing colors you’d find by the coast. “I love to incorporate blues, white, green, and natural tones,” she says. These shades embody the modern coastal aesthetic. 

Interior design by Megan Molten. Photography by Margaret Wright.

Be open to a modern twist. A lot of people think of seashells and the color blue when creating coastal interiors, Molten explains, but the mod coastal aesthetic allows for a little more daring design choices, like this vibrant powder room wallpaper.

Interior design by Megan Molten. Photography by Margaret Wright.

Choose furniture with natural woven finishes. Molten recommends leaning into the rattan trend, noting that rattan adds warmth and texture, giving a nice counterpoint to the bright white that’s the cornerstone of the modern coastal aesthetic.

Interior design by Megan Molten. Photography by Margaret Wright.

Throw shade. Window treatments at the shore require extra consideration, Gisel says. Determining where there is intense sunlight and where the sun travels is the first priority. For sleeping quarters, she likes to control light and privacy with pull-down shades, adding in layers of breezy, sheer fabric panels to soften the space.

Interior design by Megan Molten. Photography by Margaret Wright.

Mix up your patterns. When working with a muted color palette, paying attention to pattern and texture in your textiles really matters. Gisel incorporates a mix of solids, textures, and subtle patterns to keep things from being one note. Molten seeks out local textile artisans, like Emily Daws Textiles in Charleston, South Carolina, to keep things local and interesting.

Interior design by Megan Molten. Photography by Margaret Wright.

Make durability a priority. Homes in beach locales can take a lot of abuse due to water and sand, but Gisel notes that you don’t have to sacrifice style for ruggedness. “Today there are many options for high-performance fabrics, rugs, and even wood that can withstand heavy use, wet bathing suits, and overall sun exposure,” she says. 

Interior design by Megan Molten. Photography by Margaret Wright.

Don’t be to afraid go dark. While the leading color palette in the modern coastal aesthetic interiors tends to be on the lighter side, Molten likes to bring in a dark accent color to elevate the space and give it a more sophisticated feel. With a nod to nature, the deep blue here evokes the beautiful shades of a gathering storm over the ocean.

Interior design by Megan Molten. Photography by Margaret Wright.

Take a cue from your location. Gisel acknowledges it can be challenging to find the perfect balance of costal casual while still channeling a luxe, sophisticated feel. She often lets the culture of the location influence her design style. For example, if your locale is a little more buttoned-up, lean into that style when designing certain spaces, like the dining room.

Feature photo: Interior design by Barbara Gisel Design; photography courtesy of Barbara Gisel Design. TSG Tip 458 from Barbara Gisel, owner of Barbara Gisel Design in Haverford, Pennsylvania and Megan Molten, owner and lead designer at Megan Molten Interior Design Studio in Charleston, South Carolina. Barbara Gisel Design appears in The Scout Guide Mainline & Philadelphia. Megan Molten appears in The Scout Guide Charleston.