Whether you live by the ocean or further inland, these modern coastal design elements will brighten your home and bring the coast to you! Clean linens, soft shapes, and smoky blue hues paint the scene for an open-air space you will loooove. Our principal designer, Michelle, compiled this mood board featuring some of her favorite home decor pieces that are perfect for your next modern coastal design update! We think you will love these just as much as we do!
11 Modern Coastal Design Elements That Are Perfect for Your Aesthetic
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Cousteau
1. Neutral-Tone Pillows
Golds, beiges, and browns will bring sandy elements to your modern coastal color palette. Mix and match different textures and fabrics, such as linen and mohair, to keep it interesting. We are obsessed with the linen shibori pillow cover and its natural contrast!
2. Crate & Barrel Merrick Swivel Chair
Modernize your space with the 70s-inspired curves of this gorgeous Merrick Swivel Chair from Crate & Barrel. The exposed wood swivel base supports the rounded shape wrapped in this lovely textured, basket-woven fabric. If you’re not in love with this fabric, don’t worry. You can choose from almost 200 different swatches to ensure it’s just how you want it!
Designer fun fact: Shibori is a Japanese manual tie-dyeing technique that produces many different fabric patterns.
3. “Women of the World” Original Artwork by Michelle Woolley Sauter
Did you know that Michelle Woolley Sauter, the principal designer for One Coast Design, is also a professional artist? She loves styling a space around art – yours or the ones she can create just for you! This piece, Women of the World No. 4, is inspired by modern masters Picasso and Matisse and delicately hand-painted with oil pastels on paper. Each one is an original!
4. Lockhart Forged Iron Chandelier
Who doesn’t love statement lighting fixtures? This hand-forged Lockhart Forged Iron Chandelier brings soul and style to the space. We love how the tumbled brass finish compliments Michelle’s artwork and the round mirror in this mood board. Don’t you agree?
Designer Tip: If you love this look already, we’re sure you will love our Coastal Gigi Mood Board too!
5. Cora Hollywood Regency White Faux Marble Round Pedestal Table
We love everything about Kathy Kuo Home’s Hollywood Regency collection! The Cora White Faux Marble Round Pedestal Dining Table evokes a touch of Hollywood glamour with its opulent appearance. It’s also constructed with faux marble, making it remarkably lightweight.
6. Serena & Lily Sea Stripe Hand-Knotted Rug
We love incorporating subtle knotted features in a modern coastal space. This gorgeous Sea Stripe Hand-Knotted Rug from Serena & Lily ties into the theme without screaming “maritime.” Skilled craftsmen and women use semi-twisted wool to hand-weave every yarn, knot by knot.
7. Scout & Nimble Marble Fine Carved Lotus Bowl
This beautiful Marble Fine Carved Lotus Bowl from Scout & Nimble is hand-carved from natural marble. The quality of this piece is impeccable. It almost has an abstract seashell appearance to it. Thick, scalloped edges make it fun to add to your modern coastal design!
8. Uttermost Junius Round Antique Gold Leaf Mirror
Elevate your ocean-inspired color palette with this Uttermost Junius Round Antique Gold Leaf Mirror. The gold tone compliments the blues perfectly! Additionally, the perfectly round shape ties in with other round shapes throughout this mood board. Michelle loves the repetition of shapes in design!
9. Marin Ceramic Table Lamp
The base of this Marin Ceramic Table Lamp is reminiscent of the beautifully smoothed olive shells you might find while walking on the beach. The brilliant blue color hints at the frothy colors of the ocean’s crashing waves. We love that it pays a stylish homage to the coast without sacrificing its modern aesthetics.
10. Arhaus Halden Sofa
Who doesn’t love the Arhaus Halden Sofa? Its classic modern silhouette makes it well-suited for just about any living room. It’s a lifetime investment piece whose soft, textural performance fabric and subdued neutral tones make it a couch you can rely on, no matter your style. It will pass through the years effortlessly.
11. Serena & Lily Silverwood Pillow Cover
Yes, we’re talking about pillows again. You can never have too many! This beautiful blue Serena & Lily Silverwood Pillow Cover is so much fun! The vintage indigo color and Luxuriously soft Tibetan sheepskin make it the final touch your contemporary coastal space needs.
We Would Love to Help Transform Your Space Into a Modern Coastal Oasis
If you love this modern coastal style as much as we do, we would love to collaborate with you! Call us to schedule an initial consultation, and we’ll walk you through some of the most critical steps you need to take to make your way to your goal. From there, we can let you take our advice and fly, or you can hire us for more interior design services. We’re super flexible with our clients to ensure we help to the best of our ability. Our clients say they love our flexibility, vision, and ability to bring their perfect version of coastal to life!
What do you say?