Last Updated on November 26, 2024 by SampleBoard
The Coastal Granddaughter style is a burgeoning fashion and interior design trend inspired by the relaxed and elegant lifestyle of East Coast beach living.
This aesthetic is a fresh take on the cherished "Coastal Grandmother" style, combining its timeless appeal with a modern, youthful twist.
Here's a deeper look into what defines this charming style.
What is the Coastal Granddaughter Style?
This aesthetic beautifully marries the airy, relaxed ambiance of coastal living with the timeless, nostalgic charm of vintage decor reminiscent of a beloved grandmother's home.
Characterized by its serene color palette of soft whites, pastels, and nautical blues and adorned with natural materials like wicker, linen, and reclaimed wood, this style creates a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort.
Vintage accents and coastal elements, such as seashells and driftwood, add layers of warmth and history, crafting a cozy, inviting space that feels both serene and delightfully familiar.
Origins & Inspiration of the Coastal Grandaughter Interior Trend
The Coastal Granddaughter interior trend draws its origins and inspiration from the idyllic charm of seaside living and the comforting nostalgia of a grandmother's cozy home.
This style breathes new life into classic coastal decor by integrating vintage elements that evoke memories of simpler times.
The aesthetic is inspired by the timeless beauty of coastal towns, with their sun-drenched beaches and quaint, weathered cottages, combined with the warmth and sentimentality of family heirlooms and antique finds.
The goal is to create spaces that are light and airy yet filled with character and history, reflecting a serene lifestyle that honors both the beauty of nature and the comfort of cherished traditions.
Think Diane Keaton in "Something's Gotta Give," with her white linen outfits, spacious beach house, and effortlessly chic decor, as a perfect embodiment of the Coastal Granddaughter interior trend.
In the film, her character's home is a masterclass in this style: airy, sunlit rooms furnished with white slipcovered sofas, a palette of soft, sandy neutrals, and delicate blue accents.
The decor seamlessly blends the elegance of sophisticated coastal living with vintage pieces' comfortable, lived-in warmth.
This combination creates an inviting, serene environment that feels timeless and modern at the same time.
It captures the essence of the Coastal Granddaughter aesthetic, where simplicity meets sentimental charm.
Lifestyle Integration
Living the Coastal Granddaughter lifestyle is about more than just aesthetics; it's about embracing a slower, more relaxed pace of life, often tied to coastal living.
It's about enjoying the simple pleasures—a walk on the beach, reading a good book in a sunlit room, and hosting casual gatherings with friends and family.
This lifestyle integration is a key aspect of the Coastal Granddaughter style, as it influences not only the design of your home but also how you use and enjoy your living space.
How to Decorate with the Coastal Granddaughter Style
Here's an in-depth guide to help you master this aesthetic in your home.
Embrace the Serene Color Palette
The Coastal Granddaughter style is rooted in the soft, soothing colors of the seaside.
- Blues and Whites: These colors recall the tranquil sea and wide-open sky, creating a calm and spacious feel. Use these hues as the base colors for walls, larger furniture pieces, and key textiles like bedding and curtains.
- Creams and Beiges: Incorporate warm, neutral tones to balance the coolness of blues and whites. These colors work well for upholstery, rugs, and other soft furnishings.
- Subtle Pastels: Light pinks or blush tones can be used as accents. These softer colors add a gentle, feminine touch without overwhelming the space.
Choose Relaxed and Casual Furniture
Selecting the right furniture is key to achieving the Coastal Granddaughter style.
- Loose Upholstery and Slipcovers: Opt for sofas and chairs with loose-fitting slipcovers made from natural fabrics like linen or cotton. These offer comfort and enhance the relaxed vibe of coastal living.
Mix Vintage and Modern Elements
A balanced mix of vintage and modern elements is essential to creating a cohesive Coastal Granddaughter look.
- Vintage Accents: Integrate a few well-chosen vintage pieces, such as an antique lamp, a reclaimed wood coffee table, or an old nautical map. These items add character and a sense of history to your space.
- Modern Touches: Balance vintage elements with contemporary, minimalist pieces to keep the overall look updated and chic. Sleek lines and modern designs prevent the space from feeling too dated.
Incorporate Textural Elements
Texture plays a significant role in creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- Knit Throws and Cushions: Layer knit throws and cushions in neutral tones on sofas and beds to mimic the cozy feel of a warm sweater. This adds both comfort and visual interest.
- Jute Rugs and Baskets: Use jute and other natural fiber items to introduce texture and a nautical touch. Jute rugs are excellent for living rooms or entryways, while jute baskets can be used for storage or decorative elements.
Integrate Nautical Details
Nautical elements are a hallmark of the Coastal Granddaughter style.
Incorporating nautical accents into your home using the Coastal Granddaughter style involves a thoughtful blend of traditional maritime elements with modern, relaxed aesthetics.
This style is about balance and subtlety, ensuring that nautical accents enhance rather than overwhelm the space.
Here are some ways to integrate these accents seamlessly:
Decorative Accessories
- Jute Rope Mirrors: Nautical rope mirrors add a touch of maritime flair. Hang one above a console table, or use several smaller ones to create a feature wall.
- Ship Wheels and Anchors: Small, well-placed decorative items like a wooden ship wheel or an anchor can serve as focal points in a room. Look for pieces with a weathered finish to add a vintage touch.
- Lanterns: Traditional lantern-style lights, particularly those with a rustic or antique finish, can be used as table decor or hung on walls.
Textiles
- Striped Patterns: Blue-and-white striped rugs, cushions, and throws immediately evoke nautical themes. For visual interest, opt for stripes in various thicknesses.
- Sailcloth-Inspired Fabrics: Use durable and textured fabrics reminiscent of sailcloth for cushions, upholstery, and shower curtains.
- Nautical-Themed Bedding: Subtle patterns featuring seashells, anchors, or nautical maps work well for bedding. Stick to soft color palettes to keep the look serene.
Furniture Choices
- Rope Detailing: Furniture pieces with rope detailing, such as handles or wraps around legs, can subtly infuse a nautical vibe.
- Driftwood Furniture: Tables or chairs made from or inspired by driftwood give an organic, seaside feel.
- Wicker and Rattan: Lightweight and airy, these materials are perfect for coastal decor, providing texture and a nod to beachside living.
Wall Decor
- Seascapes and Maritime Maps: Artwork depicting seascapes, boats, or old maritime maps can be a beautiful way to bring nautical elements into your decor. Choose pieces with soft, muted colors that match your overall palette.
- Beach Photography: Black-and-white or sepia-toned beach photographs can add a touch of elegance and nostalgia.
- Shadow Boxes: Create shadow boxes with nautical items like mini lifebuoys, starfish, or small pieces of driftwood.
Lighting
- Nautical Lanterns: Hanging lanterns or tabletop versions add a practical yet stylish nautical element. Choose designs that mimic traditional ship lanterns for an authentic touch.
- Rope Pendant Lights: Pendant lights with rope accents can be a charming addition to kitchens or dining areas, providing decoration and illumination.
Natural Elements
- Seashells and Driftwood: Strategically place seashells and pieces of driftwood in bowls, on shelves, or into other decorative items.
- Coral Decor: Use faux coral pieces as bookends or standalone decorative items to bring a hint of the sea into your home.
Functional Nautical Pieces
- Clock with Nautical Design: A wall clock featuring maritime elements, such as anchors or compass roses, serves both a functional and decorative purpose.
- Nautical Hooks and Knobs: Replace standard hooks and knobs with ones shaped like anchors, shells, or ship wheels to add subtle nautical touches in bathrooms and kitchens.
Nautical Colors
- Blue and White Palette: Maintain the classic nautical color scheme throughout your decor. Balance the blue and white with neutral tones like beige, sand, and cream to keep the look cohesive and airy.
- Accent Pieces: To give your home a fresh, coastal feel, use soft shades of blue, teal, and seafoam green for accent walls, cushions, or decorative items.
Light and Airy Textiles
Choosing the suitable textiles can enhance your space's light, breezy ambiance.
- Curtains and Drapes: Opt for lightweight fabrics like sheer or linen for your window treatments. These allow natural light to filter through, maintaining an airy feel.
- Bedding and Upholstery: Select light, breathable materials for bedding and upholstered furniture. Linen and cotton are excellent choices that enhance comfort and relaxation.
Layer in Coastal-Inspired Accessories
Accessories can tie your coastal theme together beautifully.
- Seaside Artwork: Decorative pieces such as framed seascapes, ocean-inspired art, or beach photographs help solidify the theme and add personal style.
- Shells and Driftwood: Small decor items like shells, driftwood candles, or vases filled with sand can enhance the overall aesthetic.
Optimize Natural Lighting
Natural light is crucial to achieving the open, airy feel of coastal living.
- Windows: Keep windows unobstructed and use light, breezy curtains to flood the space with natural light. Large windows or sliding glass doors are ideal.
Ambient Lighting
Choosing lighting fixtures that enhance this aesthetic's airy, serene, and warm atmosphere is essential to achieving the soft, ambient lighting that complements the Coastal Granddaughter style.
Here are some specific types of lighting to consider:
Table Lamps with Fabric Shades
- Fabric Shades: Opt for lamps with linen or cotton shades in neutral colors like white, cream, or light beige. These shades diffuse light softly, creating a warm and inviting glow.
- Base Material: To meld with the coastal theme, look for bases made from natural materials like driftwood, ceramic, or glass.
Floor Lamps
- Arc Floor Lamps: These provide a wide, sweeping light that can brighten a specific area without being too harsh. Choose one with a minimalist design and a fabric or rattan shade.
- Tripod Floor Lamps: With their three-legged design, these lamps often feature a nautical or modern coastal vibe that's perfect for this style. Again, fabric shades work best for a soft lighting effect.
Pendant Lights
- Rattan or Wicker Pendants: These fixtures add a natural, textural element to your decor while casting warm, diffused light. They can be particularly striking over dining tables or kitchen islands.
- Minimalist Glass Pendants: Clear or frosted glass pendants in simple, elegant shapes can also fit this style well, especially when hung in multiples.
Wall Sconces
- Ratten or Woven Sconces: Wall-mounted sconces with woven or rattan shades provide ambient lighting and add to the coastal aesthetic.
- Lantern-Style Sconces: Inspired by nautical lamps, these can bring a maritime feel to your decor, especially with a weathered finish and a warm light bulb.
String Lights
- Fairy Lights or String Lights: Perfect for adding a whimsical touch, these lights can be draped across headboards, mirrors, or mantelpieces, providing a soft, twinkling glow.
Candles and Candle Holders
- Groupings of Candles: Real or battery-operated candles grouped on trays or within lanterns add a warm, inviting ambiance.
- Hurricane Lamps: These can be placed on tables or the floor. Their glass enclosures protect the flame while casting a gentle light.
Chandeliers
- Rustic or Coastal Chandeliers: Choose chandeliers made from natural materials like driftwood or featuring coastal motifs such as seashells. Their soft, diffused light can create a focal point in your room.
- Beaded Chandeliers: Light fixtures with wooden beads can add texture and elegance while aligning with the breezy, relaxed feel of coastal decor.
Tips for Choosing Light Bulbs
- Warm White Bulbs: To create a cozy ambiance, opt for bulbs with a color temperature of around 2700K to 3000 K.
- Dimmable Bulbs: Using dimmable lights allows you to adjust the brightness to suit different times of day and moods.
- Energy-Efficient Bulbs: LEDs are a good choice for creating ambient light. They are long-lasting and available in various color temperatures.
By carefully selecting these lighting fixtures and bulbs, you can create a harmonious lighting scheme that perfectly fits the Coastal Granddaughter style, enhancing your home's relaxed, elegant, and inviting atmosphere.
Add Personal Touches
Personalizing your space makes it feel uniquely yours.
- Family Heirlooms and Keepsakes: Incorporate items that have personal meaning to you, such as heirloom pieces or souvenirs from family beach trips. These add warmth and authenticity to your decor.
- Books and Magazines: Display coffee table books and coastal magazines to reflect your interests and add an intellectual touch. They also serve as great conversation starters for guests.
Conclusion
Decorating with the Coastal Granddaughter style involves creating an elegant and inviting space that nods to the serene beauty of East Coast beach living.
You can transform your home into a tranquil coastal retreat by focusing on a soothing color palette, selecting comfortable and stylish furniture, blending vintage and modern elements, and incorporating nautical details and textured accessories.
Embrace the charming simplicity and refined comfort of the Coastal Granddaughter aesthetic, and enjoy the timeless beauty it brings to your home.
The Coastal Granddaughter style captures the essence of youthful, modern coastal living while paying homage to its predecessor's classic, effortless elegance.