Text by Holly Seng
From soft cashmere sweaters and home interiors featuring sea-inspired schemes to summer menus prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from a local farmers’ market, the “coastal grandmother” aesthetic is more of a lifestyle than merely a design trend. While the term was coined by TikTok influencer Lex Nicoleta, this timeless style has been around for years and embraced by many—think Nancy Meyer movies, Ina Garten, and Martha Stewart. Contrary to its name, coastal grandmother style is for anyone—no matter your age or proximity to the beach. For your home, the style celebrates effortless elegance and laid-back luxury achieved through layering textures such as linen and natural seagrass with wood elements to bring depth to neutral palettes punctuated by notes of cool blues. Think this might be your style? Peruse some of our favorite spaces below.
Entertain with Ease
When it comes to entertaining, everyone knows you can’t beat a casual gathering on the porch. To finish out your meal, serve up this scrumptious Summer Berry Galette.
Keep It Simple
No cottage is complete without a comfortable spot to cozy up and catch up on your reading. Truly a minimalist style, opt for neutral furnishings with clean lines. Add subtle coastal touches with throw pillows in sandy beiges and serene blues.
Natural Accents
Ground a light and airy palette by incorporating warm wood furnishings and woven accents. When incorporating patterns, stick to neutrals and blues with simple, straightforward designs.
Cast Away Clutter
Accentuate clean lines and pared-down palettes by clearing away unnecessary items from your surfaces. Thoughtful touches like fresh flowers or a bowl filled with lemons bring a fresh feel to a room.
Quite the Pair
Ever the classic pairing, blue and white take prominence in coastal grandmother style. A jute rug and rattan tray add warmth, while block-print pillows and windowpane slipcovers weave in a mild contemporary influence.
Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers are a staple in coastal grandmother style. While you can’t go wrong with blue hydrangeas, this is your chance to infuse your home with vibrant blooms of any shade.
Bright & Airy
Like a breath of fresh air, a bedroom bedecked in shades of white serves as a serene retreat. Crisp linens with seafoam embroidery bring forth coastal vibes without going overboard.
Kick Back & Relax
As another day draws to an end, take in the sunset from the comfort of your hammock. Fluffy pillows and a soft throw ensure you’ll stay warm in the gentle breeze.
