Coastal Cottage Style: How to decorate with seaside art and charm

 

Coastal décor is all about creating a light, relaxed, and breezy atmosphere that captures the laid-back charm of seaside living no matter how far you are from the shore. It’s a style that embraces simplicity, comfort, and a strong connection to nature. Think soft, neutral tones, natural materials, and effortless styling that makes your home feel like a calming retreat.

 

What is Coastal Décor?

At its heart, coastal interior design channels the serenity of the sea and the openness of the outdoors. It’s less about overt beach-themed accessories and more about creating a subtle, timeless space that feels fresh, open, and peaceful. Through thoughtful touches like pale woods, light linens, and airy spaces, you can bring the feeling of a beach house getaway right into your everyday life.

Whether you’re after a classic coastal look or something more modern and minimalist, this décor trend is easy to achieve and endlessly versatile. Plus, it never goes out of style. You’ll feel like you’re on holiday all year round.

 

Coastal Colour's

When it comes to coastal style, colour plays a major role in setting the mood. The classic combo? Blue and white. Crisp, clean and timeless, these two hues instantly evoke the feeling of sea and sky. If bright white feels too stark for your space, opt for warmer neutrals like soft creams, sandy beiges, or even a hint of seashell pink.

Pair those soft neutrals with oceanic shades, from deep navy to powder blue or turquoise to build that layered, lived-in look. Whether it’s paint, furniture, or accessories, a palette inspired by the sea will bring a sense of balance and tranquillity to any room.

For a more toned-down take on the coastal aesthetic, look to nature for inspiration. Stone greys, driftwood taupes, and seasalt nudes offer a muted, minimalist approach that works beautifully in bedrooms and bathrooms, those spaces where you want to wind down in peace.

 

Seascape-Inspired Artwork

Nothing captures the rhythm and beauty of the coast quite like a seascape painting. Art is a powerful way to reflect the ever-changing moods of the ocean and can set the tone for your entire space. Whether it’s the soft stillness of dawn over the water or the crashing waves of a stormy sea, the right canvas can transport you straight to the shoreline.

Canvas wall art is a brilliant way to add character and a personal touch to your coastal-inspired interior. The emotive brushwork, the play of light and texture, and the palette of sea-infused tones all help reinforce that serene, beachside vibe.

 

Meet the Artists: Chris and Steve Rocks

If you’re looking for the perfect seascape, look no further than twin artists Chris and Steve Rocks. Known for their emotionally charged, atmospheric works, the Rocks brothers create abstract landscapes that explore the raw energy of the natural world. Each canvas is a collaboration between the two, their styles seamlessly blending to form something truly unique.

Their artwork is full of movement - brooding skies, glowing horizons and tidal forces all caught in motion. Their pieces are ideal for a coastal interior, bringing in that sense of drama, depth, and connection to nature that defines this timeless style.

 

Aritsts: Rocks Brothers

Oceanic

Oceanic is bold and full of movement. This powerful piece is layered with sweeping brushstrokes in stormy blues, misty greys and sandy neutrals. You can almost hear the waves crashing.

Oceanic makes a striking statement in any space, especially when paired with natural textures and minimal styling. It channels the raw, untamed beauty of the sea and brings that elemental energy straight into your home.

 

Print: Oceanic

Northern Tides

There’s a quiet power to Northern Tides - an abstract seascape that feels as though it’s been pulled straight from the shoreline at golden hour. With soft, sandy tones, sweeping whites and moody greys that gather like distant storm clouds, this piece captures the ever-shifting drama between sea and sky.

Peaceful, grounding and full of atmosphere, it brings the essence of the coast into your home, no matter how far you are from the water’s edge. Perfect for calm, considered interiors, Northern Tides makes a statement in the most subtle way. Whether styled above a bed, in a hallway, or as a focal point in your living space, this canvas print turns any room into a coastal retreat.

 

Print: Nothern Tides

Styling Tips for Coastal Home Décor

Even if you’re miles from the ocean, you can create a coastal-style home by focusing on the right design elements:

• Natural light is key. Keep windows bare or dress them with sheer, floaty fabrics to maximise sunshine and airflow.

• Whitewashed wood whether on floors, ceilings or furniture instantly gives that holiday cottage feel.

• Natural materials like rattan, jute, linen and stone add warmth and texture while keeping things light and airy.

• Stripes are a coastal classic. From bold wallpaper to subtle bedding, stick to nautical tones like navy, cream, and soft blue for timeless impact.

• Layer with personal touches. The coastal look should feel nostalgic and personal, add framed photos, found seaside treasures, or even create a gallery wall with holiday postcards and travel mementos.

• Use soft, tactile textiles like linen throws, cotton cushions, and breezy curtains to create that laid-back, beachy atmosphere.

 

Feeling Inspired?

Ready to dive into coastal living? Whether you're updating a single room or reimagining your whole space, coastal décor offers a timeless and tranquil way to style your home. For more inspiration, check out our top 5 design tips for a modern renovation, or explore how to blend the charm of cottagecore into a contemporary setting with our latest style guide.