Each new season sees fresh beach house decor trends, and the coming year looks to be no different. Natural materials such as wood, rattan, and seagrass are integral to coastal interiors, adding warmth and texture to the design. See what’s hot for 2021! Discover our exquisite collection of coastal decor items, carefully curated to evoke the natural beauty and relaxed aesthetic of seaside living.
Discover creative and inspiring ideas for beach house decor that will help you transform your space into a coastal oasis.
With 2021 just around the corner, it’s time to think about how to update your beach house decor. Each season brings new trends, and the coming year is no different. Beach house style, also known as coastal living, is characterised by the use of design elements that capture the essence of seaside living and scenic views. In 2015, stacked, interlocking designs and geometric shapes were in. By 2017, nautical wallpapers and boho outdoor areas had taken over, and in 2019, sustainability and maximalist art became increasingly popular. Many of these trends are inspired by our favourite summer homes, offering a glimpse into the most inviting and stylish coastal retreats. Common colours in coastal decor include shades of white, sandy beige, soft blues, aqua greens, and stormy greys. With the right touches, you can create a space that feels both relaxed and sophisticated. It’s easy to fall in love with coastal style and the charm of beachside homes. So, what’s trending for 2021? Here’s what to look out for:
Introduction to Beach House Style
Beach house style, also known as coastal living, is all about capturing the relaxed, sun-kissed essence of life by the sea. This inviting design approach draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the coast, utilising natural materials such as wood, rattan, and linen to add warmth and texture to coastal interiors. The colour palette is typically soft and soothing, with shades of blue, white, and sandy beige reflecting the beach, ocean, and sky. To achieve this serene look, focus on decor and furniture that evoke a sense of calm and casual comfort—think driftwood accents, woven wall decor, and accessories that mirror the coastal theme. Whether your home is steps from the shore or miles away, you can create a tranquil retreat that captures the beauty and relaxed style of your favourite summer homes. With the right touches, any house can reflect the natural, breezy charm of coastal living.
Embracing Coastal Style
Embracing coastal style means creating a space that feels effortlessly relaxed and welcoming. Start by incorporating natural materials—wooden tables, rattan chairs, and linen cushions add warmth and texture to any room. Soft blues and crisp whites are the signature colours of this style, perfect for walls, sofas, and accessories, which help evoke the calming hues of the sea and sky. Layer in natural fibre rugs, woven baskets, and light, airy curtains to enhance the casual, beach-inspired vibe. Don’t forget to bring a bit of the outdoors inside with potted plants, seashells, or coral-inspired decor. By focusing on these elements, you can create a home that feels open, light, and connected to nature—an ideal setting for unwinding and enjoying the coastal lifestyle, no matter where you live.
Beach House Decor 101: Outdoor TVs
Don't choose between watching the big game and enjoying the outdoors. Samsung's The Terrace outdoor TV lets you do both, featuring QLED backlight tech and a 4K panel. Available in 55" and 75" models, these TVs are designed for outdoor use and remain clear even in direct sunlight, making them perfect for your beach bar or patio.
Wallpaper TVs
LG's new “wallpaper” TVs are ultra-slim, just a few millimetres thick, and sit almost flush to the wall. Available in 65" and 77" sizes, they feature smart processors, OLED backlighting, and compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. These TVs are ideal for media rooms, saving space and making them a great backup for rainy days.
Feng Shui Decor
Feng shui is making a comeback in 2021, likely as a response to the challenges of 2020. The goal is to create joyful, harmonious spaces through thoughtful furniture arrangement and colour selection. Beach houses are perfect for this style, helping guests relax and recharge. Key feng shui principles include:
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Improving air and light quality, eliminating dark corners
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Using colour to brighten spaces without being flashy
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Adding feng shui cures for positive energy
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Creating an energy map, dedicating zones to areas like health, love, and creativity
By arranging furniture and decor according to these principles, you can set a tranquil scene that enhances the harmonious atmosphere of your beach house.
Outdoor Showers
With pools, hot tubs, and the ocean nearby, wet bodies are common in beach houses. Instead of tracking water indoors, the outdoor shower is expected to become a popular trend in 2021. These provide privacy and comfort while keeping interiors dry—a trend especially appreciated by property owners who rent out their homes to guests.
Day Beds
Traditional poolside loungers are being replaced by more comfortable options, such as the Costa Luxe outdoor daybed. Available in stylish colours and made from soft, solution-dyed acrylic fabric, these beds are both attractive and practical. They’re designed for comfort and durability, making them a great addition to any pool area. Relaxing on these day beds adds a fun, playful vibe to your poolside experience.
Low-Rise Pool-Side Tables
Low-rise tables are designed for use with beanbags or day beds, keeping your drinks and snacks off the ground. A four-legged timber table with a water-resistant top and a stable design is perfect for use by the pool or in the living room.
Mixed-Use Spaces
Open-plan, mixed-use spaces are on the rise, combining functions like cooking, dining, and relaxing. Beach houses are embracing seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas, featuring elements such as retractable doors, game areas, and art displays. Bi-fold or sliding doors create flow between indoor and outdoor areas, enhancing the sense of openness. Large windows further improve natural light and strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces, contributing to the relaxed, bright atmosphere typical of coastal homes. In these mixed-use spaces, different furniture and decor elements are often paired to achieve a cohesive and stylish look. Expect to see more communal spaces that encourage social interaction and relaxation.
Interior Gardens
Driven by sustainability trends, interior gardens are becoming more common in beach houses. Owners are bringing nature indoors with green walls, indoor-outdoor courtyards, and even forest-like interiors with large plants and pebbled areas. Natural textures, such as timber and stone, create a seamless indoor-outdoor feel, enhancing the connection to nature. These garden-like environments create a relaxing, positive atmosphere—perfect for a holiday retreat.
Explore various creative ways to incorporate interior gardens and greenery into your beach house decor.
Organic Materials and Features
Sustainability is also influencing material choices. Bamboo is a popular, fast-growing option for decking, countertops, and flooring. Wool insulation is gaining traction as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic foam. Innovative materials, such as mushroom-based insulation and bark cladding, are also emerging, offering both environmental and aesthetic benefits.
Bathroom Design
A well-designed bathroom is a cornerstone of coastal living, offering a peaceful escape that channels the tranquillity of the sea. To create a coastal-inspired bathroom, incorporate natural materials such as stone, wood, and rattan into vanities, shelving, and accents. Choose a palette of soft blues and crisp whites to reflect the colours of the ocean and sky, instantly making the space feel fresh and serene. Maximise natural light with a large window or skylight, or use mirrors to reflect light and create an airy atmosphere. Complete the look with coastal accessories—think shell-trimmed mirrors, woven baskets, or nautical wall art. With these touches, your bathroom becomes a soothing retreat, perfect for relaxing after a day in the sun or washing away the stresses of everyday life.
Solar Roof Tiles
Solar energy is getting a stylish upgrade with Tesla's solar roof tiles. These tiles generate electricity while blending seamlessly with your roof, eliminating the need for bulky panels. Excess energy can even be sold back to the grid, making them a smart investment for beach house owners.
White and Neutral Colour Palettes
White and neutral color palettes are trending for both style and function. White reflects sunlight, helping to keep interiors cool on hot days. Many owners are painting walls and floors in shades of white and pairing them with light-colored furniture for a fresh, airy look. These choices create a modern, uncluttered aesthetic that feels both current and inviting.
Living Roofs
Living roofs are gaining popularity as a way to bring nature to the top of your beach house. These roofs utilise a waterproof membrane and layers of soil and plants, providing durability, enhanced air quality, noise reduction, and improved energy efficiency. Research suggests living roofs can last up to forty years—much longer than traditional roofs.
In summary, 2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year for beach house decor, blending high-tech innovations with sustainable, nature-inspired design. Using calming colours like white, beige, and soft blues creates a relaxing atmosphere in beach house interiors. Expect to see more integration of technology, organic materials, and open, relaxing spaces in the months ahead.
Personal Touches
Adding personal touches is what truly transforms a house into a home, and coastal living is the perfect canvas for self-expression. Infuse your coastal-inspired space with items that reflect your personality and memories—display treasures collected from your favourite beach trips, frame family photos from seaside adventures, or showcase a unique collection of driftwood or sea glass. Layer in accessories that speak to your style, whether it’s a bold piece of wall art, a vintage surfboard, or handmade ceramics. By weaving your own story into the decor, you create a space that feels both welcoming and uniquely yours, capturing the spirit of coastal charm while celebrating what matters most to you.
