Serenity by the Sea: How to Style Your Space Like a Summer Retreat

There’s something uniquely soothing about coastal spaces. The salt air, the sound of waves, the light dancing on water—it’s a mood many of us long to bring home. But you don’t need to live by the sea to channel its effortless serenity in your interiors.

In this month’s blog, we’re diving into the elements of coastal calm and showing you how to create a summer-ready retreat—wherever you are.

The Coastal Colour Palette

Coastal interiors begin with a soft, nature-inspired palette. Think:

• Driftwood greys
• Seafoam greens
• Chalky whites
• Sandy beiges These muted tones mimic the natural coastal environment and serve as the perfect canvas for relaxed, airy interiors.

Texture is Key

Keep It Light and Minimal

Less is truly more. A restrained approach to styling helps your space feel spacious, intentional, and calming. Think open shelving with just a few meaningful objects, or a dining table set simply with ceramic plates and a single sprig of eucalyptus.

Mirrors and Light

Use mirrors to reflect natural light and expand small spaces. Coastal design is all about maximising sunlight—choose window treatments that allow it to flood in.

Thoughtful Accents

Skip the cliché nautical stripes or anchor motifs. Instead, go subtle:

• Vintage glass bottles in sea green hues
• Driftwood or coral-inspired sculptures
• Coastal landscape artwork or photography

Case Study:

Coastal Retreat: A Hamptons-Style Transformation

This one-bedroom holiday home transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design choices can create sophisticated coastal living. The brief was clear: sophisticated Hamptons style that felt both elevated and effortlessly comfortable.

The Color Story: Soft white finishes provided the perfect canvas, while deep navy blue became the grounding force—appearing in painted dining chairs, soft furnishings, and carefully chosen accents throughout.

Texture & Materials: Natural linen curtains, woven baskets, herringbone wood floors, and painted wood paneling created layers of tactile interest. Each texture was chosen for both beauty and how it would age gracefully in a coastal setting.

The Furniture Mix: Balancing painted and natural wood pieces proved key to the transformation’s success. The warm wood dining table provides organic focus, while painted pieces like the navy cabinet and white shelving create visual breathing room.

Light & Space: The neutral palette celebrates coastal light, allowing it to bounce gently throughout the space. Carefully positioned mirrors reflect glimpses of sky, while uncluttered styling lets the space breathe.

The Result: A retreat that embodies coastal living at its most refined—sophisticated without being precious, comfortable without being casual, and deeply connected to its coastal setting. This is Hamptons style with substance, where every choice serves to create that elusive quality: a sense of coming home to calm.

The result? A space that feels like a breath of fresh sea air—quiet, intentional, and deeply grounding.

You don’t need a beach view to create a calming oasis. By adopting a coastal-inspired mindset—simplicity, texture, and light—you can enjoy summer serenity all year round.

Need help designing your own seaside sanctuary? Get in touch to book a summer consultation.