Coastal living is one of the most admired interior styles, for countless reasons, not the least of which are all the natural colors and textures. Bringing beach-inspired elements into a home can help blur the line between the indoors and outdoors, creating a closer connection with our native environment.

To achieve a calming space with a nod to the sea or lake life, it is essential to explore the basics of this color palette. At its core, coastal design is founded on warm, neutral tones that range from crystalline white sands to dusty, pebble shades found on a rocky beach. Complemented by sun-warmed wood tones, and driftwood grays, this palette speaks to the places where the elements touch materials, and add a wearing patina.

One of the main keystones in Coastal design is attention to detail in the materials that are underfoot. Rich wider planks, like the brushed suede Pettingell Peak flooring just beg you to be barefoot. In a durable, less-glossy finish, this warm brown with an undertone of gray is reminiscent of waterlogged driftwood. It ties in perfectly with the color palette, and is inviting and functional for any living space.

Building on a strong, neutral flooring foundation, it’s simple to round out the Coastal look with accent colors. Water itself provides a vivid counterpart to all those sandy tones, offering up everything from the lightest, silvery blue you’d see reflected on a lake in the morning – to the vibrant, tropical blues you can see closer to the Equator, and every hue in between. Blues and watery greens provide some of the best accents in a coastal palette, swinging from elegant to easygoing with just a shift on the color wheel!

There’s nothing else like the feeling of sand underfoot, which a soft, lush carpet can evoke when added to a living space with wood floors. Warm tan plush, bound on the edges by brown leather, makes a sophisticated transition, and a durable and cozy spot for families to gather.

Coastal design is a comfortable and classic look for many homes. Grounded in earthy tones, it sets a calming and reflective energy in a space, much like the watery inspiration this style is famed for.