When we think of coastal design, our minds often drift to seashell motifs, weathered wood, and beach blues—but the new coastal aesthetic tells a more refined story. It’s less about literal seaside references and more about how a space feels: calm, collected, and effortlessly layered with light, texture, and flow.
Where Inspiration Struck
During recent showroom visits at High Point Market, I found myself drawn to the not so obvious coastal palette of turquoise and driftwood, but to a sophisticated mix of bleached oak, soft linen, and brushed brass. I immediately recalled a recent project I completed in Inlet Beach: not a beach house cliche, but a serene retreat inspired by the rhythm of the coast.
The pieces I discovered weren’t chosen for their “theme”, but for their sensibility—the way they capture light, invite touch, and bring a sense or airiness to any room. Think: sculptural chandeliers made from oyster shells, art with soft gradient hues like a horizon at dusk, and woven textures that add depth without visual clutter.
How to Bring the Look Home
You don’t need ocean views to embrace The New Coastal. You only need intention.
Start with a neutral foundation—warm white, sandy taupe, and whisper grays. Add texture through tactile materials like linen, cane, rattan, and soft boucle. Then introduce contrast with matte black hardware or deep navy accents for grounding.
Lighting is key. Choose fixtures that feel sculptural yet organic—pieces that cast shadows reminiscent of sunlight through sails. Add glass, stone, and mixed metals to reflect the play of light throughout the day.
Finally, layer in art and accessories that tell your story. Whether it’s a coastal photography that reminds you of your favorite seaside escape or a handcrafted vas that celebrates imperfection, The New Coastal invites you to blend nostalgia with nuance.
Shop the Look
Ready to bring coastal to your space? Shop my curated selections—featuring the lighting, furnishings, and accents that inspired post. From the showroom to your room…
A Designer’s Take
For me, this aesthetic represents balance—between structure and softness, elegance, and ease. It’s a reflection of life’s contrast: the rush and stillness, the seen and unseen, the way light and shadow dance together. It’s how I want my clients to feel when they step into their homes—refreshed, grounded, and inspired.
“The new coastal aesthetic is less about the beach and more about the balance—between structure and softness, elegance and ease.”
-Erika Hollinshead Ward
This post is inspired by my Instagram video series, “Designing Life. From the Showroom to Your Room,” where I translate design lessons from High Point Market into ideas for living beautifully.
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