So you’ve just picked up the keys to your brand new home, congratulations! But now you’re standing in an empty room wondering where on earth to even start. Or maybe your build isn’t finished yet, and you’re already itching to start furniture shopping, but you’re not totally sure what look you’re even going for. Either way, we’ve got you.
To help make things easier, we’ve broken down three of our favourite beach-inspired interior looks, Coastal, Hamptons and Resort, to inspire you.
Coastal
Coastal homes love to keep things light, breezy, and utterly relaxed. A coat of crisp on the walls is an element these styles simply can’t live without; it’s the secret to that calm & zen feeling.
Think soft neutral woods as your foundation, layered with gentle beiges and taupes that never overstay their welcome. Then comes the fun part: a whisper of powder blue in a soft throw rug underfoot, a hint of sage green in a fruit bowl on the counter, and maybe a cheeky pop of salmon or lemon in a vase on the console table to keep things feeling alive rather than sleepy.
Bring this style outside by choosing plants that pair well with coastal living. Take inspiration from spots like the Mornington Peninsula, where nature does the design work for you. Think hardy native coastal plants like saltbush standing tall, sun-warmed stone underfoot, lawns kept neat and trim, and just a sprinkling of neutral-toned flowers to soften the edges: nothing fussy, just effortlessly at home by the sea.
Hamptons
If coastal style has a sister, it’s Hamptons: similar at first glance, but wildly different in personality. While Coastal uses contemporary shapes & finishes, Hamptons leans into that beachy charm with a more rustic, lived-in feel. Think of the Hamptons white shaker style cabinetry paired with a soft neutral colour palette and timber flooring. This style is decorated with natural fabrics such as linens and cottons, finished with stone & woven rattan accents.
Hamptons homes aren’t afraid to mix things up, layering in different woods through furniture and cabinetry, unlike the lighter-toned palette you would expect to see in a Coastal home.
Bring this style outside by choosing plants that pair well with Hamptons living. If you’re wanting to lean into a more classic look, opt for hydrangeas, a standard tree rose, or a hedge with crisp, straight lines (with maybe a curve or two thrown in).
Resort
Want to bring that White Lotus resort feel into your home? It’s all about texture, layering, and getting the lighting right.
These styles usually incorporate a darker tone of wood paired with creamier coloured wall paints, with a textured wall usually present to add depth.
Lighting choices matter more than you’d think when it comes to setting the mood. Take a cue from hotels and go heavy on sconces; they’re a favourite for a reason, offering that soft, ambient glow while coming in enough shapes and forms to suit any space.
Texture is where the resort feel really comes to life. Think plush upholstery, a statement ottoman or two, and maybe even a water feature to bring in that sense of calm. When it comes to pattern, skip anything too literal (no white and blue stripes here) and instead opt for a neutral geometric print to add interest without losing that easy, relaxed feel.
Bring this style outside by choosing plants that pair well with resort living. Think lush tropical greenery like palms and monstera for that instant escape feel, statement pots to add polish, and maybe a fragrant frangipani to bring in a touch of that holiday scent. Pair with clean-lined pathways and warm timber decking to bring the holiday home.
At the end of the day, this is your home, so sprinkle in whatever makes your heart happy. Most of these styles overlap here and there anyway, so don’t stress about picking just one, a little bit of this and a little bit of that will still look gorgeous. Borrow a texture here, a plant there, and make it beautifully, unapologetically yours.
