Coastal vs. Nautical – the differences explained

Many people think coastal and nautical interior design are one and the same style. It couldn’t be further from reality. 

Coastal is what most people associate with the beach and the classic, clean interiors in crisp white with subtle neutral or coloured accents, whereas nautical takes this a whole step further with more of a clichéd kitsch vibe of anchors and bottles, ropes and sea shells.

This isn’t to say that you have to forego all of the above in a coastal theme but details will be a lot more subtle and refined.

Here is a brief overview of each of the styles and how they can be tweaked to fit your interior:

COASTAL

This is the clean, crisp and understated beach style that really just reminds you of the calmness the beach provides and the natural surrounding you find yourself in on an untouched stretch of sand. Lots of white, not just blue, dominates this style – of course you can incorporate some colour, but it is much more subtle. Combined with natural materials such as wood, jute and linen, it creates a fresh and airy feel in the space. 

Light is one of the key elements in this style – invite the outdoors in with large windows, sliding doors and skylights, as well as minimal window treatments.

Open space is therefore very important, but if your home doesn’t allow for an open plan design, pairing back and taking a minimalist approach can make all the difference when attempting a coastal scheme.

To create the relaxed and calm vibe, natural materials are used and wood is often white washed to give it weathered appeal. Less is definitely more with this style and white plays a key part. Accent colours typically range within the neutral spectrum of greys, greens, light blues and warm beige but can be tweaked to suit a more vibrant exotic coastal style with brighter hues.

Lastly, you don’t have to go without all of your beach treasures, you just need to show some restraint. Shells, glass bottles and natural woven baskets are a great addition, if used in a natural way. It’s all about avoiding kitsch and not overdoing it. 

“It’s one of my favourite decorating styles and yes, it can be found in my own home!”

NAUTICAL

Nautical decor on the other hand thrives on trinkets and nautical anchor prints to bring the scheme alive. If coastal is too paired back for you, this might be just up your street. Bold knotted lamp stands and rope accessories, alongside an abundance of shells, underwater trinkets and other nautical goodies is what this decor is all about.

You may even find a porthole mirror or bold anchor print wallpaper in deep navy blues in this scheme. In the right space and if done with consistency throughout a home, this can have a really dramatic impact.

If you would like to discuss your next project or find out more about the different decorating styles discussed, get in touch through our Contact page or via enquiries@monseinteriordesign.com to book a design consultation. 

All our initial consultations are currently offered via web services and can be performed from the comfort of your own home.