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  3. contemporary calm with a coastal edge

— Ideas & inspiration

Contemporary calm with a coastal edge

Contemporary coastal design pairs clean architectural lines with light-filled, relaxed spaces. It often uses natural materials like white oak, limewashed walls, stone, linen, and glass, with a palette of white, sand, driftwood, pale blue, and soft gray. The look is defined by open layouts, simple detailing, and a breezy connection to terraces, views, or other outdoor spaces.

  • contemporary
  • coastal
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Contemporary calm with a coastal edge
StylecontemporarySettingcoastalReferences24

— References

References to explore

Ideas & inspiration
contemporary penthouse — sunroom (coastal)
sunroom penthouse contemporary coastal
contemporary building — veranda (coastal)
veranda building contemporary coastal
contemporary facade — bathroom (coastal)
bathroom facade contemporary coastal
contemporary building — game room (coastal)
game room building contemporary coastal

How is contemporary coastal different from traditional coastal style?

Contemporary coastal is simpler and more architectural, with cleaner lines and less nautical decoration. It keeps the relaxed, light feel of coastal design but edits out the obvious seaside motifs.

todd verwers architectstodd verwers architects
contemporary casino — nursery (coastal)
nursery casino contemporary coastal
contemporary vertical garden — small kitchen (coastal)
small kitchen vertical garden contemporary coastal
contemporary penthouse — flower bed (coastal)
flower bed penthouse contemporary coastal
contemporary indoor garden — childrens bedroom (coastal)
childrens bedroom indoor garden contemporary coastal

What finishes work best in this style?

Matte or lightly textured finishes usually suit it best, especially plaster, honed stone, natural wood, and woven fabrics. High-gloss surfaces can work in small amounts, but they are not usually the main feature.

pfuner designpfuner design
contemporary rooftop garden — main hall (coastal)
main hall rooftop garden contemporary coastal
contemporary office space — laundry room (coastal)
laundry room office space contemporary coastal
contemporary office space — reception (coastal)
reception office space contemporary coastal
contemporary rooftop garden — formal dining room (coastal)
formal dining room rooftop garden contemporary coastal

Does contemporary coastal only work near the water?

No. It can work anywhere if the space has plenty of daylight, a calm palette, and materials that feel natural and durable. Proportions and detailing matter more than the actual location.

john allegrettijohn allegretti
contemporary salon — small kitchen (coastal)
small kitchen salon contemporary coastal
contemporary greenhouse — pool (coastal)
pool greenhouse contemporary coastal
contemporary indoor garden — childrens bedroom (coastal)
childrens bedroom indoor garden contemporary coastal
contemporary theater — balcony (coastal)
balcony theater contemporary coastal
contemporary store — music room (coastal)
music room store contemporary coastal
contemporary house — pool (coastal)
pool house contemporary coastal
contemporary indoor garden — storage room (coastal)
storage room indoor garden contemporary coastal
contemporary hotel — main hall (coastal)
main hall hotel contemporary coastal
contemporary farmhouse — warehouse (coastal)
warehouse farmhouse contemporary coastal
contemporary store — open office (coastal)
open office store contemporary coastal
contemporary backyard — bedroom (coastal)
bedroom backyard contemporary coastal
contemporary rooftop garden — sunroom (coastal)
sunroom rooftop garden contemporary coastal

— The style

What defines it

Materials

White oak, natural stone, plaster, linen, glass, and weathered timber are common choices.

Palette

Soft white, sand, pale blue, muted gray, and warm beige create a bright, airy feel.

Combines with

Minimal detailing, open-plan layouts, large windows, and indoor-outdoor living.

— Professionals

Who has already built it

See all professionals →Start a brief with this style →

— Explore

Keep exploring

— Questions

Frequently asked questions

How is contemporary coastal different from traditional coastal style?

Contemporary coastal is simpler and more architectural, with cleaner lines and less nautical decoration. It keeps the relaxed, light feel of coastal design but edits out the obvious seaside motifs.

What finishes work best in this style?

Matte or lightly textured finishes usually suit it best, especially plaster, honed stone, natural wood, and woven fabrics. High-gloss surfaces can work in small amounts, but they are not usually the main feature.

Does contemporary coastal only work near the water?

No. It can work anywhere if the space has plenty of daylight, a calm palette, and materials that feel natural and durable. Proportions and detailing matter more than the actual location.