Somewhere between a charming Mediterranean escape and a rustic seaside cottage you'll find coastal farmhouse. A spin-off of the best of both cozy-cool worlds, it takes the bucolic elements of one and pairs it with the light-filled, beachy vibe of the other. And as different as the two aesthetics may seem, there is a lot of overlap that makes them the perfect pair.
Natural materials such as jute, seagrass, and wood are staples of the two styles along with a neutral color palette and uncluttered visuals, which all contribute to the laidback feel of coastal farmhouse design. Channeling the novel style goes beyond a nautical scheme with pastoral accents, and instead infuses a traditional combo with a contemporary touch. Intrigued? Here's how to bring the look home.
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1. Accentuate the basics.
Sliding barn doors and rattan pendants are a match made in coastal farmhouse heaven and this bright entry by Julie Howard Home Design is all the proof we need. Note how the soft blue doors complement the warm details of the surrounding decor, such as the lighting, floor runners, and baskets, all of which invite a textural layer to an otherwise minimal space.
2. Keep the kitchen open.
Bright interiors are more or less a hallmark of coastal farmhouse style and the kitchen is the ideal spot for it. Take Pure Salt Interiors' lead and contrast an all-white space with earthy details such as floating wood shelves, a jute area rug, and plenty of potted plants to boot.
3. Keep things bright.
Coastal style is all about emulating an ethereal finish, which means light tones (no splashy punches of color here) and crisp textiles are the way to go. Translating that into the living room can involve an off-white linen sofa with matching window treatments and a seagrass rug to bring it all together. Exposed wood beams, like the ones in this ranch remodel by Studio McGee, lend the perfect farmhouse touch.
4. Look to the sea.
Coastal farmhouse with a side of Mediterranean chic is something we can definitely get behind and this dreamy scene by Three Birds Renovations is just the inspo we needed. The all-white dining area feels airy and fresh thanks to a pared-down palette of cool neutrals, while the woven rattan chairs and statement light above provide interest with a side of elevated flair.
5. Don’t go overboard with the theme.
Coastal style may go beyond nautical motifs (i.e. ditch the anchors and rope decor), but thanks to designer Cortney Bishop, it's safe to say that seashells are still fair game — after all, they are a mainstay of the beach. This homey sunroom, designed by Bishop, features a balanced combination of materials — reclaimed wood, vintage wrought iron, and natural accents, such as linens and palms — that work together to showcase coastal farmhouse in its prime.
6. Give it a current refresh.
If you prefer farmhouse with a side of modern, take a cue from Kate Marker Interiors and style your space with a streamlined approach. Keep the room open and minimal to channel the essence of coastal flair and offset it with darker accents — think sleek sconces and a rustic-meets-contemporary bench — for a country-cool twist.
7. Bring in a healthy dose of texture.
Coastal style wouldn't exist without the presence of neutrals and the best way to incorporate them is by introducing textures to the room you're designing. Layered sisal and seagrass rugs, linen slipcovered sofas (another coastal style classic), and a rustic coffee table invite character to this monochrome beachy family room spotted on Farmhouse Living.