Five Mistakes Seen in Coastal Design (& What to do Instead)

If you’ve ever walked into a space that was trying to feel coastal but instead felt themed, outdated, or flat, you’re not alone. As an interior designer specializing in timeless coastal homes, I’ve seen some of these common mistakes time and time again. The good news? A warm, refined coastal space that feels inviting and elevated is completely within reach.

Here are 5 of the most common coastal design mistakes and what to do instead.

1. Overusing Literal Nautical Decor

The mistake: Word signs pointing to the beach, seashells in every room, or wood sea figures everywhere.
Why it misses the mark: It can quickly veer into kitschy or overly themed.

What to do instead:
Aim for inspiration over imitation. Think soft blue-greens, driftwood tones, gauzy textures, and woven elements. Incorporate a color palette and materials that reflect the coast without spelling it out. A rattan pendant or linen roman shade feels far more elevated than a starfish sculpture ever could.

Tip: Pull cues from your natural surroundings like the tones of sea grass, the color of beach stones, or the texture of coastal sand dunes.

2. Choosing Trends Over Timelessness

The mistake: Going all-in on a trending backsplash, color, or furniture style.
Why it misses the mark: What’s “in” now may feel tired in a few years—especially in high-investment spaces like kitchens or bathrooms.

What to do instead:
Invest in classic foundations (think natural stone, white oak, unlacquered brass), and layer in personality through art, textiles, or accessories. This way, the core of your home remains timeless, while seasonal or trend-based updates can be swapped in with ease.

Client Favorite: A white oak island paired with mixed metals and warm white cabinetry, it never goes out of style.

3. Forgetting About Texture and Layers

The mistake: Using too much of a single material or not layering in woods, wovens, linens or other textures is one of the easiest coastal design mistakes to correct.
Why it misses the mark: Coastal spaces shine when they’re inviting and full of depth, not flat or sterile. There are so many opportunities to add in texture, so be sure not to miss this mark.

What to do instead:
Layer in textural moments: a woven bench at the foot of a bed, linen drapery, jute rugs, or grasscloth wallpaper. Even a hallway or vestibule benefits from thoughtful texture. These elements create the cozy, lived-in feeling that defines our version of coastal charm.

4. Poor Lighting Choices

The mistake: Relying solely on overhead lighting or skipping statement fixtures.
Why it misses the mark: Lighting is often overlooked—but it’s the one investment that elevates a space immediately.

What to do instead:
Layer your lighting with intention. Combine overhead lighting with sconces, pendants, and lamps for a warm, welcoming glow. Choose fixtures that reflect your home’s personality, like a handwoven pendant or a beautiful patinaed sconce.

Design Insight: Great lighting transforms how every finish, texture, and material is perceived. Don’t overlook it.

5. Ignoring Flow and Function

The mistake: Focusing only on aesthetics without considering how the space lives.
Why it misses the mark: Even the most beautiful design falls flat if it doesn’t support how you actually use your home.

What to do instead:
Start every project by considering lifestyle and daily rhythms. Where do you drop your keys? How do you entertain? Do you need durability for sandy feet or pets? Design should support your real life, and thoughtful planning is where magic happens.

Final Thoughts

Coastal homes should feel effortless, but it takes intention to get them just right. If you’re dreaming of a space that feels warm, relaxed, and full of charm (without a single seashell in sight), be sure to reach out so we can work together.