Coastal Interiors
Coastal-Inspired Interiors: Creating Calm and Comfort in Every Home
At Arthouse Interiors, we specialise in creating a variety of interior styles tailored to each client’s lifestyle and space. From contemporary city apartments to family homes by the water, our approach adapts to what suits you best.
Coastal interiors are one of the styles in this series — defined by light, airy spaces, natural textures, and a relaxed, breezy aesthetic. Whether it’s a Northern Beaches renovation, an Eastern Suburbs family home, or a CBD apartment, this style brings a sense of calm and connection to nature, even in the heart of Sydney.
What Are Coastal Interiors?
Coastal interiors are inspired by the natural beauty of the sea, sand, and sky, creating spaces that feel open, light, and inviting. Key elements include:
Light, airy colour palettes – whites, soft neutrals, muted blues, and sandy tones.
Natural materials – timber, rattan, wicker, linen, and stone, adding warmth and texture.
Casual, comfortable furnishings – soft seating, layered textiles, and layouts that encourage relaxed living.
Subtle coastal accents – driftwood, shells, or soft marine-inspired artwork, without being overly thematic.
Connection to light and outdoors – large windows, open layouts, and airy spaces.
At Arthouse Interiors, our approach focuses on making these elements functional as well as beautiful, so even compact spaces feel calm and practical.
How Coastal Interiors Emerged
Coastal interiors originated in the practical, unpretentious seaside homes built for relaxed living. In Australia, this aesthetic grew from the humble beach shacks that dotted the coastline — from Sydney’s fringes to holiday towns along the NSW and Queensland coasts. The Northern Beaches of Sydney, with their surf culture and relaxed holiday lifestyle, became one of the most recognisable examples of this early coastal style, though similar shack communities could be found all along the shoreline. These dwellings were designed with simplicity in mind, often built in timber and later fibro, with layouts that encouraged airflow and easy connection to the outdoors.
In the Mediterranean, coastal living took shape in whitewashed walls, stone construction, and natural textures suited to hot, dry climates, while on the US East Coast, weatherboard cottages and nautical accents defined the style. Over time, what began as a functional response to coastal living evolved into a widely admired design language, now applied in city apartments and suburban homes to evoke lightness, ease, and a strong bond with nature.
Coastal Interiors vs Hamptons Style
While both draw inspiration from the coast, there are some key differences. Coastal interiors focus on soft neutrals, sandy tones, and muted blues, using natural timber, rattan, wicker, and linen to create a casual, relaxed, and breezy mood. Decorative accents are subtle — think driftwood, shells, or soft marine-inspired artwork.
In contrast, Hamptons style is more formal and polished, with crisp whites, navy, and soft pastels. Materials often include polished timber and luxe fabrics, creating an elegant, refined atmosphere. Hamptons homes also commonly feature panelled walls, built-in cabinetry, and statement lighting, whereas coastal interiors remain more versatile, relaxed, and adaptable — from city apartments to suburban or beachfront homes.
Coastal Interiors Across Sydney
Sydney homeowners are increasingly embracing coastal-inspired design across multiple areas:
Northern Beaches – Ideal for homes near the water, where the style complements the natural surroundings.
Eastern Suburbs – Coastal elements soften sophisticated family homes, creating a relaxed yet refined feel.
CBD apartments – Even compact city apartments can enjoy a coastal-inspired retreat using light colours, natural textures, and clever layouts.
Ryde, North Shore, Mosman – Coastal principles help create calm, airy interiors that contrast with the urban or suburban hustle.
At Arthouse Interiors, every coastal-inspired project is tailored to the home, the client, and their lifestyle, ensuring no two projects are the same.
Part of a Series: Exploring Interior Styles
Coastal interiors are just one of the interior styles we explore at Arthouse Interiors. Our series covers Nordic-inspired design, Hamptons, Contemporary, and Minimalist interiors, providing inspiration for Sydney homeowners across every type of property.
Thinking of reimagining your space? Book a consultation with us today.
