Creating the Perfect Coastal Aesthetic in Rhode Island

Coastal design can be very versatile. Choose a coast, and you may hone in on a completely different aesthetic than another region! However, some staples in coastal design define the style. It all comes down to the materials, colors, and prints you choose, which will dictate the type of coastal design you’ll have. In Rhode Island and Massachusetts, any coastal palette can work, it all depends on your personal preference.

Here are some of the most common types of coastal interior design:

How to Style a Nautical Coastal Home

Nautical coastal design draws inspiration from the maritime world, evoking a classic seaside atmosphere. It brings us right back to the history that surrounds us in Rhode Island. This style often features navy blue, red, and white as primary colors, paired with stripes, anchors, and wood tones. It focuses on creating a rich and calming vibe with classic coastal charm.

Common Design Features:

• Navy, white, and red color schemes
• Stripes, anchors, and maritime décor
• Natural materials like rich stained wood and wicker
• Brass and antique fixtures
• Leather accent furniture

Tip: Pay attention to furniture attributes. If you want to go more modern, a couch with square arms will add to that aesthetic. Roll arms or round arms are much more traditional and help achieve a vintage or traditional vibe.

How to Style a Shabby Chic Coastal Home

Shabby chic coastal blends the romantic, vintage charm of shabby chic with coastal elements. Think of distressed wood, vintage furniture, and soft, pastel color schemes inspired by the beach. It’s like the Rhode Island take on a Floridian beach house. This style is perfect for creating a relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere with an emphasis on comfort.

Key Features:

• Soft pastels like seafoam, coral, and lavender
• Distressed or weathered furniture
• Vintage and antique accessories

Tip: Shabby chic is known for its chunky wood features, such as coffee tables with large and traditionally detailed legs.

How to Style a Modern Coastal Home

Modern coastal design incorporates sleek, contemporary elements with coastal inspiration. The style embraces clean lines, minimalist décor, and natural materials like stone, wood, and glass. The color palette is often subdued, with shades of white, gray, and soft blues, allowing the views and natural surroundings to take center stage.

Key Features:

• Clean lines and minimalist furniture
• Neutral color palette (whites, grays, blues)
• Large windows for maximum natural light

Tip: If you want wood in your space, natural-toned white oak is an excellent choice. It’s simple grain and light color balance a modern look well. When it comes to artwork, choose bold colors in styles like abstract.

How to Style a Beach Cottage Home

Beach cottage style is casual, comfortable, and perfect for creating a cozy, beachy escape. The design emphasizes a more eclectic and personality-driven aesthetic, with patterned textiles and exciting color schemes that still offer a relaxing space. Think: boutique hotel on the Cape Cod coastline.

Key Features:

• Various textile patterns
• Soothing color palettes, often with a pop color
• Light, airy fabrics and natural textures
• Shiplap walls and/or ceilings
• Linen furniture

Tip: If you want to create that artsy cottage vibe, stacked artwork is a perfect way to achieve that. Choose various sizes and framing options to bring the design together.

How to Style a Modern Coastal Farmhouse

Coastal farmhouse design combines the charm of rustic farmhouse style with coastal elements, creating a homey, welcoming space. It often features shiplap walls, barn doors, and vintage accessories paired with soft coastal colors to bring the outdoors in.

Key Features:

• Shiplap walls and barn doors
• Soft blues and whites with natural wood accents
• Vintage and rustic décor elements
• Custom and distinct wood features

How to Style an Eclectic Coastal Home

The eclectic coastal design blends various influences, mixing different colors, textures, and styles to create a unique, laid-back beach house atmosphere. Though this style may feel “West Coast,” it is entirely welcome and encouraged to make its way into our Rhode Island designs. It celebrates individuality, offering a space where different coastal and global elements harmonize. This style blends the old with the new, creating a relaxed, personalized environment with an artistic, unconventional vibe.

Key Features:

• A mix of different textures and materials (wood, wicker, metal, glass)
• Bold, unexpected color combinations alongside soft coastal tones
• Combining vintage, modern, and global elements for a curated, lived-in look
• Natural, organic materials like driftwood, sea glass, and ceramics
• Casual yet curated furniture and décor pieces, often with a touch of whimsy

Ready to Design Your Dream Space?

Our design team at Red House Design Build is experienced and ready to help you plan out every part of your Rhode Island coastal home remodel including interior design. When you work with Red House, you get a fully curated and personalized design for a home that speaks to you both visually and functionally.

Reach out today to schedule a no-obligation consultation!