Guest article from surfhungry.com
There is something about being by the sea that makes it easier to switch off. Perhaps it's the sound of the waves, the light coming through an open window, or simply having fewer distractions around. Whatever it is, a few days by the coast can leave you feeling refreshed in a way that is hard to replicate once you're back home.
I've always found that the ocean has a way of putting things into perspective. I actually started surfing in my thirties, and what began as an attempt to learn a new sport gradually became something much bigger: an excuse to spend more time outdoors, discover new places and enjoy a slower pace of life.
The good news is that you don't need an ocean view, a beach house or an expensive renovation to bring a little of that feeling into your everyday surroundings. Often, it's the small details that make the biggest difference.
Here are a few ways to bring the relaxed atmosphere of a coastal holiday into your home.
1. Start with the colors of the coast
Think about the colors you notice when spending time at the beach. The soft white of the sand, pale blue skies, weathered driftwood and the changing shades of the sea.
These are a good starting point for a coastal-inspired interior. You don't have to paint every wall blue or fill your home with nautical decorations. In fact, a restrained approach usually works better.
Consider warm whites, sandy beige, soft grey, and muted shades of blue. They work particularly well in living rooms and bedrooms, where you want the space to feel calm rather than visually busy.
If your home already has neutral walls, you can introduce these colors through cushions, throws, curtains or a few carefully chosen accessories.
2. Choose natural materials over perfect finishes
One thing that makes beach houses feel so inviting is that they rarely look too polished. Natural materials, slightly uneven textures and pieces that show a little character all contribute to the atmosphere.
Wood, linen, cotton, jute, and rattan are easy ways to bring that feeling home. A wooden coffee table, a woven basket or linen cushion covers can make a room feel warmer without changing everything.
Don't worry about matching every material perfectly. A little variation is part of the appeal. The aim is to create a space that feels lived-in, comfortable, and welcoming.
3. Let natural light do more of the work
A bright room can change how the whole home feels. Coastal interiors often make the most of daylight, with light curtains, uncluttered windows and furniture arranged to avoid blocking natural light.
Start with something simple: open the curtains, move bulky objects away from windows, and consider whether heavy fabrics are making a room feel darker than it needs to.
Mirrors can also help reflect daylight into darker corners. And if you're choosing new window coverings, lighter fabrics can give you privacy without making the room feel closed in.
You don't need to create a completely white interior. Just make the most of the light you already have.
4. Clear the clutter and give things room to breathe
A holiday rental often feels so relaxing when you first arrive for a reason. You're not surrounded by the everyday accumulation of paperwork, shopping bags, cables, and things you keep meaning to put away.
You can recreate some of that feeling at home by being a little more selective about what stays visible.
Start with one room rather than tackling the entire house. Clear the kitchen worktop, remove things that no longer serve a purpose from the living room, or make the bedroom a place where you can properly switch off.
Storage baskets, shelves, and closed cabinets can keep everyday essentials accessible without letting them take over the space.
The objective isn't to make your home look like a showroom. It's to make it easier to enjoy.
5. Bring a little of the outdoors inside
Coastal living is closely connected to the outdoors, so plants and natural elements can help create that atmosphere even if you live far from the sea.
A few well-placed plants can soften a room and add life to otherwise empty corners. If you don't have much time for plant care, choose varieties that are relatively easy to maintain.
You can also introduce natural details through shells collected on a beach walk, a piece of driftwood, landscape photography, or artwork inspired by the ocean.
The key is not to overdo it. One or two meaningful objects will usually have more character than a room full of themed decorations.
6. Create a corner where you can slow down
One of the nicest things about a coastal holiday is having time to do very little. Reading on a terrace, enjoying a coffee in the morning, or sitting outside as the sun goes down.
Why not make space for a little of that at home?
It could be a comfortable chair near a window, a small reading corner, or a balcony with a couple of plants and somewhere to sit. You don't need a large space. Even a small area can become a place you associate with taking a break.
Try to keep it simple. A comfortable seat, good lighting, and somewhere to put your coffee are often enough.
7. Take inspiration from the places you love
Sometimes the best way to change how your home feels is to think about the places where you feel happiest.
For me, my strongest memories are connected to the ocean and the people I've shared those experiences with. I remember taking my mum to a surf school in Sri Lanka when she was 60. Watching her give surfing a go, crouching on her board during her very first lesson, was one of those moments that stays with you. It wasn't about becoming a great surfer. It was about trying something new, being outdoors and enjoying the experience together.
That's perhaps what I like most about coastal living: it isn't really about the beach itself, but the feeling that comes with it.
Perhaps it's a quiet beach in Portugal, a small Mediterranean fishing village or a tropical coastline in Bali. Each has its own colors, textures and atmosphere. You can borrow elements from those places without trying to recreate them literally.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next coastal escape, this interactive map of surfing destinations around the world is a useful way to explore coastlines and discover places worth visiting.
You might find inspiration in the landscape itself: the color of the water, the architecture of a seaside town or the simplicity of a beachside home.
A little of the coast, wherever you live
You may not be able to spend every morning by the sea, but you can bring some of what makes those places special into your everyday life.
A lighter room, a few natural materials, less clutter and a comfortable corner to unwind can make a surprising difference. There's no need to redesign your entire home or follow a particular decorating trend.
Sometimes, it's enough to make your surroundings feel a little more like the places where you are happiest.
About the Author
Luke is a surf enthusiast and founder of Surf Hungry, an online magazine dedicated to surfing, surf travel and ocean-inspired lifestyles. He enjoys exploring coastal destinations and sharing inspiration to help others discover the freedom and adventure of life by the ocean.