How to Create a Summer Beach House Aesthetic
Let’s be real. I may not live in a beach villa (a girl can dream), but that doesn’t mean I can’t bring the summer beach house aesthetic right into my own space.
There’s just something magical about the relaxed, breezy vibe of coastal décor. That feeling like you’ve just come in from a salty, sun-soaked walk along the shore. That’s the energy I want. Every. Single. Summer.
So I’ve rounded up my 15 favorite décor ideas that help me channel all the beach house interior vibes, whether you’re going for the Hamptons aesthetic, a laid-back beach shack aesthetic, or something more modern and crisp. Let’s dive in.
1. Start with a Sandy Color Palette
Before anything else, color!. It sets the entire tone. For that dreamy beach house interior, I like to start with soft, sandy tones. Think warm beige, creamy white, light tan, and a touch of driftwood gray. It instantly makes a room feel calm and beachy, like you’re walking barefoot on the shore.
Tip: Don’t overthink it. Stick to earthy neutrals for your base, and add in blues or seafoam greens later for that classic coastal pop.
2. Woven Baskets = Instant Coastal Vibes
I can’t count how many woven baskets I have… and I regret zero of them. Big ones for blankets. Medium ones for plants. Little ones in the bathroom for rolled-up towels. They add texture and feel like something you’d find in a cozy old beach house aesthetic setup.
3. Bring in Linen and Cotton Everything
If it’s breathable and rumpled in a good way, you’re on the right track. Linen curtains, cotton slipcovers, even that wrinkled linen throw on the sofa, it all gives you that effortless, lived-in beach home aesthetic.
4. Seashells, Driftwood & Beach Finds
Okay, I know this one sounds cliché—but trust me, when it’s done right, it’s so good. I have a glass vase full of shells I actually picked up on vacation, and it makes me smile every time I walk by.
Hack: Mix natural beach finds with polished pieces, like a driftwood frame paired with a sleek ceramic vase. Balance is key.
5. Blue and White Is the Classic Combo
From navy to baby blue, adding those shades instantly channels the sea and sky. I like to keep my bigger pieces neutral and sprinkle in blue with pillows, vases, and art. Total coastal chic.
6. Swap Heavy Rugs for Jute or Cotton
Say goodbye to wool. Jute rugs are my go-to during the summer. They’re natural, light, and surprisingly durable (even with pets!). They’re perfect for a beach apartment aesthetic or smaller spaces too.
7. Coastal Artwork Sets the Mood
You don’t need an actual ocean view. I hung a large canvas of a moody shoreline in my dining area and boom, it felt like I was sipping rosé in a beach villa aesthetic Airbnb. Bonus points for abstract waves or soft sailboats.
8. Add Rattan or Cane Furniture
My rattan accent chair was a total impulse buy—and now it’s my favorite spot to sit. It gives off major beach shack aesthetic and warms up the space without being too bulky.
9. Let in All the Natural Light
If I could remove all my curtains in the summer, I would. But I compromise with sheer linen panels that let the light pour in. Even on cloudy days, it makes everything feel soft and dreamy.
10. Display Straw Hats and Woven Bags
This one’s cute and functional. I hang a few of my straw hats on hooks in the entryway. It adds charm and says, “Yes, I am a beach person.” (Even if the nearest coast is two hours away.)
11. Scent Is Everything
Smell plays such a huge part in creating that summer home aesthetic. I keep a diffuser in the hallway with a sea salt and coconut oil blend. And let’s not forget the joy of lighting a “Beach Walk” candle at 6 p.m. on a random Tuesday.
12. Layer Light, Breezy Bedding
Time to ditch the heavy duvet. I layer lightweight quilts in muted colors—like sand, soft blue, and pale gray. It’s cozy but not too warm. Perfect for those long summer nights with the windows open.
13. Mix Old and New
There’s something so comforting about an old beach house aesthetic. Weathered wood, antique trays, and vintage mirrors all add personality. I thrifted a wooden stool with chipped paint and turned it into a nightstand. It’s imperfect. And that’s what makes it perfect.
14. Add Touches of Greenery
Palm fronds, snake plants, eucalyptus—anything green and wild-looking works here. I love that they bring in a bit of life and color without making things feel fussy.
Tip: Stick to low-maintenance plants that like sunlight. Or fake it—I won’t judge.
15. Keep It Simple and Laid-Back
This might be the biggest trick of all. A beach house interior should never feel stuffy or overdone. It’s not about perfection. It’s about how the space makes you feel. Light. Free. Unbothered.
So if your pillows are a little wrinkled or your rug’s off-center… good. That’s part of the charm.
At the end of the day, creating a beach home aesthetic isn’t about buying all new furniture or remodeling your space. It’s about the feeling you create. That relaxed, just-got-back-from-the-beach vibe. That mix of salty air and sunshine.
And you don’t need oceanfront property to make it happen. Just a few thoughtful touches. A color palette that whispers “coastal.” And the willingness to lean into the breezy, beautiful mess of summer.
Now excuse me while I light my sea salt candle and pretend I’m barefoot on a beach deck somewhere…
