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You don’t have to have grandchildren or even live on the shore to dive into a popular style of home decor called coastal grandmother. Although both aesthetics have similar origins, coastal grandmother is not as nostalgic or stuffy as the grandmillennial home decorating trend that found popularity a couple of years ago.
So what is coastal grandmother style? According to Lex Nicoleta, the social media influencer who coined the term, if you love Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, Ina Garten and cozy interiors, you might just be a coastal grandmother — no matter your age, situation or location.
“I would describe it as very neutral, classic staples in light shades … it’s very crisp, very clean,” New York City-based personal stylist Samantha Brown told “Today.” “It’s sort of like a nod to this timeless, moneyed — but not flashy — coastal grandma.”
If you aspire for a home that looks elegant and fashionable yet cozy and lived in, coastal grandmother might be for you. Keep reading to find out more about the defining aspects of this trending style.
Coastal Grandmother Colors And Textures
A palette of shades of white makes the ideal background for a room in the coastal grandmother decorating style. Neutral, seashore shades like beige and taupe along with blue, gray and green that remind you of the sea tie up the color scheme.
“Defined by the use of natural light, high–quality natural materials, a soft color palette and an abundance of foliage and flowers, coastal grandmother creates an inviting, effortlessly elegant and livable interior that feels like home,” Louise Wicksteed, design director at the English interior design firm Sims Hilditch, told Homes & Gardens.
Cotton and linen in a variety of weights and styles add inviting interest. For instance, you might have sheer cotton window treatments, linen-covered throw pillows and a soft, chunky throw in your bedroom.
Furnishings And Accents For A Coastal Grandmother Home
Furniture pieces made from wood and other natural fibers like rattan, jute and sisal enhance the easygoing, beachy vibe of the coastal grandmother interior. Live plants, bowls of fruit and fresh flowers can add splashes of color here and there. Although you wouldn’t want an abundance of nautical-themed accents, an unobtrusive branch of driftwood could also fit the aesthetic.
Handmade ceramics or terra cotta planters, brass fixtures, oversized woven baskets and comfy floor poufs can bring a coastal grandmother-inspired room together. Of course, incorporating your favorite artwork and decor pieces lets you create a chic, welcoming space that is truly your own.
“Coastal grandmother is about utilizing what you have available to you in the form of heirlooms and mixing it with elements that encourage relaxation and calm,” Joelle Smith, of the Jamaica-based design firm If Walls Could Talk, told Martha Stewart. “After two years of a pandemic, this is exactly the mood we want to capture — that feeling of being with family in what you consider a safe space.”
Coastal Grandmother Finds
If you’re ready to dip your toes or even dive into this comfortably luxe decorating style, we have curated a collection of items. You can incorporate any of these pieces, with natural textures, seaside colors and vintage looks, into your home to begin enjoying a coastal grandma vibe.
GooBloo Woven Baskets
Made from 100% jute, these relaxed, wide baskets easily hold anything from guest room linens to bathroom supplies and laundry. Measuring 13 by 10 by 7 inches, they can fit on shelves or tables with ease. Stitched-in handles provide sturdiness, and the baskets are flexible and foldable. This set of two baskets is $49.90.
Lush Decor Farmhouse Stripe Coverlet
This 100% cotton coverlet always looks smooth, tidy and inviting. The classic blue stripes provide timeless charm and appeal. Soft and lightweight, it’s ideal for summer naps or layered with a duvet in colder temps. This coverlet is currently 57-62% off at $61.49 for a full/queen size and $63.02 for a king.
S & L Homes Pouf Ottoman
After a day of combing the shore for sea glass, you can prop your feet up on this braided jute floor pouf. The beautifully handwoven ottoman can serve as a footrest, seat or small table to hold your readers and your latest book club read. As sturdy as it is stylish, you can use this pouf ottoman, $74.99, in your sitting room or enjoy it out on the patio.
Lush Decor Herringbone Stripe Tassel Blanket
When the refreshing breeze causes a slight chill, any coastal grandmother would be glad to have this soft, light throw on the sofa. The 100% cotton blanket has a tassel fringe and sandy-colored stripes throughout with a handful of soft, tufted rows interspersed between them. The machine-washable throw measures 50 by 60 inches, ideal for solo use. It is currently 48% off at $41.24.
Jonathan Y Chinoiserie Table Lamp
With its sweet bird pattern and rotund, ginger jar-like base, this simple and elegant lamp could have been passed down from your own grandmother. Classic yet modern, this table lamp features a bespoke lampshade, one-way switch and gold accents. Soft-white LED bulbs are included with the lamp, which is currently 30% off at $75.89.
Whether you have been a coastal grandmother this whole time and not even realized it or you are eager to bring this aesthetic into your home, doing so can be as easy as a day on the shore.
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