Design Your Home Like A Coastal Grandmother

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok in the last month, you’ve probably heard of “Coastal Grandmother.” Think of your favorite Nancy Meyers movie; Coastal Grandmother describes the aesthetic of a put-together older woman living by the water in the summertime. If it seems strange to you that a younger generation wants to embody the lifestyle of a grandma, understand it’s less about the age and more about having your shit together (who doesn’t at least secretly try for that??). While I might not always have it together, I can say at least my apartment does. So grab a chilled glass of white wine, queue up Something’s Gotta Give, and turn on this playlist. Let’s bring Coastal Grandmother home.

Photo by Simon Bruty/AnyChance Productions/Getty Images

One. You can never have too many shades of white.

Spend five minutes in a paint store and you’ll understand just how many variations of the color white there. And a Coastal Grandmother enjoys many of them, both in her wardrobe and her home. One of my greatest design tips is to paint a space white. It’s simple but will instantly brighten and refresh a room, helping achieve that breezy look typically associated with homes on the coast. One of the reasons Nancy Meyer’s movie sets are so popular as home inspiration is because of her strong use of beige. It feels tranquil, like being wrapped up in your favorite cashmere sweater. A strong use of white and neutrals in a space also helps a pop of color be that much more impactful. Painting not an option? Try incorporating linen throw pillows and a mohair blanket in the desired shade.

Check out this article for some guidance when selecting that perfect shade of white.

Two. You can never have enough linen.

I feel lucky enough to have grown up with an actual Coastal Grandmother. I spent summers on Cape Cod and if there’s one thing I picked up on (besides kitschy seashell decor), it’s that you can never have enough linen in your summer home. Bedding, pillows, curtains, you name it. This fabric feels easy-going; it’s best when a little wrinkled (bonus!). Start with white curtains hung at least six inches above the window or door frame. This will help create the illusion of higher ceilings. You can never go wrong with an all-white bed; try double-stuffing your duvet cover for that super plush, hotel look.

Photo Found on Pinterest. Source Unknown.

Designer Picks:

Pillow Covers

Curtain Panels

Three. Bring in some flowers you just cut from your garden.

Or that you picked up at Trader Joe’s, in my case. A Coastal Gran has in-season flowers in every space, helping to bring nature inside. Right now I’m loving the same arrangement side-by-side but in two different vases. Try placing them on your kitchen counter, coffee table, bedside table, and in your entryway. If repurchasing fresh flowers every week isn’t feasible, try some realistic fake options.

Designer Picks:

Shell Vase

Silk Tulips

Four. Get ready for your next dinner party.

Even if that dinner party is for one, a beautiful tablescape really helps elevate a meal. Start with a simple tablecloth and bring in a pop of color with linen napkins. Brass silverware feels unexpected yet chic. Try thrifting different plates or if splurging, Zara Home and Anthropologie have Gran-approved options. The goal is to pick one or two colors, like navy and yellow, so that your table feels cohesive. A glass pitcher of lemon water on the center next to your summer pasta you made from a Barefoot Contessa book is the ideal finishing touch.

Designer Picks:

Five. Create a cozy atmosphere with candles.

A Coastal Grandmother interior should feel clean, fresh, and cozy. At the end of the day, nothing feels more luxurious than dimming the lights, pouring a glass of rose, and lighting some candles. Scents with citrus notes that remind me of summer are my go-to. I love one in the kitchen and in the bathroom. For my bedroom, I prefer an oil diffuser that’s safe to run while I fall asleep. And for the ultimate cozy vibe, tea lights in glass votives scattered throughout create incredible mood lighting.