Decorating with Coastal Photography: Bring the Beach Home Year-Round
There’s something magical about the coast—the gentle sound of waves, the calming colors of the sea, and the feel of soft sand underfoot. For those of us who crave that coastal tranquility year-round, coastal photography provides a way to bring the refreshing energy of the beach into our homes. Coastal photography, with its unique focus on serene landscapes, ocean scenes, and beach-inspired tones, can transform any room into a soothing sanctuary.
This guide will show you how to incorporate coastal photography into your home decor, from soft, weathered colors to striking images of famous beaches and landmarks. We’ll explore some stunning art examples, such as Color of Weathered Wood, St. Lucia Beach, Nairn Beach, Color of Sand abstract art, and St. Lucia Pitons, that will make you feel like you’re always near the ocean, no matter where you live.
Let’s start with the wall color
For a coastal style decor, you’ll want wall colors that evoke the serene, airy feeling of the beach. Here are some beautiful Sherwin-Williams shades to create a relaxing, beach-inspired atmosphere in your home:
- Sea Salt (SW 6204) - A soft, muted green with a hint of blue, Sea Salt is a favorite for coastal spaces. It brings a gentle touch of color, reminiscent of sea foam, and pairs well with whites and neutrals.
- Tradewind (SW 6218) - A light, airy blue with a hint of gray, Tradewind gives the look of a calm, clear sky. It’s perfect for creating a tranquil, open feel in bedrooms, bathrooms, or living spaces.
- Drift of Mist (SW 9166) - A warm, pale gray that resembles sandy beaches. Drift of Mist is a versatile neutral that adds depth and warmth without overpowering the room.
- Waterscape (SW 6470) - For a fresh, tropical vibe, try Waterscape, a soft aqua that feels like the ocean on a bright day. It adds a pop of color without overwhelming a space.
- Shoreline (SW 6208) - A muted, warm gray with sandy undertones, Shoreline brings a subtle beach feel to any room. It pairs well with wood accents and is ideal for a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
These colors are perfect for achieving a soothing, coastal-inspired palette that can make you feel like you’re at the beach year-round!
Deciding on Coastal Art for the Walls
Coastal photography is more than just beautiful scenery; it evokes a sense of peace and calm. It captures the interplay of light, water, and sky, transforming natural elements into works of art that refresh and inspire. Coastal art has a unique appeal due to its soothing colors and tranquil vibes. By bringing these oceanic hues into your home, you create a space that feels open, airy, and inviting.
Coastal art works well with a wide variety of decor styles, from rustic and farmhouse to minimalist and modern. With high-quality fine art photography, you can capture the essence of the coast in a way that feels personal and timeless.
The Colors of Coastal Photography: Setting the Mood
One of the greatest appeals of coastal photography lies in its color palette. Coastal art often features shades that are soft and muted yet rich in texture, mirroring the natural elements of the seaside. Let’s break down some of the common coastal colors and how to use them to set the tone in your home.
- Blues and Teals: The most prominent color in coastal photography, blue, symbolizes peace, calm, and tranquility. Teals and soft sea greens can bring warmth and add a touch of tropical flair.
- Sandy Beiges and Creams: Inspired by beach sands, these colors are neutral and versatile, working well as backdrops for bolder elements or blending seamlessly with any decor.
- Weathered Grays and Driftwood Tones: These hues bring to mind the image of weathered wood along the shore, adding an earthy, rustic feel to your decor. They work well in rustic and farmhouse-style interiors.
- Whites and Soft Neutrals: Reminiscent of sun-bleached shells and washed-up stones, whites add brightness and openness to a space. This look is especially stunning in rooms that already receive ample natural light.
Decorating with “Color of Weathered Wood” Coastal Art
The Color of Weathered Wood is a versatile choice for anyone looking to add an earthy, rustic vibe to their decor. This type of photography captures the beauty of natural textures and subtle colors, reminiscent of driftwood softened by years of ocean waves. Imagine this piece on a large wall in a living room or as a statement piece in a beach-style kitchen—it’s a beautiful way to add coastal charm to your home.
Using weathered wood tones in your decor brings a feeling of organic simplicity and elegance. This artwork pairs well with farmhouse or rustic furniture, especially pieces made from reclaimed wood or wicker. To accentuate the weathered look, add textiles in soft, natural fabrics like linen or jute. Together, these elements create a harmonious, beach-inspired atmosphere.
This piece - captures the true beauty of St Lucia and adds the ocean waters, large rocks, and far-away sailboat.
Bring Tropical Vibes Home with “St. Lucia Beach” Art
If you dream of warm, tropical island destinations, St. Lucia Beach photography captures the essence of an exotic escape. This vibrant, high-quality photography piece transports you straight to the golden sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The scene instantly energizes a room and makes you feel as if you’re on an endless vacation.
For a bedroom, a large art of St. Lucia Beach above the bed can transform the space into a serene retreat. Choose bedding and throw pillows in blues and greens to complement the artwork, evoking the colors of the Caribbean sea. To amplify the tropical effect, add lush, green plants like palm trees or ferns to bring life and vibrancy into the room. A bamboo or rattan chair paired with this art piece completes the tropical feel, adding warmth and texture.
Capturing Coastal Serenity with “Nairn Beach” Photography
The Nairn Beach in Scotland is a different type of coastal beauty. Known for its peaceful shores, stunning views, and soft, pastel tones, a photograph of Nairn Beach brings a gentle, calming effect to any room. The scene is ideal for anyone who appreciates the subtler, more refined side of coastal photography.
Incorporating Nairn Beach art into a living room or reading nook can create a sanctuary-like atmosphere. Pair it with decor that embraces minimalism—think white furniture, airy curtains, and soft rugs. Add natural elements like a wicker baskets or driftwood to keep the coastal vibe. This art piece will serve as a calming focal point, encouraging relaxation and introspection.
“Color of Sand” Abstract Art: A Modern Coastal Twist
Abstract art like Color of Sand captures the essence of the coast in a unique and creative way. This abstract coastal art piece is a close-up of sand and then the bright sunlight was taken out ( it resembled a bunch of pixels ). The colors were amazing and I immediately knew it needed captured - just not as a bunch of dots. An oil paint filter was applied to make the sands swirl or dance on the art. And a unique piece of colorful and whimsical beach art was created. It’s a modern take on coastal decor that still feels grounded in nature.
Color of Sand works well in contemporary spaces that blend coastal and modern aesthetics. Imagine it as a centerpiece above a cabinet in a minimalist living room or as part of a gallery wall in a hallway. Because it doesn’t depict an actual landscape, it invites viewers to interpret the piece, evoking the sense of a unique experience rarely seen by the human eye due to the bright sunshine on the island.
To complement the art, incorporate minimalistic furniture in neutral or pastel colors, such as whites, tans, or grays, blues, pink or teal. Add small decor accents like ceramic vases, greenery or glass candle holders to keep the space feeling clean and modern while maintaining the essence of the coast.
Bring Drama with “St. Lucia Pitons” Coastal Photography
The Pitons in St. Lucia are iconic, dramatic peaks that rise from the Caribbean Sea, creating one of the world’s most memorable coastal landscapes. This large art of the St. Lucia Pitons captures not only the calming beauty of the ocean but also the breathtaking views of nature created mountains. It’s a bold choice for those who want a statement piece that combines coastal beauty with rugged strength.
This piece works particularly well in spaces that call for a striking visual—like a home office, over a fireplace mantle, a dining room, or even an entryway. The dramatic composition of the Pitons against the sky creates an instant focal point that draws the eye, adding a sense of adventure to your decor.
Pair St. Lucia Pitons art with lighter furniture or earthy tones to bring out the contrast and depth in the image. This pairing can help balance the intense colors of the art while creating a warm, inviting space that reflects your love for bold coastal landscapes.
Tips for Choosing Coastal Photography for Your Space
- Consider the Room’s Purpose: Choose serene, calming coastal scenes for bedrooms or reading nooks, and go for vibrant or dramatic pieces in spaces where you want to add energy, like the living room or kitchen.
- Match Colors with Existing Decor: Look at the colors in the artwork and select pieces that complement or enhance your existing decor palette. Coastal photography offers plenty of neutral, earthy tones as well as vibrant blues and greens.
- Choose High-Quality Art Pieces: Investing in high-quality fine art photography means you’ll enjoy a crisp, clear image with lasting color and detail. Quality materials like canvas or framed fine art paper ensure your coastal prints remain vibrant for years.
- Consider Scale: Large wall art pieces can make a strong visual impact, especially in open spaces. Smaller coastal prints work well as part of a gallery wall or in smaller spaces like bathrooms and entryways.
- Let the Art Speak to Your Experiences and Life: Select pieces that evoke an emotional response. Whether you’re drawn to the sandy hues of an abstract, the tropical feel of St. Lucia, or the calming simplicity of Nairn Beach, choose art that resonates with you.
Bringing the Beach Home
Decorating with coastal art is a beautiful way to bring the peace and energy of the ocean into your everyday life. From abstract interpretations of sandy shores to iconic images of tropical beaches, coastal art can create the feel of an endless beach retreat in your home. These pieces don’t just enhance your decor—they invite you to connect with nature, offering a daily reminder of the beauty, peace, and inspiration the coast has to offer.
Hopefully this has inspired you to check out coastal art as an option for your next decorating project! Here are a few collections to check out:
St Lucia
Waterscapes
Landscapes
Happy Decorating! ~ Lisa
Born in California and raised in Arkansas, Lisa has lived within seven miles of her grandparents’ 1936 homesteadsince she was ten years old. As an only child of an only child, she spent countless hours fueling her creativity—crafting, designing, and refining ideas. While Arkansas has changed over the years, Lisa remains drawn to life’s simple yet beautiful moments, finding inspiration in nature, landscapes, and the great outdoors.
