Easy-breezy and laidback, beach houses give off vacation vibes, so it’s understandable why many people love their look and search for ways to bring those vibes home. The good news is that you don’t have to live on the coastline to turn your home into a beachy-chic getaway. A coastal design can give any space, even a landlocked home, a seaside feeling, both indoors and outdoors.
But while you can find a ton of information on incorporating the coastal design style into your interior, only a few show how to extend it to your outdoor areas. This article will help you with that, giving you ideas for simple as well as more complicated projects. And all that even if your house doesn’t have the typical coastal architecture.
5 Coastal Curb Appeal Ideas for the Win
Several key characteristics make coastal design a favourite among design styles. Think open, airy and light spaces. Soothing colour palettes resembling sand and sea. Organic textures and comforting ocean-inspired shapes. However, the concept of “seamless living” is what makes it truly appealing to so many people.
It emphasises indoor/outdoor spaces, serving our natural desire to bring the soothing essence of the outdoors in and the other way around. Sometimes, this allows erasing the line between the two, creating a cohesive interior-exterior look.
That means the essential coastal design rules in the interior can also be applied to outdoor areas, only with a few modifications. That’s exactly what we’re doing here: we’ll show you how to use coastal through the following ideas to boost your curb appeal.
Install a Coastal Letterbox
A fundamental feature of every home, a letterbox is more than a functional outdoor element. It’s a stylish and beautiful addition that enhances the home’s facade, elevating the first impression. So, how can you use thoughtfully designed coastal-style mailboxes to boost your curb appeal?
Colour is the first factor to consider. Coastal design uses colour palettes inspired by the beach (sand and sea), such as neutral beige shades and blues.
That opens the possibility of using white as an accent colour for your letterbox, weatherboard, render, and fencing. A coastal letterbox in white or a combination of white and a neutral hue can help you create a clean and bright aesthetic. This adaptability allows using colour pops to get the desired effect or stick to a neutral tone.
Style is another critical consideration for creating a cohesive exterior look. When exploring coastal-style mailboxes, look for modern options with sleek lines and a timeless design. Contemporary coastal style is almost minimalistic; to achieve the look, opt for clean letterbox features such as seamless slots and a neat front panel.
These often allow for personalisation with custom address decals or numbers for a more stylish street appearance.
While letterbox style is essential, its functionality matters, too! A parcel pillar letterbox is a convenient solution without compromising style. Opt for a wider option that’ll accommodate larger parcel sizes if you’re a regular online shopper; that way, you’ll use the letterbox for more than letters.
An anti-theft mechanism is another feature to look for if safety is a concern. Search for parcel letterbox designs that include a top opening with a lid closure; once the package is inside, an anti-theft parcel floor guides the parcel into a lower compartment where it’s safely stored and accessible only with your key.
A durable powder-coated galvanised steel is an excellent material option that looks fantastic and is weather-resistant.
Create a Coastal Lounge Area
If the heart of coastal design is relaxed, open-air living, then an inviting porch or lounge area is its soul. This is where function meets leisure, think easy mornings with coffee, golden-hour wine sessions, and summer naps. To bring this to life, go for outdoor furniture that channels beachside calm with clean lines, muted colours, and weather-resistant materials.
Natural timber, rattan, and light linen tones are your go-to textures here. A soft beige or white base keeps the space airy, while coastal blues in the cushions or throw pillows introduce that breezy ocean feel. Include layering elements like a woven rug underfoot or a fringed umbrella overhead to make the area feel grounded and stylised.
You can take it a step further with decor like lanterns, driftwood-inspired side tables, or planters filled with salt-tolerant greenery like coastal rosemary or flax lily. The idea is to create a space that feels connected to the outdoors, somewhere that whispers “by the sea” even if the ocean’s nowhere nearby.
Let There Be (Coastal) Light
Lighting plays a major role in outdoor aesthetics, and when it comes to coastal design, it’s about more than just visibility, it’s about atmosphere. Capiz shell chandeliers and pendant lights are standout choices for adding beachy elegance. Their iridescent, nacre-like texture catches and reflects light softly, mimicking the shimmer of seashells on wet sand.
Hang a capiz chandelier in a covered outdoor area or porch for an instant statement piece. Not only does it bring a sense of lightness, but it also nods to the sea without being too literal. You can complement this with wall sconces in matte black, weathered brass, or brushed nickel to maintain the coastal theme while adding layers of lighting. Solar-powered or low-voltage options are great for keeping things energy-efficient.
Add a Pop of Blue to Doors or Windows
If you Google the question: “What are the best exterior colours for coastal homes?”, you’ll come upon different answers, most saying that neutrals are most suitable. However, few colours say “coastal” like blue. Whether it’s navy, powder, or seafoam, blue connects your home to the ocean palette effortlessly.
Painting your front door in a bold yet calming shade of blue is a simple, high-impact way to boost curb appeal. It’s a playful nod to classic beach cottages and works especially well when paired with crisp white trims or sandy-beige weatherboards.
You can echo the blue tone in window shutters, planters, or even your house numbers for a cohesive look. The key here is balance. Use blue as a highlight rather than a base and allow it to work with other beach-inspired hues like driftwood grey, sea glass green, and ivory white.
Embrace the Power of Weatherboards
Weatherboards are a hallmark of coastal exteriors for good reason. They offer texture, charm, and that unmistakable seaside cottage feel. Whether you go for horizontal timber-look boards or durable composite options, weatherboards create visual depth and are perfect for layering with coastal colours.
White or light grey weatherboards offer a fresh, clean backdrop that lets other elements (like blue accents or lush greenery) really shine.
They’re also great for reflecting natural light, which helps create that bright and breezy exterior that coastal homes are known for. Pair them with stone paths, timber decking, or even some shell mulch in the garden beds to enhance the natural feel.