Coastal Chic: Styling Your Home with an Aussie Beach Vibe

Relaxed, airy, and effortlessly stylish — like a weekend at the beach, every day.

From Bondi to Byron, Australia’s coastlines have inspired more than just travel dreams — they’ve become the heart of one of the country’s most beloved interior design styles: Coastal Chic.

This look isn’t about seashell overload or nautical clichés. It’s all about light, flow, texture, and that relaxed vibe that makes every day feel like a summer escape. Ready to transform your space into a serene coastal haven? Here’s how to do it.

🏡 1. Choose a Calm, Ocean-Inspired Colour Palette

Aussie coastal interiors shine with natural hues and soft tones. Think:

  • Sandy beige, driftwood grey, and crisp white
  • Accents of seafoam green, navy, sky blue, or coral
  • Matte or whitewashed finishes over glossy ones

Zyppo Tip: Stick to two base tones + one accent colour to keep the space cohesive and uncluttered.


🪵 2. Embrace Natural Materials

Coastal chic is all about bringing the outdoors in. Prioritise raw, organic textures like:

  • Linen, jute, rattan, and cotton
  • Reclaimed wood (think driftwood-style furniture)
  • Woven rugs and cane baskets

Furniture picks to consider:

  • Rattan armchairs
  • A whitewashed timber coffee table
  • Jute rugs from Australian brands like Temple & Webster or Adairs

🌞 3. Let There Be Light (Lots of It)

Natural light is essential to a coastal vibe. Open things up by:

  • Swapping heavy curtains for sheer linen drapes
  • Using mirrors to reflect sunlight and expand space
  • Opting for light-toned flooring or rugs to brighten darker areas

Bonus hack: A large mirror with a distressed wood frame adds both beachy texture and space-enhancing magic.


🖼️ 4. Accent with Coastal Decor (Subtly!)

Rather than overt beach-themed items, layer in subtle nods to the sea:

  • Art prints featuring waves, boats, seagrass, or abstract landscapes
  • Sea glass jars, coral-inspired ceramics, or neutral-toned vases
  • Woven baskets for storage or plant holders

Shop local: Check Aussie makers on Etsy or stores like Sea Tribe, Zanui, or Coastal Drift Interiors.


🛋️ 5. Keep Furniture Relaxed & Functional

Think open layouts, soft shapes, and comfort-first. Choose:

  • Low-profile sofas in white or beige
  • Slipcovered furniture (easy to clean and adds a breezy look)
  • Open shelving instead of bulky cupboards

Great Aussie brands to explore:

  • Koala (for sustainable lounge furniture)
  • Freedom (for coastal-inspired modular pieces)
  • Interior Secrets (for minimal, coastal lines)

🪴 6. Bring Nature Indoors

Add life and texture with low-maintenance indoor plants:

  • Bird of Paradise, Monstera, or Palm varieties
  • Dried pampas grass in tall vases for a neutral statement
  • Use ceramic or woven planters in whites, sand, or sea tones

Zyppo Tip: Position greenery near windows or beside seating areas for balance.


🧺 7. Finishing Touches That Elevate the Look

  • Layer throws and cushions in breathable fabrics (linen, cotton)
  • Use candles with coastal scents like coconut, sea salt, eucalyptus, or sandalwood
  • Swap plastic storage for woven baskets or canvas bins

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