Modern Coastal Retreat: A Fresh Take on Seaside Living

Modern Coastal Retreat- Diana White Int

Let’s be honest—when most people think of “coastal” design, they imagine anchor prints, seashell everything, and furniture that’s seen one too many beach rentals. But that’s not what we’re about.

This project, Modern Coastal Retreat, was all about creating something cleaner, calmer, and totally livable—a space that feels like a breath of fresh ocean air without being over-the-top “beachy.”

What our Clients Were Dreaming Of

When we first met our clients, they told us three things:

1. They love the beach but hate the kitsch.

2. They wanted their home to feel open, light, and easy to live in.

3. They needed it to work for entertaining but still feel cozy on a quiet night in.

So we rolled up our sleeves and got to work designing a home that brings in the good parts of coastal living—light, warmth, simplicity—without falling into clichés.

The Vibe: Modern Meets Coastal

To get the look right, we focused on what we call “understated coastal.” That means dialing back the obvious stuff and layering in soft colors, natural textures, and just enough of that relaxed, seaside energy.

The Color Scheme

Think sandy tones, soft whites, and ocean-inspired blues. Nothing too loud. Just a palette that makes the whole house feel grounded and breezy at the same time.

Materials That Feel Like Vacation

We leaned into natural woods, light linen fabrics, woven accents, and a mix of matte ceramics and glass. It’s the kind of stuff that looks and feels good in your hands—no plastic, no frills.

Modern Coastal Retreat - Diana White Int

Coastal, But Make It Minimal

Instead of starfish on the walls (please, no), we used art and accessories that give a subtle nod to the coast—like driftwood pieces, abstract coastal water-inspired prints, and a few hand-thrown pottery vases in sea glass tones.

Making an Open Floor Plan Feel Cohesive

Modern Coastal Retreat - Diana White Int

Open-plan spaces are amazing in theory—but in practice, they can get messy fast if you’re not careful. Here’s how we made it work:

Let There Be (Natural) Light

One of the best things we did was prioritize big windows and minimal window treatments. The light pours in, bouncing off the white walls and natural textures to make everything feel airy and effortless.

Indoor Meets Outdoor

The living space flows right into the deck outside, where we brought in similar materials and tones to blur the line between inside and out. It’s perfect for entertaining—or just kicking back with a drink at sunset.

Defined, Not Divided

We used rugs, lighting, and smart furniture placement to zone out the space without closing it off. That way, the kitchen, dining, and living areas all feel connected but still have their own vibe.

Final Thoughts: Why This Space Works

At the end of the day, Modern Coastal Retreat is about balance—between style and comfort, modern and natural, minimal and warm. Our clients wanted a space that felt like a retreat, and together we created one that’s both elevated and easygoing.

It’s a reminder that good design doesn’t have to shout to be heard. Sometimes, it just needs to breathe.

Want to bring this kind of calm, coastal energy into your home? Let’s chat.