Coastal Living Room Style Guide

Cozy coastal living room with a light sofa, blue pillows, wooden coffee table, and seaside artwork.

 

Coastal Living Room Style Guide

Light. Breezy. Beautifully Kiwi.

What Is Coastal Style (and What It’s Not)

Forget tacky seashell lamps and dolphin wall art. Today’s coastal interiors are about lightness, natural textures, and casual comfort. It’s not beach-themed. It’s beach-inspired.

Modern coastal living room with neutral textures and natural light

Why It Works So Well in NZ Homes

New Zealand’s lifestyle and light are made for coastal design. With open-plan layouts, big windows, and indoor-outdoor flow, coastal style feels authentic here—not staged.

  • Matches NZ’s relaxed pace
  • Works with warm- and cool-toned woods
  • Complements views, even if you’re not next to the ocean

Key Elements to Get It Right

  1. Start with the palette: white, soft sand, driftwood grey, powder blue
  2. Add breathable textures: linen, rattan, soft knits
  3. Anchor with casual pieces: modular sofas, woven stools, light oak shelves
  4. Layer with details: cotton throws, seagrass baskets, abstract ocean art
Textural coastal decor details in a New Zealand living room

Product Picks from TreasureBox

TreasureBox coastal furniture set – sofa, rattan chair, coffee table

Styling Tips That Actually Work

  • Skip bright blue: try mist grey, taupe or faded denim
  • Don’t overcrowd—coastal means space to breathe
  • Add life: succulents or leafy indoor plants = fresh without kitsch
Pro Tip: Use a woven storage basket instead of a cabinet—it holds throws, and keeps the space feeling soft.
Neutral coastal living room styled with indoor plants and woven accessories

Ready to bring the coast home?

Discover modular comfort, textural beauty, and ocean-inspired design—all in one place.

Shop Coastal PicksExplore Sofas & Seating

FAQs

Is coastal style expensive to achieve?

Not necessarily! A few smart swaps—like light timber and linen—can instantly transform your space.

Will this style look too beachy for a city apartment?

Not at all. Keep it neutral and avoid overly themed décor—you’ll get modern calm, not kitsch.

Does TreasureBox offer coastal bundles?

While we don’t have a set bundle, many of our pieces work beautifully together. Check out our curated picks above.

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