Whether you’re seconds from the water or nestled deep into a beach community, living in a coastal location comes with countless joys. Salty breezes, endless blue skies, intriguing wildlife, the lulling sound of water. It only makes sense to lean into the natural surroundings when designing and decorating your home. Think dreamy coastal color palettes, natural textures, and sun-bleached wood grains.

“One of the things I love most about beach houses is the freedom to really have fun with the design. Beach houses allow for a bit more creativity and personality,” says Marnie Oursler, a builder in the Delaware beach region and founder of Marnie Custom Homes. “You can take design risks and incorporate elements that might feel too bold or playful in other settings but are perfectly at home by the coast.”

Looking for inspiration for your own home? Interior designers share some of their favorite beach house décor ideas and tips to provide you with some design direction.

Make a Statement With Lighting

Consider light fixtures the jewelry of your space—an opportunity to dazzle and make a true statement. Here, a modern chandelier featuring translucent calcite slabs serves as a centerpiece against a backdrop of weathered shiplap, crisp white accent chairs, and streaming window light.

Invoke an Open and Airy Feel

Beach homes often feel expansive and inviting, which is achieved through open floor plans, high ceilings, light color palettes, and—perhaps most importantly—floor-to-ceiling windows with minimal drapery. Along with allowing in lots of light, this also gives you a front-row seat to beautiful views and helps create a connectedness to nature.

Mix and Match Textures

This soothing beach house bedroom weaves in a variety of textures, which adds instant depth to the neutral color palette. “This is our ideal bedroom: cozy and inviting with a contemporary beachside cottage vibe,” says Katie Winnington, principal designer at C&E Furniture. “The wood grain on the dresser stands out beautifully, becoming the focal point of the room, while the neutral accents around it enhance the overall space perfectly.”

Adopt the Unexpected Red Theory

If you’re craving more color than what the classic white, beige, and blue color scheme offers, go ahead and take the “unexpected red” approach. “I love the sheer boldness of this room, the mix of materials, colors, and patterns here,” says Damla Turgut, founder and creative director of Otto Tiles & Design. “The trick to successfully creating this more maximalist beach house look is keeping the color palette tight. Shades of blue, red, and green are all grounded by neutrals.”

Incorporate Plenty of Seating.

Having plenty of seating makes your beach house an inviting place to host family and friends. A large dining table and an oversized sectional are the perfect pieces for a beach house, providing your family and guests with ample space to share a meal and then cozy up after a day on the water.

Consider Wicker Furniture

Wicker is a classic beach home staple, and it’s pretty versatile. Though it’s often utilized outdoors thanks to its durability, you can also weave it into your interior spaces in the kitchen, at the bar, or even in the living room via accent furniture.

Put Time Into Your Outdoor Space

The beauty of beach homes is that the weather beckons you to spend as much time outside as possible. Take care to make your outdoor deck, patio, or yard as inviting as possible by outfitting it with plenty of seating. In this design by K+Co. Living, numerous conversational areas are incorporated along with a space for al fresco dining.

Choose a Light, Neutral Color Scheme

When in doubt, opt for a creamy neutral color story that’s reminiscent of the beach. “Soft, neutral color palettes—think whites, sandy beiges, and ocean blues—create a calming atmosphere that mirrors the serenity of the beach,” Oursler says. Pops of blue, teal, and even red can help add some dimension.

Incorporate Something Blue

Blue tones also make sense in a beach house and can range from splashy teal to deep ocean blue to pastel variations. In this design by K+Co. Living, blue accents find their way into a kitchen via backsplash, cabinets, and the underside of a large island.

Add a Rug to Ground the Space

Flooring serves as the canvas upon which the rest of a space’s design elements build. “To capture the perfect coastal aesthetic for your beach house, add an area rug that features colors and textures straight from the ocean’s palette,” says Katherine Cohen, associate creative director at FLOR. “Look for styles that feature natural textures, elegant lines, and sun-washed hues to bring a sense of refinement and relaxation to your space.”

Weave in Natural Details

The use of wood, greenery, and other natural materials helps create a connection with the surrounding environment. Consider a wooden table or bench, living plants, seashells, pottery, rattan, and beyond.