Warm weather all year round, beautiful beaches just a stone’s throw away, fun excursions, vibrant neighborhoods, eclectic cultures, and amazing (though sometimes scary) wildlife. These are all major selling points for Florida and many of the reasons people choose Florida for their retirement years. I’m not retiring yet, but I know plenty of people who are or have, and let me tell you, there’s a lot to think about. If you want to move from calendar chaos to coastal calm, then this is the blog post for you!

Empty Nesters in Florida

As mentioned, I’m not retiring. However, my hubby and I are empty-nesters, and we just moved to Florida, so I have more personal experience in this area than some. Finding and creating our own empty nest in Florida was bittersweet; on the one hand we hated leaving the kids and on the other we were excited for everything Florida has to offer. 

There are some unique challenges (like weather during hurricane season and the scary wildlife I mentioned earlier), but for the most part, I’ve loved this phase of life in this part of the world. Living and working as an interior designer in Miami specifically has the added benefit of that coastal calm aesthetic that has seen a bit of a resurgence in the design world lately. Which is why I think my Miramar and Miami clients — especially those creating their retirement oasis – should lean into this look.

What is Coastal Calm Style?

Coastal chic or coastal calm interior design style is defined by a few distinct elements. A beachy color palette is at the top of the list. Think white sands, blue oceans and skies, and pops of bright color. Then there’s the materials: soft linen, driftwood, smooth porcelain, sand-blasted glass, and minimal but impactful metallics. 

Coastal calm is often more a feeling than the elements themselves. When we’re designing coastal chic homes we want to establish a relaxed, breezy, and light feeling. Something that says “Grab an iced tea and kick off your flip flops then sink into a plush sofa and enjoy a gentle breeze and the sounds of nature.” That’s a lot to say, but with intentionally curated furniture pieces, colors, and decor, the feeling can be achieved as easily as the overall look.

As with any interior design style, coastal calm can be used in any home – no matter how inland you are. So if you live in the middle of Kentucky, you can absolutely work with me to get the look and bring the ocean to the plains!

Create Coastal Calm with These Pieces & Easy Tips!

Let’s tackle some of the individual pieces of the coastal calm look.

The Color Palette

THis is a foundational piece of the process. Blue and creamy white are obvious, but you don’t want to stay too monotone in your colors. Shake it up with pop of pink, rich grays, light, earthy greens, and deep reds. 

If you love brighter colors, draw inspiration from some of the colorful, beachfront houses from around the world.

Natural Materials

From your sofa to your rug, to the coffee table and beyond, aim for natural materials. Linen, cotton, jute, and wood are great foundational materials. From there, layer in some glass, glazed pottery and porcelain, and small amounts of metals which can be used in fixtures and hardware.

You want that nature-indoors connection, and natural materials are the best way to create that link. And don’t forget about plants. Flowers like hydrangeas, “greens” like reeds, grasses, palms, and bamboo all say tropical and seaside without being overwhelming. 

Textures

The beach is a very sensory experience; from the sounds of the waves to the brush of the breeze and heat of the sun, to the sand between your toes and the smell of the salt water. Your coastal home should try and capture all those same experiences. 

Lots of natural light that’s allowed to stream through sheer or light linen curtains, textured wallpaper, soft pillows, and a scented candle all help achieve the sensory side of the beach. You can also grab small things from the beach itself – a rock or some sand, driftwood, ocean glass, and shells – to use as decor throughout your home.

Keep It Simple

Coastal calm is in no way a minimalist style, but it’s also not maximalist. In fact, it can become overbearing and tacky very quickly if left to its own devices. The key here is to truly curate each piece and be intentional in the process. Everything should have its uses and place. There should be an openness to each space that harmoniously mixes with a warmth. Ultimately, you’re going for slow-living vibes – so a healthy mix of neutrals, patterns, organic materials, florals, grace, and elegance is essential. 

Don’t go too heavy-handed with the beach theme. Instead, focus on more of the prim garden, clean, airy rooms, and subtle details.

Branch Out a Bit

The coast means something a little different for everyone. For some, it’s an afternoon in the sun, for others it’s a day out on the boat. Some like fishing, and others are there for the shopping and small town charm. In Miami, the coast is a little more glitzy with an Art Deco and palm trees often dominating the aesthetic in the more popular parts of town. We have a soft side, a nightlife party side, and a nature reserve side. So no matter which way you lean or what your favorite part of the beach experience is, there’s a way to bring it into your coastal calm home.

Embrace Your Inner Beach Babe

Exploring this side of the design world is so much fun and often creates an oasis-like home that infuses life with calm and natural beauty. There’s no shame in embracing your inner beach babe within your own home – especially if it’s your retreat post-children and crazy chaotic calendar.