Layered textures, natural materials and timeless coastal styling for relaxed Australian living
Modern coastal-style homes continue to be one of the most requested aesthetics I see from clients, and for good reason. A well-executed coastal interior feels light, calm and welcoming, capturing the relaxed rhythm of Australian living while still feeling considered and refined.
This approach was central to our recent Temple & Webster Airbnb project on the Sunshine Coast, delivered through our Online Interior Decoration service. Working remotely, we curated a layered coastal scheme that balanced durability, comfort and visual warmth, ensuring the home photographed beautifully while remaining practical for short-stay accommodation.
You can explore the full project, including before and after imagery and detailed design outcomes, in our portfolio here. Temple & Webster Project
Rather than leaning into overt nautical references, this project focused on timeless materials, soft tonal layering and thoughtful styling. The result is a bedroom that feels relaxed and grounded, yet elevated enough to appeal to a wide range of guests. If you’re looking to create a coastal bedroom that feels effortless but still polished, these principles will guide you in the right direction.
The Key Elements Of The Coastal Style…
Coastal style blends beachside ease with subtle Scandinavian influence. The emphasis is on restraint, texture and natural materials rather than strong motifs or themed décor. Creating a coastal sanctuary is about building layers within a neutral base so the space feels calm, cohesive and enduring.
Colour palette
Start with a foundation of soft whites, oatmeal and gentle warm neutrals. From there, introduce muted tones drawn from nature such as soft blues, sea-greens and warm greys. These tones keep the room feeling restful and balanced without overwhelming the space. Saturated colours tend to disrupt the relaxed mood and are best avoided.
In the Temple & Webster project, a warm white base created a bright canvas that allowed the textiles and artwork to add depth without visually crowding the room. This approach also supports longevity and adaptability as styling evolves.
Materials and texture
Texture is what brings a coastal interior to life. Light-washed timbers and soft oak finishes introduce warmth and grounding, while linen bedding, woven accents, aged brass and natural stone provide tactile contrast. Complementary elements such as jute, rattan and raw timber reinforce the connection to nature and add visual interest without heaviness.
Because coastal interiors often rely heavily on light tones, texture becomes essential for creating depth and preventing the space from feeling flat or overly minimal.
Timber balance
Timber plays a pivotal role in softening white backdrops and anchoring the room. Opt for lighter blonde or gently whitewashed finishes and avoid overly dark or heavy timbers that can weigh the space down. Timber can be layered across flooring, furniture, bedside tables and decorative accents to create cohesion.
Window treatments and light
Soft, flowing curtains introduce movement and softness, while window shutters allow filtered daylight and airflow, reinforcing that relaxed, coastal atmosphere. In bedrooms, layered window treatments also support privacy, temperature control and sleep quality.
Greenery and styling
Plants bring life, freshness and scale into a space and are particularly important in relaxed interior styles. Styling completes the look. Woven baskets, layered rugs, soft stripe cushions, curated books and subtle decorative pieces add personality and warmth while maintaining a calm visual rhythm.
This layered approach was central to the Airbnb project, ensuring the bedroom felt inviting and lived-in while remaining easy to maintain between guest stays.
We’ve got you covered; here’s our go-to list of coastal bedroom must-haves…
Flooring
Timber flooring remains a strong foundation for coastal interiors. Extra-wide boards, ideally around 220mm, enhance the sense of scale and create a more refined finish.
Carpet
Wool carpet is an excellent option for bedrooms due to its durability, breathability and natural temperature regulation. A light neutral tone complements coastal palettes and supports longevity.
Paint
Soft whites such as Dulux Snowy Mountain Half or Whisper White create a clean, luminous base for walls, architraves and skirting. A dedicated ceiling white improves coverage and maintains visual clarity.
Windows
Window shutters encourage airflow, natural light control and that relaxed barefoot living feeling that coastal homes are known for.
Curtains
S-fold sheer curtains in linen-look fabrics provide softness and light diffusion while remaining practical and washable. In bedrooms, an additional blackout curtain or discreet roller blind supports sleep quality and flexibility, particularly in family or guest accommodation.
Beds and bedheads
White metal frames offer a classic coastal foundation, while textured fabric bedheads or light timber designs bring a more contemporary edge. The choice depends on the overall character of the space and desired mood.
Bedside tables
Timber or white finishes maintain cohesion and support the layered coastal aesthetic while offering functional storage.
Soft furnishings
High-quality linen bedding delivers durability, comfort and longevity. When cared for properly, linen ages beautifully and offers sustainability benefits over time. Layer cushions and throws to introduce tonal depth and tactile comfort.
And finally, feather inserts are a worthwhile investment. They elevate the feel of cushions instantly and maintain their shape far better than synthetic alternatives.
Ready to Create Your Own Coastal Bedroom?
If you’re planning a bedroom refresh, furnishing a holiday property, or need expert guidance to bring your vision together with clarity and confidence, our Online Interior Decoration and end-to-end furnishing services are designed to make the process seamless and stress-free. From concept development through to furniture and styling selections, we help you create a space that feels considered, functional and truly reflective of how you want to live.
Book your complimentary design call via the link below to discuss your project and explore how we can support you.
