Embracing Coastal Design: Flooring and Wall Inspirations for a Seaside Sanctuary
There’s something so refreshing about coastal design—it brings a sense of calm, lightness, and openness that feels just like a day by the ocean. Whether you’re right by the beach or just want to bring that breezy feeling into your home, a coastal-inspired interior can make every day feel like a mini-vacation.
This week, we had a customer looking to redesign her master bath into a serene relaxing space by the ocean. At Youngstown Tile, we love helping our customers find the perfect elements to capture this relaxed vibe. In this post, we’ll share a few tips and design boards to help you make your floors and walls reflect the coastal spirit.
1. Choose a Light, Airy Color Palette
A coastal space always feels bright and open, thanks to its soft color scheme. Start with a foundation of whites, soft beiges, and light grays, which bring to mind sandy shores.
Flooring Inspiration
For flooring, think of the colors you’d see on a sunlit beach. Light wood-look tiles with whitewashed finishes add a rustic touch that mimics driftwood. Porcelain tiles in sand and stone tones also work beautifully, adding durability while keeping things light and natural.
Wall Inspiration
When it comes to walls, try shades of blue, seafoam, or gentle grays to echo the ocean and sky. A textured, matte finish will prevent glare and give a soft, serene look. A few touches of crisp white—perhaps in wainscoting or crown molding—can bring a fresh finish to your coastal look.
2. Embrace Durable, Beach-Ready Materials 
Coastal-inspired rooms need materials that can handle daily wear, high traffic, and even sandy feet. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice style for durability!
Flooring Options
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for coastal floors. They’re durable, easy to clean, and available in styles that look just like natural wood or stone, perfect for creating a beachy vibe without the maintenance of real wood. Try wood-look tiles in wider planks with subtle weathered finishes, or opt for stone-look tiles in sandy, neutral tones.
Wall Choices
Consider bringing coastal textures to your walls with tiles that mimic natural elements. Shiplap tiles add the perfect seaside-cottage charm, while beadboard brings a touch of New England coastal style. For a more subtle nod, subway tiles in sea glass shades are timeless and versatile, ideal for kitchens or bathrooms.
3. Add Movement and Texture with Patterns
Coastal design is about creating flow and harmony, just like the ocean’s gentle waves. Incorporating pattern and texture in your tile choices can help achieve that movement.
Patterned Flooring
Patterns like herringbone or chevron create a sense of flow in a room and can be done in beachy tones to keep the look relaxed. These patterns add visual interest without overwhelming the space, giving your floors a “movement” that’s still calming.
Textured Walls 
Walls can carry subtle textures that echo coastal elements like waves or seashells. Fish scale or mosaic tiles make lovely accents, especially in small areas, adding character without overwhelming the space. For instance, a small backsplash or shower nook done in iridescent fish-scale tiles can create a delightful focal point that brings the sea into your home.
4. Finish with Natural Accents
Finishing touches add that extra dose of charm to a coastal design. Matte or lightly textured finishes feel natural and evoke the untouched beauty of the seaside. And for a touch of elegance, try tile accents with mother-of-pearl or sea glass-inspired inlays to add a hint of coastal shimmer.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’re looking to transform your home into a seaside-inspired retreat, stop by Youngstown Tile to explore some ideas in person. We may be in Ohio, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help you imagine your seaside retreat with the best design ideas, best flooring and tile and best inspiration for your next home design project. We’re full of inspirational ideas and look forward to designing with you!
