Nautical Elegance: New England & Cape Cod Interior Design Style
The ocean is calling… Answer?
Coastal New England has a distinct interior design aesthetic that differs from West Coast or tropical coastal styles. Explore the defining characteristics of New England coastal style and Cape Cod interior design so you can confidently transform your home into a seaside oasis that suits your region.
What Is New England Coastal Style?
New England coastal interior design combines relaxed coastal style with hints of American-traditional elegance to create a homey but elevated aesthetic that is characteristic of the northeastern coast of the United States. From the sandy shores of Rhode Island to the rocky coast of Maine, this interior design style reflects the natural beauty and storied history of New England to bring timeless seaside serenity to your home.
This style is defined by a color scheme of cool blue tones, soft grays, and bright white. You’ll notice weathered materials like wood and leather paired with clean elements such as brass hardware and crisp linen. Northeastern coastal homes commonly have shiplap wall paneling and feature nautical decor that includes anchors, sailboats, and lighthouses. A combination of nautical stripes, cozy gingham, and traditional floral patterns create a dimensional and welcoming feel to these homes.
How to Decorate a Coastal New England Home
1. Float Through a Relaxed Entryway
An entryway gives visitors the first impression of your home, so it’s the perfect place to show off your interior design skills and lay the groundwork for a coastal aesthetic. Position a blue hall tree or leather bench by your front door to provide functional storage and seating in your entryway while incorporating colors and textures that tie in the New England coastal theme. Lay down jute runners to protect your floors from heavy foot traffic while adding a natural coastal feel to the space. Finish it off with some nautical wall art and woven baskets to drive home the aesthetic with decorative details.
Give your living room the bright and airy ambience of the coast with white walls, light wood accents, and hints of navy blue for balance. A leather sofa will add a grounding element to the room while linen upholstery elevates the space and keeps it light. Cocktail ottomans create an effortless centerpiece to your living area – with floral upholstery that adds classical elegance to the room and woven jute that adds a natural touch. Arrange your living room around a natural fiber rug to create cohesion and top it with a brass wagon wheel chandelier for a shiny statement.
Every Cape Cod–style house needs a place to gather with friends and family to enjoy a fresh summer feast. Start your coastal dining room off with a navy blue area rug to create a beautiful foundation for the space. A wooden trestle table will give your dining area a laid-back, rustic feel but can be easily elevated by a set of linen dining chairs. Use a tall bookcase or china cabinet to display your favorite dinnerware or assortment of nautical items to tie in the New England coastal aesthetic.
The cool blue and white color scheme of New England coastal homes has a relaxing effect – making it the perfect style for your primary bedroom. For an unmistakeably coastal aesthetic in your bedroom, incorporate traditional nautical patterns like blue-and-white striped wallpaper or striped bedding. A rattan headboard and jute area rug will add natural elements to your room that bring the coastal style to life. Consider choosing accent furniture with bobbin spindle frames to add some classic elegance to your bedroom and create a luxurious space to relax.
Want to transform a spare beach house bedroom into a magical marine experience for kids or guests? Combine traditional and coastal patterns with an upholstered headboard and striped bedding to create a space that feels both whimsical and sophisticated. Barn light wall sconces have a nautical feel to them and can provide light to each bed individually – making them perfect for shared bedrooms. Whether you decide to decorate with enchanting sea creatures or simple nautical photographs, don’t forget to add little details to make your beachy bedroom feel like home.
For the main fixtures in your home office, choose an executive desk and a tufted office chair to give the room a stately feel. Distressed maps and an antique-finish desk lamp will add that vintage sailor charm that is often found in New England coastal homes. Complete the look with some blue and white decor or an arrangement of hydrangeas to reflect the Cape Cod landscape.
If you live on the New England coast, you’ll want a place to enjoy the ocean air. Make the most of your outdoor space and the summer weather with a thoughtfully designed patio or fire pit area. Adirondack chairs are a quintessential part of New England style and will provide stylish, versatile, and weather-resistant seating for your outdoor space. Arrange them around a fire pit for extra warmth on those cool summer nights and to create the perfect setting for friendly evening gatherings. Don’t forget to include some outdoor pillows and a blanket or too for extra cushioning and coziness.
