Let's take a closer look at the differences. Coastal/Seaside and Nautical Interior Design styles are the most frequently misunderstood design styles. Coastal and nautical interior design both draw inspiration from the sea and its surroundings, but there are some critical differences between the two styles.
Nautical Interior Design
The nautical interior design style is generally associated with maritime class and sophistication. It resembles luxury super yachts and boats. Nautical interior design tends to be more focused on the functional and practical aspects of seafaring, with an emphasis on sturdy materials such as wood, metal, and leather. This style often includes marine-inspired elements such as compasses, maps, and anchors and may feature darker blues and reds in its colour palette. Nautical interior design involves navigation, boating, yachting, navel, sailing, and maritime. However, the nautical interior design theme can massively vary from super luxurious and sophisticated.
Coastal/Seaside Interior Design
What exactly is a coastal interior design style? When we think coastal or seaside, most people associate the style with blue and white stripes, beach hut printed cushions, anchors and seashells.
The coastal style is defined by the property's location on the coast. Approximately 620,000 kilometres (372,000 miles) of the land on Earth is coastline, accounting for more than one-third of the total human population. So it entirely depends on your geographical location and which coastline you're referring to. Coastal design styles can vary dramatically depending on climate and culture. A British Colonial style in the Indian subcontinent, North America, Africa, and Australia, for example, will defer to a Jersey coastal style due to differences in location, climate, sand, culture, and so on.
Use colour and texture to reflect natural beach elements such as surf/waves, sand, seagrass, wind and sky. Natural elements such as raw, light wood, seashells, and coral are commonly used in coastal interior design. Colours such as blues, whites, and sandy neutrals should be used. This look frequently incorporates beachy accessories like woven baskets, rope accents, and driftwood, as well as patterns like stripes or ocean-inspired prints.
To incorporate moody colours into your scheme, use more rustic elements and materials such as zinc and steel with colours of rusty metals and distressed washed-out (once vivid) colours and their complimentary colours like orange rust and turquoise. Draw inspiration from weather-beaten little fishing boats using colours of decay and weathered distressed paint colours.
Rustic coastal interior design combines elements of both rustic and coastal styles to create a warm and inviting space with a beachy feel. Here are some key features of this style:
Natural materials: Rustic seaside design often incorporates natural materials such as wood, rope, and jute to create a warm and cosy atmosphere.
Colour palette: This style typically uses a colour palette of blues, whites, and sandy neutrals, with accents of darker colours such as navy or brown.
Coastal-inspired decor: Rustic seaside design often includes decor elements such as sea-inspired art, ship models, compasses, and maps.
Rustic touches: To create a rustic feel, this style incorporates elements such as distressed wood furniture, vintage decor, and exposed brick or stone walls.
Texture: Rustic seaside design uses texture to create visual interest and depth, with elements such as woven baskets, textured pillows, and natural fibres.
Overall, the seaside/coastal interior design is a charming style that combines the relaxed feel of coastal decor with the warmth and texture of white-washed distressed rustic elements. It's an excellent choice for anyone who loves the casual beachy vibe but also wants to add a touch of rustic charm to their property.
In summary, there are numerous styles of maritime interior design, each with its own distinctive qualities and attributes. The following are some of the most popular types of interior design:
Coastal: This style is distinguished by the use of light, airy hues, such as blue and white, and natural materials, such as wood and seagrass.
Classic Nautical: This design style is distinguished by the use of navy blue, red, and white hues, stripes, and sailing-inspired motifs such as anchors and ropes.
Tropical: This design style incorporates beach and ocean elements with vibrant colours, natural textures, and lush vegetation.
Contemporary: This style takes a modern approach to nautical design by emphasising clean lines, minimalism, and simplicity.
Rustic: This style employs distressed wood, natural fibres, and neutral hues to create a warm and inviting environment.
Industrial: This design style employs metal accents, exposed brick, and rough textures to create an edgy and unrefined appearance.
In general, maritime or coastal interior design styles vary in their approach to incorporating oceanic and coastal elements into a living space, and the specific features and characteristics of each style will depend on the preferences and design objectives of the individual.
About Jersey's unique Coastline and how to create a typical Coastal Design
Jersey is located in the English Channel, just off the coast of Normandy, France, and are a British Crown Dependency. The island is approximately 14 miles (22.5 km) long and 5 miles (8 km) wide, with a 50-mile-long (80-km-long) coastline. A variety of beaches, cliffs, bays, and rocky outcrops comprise the Jersey coast, which is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty.
Here are a few of the Jersey Channel Islands' coastal highlights:
Jersey has numerous beaches that cater to a variety of interests. St. Brelade's Bay is renowned for its golden sand and clear water; St. Ouen's Bay is a favourite among surfers; and Plemont Bay is surrounded by cliffs and has a waterfall.
The Jersey coastline also features cliffs that provide breathtaking views of the ocean. The North Coast Cliff Path, which runs from St. Catherine's Breakwater to Grosnez Castle, and the South Coast Cliff Path, which runs from St. Helier to St. Aubin, are two of the most popular cliff walks.
Jersey's coastline features a number of picturesque bays, including Greve de Lecq Bay, which is surrounded by cliffs and has a small harbour, Bouley Bay, which is a small fishing port, and Bonne Nuit Bay, which has a pebble beach and is popular with swimmers and kayakers.
Seymour Tower, a 16th-century fortification that is now a holiday cottage; La Corbiere, a lighthouse that marks the southwestern tip of Jersey; and Les Ecrehous, a group of uninhabited islands and rocks that are popular with divers.
The Jersey Channel Islands coastline is a beautiful and diverse landscape that offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking a day at the beach or a challenging cliff walk.
How can you design an interior space inspired by a rugged coastline and create a unique and dramatic look. Here are some tips to help achieve this look:
Choose natural materials: When designing a rugged coastline interior designed space, it is essential to use natural materials. Consider using raw wood, stone, and exposed brick to create a genuine and rustic atmosphere. Consider using reclaimed or salvaged materials to increase the space's ruggedness.
Utilise a palette of neutral colours: A palette of neutral colours can help create a calming and grounded environment in a rugged coastal space. Choose hues that reflect the coastal environment, such as deep blues, greens, greys, and browns. Consider using earthy tones and subdued hues to achieve a natural and organic appearance.
Layering textures can create a sense of depth and complexity in an interior space inspired by a rugged coastline. Create a tactile and sensory experience with materials such as rough-cut wood, woven textiles, and natural fibres. Consider using rugs, blankets, and decorative pillows to add cosiness and warmth to the room.
Including natural light is essential when designing an interior space for a rugged coastline. Large windows and skylights can help bring the outdoors inside and establish a connection with nature.
Consider sheer window coverings to maximise natural light without sacrificing privacy.
When selecting furniture for an interior space on a rugged coastline, choose pieces that are durable and robust. Consider using furniture with simple designs and clean lines to achieve a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic. Consider using leather, canvas, and metal to create a rugged and industrial aesthetic.
By incorporating these tips into your interior design, you can create a space that captures the beauty and rawness of the natural environment and evokes a rugged coastline.