Effortless Summer Living: 7 Coastal Design Beyond the Obvious

The Evolution of Summer House Style

Today’s summer homes are more than just a retreat—they’re an experience. At Narine + Co, we believe true summer house style is about creating interiors that feel relaxed yet refined, inspired by the landscape without relying on overused motifs. In our recent Bernardsville project, we reimagined summer living with quiet elegance—vaulted ceilings, sculptural textures, and a palette inspired by the muted tones of sand, stone, and sea.

1. A New Approach to Coastal Living

In this home, there isn’t a seashell or anchor in sight. Instead, the design whispers the essence of beachside living through intentional materiality, openness, and softness. Oversized windows allow natural light to flood the space, while the furnishings remain grounded and inviting, free from the distraction of trend-based decor.

2. Nature as the Foundation

The architecture honors natural elements at every turn. In the great room, rough-hewn wood beams stretch across a vaulted ceiling, their texture adding an organic counterpoint to tailored upholstery below. Wide-plank wood floors in a soft, matte finish unify the spaces and reflect light beautifully throughout the day.

Materials tell a story here—stone, oak, linen, and ceramic mingle effortlessly, aging with grace and evoking the coastal terrain.

3. The Coastal Palette, Reimagined

This home trades the typical navy-and-white coastal palette for a more elevated, layered approach. The color scheme is derived from nature’s more subtle moments:

• Soft, warm whites on walls and furniture that feel enveloping, not sterile

• Earthy ochres and sandy neutrals seen in ceramics, rugs, and wood accents

• Dusty seafoam and pale shell pinks that echo early morning skies and shoreline flora

This restrained palette creates a canvas for mood and light to shift naturally with the seasons.

4. Texture: The Unsung Hero of Summer Design

Texture defines the entire experience of this summer house. Every surface invites touch and quiet appreciation. In the living room, a linen slipcovered sofa sits comfortably beneath rustic ceiling beams, while a hand-loomed rug anchors the space beneath sculptural lighting.

Throughout the home, you’ll find:

• Leather chairs paired with stone consoles

• Woven light fixtures casting soft shadows

• Plaster and woven textile wall art juxtaposed with matte ceramics

These layers create subtle richness, never overwhelming the senses.

5. Furniture for Living Beautifully

This home was made to be lived in. Furniture choices prioritize comfort and versatility while maintaining the visual clarity that defines modern coastal homes. There are no bulky pieces—just streamlined silhouettes in natural materials that age well and hold stories.

Expect:

• Deep, comfortable seating for impromptu gatherings

• Lightweight tables and benches that can easily shift with the flow of the day

• Storage pieces that double as sculptural moments

6. Lighting that Mirrors the Mood

The lighting plan for this home was designed to highlight and enhance natural rhythms. Oversized windows are complemented by neutral sheers that diffuse light softly. As the sun sets, sculptural pendants in woven fibers and earthy ceramics warm the interiors without stealing focus.

Each space is lit for comfort, not drama.

7. Subtle Styling: The Art of the Edit

Styling in this home is minimal but deeply intentional. Each object tells a story—whether it’s a handcrafted bowl, a framed coastal landscape, or a single frond placed in a ceramic vase. The design resists clutter, opting instead for curated still lifes that reflect the home’s proximity to nature.

Key styling moments:

• A smooth stone bowl on a raw wood coffee table

• Soft textiles in layers across upholstery and bedding

• Monochrome art that complements, rather than commands, a room

Designing for All Seasons

Though the home was designed for summer, its appeal endures through all four seasons. Wool throws in winter, deeper earth tones in the fall—yet the coastal essence remains through the architectural bones and light-driven palette.

Technology with Style

Discreet smart lighting, climate control, and integrated sound systems blend seamlessly into the home’s design. It’s livable luxury—made for morning coffee, impromptu dinner parties, and serene evening wind-downs.

Sustainability, Naturally

From reclaimed wood beams to the use of locally crafted ceramics and vintage furniture, sustainability was a quiet undercurrent in this design. Quality over quantity, materials that endure, and choices that support both artisan craft and the environment.

FAQs: Your Summer Style Questions, Answered

• How can I get this look on a budget?
  Start with light, neutral walls and layer in texture—think slipcovers, woven rugs, and matte ceramics.

• What are the best materials?
  Teak, rattan, cotton, linen, leather, and performance fabrics that breathe and age beautifully.

• How do I avoid a themed look?
  Edit intentionally. Use color, texture, and light to evoke place, rather than relying on coastal symbols.

• Best colors?
  Ivory, sand, warm taupe, sage green, seafoam, and sunset pinks.

• How can I brighten my space?
  Choose reflective flooring, use mirrors subtly, and keep window treatments minimal.

• How do I keep the vibe through winter?
  Layer in nubby wool, darker woods, and warm lighting—without losing the natural core.

Your Summer Home, Reimagined

At Narine + Co, summer house style isn’t about trends—it’s about timeless ease. In our Bernardsville project, we created a space that honors the coast without imitating it. A place to gather, to rest, and to reconnect.

Whether you’re renovating a beachside cottage or bringing summer energy into your city home, the key lies in thoughtful layers, quality materials, and a reverence for light and life. Contact us today to get started!