Let’s be real. At some point every year, we all collectively decide our personality is now “lives by the ocean.” It usually happens after a long, soul-crushing winter or seeing one too many aesthetically pleasing videos of someone’s feet in the sand. We start daydreaming about salty air, the sound of waves, and a life where our biggest problem is getting sand out of our tote bag. And with that annual identity crisis comes the primal, undeniable urge to turn our landlocked homes into a seaside escape.

But here’s the plot twist: not all coastal vibes are created equal. In the great design showdown of our time, two main characters have entered the chat: Coastal Grandma and Salty Fisherman.

Coastal Grandma is living her best life in a Nancy Meyers movie. Her aesthetic is light, airy, and effortlessly chic. It’s giving… expensive linen, bouquets of fresh hydrangeas from the garden, and knowing the difference between a chardonnay and a sauvignon blanc. She’s the queen of quiet luxury, serene, sun-drenched afternoons, and has a pantry that is, no doubt, impeccably organized. On the other side of the dock, we have Salty Fisherman. This vibe is rugged, textured, and a little bit moody. It’s giving… just wrestled a kraken and is now contemplating the moody sea from a windswept cliff. It’s less “white wine spritzer,” more “whiskey, neat.” This aesthetic is for those who find romance in a foggy morning and believe that a room, like a person, should have some character and a few stories to tell.

So, which seaside main character are you? Are you here for the calm or the storm? The good news is, you don’t have to pick a side. This is your official vibe check—a deep dive into both aesthetics, complete with over 40 shoppable finds and inspo pics to help you curate your perfect coastal haven, whether you’re a full-on grandma, a certified fisherman, or a chaotic, beautiful mix of both.

The Coastal Grandma Aesthetic: It’s Nancy Meyers O’Clock

If your dream life involves wearing a cashmere sweater on a chilly beach, arranging flowers you “foraged” from your perfectly manicured garden, and asking “Is there anything better than a bowl of lemons?”, then congratulations, you’re a Coastal Grandma. This look is all about creating a sanctuary that is serene, soft, and sophisticated. It’s the physical embodiment of a deep, relaxing exhale. The goal is to create a space that feels like a warm, welcoming hug from a rich-but-down-to-earth matriarch. It’s a low-key flex.

The Design Deets: The color palette is a whisper, not a scream: think soft whites, creamy neutrals, sandy beiges, and every shade of pale, dreamy blue. Texture here is key, but it’s a gentle, inviting texture. We’re talking about floaty seersucker, crisp cotton percale, delicate ruffles, and maybe a linen throw casually draped just so. Patterns are classic and sweet—timeless gingham, delicate stripes, and maybe a subtle floral print if she’s feeling spicy. It’s all about looking put-together without ever looking like you tried too hard.

Get the Coastal Grandma Look:

To nail this aesthetic, start with a foundation of soft, inviting bedding. A Baby Blue Gingham or a textured Seersucker Stripe set is peak Coastal Grandma energy. They’re sweet without being childish, classic without being boring. For an extra touch of romance, a duvet with a delicate ruffle trim, like the Sky Blue Set with Ruffle or the charming Rustic Gingham Duvet, is non-negotiable. It says, “I have impeccable taste, but I’m not trying too hard.” And don’t forget the windows! The vibe requires maximum natural light. Sheer, lacy curtains like the Scalloped Lace Sheer Curtain or the Ballet Bow Curtain let in that gorgeous, diffused morning light that’s perfect for reading a novel and sipping tea.

Small Gingham Bedding Set in Baby Blue Shop Now	Baby Blue Striped Seersucker Bedding Set Shop Now
Rustic Gingham Duvet Cover with Ruffle Shop Now	Sky Blue Bedding Set with Ruffle Shop Now
Scalloped Lace Sheer Curtain Shop Now	Ballet Bow Curtain Shop Now

The Salty Fisherman Aesthetic: More Moby Dick, Less Manicure

Okay, now let’s get into the grittier, more handsome side of coastal living. The Salty Fisherman aesthetic is for those who are drawn to the raw, untamed power of the ocean. This isn’t about leisurely strolls; it’s about bracing against the sea spray. The vibe is rugged, handsome, and practical, with a color palette pulled from a storm-tossed sea: deep navies, faded denims, stormy grays, and earthy olive greens. It’s less about perfection and more about character, texture, and a sense of history.

The Design Deets: This look leans into bolder patterns and richer, more durable textures. Think confident, classic stripes that you’d find on a sailor’s shirt, chunky cable knits that could withstand a gale, and hardworking materials like canvas, wool, and weathered wood. It’s a space that feels grounded and authentic, like it has stories to tell. It’s the perfect backdrop for a person whose screen saver is probably a lighthouse and who owns at least one very serious-looking cable-knit sweater.

Get the Salty Fisherman Look:

The foundation here is durable, handsome bedding that looks like it belongs. A classic Coastal Stripe or a Retro Thin Stripe in a strong blue sets a confident, nautical tone. For more depth and a more luxurious feel, go for something with a woven texture, like the Asymmetry Jacquard or the Refresh Jacquard Striped sets. These have a tactile quality that feels substantial and rich. To amp up the cozy-but-rugged factor, you absolutely need a good blanket. The Blue Ombre Knit Blanket is basically the perfect sweater for your bed. And for accessories, think practical but cool. A Lace-Up Decor Throw Pillow in olive green looks like something you’d find on a vintage sailboat, adding that perfect, authentic touch that keeps the room from feeling like a theme park.

Coastal Stripes Bedding Set – Blue Shop Now	Contrast Stripe Bedding Set Shop Now
Asymmetry Jacquard Bedding Set – Blue Shop Now	Blue Ombre Knit Blanket Shop Now
Lace-Up Decor Throw Pillow – Olive Green Shop Now

The Power Couple: How to Mix Both Vibes Without Causing a Scene

Plot twist: you don’t have to choose. In fact, the most interesting, authentic, and personal spaces often happen when you mix the two aesthetics. Think of it as the ultimate coastal power couple: the perfect blend of soft and strong, serene and soulful. This is how you create a room that feels truly lived-in and unique, not like a page from a catalog.

The secret is creating a story. Maybe Coastal Grandma met the Salty Fisherman at a local farmer’s market, they bonded over the quality of heirloom tomatoes, and the rest is history. Their home is a reflection of both of them. Start with a Fisherman foundation, like a bold Vintage Striped Duvet Cover, and then soften it with Grandma’s touch by adding a ridiculously plush Fairy Ruched Duvet Cover folded at the end of the bed. Or, do the reverse: take a sweet, unexpected Purple Striped Duvet Cover (this is Grandma’s quirky, artistic side coming out) and throw a rustic Ocean Ombre Blanket with Tassels over it to ground the look. Add a pop of unexpected fun with a Rainbow Striped Raffia Pillow, because their life together is anything but boring. The key is to create contrast and balance. You want the room to tell a story. We ship it.

Vintage Striped Duvet Cover Set Shop Now	Fairy Ruched Duvet Cover Set Shop Now
Ocean Ombre Blanket with Tassel Shop Now	Rainbow Striped Raffia Throw Pillow Shop Now
Purple Striped Duvet Cover Shop Now	Coastal Stripes Duvet Cover – Yellow Shop Now

Your Coastal Era Awaits

So go forth and create your coastal paradise. Whether you’re channeling the calm, cool, and collected energy of a Hamptons queen, the rugged, handsome charm of a sea captain, or a delightful combination of both, the perfect seaside escape is waiting for you. This is your sign to stop screenshotting other people’s beautiful beach houses and start creating your own. Because at the end of the day, your home should feel like *you*—even if the ‘you’ of the moment is a fictional character who owns a lot of linen. Just add a good book and a sea-breeze-scented candle, and you’re golden.