Bringing the Coast Home: How to Choose Coastal Artwork (Even If You Don't Live at the Beach!)

Hi everyone! I hope you’re having a great week so far. I've been chatting with a few of you recently about decorating with artwork—especially when it comes to that relaxed, breezy coastal style we all love. I hear it all the time: “I don’t live at the beach, but I want my home to feel like I do.” or "If only I had a beach house!"

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First, let me just say—you absolutely can bring those coastal vibes into your space, no matter where you live! I truly believe that artwork is one of the most powerful ways to do that.

That said, I completely understand that picking the right piece of art can be tricky. It has to fit your wall, work with your color palette, reflect your personal style—and of course, it needs to make you feel something. That’s a tall order! I always tell people: take your time and trust your gut. The best art connects you to something you love, whether it’s a favorite place, memory, animal, or even a color.

coastal shell print in a cozy corner to bring what you love into your home

When it comes to knowing how to choose coastal artwork, that connection is especially important. You don’t need palm trees or crashing waves in your backyard to bring that feeling into your home. Think textures like weathered wood or sea glass, soft ocean-inspired colors, and of course—art that reminds you of being by the water. That could be marsh scenes, shells, boats, beach umbrellas, or even a breezy floral in coastal tones.

Coastal calm in this cozy corner 🌊 The striped chair, driftwood textures, and soft sea tones pull it all together—perfectly echoing the colors in my sea turtle print above.

One of my favorite ways to decorate is by mixing natural elements (like woven baskets, driftwood, or pottery) with art that celebrates the coast in a more personal way. For example, I have paintings of oyster shells and sea turtles, but I also love including florals, marsh scenes, and even seasonal pieces that are done in a coastal palette. It’s not about being literal—it’s about the feeling.

Soft greens, natural textures, and a peaceful marsh scene bring the outdoors in—proving that calming, coastal-inspired decor isn’t just for beach houses

So if you’re someone who dreams of the coast but lives miles from the shore, I encourage you to choose artwork that speaks to that part of you. Coastal art doesn’t have to be cliché or over-the-top. It can be soft, subtle, and completely unique to your space.

When we think of coastal decor, it’s easy to picture shells, sea creatures, and sandy neutrals—but florals can be just as coastal. Soft, breezy blooms like hydrangeas, sea lavender, or even abstract florals in ocean-inspired hues bring a sense of calm and beauty that fits perfectly with a coastal aesthetic. It’s all about the palette and the mood. When paired with natural textures like rattan, linen, or even weathered wood, florals can evoke that same light and airy feeling you get by the water—without being overtly beachy.

A soft blue hydrangea painting pairs effortlessly with a white chair, woven textures, and even a touch of soft metal—proving that mixing natural elements creates a coastal look that feels both fresh and timeless.

Next week, I’ll be sharing a roundup of some of my favorite coastal pieces—both from my own collection and a few other artists and shops I admire. Stay tuned! And if you have a favorite beachy memory or something you’d love to see turned into art, drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear it.

Until then,💙 Paula

For more of my Fine Art Prints, home decor, DIY, and lifestyle posts, follow along via: Instagram ● Facebook ● Pinterest

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