Turn Your Living Room into a Nantucket Coastal Retreat: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transform your living room into a Nantucket-inspired haven with expert tips on weathered wood, subtle nautical accents, and airy layouts. This guide offers practical, budget-friendly solutions for a cozy, elegant coastal retreat.
Capturing Nantucket’s Unique Coastal Charm
The Nantucket coastal aesthetic transforms living rooms into serene, elegant retreats by blending preppy sophistication with relaxed seaside elements.
This section details seven distinctive attributes—preppy elegance, weathered wood, subtle nautical accents, soft blue-and-white palette, wicker furniture, shiplap walls, and hydrangea motifs—that define the Nantucket style and guide its implementation.
Pin 01. Defining the Nantucket Coastal Aesthetic
The Nantucket coastal aesthetic combines refined elegance with relaxed seaside charm, distinguishing it from tropical or Mediterranean coastal styles.
It draws from New England’s heritage, emphasizing clean lines, tailored patterns, and a serene ambiance inspired by Nantucket’s shingle-style cottages.
Unlike vibrant tropical decor, it prioritizes muted colors and understated nautical elements.
For example, it favors crisp blue-and-white stripes over bold coral motifs.
To achieve this look, focus on a cohesive blend of sophistication and comfort, ensuring the living room feels both polished and inviting.
02. Incorporating Weathered Wood Finishes
Weathered wood finishes, such as distressed oak or reclaimed pine, evoke Nantucket’s aged, seaside charm.
Use these in furniture pieces like coffee tables, bookshelves, or console tables to add texture and authenticity.
Source reclaimed wood from salvage yards or create a distressed effect by sanding and staining new wood with gray or white washes.
For balance, pair weathered wood with smooth fabrics like linen to avoid a rustic-heavy look.
Retailers like Pottery Barn offer pre-distressed furniture, while DIY sanding techniques save costs.
Pin 03. Styling with Subtle Nautical Accents
Subtle nautical accents, such as rope-wrapped mirrors, brass lanterns, or sailboat paintings, add coastal character without kitsch.
Unlike overt nautical themes with anchors or ship wheels, Nantucket style uses minimal, elegant touches.
Place a single brass lantern on a side table or hang a coastal landscape painting above the sofa.
Source items from Etsy or Wayfair for affordable options.
Position accents sparingly—one or two per room—to maintain sophistication and prevent a themed appearance.
04. Mastering the Soft Blue-and-White Palette
A soft blue-and-white palette, featuring navy, sky blue, and crisp white, defines Nantucket’s serene ambiance.
Apply navy to accent walls or furniture upholstery, sky blue to pillows or rugs, and white to walls or large furniture for balance.
Add neutral beiges or grays in throws or curtains to enhance warmth.
Use paints like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy for walls and Simply White for trim.
Test samples on small areas first to ensure cohesion across lighting conditions.
Pin 05. Embracing Wicker and Rattan Furniture
Wicker and rattan furniture, such as armchairs, coffee tables, or ottomans, introduces Nantucket’s lightweight, casual elegance.
Choose natural or whitewashed finishes to complement the blue-and-white palette.
Source affordable pieces from IKEA or thrift stores, or invest in high-end options from Serena & Lily.
Style wicker with soft cushions in coastal patterns to enhance comfort.
Limit to two or three pieces to avoid a dated or overly tropical look.
06. Adding Shiplap or Beadboard Walls
Shiplap or beadboard walls, painted white or light gray, add authentic Nantucket texture, mimicking shingle-style cottages.
Install shiplap on a feature wall behind the sofa or beadboard as a wainscoting detail.
For budget-conscious projects, use peel-and-stick shiplap panels from Home Depot, costing $30–$50 per pack.
Clean panels with mild soap and water to maintain their crisp appearance.
Ensure proper installation to avoid warping, especially in humid climates.
07. Infusing Hydrangea Motifs
Hydrangea motifs, inspired by Nantucket’s iconic blooms, add a summery, local touch through floral patterns or arrangements.
Incorporate hydrangea-printed pillows, curtains, or artwork in soft blues or whites.
Use fresh hydrangeas in vases or faux arrangements from Target for low maintenance.
Blend with subtle stripes or solid fabrics to avoid overwhelming the space.
Place one or two hydrangea elements—such as a pillow and a vase—for balanced elegance.
Pin Building the Foundation with Coastal Root Elements
Coastal root elements establish the foundational aesthetic for a Nantucket-inspired living room, creating a serene, inviting space with universal coastal appeal.
These seven components—neutral colors, natural textures, open layouts, natural light, coastal patterns, wooden elements, and functional comfort—form the backbone of the design, ensuring accessibility and versatility for any home.
01. Creating a Neutral Color Base
A neutral color base, featuring whites, beiges, and creams, anchors the Nantucket coastal aesthetic with an airy, open feel.
Apply crisp whites to walls, beiges to rugs, and creams to large furniture pieces like sofas.
Use paints like Benjamin Moore’s Simply White for walls or Linen White for trim to achieve a clean backdrop.
Add depth with subtle gray accents in throws or pillows.
Test paint samples in different lighting to ensure a cohesive look across the room.
02. Integrating Natural Textures
Natural textures, such as linen, cotton, jute, and sisal, enhance the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Incorporate linen curtains, cotton upholstery, jute rugs, and sisal baskets for organic warmth.
Source sustainable textiles from West Elm or Etsy artisans for eco-friendly options.
Layer textures—pair a jute rug with linen pillows—to add depth without clutter.
Clean textiles regularly with mild detergents to maintain their fresh appearance.
03. Designing an Open and Airy Layout
An open and airy layout, with strategic furniture placement, promotes flow and mimics Nantucket’s breezy coastal vibe.
Arrange low-profile furniture, such as a streamlined sofa and armchairs, to keep sightlines clear.
Use multifunctional pieces like storage ottomans for small spaces.
Position furniture to face focal points, such as a fireplace or window, for a welcoming setup.
Measure the room—ensure 3–4 feet of walking space—to avoid overcrowding.
04. Maximizing Natural Light
Natural light, enhanced by sheer curtains and reflective surfaces, creates a bright, inviting living room.
Install sheer linen or cotton curtains from Target to filter light softly.
Place mirrors opposite windows to amplify brightness, especially in darker rooms.
Add white or glass accents, like a glass coffee table, to reflect light.
Use two or three light sources, such as floor lamps or sconces, to mimic daylight in non-coastal homes.
05. Incorporating Coastal-Inspired Patterns
Coastal-inspired patterns, such as stripes, gingham, and subtle plaids, tie the room to the seaside aesthetic.
Use blue-and-white striped pillows, gingham curtains, or plaid throws for visual interest.
Source fabrics from Joann or IKEA for budget-friendly options.
Balance bold patterns with solid neutrals—limit patterns to two or three pieces—to maintain elegance.
Wash patterned textiles according to care labels to preserve vibrancy.
06. Grounding with Wooden Elements
Wooden elements, including oak, pine, or cedar, ground the space with natural, earthy tones.
Incorporate wood in flooring, side tables, or picture frames for warmth.
Choose natural or lightly stained finishes to complement the neutral palette.
Source reclaimed wood pieces from local salvage yards or retailers like Wayfair.
Blend wood with soft textures like cotton to avoid a heavy look, ensuring one or two wooden accents per area.
07. Prioritizing Functional Comfort
Functional comfort, achieved with plush sofas and oversized armchairs, makes the living room a social and relaxing hub.
Select furniture with soft fabrics like cotton or linen for cozy seating.
Arrange sofas and chairs to encourage conversation, such as in a U-shape around a coffee table.
Add cushions and throws for extra comfort.
Source affordable, durable options from Overstock, ensuring two to four seating pieces for small to medium rooms.
Elevating with Rare Nantucket Details
Rare Nantucket details add authentic, nuanced touches that elevate a living room into a true coastal retreat, reflecting the island’s historical and cultural heritage.
These seven elements—antique brass accents, vintage New England artwork, handcrafted textiles, shingle-style references, seasonal decor, custom painted floors, and maritime artifacts—infuse unique character and sophistication, appealing to design-savvy enthusiasts seeking depth.
01. Adding Antique Brass Accents
Antique brass accents, such as lanterns, sconces, or cabinet hardware, introduce historical elegance inspired by Nantucket’s maritime past.
Place a single brass lantern on a console table or install aged brass knobs on a credenza for subtle sophistication.
Source affordable pieces from Etsy or thrift stores, costing $20–$50 per item.
Pair brass with blue-and-white fabrics to enhance cohesion.
Use one or two accents to avoid overwhelming the space.
Pin 02. Showcasing Vintage New England Artwork
Vintage New England artwork, including antique maps, whaling-era sketches, or coastal landscapes, reflects Nantucket’s cultural roots.
Hang a framed 19th-century Nantucket map above the sofa or a coastal watercolor in a hallway nook.
Source prints from Etsy or local antique shops for $30–$100.
Frame artwork in simple wood or white frames to complement the coastal aesthetic.
Display one or two pieces for focal impact.
03. Using Handcrafted Local Textiles
Handcrafted local textiles, such as custom quilts or embroidered pillows, evoke Nantucket’s artisanal tradition.
Incorporate a quilt with hydrangea patterns or pillows with subtle nautical embroidery for authenticity.
Source from Etsy artisans or local New England markets, priced at $40–$150.
Blend textiles with solid linens to maintain balance.
Use two or three textile pieces to add warmth without clutter.
04. Referencing Shingle-Style Architecture
Shingle-style architectural references, like exposed beams or gambrel-inspired decor, tie the living room to Nantucket’s iconic cottages.
Install a faux wooden beam across the ceiling or add a gambrel-shaped mirror for subtle nods.
Source beams from Home Depot for $100–$200 or mirrors from Wayfair.
Ensure elements complement existing decor to avoid a heavy look.
Include one architectural detail for authenticity.
05. Embracing Seasonal Nantucket Elements
Seasonal Nantucket elements, such as hydrangea displays for summer or wool throws for winter, create a year-round retreat vibe.
Place fresh hydrangeas in a white vase for summer or drape a navy wool throw over a sofa for winter.
Source seasonal decor from Target or local florists, costing $15–$50.
Rotate one or two seasonal items quarterly to keep the space fresh and relevant.
06. Creating Custom Painted Floors
Custom painted floors, featuring white or light gray wood with optional stenciled patterns, nod to traditional Nantucket homes.
Paint existing hardwood with Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl or add a diamond stencil for detail, using kits from Amazon for $20–$40.
Seal with polyurethane for durability, costing $30 per gallon.
Paint one accent area, like under a rug, to minimize maintenance needs.
07. Incorporating Historical Maritime Artifacts
Historical maritime artifacts, such as vintage ship models, weathered oars, or antique compasses, subtly reference Nantucket’s whaling history.
Display a small ship model on a bookshelf or lean an oar against a corner.
Source replicas from Etsy or antique stores for $50–$150.
Position one artifact as a focal point to maintain elegance, ensuring it blends with modern decor elements.
Practical Implementation Tips
Practical implementation tips address common challenges, such as budget constraints, small spaces, sustainability, and blending styles, to make the Nantucket coastal aesthetic accessible.
These four strategies—budget-friendly decor, small-space adaptations, sustainable solutions, and blending with existing decor—ensure the transformation suits diverse needs while maintaining authenticity.
Tip #1: Budget-Friendly Nantucket Decor Ideas
Budget-friendly Nantucket decor ideas, such as thrifting, DIY projects, and affordable retailers, achieve the coastal look without high costs.
Source wicker chairs or brass lanterns from thrift stores for $10–$50 per item.
Paint existing furniture with Benjamin Moore’s Simply White, costing $30 per gallon, for a weathered effect.
Shop at Target or IKEA for blue-and-white striped pillows or jute rugs, priced at $15–$40.
Combine two or three thrifted or DIY pieces to create an authentic look economically.
Tip #2: Adapting Nantucket Style for Small Spaces
Small-space adaptations, using mirrors, light colors, and multifunctional furniture, bring Nantucket’s airy aesthetic to compact living rooms.
Place a large mirror opposite a window to enhance light and space, costing $20–$50 from Walmart.
Use light blues and whites for walls and furniture to create openness.
Select storage ottomans or foldable wicker tables from Wayfair for $50–$100.
Arrange two or three pieces in a minimalist layout to maximize flow in rooms under 150 square feet.
Tip #3: Sustainable Nantucket Decor Solutions
Sustainable Nantucket decor solutions, incorporating reclaimed wood, organic linens, and upcycled items, align with eco-conscious values.
Source reclaimed wood shelves from Etsy for $40–$80 or upcycle old furniture with chalk paint.
Choose organic cotton or linen pillows from West Elm, priced at $20–$60.
Repurpose driftwood into wall art for a cost of $5–$10 in materials.
Integrate two sustainable elements to maintain the coastal aesthetic while reducing environmental impact.
Tip #4: Blending with Existing Decor
Blending Nantucket style with existing decor, such as modern, traditional, or eclectic styles, creates a cohesive look.
Add blue-and-white striped pillows to a modern sofa or a wicker chair to a traditional room.
Paint existing furniture with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan, costing $35 per liter, to match the coastal palette.
Use neutral rugs from Overstock for $30–$80 to tie styles together.
Incorporate one or two Nantucket elements, like a brass lantern or hydrangea artwork, to harmonize without overpowering.
Visual Inspiration and Resources
Visual inspiration and resources guide the transformation of a living room into a Nantucket coastal retreat by providing curated visuals, product sourcing, and planning tools.
These three components—a mood board, product recommendations, and a downloadable checklist—offer practical and inspiring references to achieve the authentic Nantucket aesthetic.
Nantucket Living Room Mood Board
A Nantucket living room mood board showcases curated images of coastal interiors, featuring blue-and-white palettes, wicker furniture, and shiplap walls.
Collect images from Pinterest or Houzz, including examples like a navy-striped sofa with hydrangea pillows or a weathered wood coffee table.
Create a digital board using Canva, free for basic accounts, to organize 5–7 images highlighting key elements.
Save and share the board to visualize the cohesive Nantucket style before purchasing.
Product Recommendations and Where to Shop
Product recommendations, such as wicker armchairs, blue-and-white pillows, and brass lanterns, streamline sourcing for the Nantucket look.
Shop budget-friendly items like jute rugs for $30–$80 at Target or linen curtains for $40–$100 at IKEA.
Invest in high-end pieces like a Serena & Lily wicker sofa for $1,500–$2,000.
Source reclaimed wood tables from Etsy for $100–$300.
Curate 3–5 items per category (furniture, decor, textiles) to balance cost and quality.
Downloadable Nantucket Coastal Checklist
A downloadable Nantucket coastal checklist organizes essential elements, including colors, textures, furniture, and accents, for a structured transformation.
List items like a blue-and-white color scheme, linen upholstery, wicker chairs, and hydrangea artwork.
Create the checklist in Google Docs or Canva for free download, covering 10–12 key items.
Use the checklist to track purchases and ensure all Nantucket attributes, such as shiplap walls or brass accents, are incorporated.
Grace believes beauty lives in simplicity. With a love for clean lines, calming tones, and intentional design, she shares tips for creating spaces that feel peaceful and effortlessly stylish. When she’s not curating her home, you’ll find her sipping tea, rearranging her shelves (again), or hunting for the perfect neutral throw.
