If you’ve been watching the latest season of The Block, you might have heard the Blue Team’s Paige describe her aesthetic as ‘elevated coastal grandma’. What this actually meant, however, was a little unclear.
Luckily, we’re across the viral Tiktok trend which first surfaced back in 2022 and continues to thrive today, especially in Australia where coastal style reigns supreme.
Coastal grandma is an aesthetic that combines elevated coastal touches with the cosy, homey quality of a chic granny who loves baking and a sunset chardonnay overlooking the ocean.
“If you love Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, recipes and cooking, Ina Garten, cosy interiors and more, there’s a good chance you might be a coastal grandmother,” says Tiktok influencer @lexnicoleta who takes credit for coining the term.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to be a grandmother or live near the coast to emulate this aesthetic… it’s a vibe, an attitude, a style.
The coastal grandmother style, explained
Coastal grandma is actually a decorating style Australians are quite familiar with. Diane Keaton nailed the look in the film, Something’s Gotta Give, spawning an entire decorating movement, and while we love a bit of Hamptons style, coastal grandma goes a step further in the comfort stakes.
While classic Hamptons is crisp and white with pops of blue, coastal grandma is a little cosier. Think Hamptons-meets-Hygge, with chunky knit throws and blankets, high end, natural linen sofas in slouchy white slipcovers with snuggly cushions plumped for relaxation, all topped with a good dose of textured rattan and natural fibres in lighting and accessories. And a glass of wine.
How to get the coastal grandma look in your home
Coastal grandma is a layered look but be careful not to channel your actual grandma as you accessorise – unless she too is channelling her inner Diane Keaton. “The rule here is to keep collections edited and refined over time to focus the eye and make the look deliberate and not cluttered,” says interior designer and homewares store owner Tara Dennis, who is on board with this timeless look.
Cosy, coastal chic in this family home on Sydney’s northern beaches. (Photography: Brigid Arnott / Stylist: Lisa Hilton / Story: Home Beautiful) (Credit: Photography: Brigid Arnott / Stylist: Lisa Hilton / Story: Home Beautiful)
“I admit to having struggled to coin a phrase for my particular style, as I find that by saying ‘comfy, soft, layered and homely’ doesn’t quite hit the ‘trend’ notes as does BoHo or Contemporary Chic!” she says. “How happy am I now, thanks to TikTok and Anne Hathaway, to be able to proudly say I’m all about ‘coastal grandma’ without sounding like a pair of old slippers!”
“For me, home should be soft and inviting, filled with treasures to show a life well lived and practical enough to be enjoyed by the whole family rather than just looked at,” says Tara, who suggests layering elements in your home that bring a mix of textures and suggest warmth, like generous rugs and recycled timber pieces. “Mixing old pieces with new always looks better. It’s all about the details that draw you into a space and hold you there like a big hug.”
Don’t be afraid to step aboard this interior style. While you may tire of interior trends over time (we’re looking at you, millennial pink), it’s up to you to make them your own – no matter how far from the coast your home may be. At Homes To Love, we know you all can’t get enough of a crisp white home exterior and a vaulted ceiling above a stone fireplace so, we get it.
We also think it’s a look for your home that will endure and you might already find you’re a closet coastal grandma yourself. It’s time to dust off your home’s virtual cardigan and put it on show. A classic white backdrop, peppered with neutral tones and natural textures is a timeless aesthetic, with the potential for seasonal pops of colour if and when the mood takes you.
“Decorating with white and neutral tones makes sense in our climate,” says Tara. “Most of our year is warm to hot, so dark colours can feel stifling. Whites and neutrals give an airy, relaxed feel to any space, and can easily bridge the gap between seasons.”
Coastal grandma even lives in the country. The interiors of this family homestead in the central west of NSW embodies the effortless style. (Photography: Abbie Melle)
Other interior trends to embrace in your home
It’s not all wine and relaxation, however. Also essential is a holistic approach to life, complete with your own verdant kitchen garden, overflowing with ruddy tomatoes and snap peas running along canes.
There’s even a bunch of Spotify playlists to launch from your smart speaker on your oversized kitchen island so coastal grandma is a trend that looks here to stay.
This weekend before you cook up a storm for family and friends, don your chinos and straw hat, grab your market basket and explore ways to embrace the coastal grandma look, in style.
Our top 10 décor picks for coastal grandma style
01
Angora merino chunky rib throw
$539, Bemboka
Best for: snuggling up
Literally a cardigan for your bed or sofa, this pure wool throw is also machine washable and designed to be used, making for the ultimate home hug.
Size: 130 x 210 cm
Colours: Natural, Wheat, Mocha, Dove, Pale Grey, Grey, Charcoal
Materials: Angora, merino wool
Key features:
- Super soft and warm
- Made with premium materials
- Machine washable
- Chunky rib knit pattern
02
Mojoe modular sofa in Buck Brushed Linen
From $3880, MCM House
Best for: coastal cosiness
A white linen slipcovered sofa is essential for coastal grandma style and this lush example comes with an army of cosy cushions.
Colours: Buck Brushed Linen, Mist Brushed Linen
Key features:
- Removable cover
- Overlock stitching
- Customisable style
- Modular design
03
Como elliptical seagrass basket, large
$59.95, Temple & Webster
Best for: accessorising
Take the coastal grandma look anywhere in the house with seagrass baskets of all shapes and sizes, like this one, perfect for potted plants or extra blankets.
Size: H40 x W40 x D40 cm
Colour: Natural
Material: Seagrass
Key features:
- Handmade from natural materials
- Versatile accessory
- Great value for money
04
24 piece mari stainless steel cutlery set
$64.95, Temple & Webster
Best for: long lunches
Your grandma would be proud to see a crisp white linen tablecloth, dressed for lunch with fresh flowers and a touch of brass, thanks to this chic cutlery set.
Size: H22 x W1.5 x D1 cm
Colour: Gold, silver
Material: Stainless steel
Key features:
- Perfect for daily use
- Rust resistant
- No metal taste
05
Made for Living coffee table book
$46.32, Amazon
Best for: long lunches
You’ll never run out of decorating ideas – from the right white paint to working with neutrals – armed with this gorgeous book by OG coastal grandma and founder of iconic Amber Interiors, Amber Lewis.
Size: H26.9 x W21.03 x D2.97 cm
Colour: Grey and Multi
Key features:
- Premium coffee table book
- Hardcover
06
100% French flax linen European pillow cases (set of two) – Oatmeal
$80, Bed Threads
Best for: afternoon naps
Get ready for plenty of afternoon nanna naps with these chic Euros from cult linen brand Bed Threads.
Size: 65 x 65 cm
Colour: Oatmeal
Material: Linen
Key features:
- 100% French flax linen
- Breathable fabrication
- Machine washable
07
Luigi Bormioli Speakeasies Swing white wine glasses
$139.95, David Jones
Best for: happy hour
At the end of the day, something’s gotta give and what better way to toast the sunset on your white-washed outdoor sofa than with some stylish wine glasses? Cheers!
Colour: Clear
Material: Crystal
Key features:
- Set of 6
- 550ml capacity
- Ribbed design
- Dishwasher safe
08
WONBOYN ceiling pendant
$319.20, Freedom
Best for: lighting it up
Whether or not you’re up for the coastal grandma look, a statement cane pendant will light any neutral décor scheme in style.
Size: W79 cm (shade), H28cm (shade), L120 cm (cord)
Colour: Natural
Materials: Cane ribs, iron
Key features:
- Textile cord
- Creates a nice ambience
09
Jwana Hamdan Ash Light Beige outdoor rug
$4640, Artemest
Best for: pulling things together
Got a luxe coastal deck with sparkling ocean views? Add some cosy, coastal grandma energy with this delicious rug from Jwana Hamdan. Designed in Italy and inspired by Jwana’s Middle-Eastern heritage, this is an investment rug that’ll see you though a lifetime of design trends.
Size: W200 x D300 x H1.4 cm
Colour: Natural
Material: Textile
Key features:
- Designed in Italy and handmade in India
- Suitable for outdoor use
10
Nimes natural linen robe
$159.99, Linen House
Best for: completing the look
Once your home is dressed in #coastalgrandma style and you’re looking to follow suit, get your Diane Keaton on and wrap yourself in this luscious linen robe to nail the look while you consider wardrobe options.
Size: One size
Colour: Natural
Material: Linen
Key features:
- Designed in Italy and handmade in India
- Suitable for outdoor use
