Bringing Palm Beach Coastal Chic Color Palettes Together: The Ultimate Guide to Luxe Interiors
Denise Jadd
When you think of the perfect sanctuary—a place where the gentle breeze whispers through open windows, sunlight dances across crisp linens, and every detail feels both effortless and elevated—you’re envisioning the essence of Coastal Chic. This design style, beloved in destinations like Palm Beach, Delray Beach, and Malibu, is more than a trend; it’s a lifestyle that celebrates tranquility, luxury, and the timeless beauty of the coast.
A sunlit coastal living room with white shiplap walls and natural fibers showcases a vertical palette of Benjamin Moore paint swatches in soft neutrals and tranquil blues, embodying relaxed Palm Beach style.
At Domaine Luxe, we believe that the right color palette is the heartbeat of this look. Let’s dive into how you can bring together a Coastal Chic color palette that transforms your home into a serene, sophisticated retreat.
What Is Coastal Chic?
Coastal Chic is the artful blend of breezy, laid-back vibes and high-end, thoughtful design choices. It’s inspired by the natural beauty of the shoreline—think sun-bleached driftwood, shimmering sea glass, and the endless expanse of sky and water. But unlike traditional nautical themes, Coastal Chic is subtle, modern, and luxurious, focusing on elevated materials, curated accessories, and a palette that soothes and inspires.
A bright, coastal-style living room with white shiplap walls and a built-in window seat topped with blue cushions and pillows, featuring large windows overlooking houses and a round wicker coffee table in the center.
The Power of Color in Coastal Chic Design
Color is the foundation of any great interior, but in Coastal Chic design, it’s everything. The right hues can evoke the feeling of a lazy afternoon by the sea, the cool shade of a palm, or the warmth of sun-kissed sand. The Coastal Chic palette is all about balance—soft, airy tones juxtaposed with rich, grounding accents. It’s about creating a space that feels both open and intimate, relaxed yet refined.
A light-filled Palm Beach-inspired living room features white shelves displaying blue and white pottery, a fireplace, elegant coastal artwork, and a bouquet of hydrangeas, capturing the breezy sophistication of the surrounding coastal area.
Building Your Coastal Chic Color Palette
1. The Foundation: Soft Neutrals
An airy Palm Beach-inspired living room offers ocean views through large windows, featuring crisp white decor, light wood accents, cozy neutral sofas, and subtle coastal touches for a relaxed, elegant beachfront feel.
Start with a base of soft, sun-washed neutrals. These shades set the stage for the rest of your palette and provide a calming backdrop for bolder accents.
Whites & Off-Whites: Crisp white walls or cabinetry evoke the clean, airy feel of a beach house. Consider shades like Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace” or “Simply White” for a timeless look.
Beige & Sand: Warm, sandy tones mimic the shoreline and add a touch of coziness. These hues work beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens.
Taupe & Driftwood: For a more sophisticated twist, incorporate taupe or driftwood-inspired grays. These colors ground the palette and add depth without feeling heavy.
2. Ocean-Inspired Blues
No Coastal Chic palette is complete without a range of blues, from the palest sky to the deepest navy.
Sky Blue: Light, airy blues reflect the open sky and create a sense of expansiveness.
Aqua & Seafoam: These soft, green-tinged blues are reminiscent of shallow waters and add a playful, refreshing touch.
Navy & Indigo: Use deeper blues as accents—think throw pillows, area rugs, or statement art. They add drama and sophistication while still feeling coastal.
3. Sun-Kissed Accents
Bring in warmth and contrast with sun-inspired hues.
Soft Coral & Blush: These gentle pinks and corals evoke sunrise and sunset on the water. Use them sparingly for a touch of romance—perhaps in artwork, textiles, or fresh flowers.
Golden Sand & Ochre: Hints of gold or ochre can be woven in through metallic finishes, woven baskets, or decorative objects. They add a subtle glow and keep the palette from feeling too cool.
A bright, airy living and dining space featuring crisp white walls, natural wood accents, and light coastal-inspired decor that evokes a luxe Palm Beach vibe.
4. Natural Greens
A touch of green connects your space to the lush vegetation of coastal landscapes.
Sage & Olive: Muted greens are perfect for upholstery, accent walls, or even cabinetry. They bring in a sense of calm and harmony.
Palm Leaf & Emerald: For a bolder statement, use deeper greens in artwork, wallpaper, or statement furniture pieces.
5. Earthy Browns & Greys
Balance your palette with earthy tones that echo driftwood, stone, and dune grass.
Weathered Wood: Incorporate wood tones in flooring, furniture, or beams for texture and warmth.
Stone & Pebble: Grey accents—whether in tile, countertops, or textiles—ground the space and add a modern edge.
How to Layer Coastal Chic Colors Like a Designer
Start with a Clean Canvas
Begin with your soft neutrals on the largest surfaces—walls, ceilings, and floors. This creates an open, airy base that instantly feels fresh and inviting.
Add Depth with Blues and Greens
A modern coastal living room bathed in natural light, featuring rattan furniture, blue accent pillows, a striking beaded chandelier, and vibrant blue French doors.
Layer in ocean and vegetation-inspired hues through upholstery, rugs, and drapery. Don’t be afraid to mix different shades of blue and green; the key is to keep them muted and harmonious.
Introduce Warmth with Accents
Use sun-kissed colors and metallics in smaller doses—think throw pillows, vases, or picture frames. These accents should feel like a gentle kiss of sunshine, not an overwhelming burst.
Balance with Natural Textures
Coastal Chic isn’t just about color—it’s also about texture. Mix linen, cotton, jute, and rattan to add tactile interest. Weathered woods and stone finishes reinforce the organic, beachy vibe.
Curate, Don’t Clutter
Keep accessories minimal and meaningful. Choose pieces that tell a story—shells collected from travels, vintage glass bottles, or handcrafted ceramics. Let negative space be part of your design; it’s what makes the look feel effortless and sophisticated.
Room-by-Room: Applying the Coastal Chic Palette
Living Room
Walls: Soft white or pale sand
Sofa: Linen in a light neutral or muted blue
Accent Chairs: Sage green or driftwood gray
Rug: Woven jute or a subtle blue pattern
Pillows/Throws: Mix of navy, blush, and gold accents
Kitchen
Cabinetry: Crisp white or pale gray
Backsplash: Sea glass tiles in aqua or soft blue
Countertops: White quartz or light marble
Bar Stools: Natural wood or rattan with navy cushions
Bedroom
Walls: Soft taupe or pale blue
Bedding: White with accents of coral and sage
Nightstands: Weathered wood
Art: Ocean-inspired prints or abstract watercolors
Bathroom
Tile: White subway or pebble mosaic
Vanity: Pale gray or driftwood finish
Accessories: Sea glass soap dispensers, woven baskets, plush white towels
A sunlit, contemporary coastal living room with neutral-toned sofas, natural wood accents, black-framed windows, and layered throw pillows for a serene Palm Beach ambiance.
Designer Insider Tips for a Luxe Coastal Chic Look
Go Monochrome: For a truly serene space, choose one color family (like blue or green) and layer different shades and textures throughout the room.
Embrace Imperfection: Weathered finishes, hand-thrown pottery, and natural materials add authenticity and character.
Play with Light: Use sheer curtains, mirrors, and glass to maximize natural light and create a sense of openness.
Statement Art: Large-scale coastal photography or abstract art in your palette’s colors can be a stunning focal point.
Mix Old and New: Blend vintage finds with modern pieces for a curated, lived-in feel.
An elegant living room with vintage charm, featuring neutral upholstered seating, an ornate gold mirror, a carved white fireplace, and soft natural light for a refined Palm Beach-inspired look.
Coastal Chic Color Trends for 2025
The Coastal Chic palette evolves each year, with new hues and combinations coming into vogue. For 2025, expect to see:
Cinnamon Slate: Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year, a sophisticated blend of plum and brown, pairs beautifully with soft blues and sandy neutrals for a fresh twist on coastal.
Bold Blues: Deeper, more saturated blues are making waves, especially when balanced with crisp whites and natural textures.
Earthy Greens: Sage and olive continue to be favorites, bringing a touch of the outdoors in.
Warm Metallics: Gold and brass accents add a hint of glamour without overpowering the relaxed vibe.
Bringing It All Together: Creating Your Coastal Chic Sanctuary
The magic of Coastal Chic lies in its ability to transport you—to evoke the feeling of a seaside escape no matter where you live. By thoughtfully curating your color palette, layering textures, and choosing meaningful accents, you can create a home that feels both luxurious and deeply personal.
Whether you’re redesigning a single room or your entire home, start with the colors that speak to you. Let the coastline inspire your choices, but don’t be afraid to add your own twist. After all, the most beautiful spaces are the ones that reflect your unique story.
A bright, open-concept living area with a pale blue sofa, botanical pillows, greenery in a ceramic vase, brass pendant lighting, and light wood accents, creating an inviting coastal chic atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
At Domaine Luxe, we believe that great design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that nurture, inspire, and delight. The Coastal Chic color palette is the perfect foundation for a home that feels like a permanent vacation: breezy, elegant, and endlessly inviting.
Let’s make your home a sanctuary of coastal luxury, one beautiful color at a time.
In today’s fast-paced world, our homes have become more than just places to live—they are sanctuaries where we can relax, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves. One interior design trend that perfectly embodies this sense of calm and sophistication is Coastal Chic. This aesthetic blends the breezy, laid-back vibe of coastal living with high-end materials and thoughtful design choices that exude luxury.
Looking for more personalized advice? Reach out to our team for a color consultation or browse our latest projects for real-life examples of Coastal Chic done right. Your dream home awaits—let’s bring the coast to you, wherever you are.
