I love having people over to my home. I believe it’s important to have a home that is inviting, that feels lived-in, layered, and thoughtfully styled. If you’re like me and love the warmth of traditional design, the charm of cottage living, and the airy ease of coastal touches, the good news is you don’t have to choose just one! Blending these timeless styles can create a home that’s both elegant, relaxed, cozy and yet fresh. In today’s post, I’m sharing how you can combine traditional, cottage, and coastal decor in a way that feels natural and beautiful—along with a few favorite finds that bring that look to life.
Creating a Coastal Feel—Even If You Don’t Live Near the Water
Living in Michigan, I’m far from the ocean breeze. I do live about 15 minutes from one of the Great Lakes!
Does that count?
While my house is a newer build, it has the bones and character that remind me of an older Michigan cottage. The house is full of Mitten charm and similar to those you see up north, along the many lakes throughout the state. My home decor leans more traditional, with timeless pieces that I’ve collected and those that feel cozy cottage like. Still, I love weaving in certain textures like rattan, baskets, and soft blue accents that mirror the calm of the coast without feeling overly beachy.
I guess you can say I’m a bit eclectic! Here are a few ways to bring in coastal elements while keeping your traditional or cottage style front and center:
A few coastal decor tips
What is Coastal Living & Decor?
It encompasses a lifestyle deeply influenced by a location that is near to the ocean or a large body of water. Coastal decor is a popular interior design style that aims to capture the relaxed, airy, and natural beauty of the seaside and bring it indoors, regardless of whether you actually live by the coast.
Rattan Accents That Feel Coastal, Not Beachy
I like the look of rattan and it’s quite popular these days. From trays, lighting and baskets, it’s easy to incorporate into your home decor without it looking beachy. Rattan can look elegant and blend into your existing style.
Below, I’ve shared some of my go-to rattan finds. These pieces blend beautifully with traditional decor while giving your home that breezy, cottage feel.
StorageWorks Rectangle Wicker Scalloped Tray
Round Serving Trays with Scalloped Edge
Remote & Timer Controlled Pillar Candles with Jute
Touch Control Rattan Table Lamps
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris
What is Traditional Decor?
Traditional decor is rooted in classic, timeless design. Think rich wood tones, elegant furniture with curved lines, and a sense of warmth. It’s the style that never goes out of fashion, refined but never stiff, and always welcoming!
Soothing Blues: The Perfect Accent for a Traditional-Coastal Blend
I use various shades of blue throughout my home. Maybe that’s why I like the color palette of coastal decor. Regardless, soft blues are a natural fit when blending traditional and coastal styles. Whether it’s a beautiful piece of furniture, a cozy throw pillow, or simple artwork, blues work well with wood, creamy white furnishings, and the natural textures like rattan and jute.
Take a look at some of my favorite soft blue decor picks. These furniture, pillows, and accessories can help you bring that serene, timeless feel into your own home.
Upholstered Armchair with Wood Legs
Nautica – Sheet Set, Microfiber Bedding
Casa Platino Microfiber Bedding
Coastal Grandmillennial Seersucker Pillow Cover
Off-White Periwinkle Floral Pillow Cover
Modern Ceramic Blue Table Lamps – Set of 2
“It takes hands to build a house, but hearts to build a home.” – Amish Proverb
Art That Anchors the Space with Subtle Coastal Charm
As the seasons change here in the Mitten, I change some of my artwork. I’m not saying I buy new artwork every season, many times I rotate items I have previously used. Incorporating subtle coastal pieces during the warm months gives my home the look I love. It also keeps things feeling fresh and new.
Blue Heron Portraits – Set of 2
16″ x 20″ Silent Still Canvas Board – Threshold
Pottery Barn Summer Plein Air Framed Prints
FAQ: Blending Traditional, Cottage & Coastal Decor
Bringing Coastal Cottage Style Home
I hope I’ve inspired you to try some coastal decor in your own home. Blending traditional, cottage, and coastal decor is all about creating a home that feels like you! It’s easy to make it personal, timeless, and welcoming. Remember, whether you add a jute rug, rattan lamp on one of your tables, or soft blue accents throughout your space, each detail helps create that relaxed, coastal cottage style, no matter how far from the water you live!
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If you enjoy the home decor, DIY projects, and cozy finds I share here on the blog, you can find many of my favorite items in my Amazon storefront. Shopping through my storefront is a wonderful way to support Cottage in the Mitten, and it means so much to me. Thank you so much for being here and following along!
My Coastal Favorites
Thank for more inspiration for my new look!
Thank you thank you. I have lived in our home for 37 years and just lived with a mix of hand me downs and only 4 pieces we bought but I have been dreaming of this look but could not put a finger on it. I am ready to have our look. As a Michigan resident also this is perfect.
I’m so glad you liked it and it inspired you!
Love your coastal picks… gives me some inspiration for the lake house.
I’m so glad you liked it! Seeing your lake house decorated is so fun! Can’t wait to visit again!