How I Create a Calm Coastal Interior (Without Going Nautical)

I’ve always believed that the best interiors begin outside.

Growing up by the Cornish coast, the sea has shaped the way I see the world, and the way I make my home. The changing light, the soft colours of the shoreline, the textures of rope, stone and weathered wood… they all quietly find their way indoors.

Lately, I’ve noticed more and more people looking for the same thing: calm coastal interiors that feel gentle and timeless, rather than themed or trendy.

Not anchors and stripes.
Not novelty shells.

Just homes that feel peaceful, honest and connected to nature.

At Lovan Cornwall, everything I do is inspired by this way of living. So I wanted to share how I create a modern coastal interior that reflects the sea, the landscape and the slower rhythm of life here in Cornwall.

 

What Coastal Interior Style Means to Me

For me, coastal interior style is not about decoration. It’s about atmosphere.

It’s the feeling you get when you step inside after a walk along the cliffs, salty hair, rosy cheeks, sandy toes and my mind completely clear.

A good coastal interior should feel:

• Light and open
• Calm and welcoming
• Gently connected to the outdoors

Modern coastal interiors are simple and unfussy. They take their cues from the landscape rather than from trends, and they work just as beautifully in a cottage by the sea as they do in a town house far from the coast.

Let Light Lead the Way

Light is always my starting point.

Cornwall has the most extraordinary light, soft one moment, bright the next, and I try to let as much of it into my home as possible.

White and warm neutral walls reflect daylight and make rooms feel open and relaxed. I keep window dressings simple and choose furniture that doesn’t feel heavy or over-scaled.

A calm coastal interior should feel easy to move around in. Like the space itself is breathing.

Bring the Coast Indoors with Natural Materials

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from living by the sea, it’s the importance of natural materials.

They bring warmth, texture and honesty into a space, and they age so beautifully.

Some of my favourites for coastal interiors are:

• Weathered wood
• Linen and cotton
• Stone and ceramics
• Rope, rattan and woven fibres

These materials echo the working coast around us and help create homes that feel grounded and real.

At Lovan, many of my handmade coastal pieces are made using reclaimed materials from Cornwall’s fishing industry. I love the idea that the ropes which once worked hard at sea can now live quietly in someone’s home, holding blankets, toys or plants.

Choose Colours Borrowed from the Landscape

I rarely use strong colour in my own home.

Instead, I borrow shades from the coastline:

• Soft whites and warm creams
• Sand and stone tones
• Sea-glass greens
• Faded blues and stormy greys

These colours never feel dated, and they create a gentle backdrop for everyday life.

A calm coastal interior should soothe you the moment you walk through the door, like a comforting hug from your home.

Let Handmade Pieces Tell a Story

One of the things I value most in my home is meaning.

Handmade pieces carry stories with them, of the person who made them, the place they came from, the time and care that went into their making.

A woven basket, a hand-thrown mug, a reclaimed wood stool… these are the things that quietly shape the character of a room.

They remind us to slow down.
To buy less and choose well.
To support local makers and small communities.

For me, that connection is at the heart of coastal living.

Keep Styling Simple and Thoughtful

I’ve learnt that less really is more.

Rather than filling shelves and corners, I try to leave space around the things I love. A single basket by the sofa. A plant on the windowsill. A few favourite objects collected on walks along the shore.

Coastal interiors should never feel over-styled. They should feel lived in, loved and quietly evolving.

A Way of Living, Not Just a Look

For me, coastal interiors are about more than design.

They reflect a way of living that values:

• Nature and simplicity
• Craft and sustainability
• Community and connection

Whether you live by the sea or far from it, bringing a little of that calm into your home can change the way you feel every day.

At Lovan Cornwall, my collections are inspired by this philosophy and by the coastline that surrounds us. Everything I make is designed to sit gently in your home and to belong there for years to come.

If you’re drawn to calm coastal living, I hope you’ll find something here that feels like it was made just for you.

Explore my handmade coastal home accessories here and bring a little piece of Cornwall home. 

🩶 Zoe x