In this post – I’m taking a look at the proliferation of the coastal “grand” styles: coastal grandma, coastal granddaughter, and even coastal grandpa!
A Coastal Style for Everyone
By now, if you follow design styles you have probably heard of coastal grandma style. Popularized by Nancy Meyers films, especially my favorite movie, “Something’s Gotta Give”, coastal grandma style isn’t just a design choice. For some, it’s a lifestyle. So how did we get from coastal grandma to all of the styles we have now and what’s the difference between them?
What’s Coastal Grandma Style?
The phrase was coined by Tiktokker Lex Nicoleta in 2022, who described it this way: “If you love Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, recipes and cooking, Ina Garten, cozy interiors, and more, there’s a good chance you might be a coastal grandmother.”
The aesthetic quickly became popular, both in fashion and in home decor. It’s not surprising that a style that emphasizes comfort and security quickly took off as the world was beginning to recover from a terrifying pandemic.
By the way, if you’re an Ina fan like I am, you’ll love her new memoir! We love her recipes!
What Does the Coastal Grandma Style Look Like?
Coastal Grandma Interiors: Timeless Elegance Meets Relaxed Comfort
Picture gauzy linen curtains blowing in the breeze and cozy tailored sofas.
Neutral, soft colors and quietly luxurious furnishings in shades of blue add to the aesthetic.
Rooms are filled with large windows that let in lots of natural light.
Coastal grandma is a look that’s both sophisticated and relaxed. It’s a style that has a collected-over-time feel, like your grandma’s house.
Above is a screenshot of the main living area of the home in the movie. Notice the use of lamps in place of overhead lighting (although since it’s a movie set I’m sure there was plenty of that.) The overall feel is cozy and comforting.
A library of books and collected treasures also adds to the coastal grandma aesthetic.
During my research, I discovered that the set decorators ordered 3,000 books from The Strand Bookstore in NYC for the movie set! I’m going to make it a point to visit it the next time we’re in NYC.
Framed family photos and art add history and a personalized touch to the coastal grandma style. A mix of patterns in a unified color palette, in this case blue tones, adds interest without being overwhelming.
There are literally thousand of blog posts and Pinterest boards devoted to this style, so for a comprehensive look at more elements of coastal grandma decor, check out this article from HGTV.
Coastal Grandma Fashion
Likewise, a coastal grandma outfit is also understated and comfortable. In the movie, Diane Keaton made khaki pants, cozy sweaters and bucket hats glamorous, as only she can. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen in neutral colors evoke the sandy vibes of the beach.
What’s a Coastal Granddaughter?
We can thank Gen Z for popularizing this aesthetic in the last couple of years. As you probably guessed, the coastal granddaughter is similar to the coastal grandma. She’s just a younger, on-trend version of her.
Coastal Granddaughter Interiors: Youthful Playfulness with a Nautical Twist
Because this is an aspirational lifestyle, the coastal granddaughter look emulates the lifestyle of a beach home owner, even if she lives far away from any shore. The coastal granddaughter aesthetic introduces a modern and youthful energy to seaside living.
A coastal granddaughter bedroom is often decorated in shades of blue, with a laid-back, beachy vibe. The blue and white striped comforter and shams below, paired with sand-colored sheets and the whitewashed furniture, are a perfect example of this look.
Light cottons, macramé wall hangings, and jute rugs add a modern playful vibe to this decorating style. You will also find old patterned throw pillows, sea glass accents, and framed ocean photography accents. A mix of traditional coastal elements and trendy decor like neon signs or quirky ceramics gives off a youthful vibe.
Coastal Granddaughter Fashion
The coastal granddaughter look is fresh, playful, and Instagram-ready. The coastal granddaughter aesthetic involves loose clothing in a coastal color palette, like blues, whites, and creams. Coastal granddaughter outfits can include linen dresses, button-downs, and denim.
So What’s Coastal Grandpa Style?
I’m glad you asked because I hadn’t heard of it until recently! Coastal grandfather style is a blend of traditional elegance and masculine simplicity. The color palette can include deep navy, charcoal gray, warm taupe, and crisp white.
Coastal Grandfather: Understated Sophistication and Rugged Charm
Home Décor
Coastal grandpa furniture can include leather armchairs, vintage chests, and reclaimed wood tables.
Heavy knits, canvas upholstery, and weathered wood finishes add texture and a masculine element to the look.
Decorative accents can include nautical maps, antique ship wheels, and brass accents. Heritage pieces like vintage lights or classic books give the coastal grandpa a timeless feel.
Coastal Grandpa Fashion (aka Eclectic Grandpa)
Coastal grandfather fashion channels a relaxed, yet polished look perfect for seaside strolls or lounging by the harbor. Key piece of this style are knit sweaters, chinos, and classic boat shoes in earthy tones, navy blues, and crisp whites. Accessories can include leather belts, aviator sunglasses, and nautical-inspired watches.
More Nancy Meyers Inspiration
For the die-hard fans of “Something’s Gotta Give” here’s a great article by AD about how the sets were designed. Hooked on Houses also has a great overview of the movie and lots of behind-the-scenes details too.
California Coastal Grandma Style
For a California-style take on the Nancy Meyers coastal grandma aesthetic, Homeworthy has several great home tours. Here are two of my favorites. The second one features a home close to our new place in San Diego! (I previously shared it on my post Beachy Home Shops and Beautiful Beach Homes.)
Follow Me!
For more great craft ideas and coastal decor inspiration follow me on Hometalk and Redesigndaily!
Thanks for being here! Be sure to subscribe below to receive future posts directly in your email!
