5 Surprising Truths About Coastal Design (It’s Not What You Think)
When you picture coastal living, a certain image likely comes to mind: panoramic ocean views, breezy white curtains, and a relaxed lifestyle where the home feels like an extension of the shoreline. This perception, fueled by glossy magazines and social media, often reduces coastal design to a formula of white walls, nautical stripes, and seashell décor.
But authentic coastal architecture is far more complex. It is not a decorative style one can apply anywhere, but a philosophy born from a challenging environment — one that prioritizes resilience, functionality, and a profound connection to nature.
At Lindsey Architects, our work along the shores of Maine and New Hampshire has shown us that true coastal design is defined not by trends, but by its ability to endure, adapt, and harmonize with its surroundings.
Here are five surprising truths that reveal what coastal design really means.
1. It’s a Battle With the Elements, Not Just a Day at the Beach
Coastal homes face a constant fight against nature. Salt air corrodes metal, sand infiltrates every crevice, and storms demand structures that can withstand high winds and shifting tides.
The foundation of coastal design is resilience, not decoration. Every detail — from the grade of stainless steel used in fixtures to the pitch of a roof — must be engineered for endurance. Naturally weather-resistant timbers, marine-grade metals, and reinforced windows are not luxury upgrades; they are survival essentials.
Coastal living is beauty one moment, battle the next.
2. “Beachy” and “Coastal” Are Not the Same
Many people confuse “coastal” with “beachy.” The difference is subtle but important.
Beachy style: casual, breezy, vacation-like — light oak tones, airy linens, and muted blues.
Coastal architecture: refined, tailored, and nautical — deeper wood tones, clean lines, and timeless finishes reminiscent of boatbuilding traditions.
As one designer put it, real coastal design avoids “kitschy décor.” No seashell lamps or starfish art — instead, it draws inspiration from the natural shoreline and translates it into structured elegance.
Think captain’s quarters, not beach shack.
3. Real Coastal Style is Built-In, Not Bought
Coastal design is created by architecture first, décor second. Its hallmarks are structural features that shape how a home lives, breathes, and connects to its site.
Key architectural strategies include:
Elevated living areas to protect from storm surge and maximize views.
Deep porches and overhangs for natural shade and seamless indoor–outdoor living.
Strategic window placement to frame views on sheltered sides while protecting against windward exposure.
Open floor plans that invite natural cross-ventilation, drawing sea breezes deep into the home.
The airy, light-filled feeling people associate with coastal living is engineered, not accessorized.
4. The Wrong Materials Can Make a Coastal Home Cold and Damp
Conventional wisdom in construction often fails at the water’s edge. Materials like concrete and brick, prized for their ability to store and release heat, can create unintended discomfort in humid coastal climates.
At night, when the air is cool and moist, these high–thermal mass materials release stored heat, leaving interiors feeling clammy instead of cozy.
Coastal comfort requires climate-specific material choices, not one-size-fits-all rules. Achieving the right balance means mastering building science to ensure the home feels inviting year-round, despite the extremes of salt, moisture, and temperature shifts.
5. You Don’t Need the Ocean to Embrace the Coastal Ethos
Perhaps the most freeing truth: you do not need to live on the shoreline to apply coastal principles.
At its core, coastal design is a philosophy, not a look. It’s about maximizing natural light, creating indoor–outdoor connections, and choosing colors and textures that reflect the surrounding environment — whether that is a garden, a forest, or even an urban landscape.
By applying these principles, any home can achieve the sense of openness, calm, and connection that defines coastal living.
True coastal design is not a decorative trend, but a resilient and sophisticated architectural discipline. It balances beauty with durability, engineering with elegance. In Maine and New Hampshire, where shorelines are both stunning and demanding, this philosophy guides every project we design.
At Lindsey Architects, our approach is simple: homes should endure as gracefully as they inspire. That means embracing coastal design not as a style to imitate, but as a way of living in harmony with the elements.
If you are considering building or renovating a coastal home in Maine or New Hampshire, we would be honored to guide you through the process, from concept to completion.