There’s a reason the ocean calls to us even when we’re far from its shores. Salt air, soft light, the soothing
rhythm of waves these sensory memories stay with us. Coastal style isn’t just about seashells or shades of
blue; it’s about creating a home that mirrors the feeling of being by the sea: calm, clear, open, and utterly
restorative.
At Karen Sommers Interiors, coastal design is more than a look it’s a state of being. Born in Los Angeles and
shaped by the effortless beauty of the West Coast, my design soul has always been tuned to the frequencies
of sun, water, and warmth. I help clients bring this essence home, whether they live oceanside or in the
middle of the mountains.
Why We Crave the Coast

Oceanfront living represents something bigger than just beauty. It’s the dream of slowing down. Of having room to breathe. Of being connected to something timeless. Whether it’s the shores of Malibu, Montauk, Mykonos, or Maui, people across the world are drawn to the ocean because it promises freedom, flow, and a deeper kind of luxury: space, simplicity, and serenity.
Even if you’re far from the beach, designing your home with coastal principles can bring those same
emotional and energetic benefits. That’s the magic of coastal style it heals and uplifts, no matter where you are.
The Ideal Coastal Palette: Calm, Cooling & Centered
Color psychology confirms what we feel intuitively: blues and neutrals help us relax. Cool aquas, soft teals,
pale seafoam, and misty sky tones reduce anxiety and even lower blood pressure. Balanced with warm
whites, sandy taupes, driftwood grays, and touches of sun-kissed ochre, these hues replicate the natural
palette of a quiet beach morning.
This isn’t just pretty it’s physiological. Coastal colors reset the nervous system. They drop you out of
fight-or-flight and into flow. They invite you to breathe deeper, slow your pace, and return to the moment.
In feng shui, these hues embody the Water element connected to inspiration, intuition, and renewal. When paired with earthy textures and metallic touches, coastal design becomes a holistic wellness practice for your space.
Materials & FF&E That Channel the Sea
To truly breathe the sea into your space, it’s about more than paint it’s about texture, flow, and the story your furniture tells. At Karen Sommers Interiors, I layer in elements that recall the coast in both form and feeling: – Light, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and soft-washed canvas- Woven textures from rattan, cane, and seagrass for breezy warmth- Weathered woods and whitewashed finishes for a sun-bleached elegance- Ceramic and glass accents in ocean tones for a splash of brilliance- Organic shapes that echo coral, waveforms, and driftwood- Uncluttered layouts that allow energy to move freely
These choices create not just a visual aesthetic, but a tactile one a home that feels as good as it looks.
Coastal Living, Globally Rooted
You don’t need to live by the ocean to live with its energy. The coastal design ethos thrives in far-reaching
corners of the globe. From the breezy homes of Byron Bay to the charming cottages of Brittany, to rooftops in Tulum or peaceful villas in the Aegean, this lifestyle knows no boundaries.
Coastal style is about how you want to feel. Relaxed. Free. Light. Even landlocked, a coastal interior can
become your retreat a place where your soul exhales.
Feng Shui & the Energy of the Coast
Coastal design is one of the most feng shui-aligned styles you can choose. It blends all five elements in
harmony: Water – in flowing fabrics, curving lines, and blue tones- Earth – in sandy hues, stoneware, and jute- Wood – through natural flooring, plants, and rattan- Metal – in crisp whites, silvery light, and airy structure- Fire – touched by golden sunlight, candles, and coral blush accents
This creates a balanced, replenishing atmosphere that supports creativity, clarity, and peace. It invites
opportunity and encourages emotional ease. It’s the kind of design that works with your life, not against it.
A West Coast Soul, A Global Vision
Karen Sommers Interiors was born in Los Angeles an iconic place where golden light meets cultural
creativity. That lightness of being, that balance of sophistication and ease, is embedded in everything I
create. I am, at my core, an alchemist of tranquility. I use design to translate emotion into space, to turn
houses into havens, and to bring a sense of ocean-breeze calm to wherever you call home.
So whether you’re designing a beachside bungalow, a city apartment, or a countryside retreat, coastal style can connect you to something deeper. Something healing. Something sacred.
Ready to bring a little salt air into your soul and your home?