17 Ways to Create the Dreamy Coastal Grandma Aesthetic in Your Home

If you've ever dreamed of stepping into Nancy Meyers' It's Complicated or Something's Gotta Give, then coastal grandma style might just be for you. Summer breezes, fresh flowers, cozy cardigans and collected homes define the aesthetic first coined by influencer Lex Nicoleta.

"The coastal grandmother lifestyle is attainable no matter who you are or where you live," Lex told HGTV. "You don’t have to live by the coast or be a grandmother to be a coastal grandmother. It’s more about the way you live your life — slowing down and taking time to enjoy the little things like flipping through magazines and sipping tea on a Sunday morning or preparing a dinner with the day’s farmers market finds."

And when it comes to your home, it's all about mixing old and new, displaying special treasures and valuing function over form. Read on for the best ways to incorporate the coastal grandma look into your home and lifestyle.

Coastal grandma aesthetic is all about quiet luxury and pared-back style. A mostly neutral color palette mixed with warm woods and cozy textures is timeless and easy-going. You can incorporate a few pops of muted blues and greens for extra pizazz.

Take a note from Nancy Meyers movie sets where luxury meets cozy, coastal style and go for a slipcovered sofa (or add a slipcover to your existing sofa). Not only is it good for avoiding permanent stains in a house full of pets and kids, it invites you to curl up with a hot cup of tea and a good book. White makes it easy to play around with throw pillows, but you could also try stripes or a subtle gingham to amp up the charm.

No coastal grandma-style sofa is complete without an array of cushy throw pillows, perfect for taking an afternoon cat nap. Keep the colors mostly neutral, and focus on texture instead. Tassels, pom poms and knitted fabrics give depth to a sofa without being too loud.

"If someone were to purchase three things to achieve the coastal grandmother look, I’d recommend a blue and white ginger jar, a slipcovered sofa and rustic textiles," says Lex. "It’s that mix of new and old." Try your local thrift store, estate sales or antique shops to find ginger jars. You can sprinkle them throughout bookshelves or on top of kitchen cabinets or a mantel for a quaint pop of ocean blue.

Baskets are key to getting the organized chaos look that's akin to the coastal grandma aesthetic. Use them as a planters next to the front door, to hold towels in a bathroom or to stash magazines and catalogs in the living room. Make sure to mix in a variety of shapes and sizes so nothing looks too uniform.

A bright and airy room is key to the coastal grandma aesthetic. Let the sun shine in while adding a layer of cozy texture with flowing linen or sailcloth curtains in creamy shades. A chunky chaise (notice the slipcover!) is the perfect spot to admire the garden and enjoy a nice summer breeze.

Just like a Nancy Meyers set, your kitchen should be the heart of your home. That means it needs to be functional, welcoming and packed with charm. Open shelves are a great place to store collected dishes and antique treasures. Butcher block countertops add warmth and are a chef's best friend when it comes to food prep and durability.

Naturally, a coastal grandma who is also a good chef would want a garden to gather fresh herbs for her kitchen creations and blooms for her floral arrangements. Fill every corner of your yard with flowers, evergreens and vegetables for a secret garden feel. Water features and bird baths add to the dreaminess.

Whether they're plucked from your garden or purchased from the local farmers market, fresh flowers are essential to truly achieving the coastal grandma look. And they're not just for the dining room. Be sure to place them all throughout your home — in a mason jar in the bathroom, in a bud vase on your mantle or in a ginger jar on your bookshelf.

All that time in the bright, beachy sunshine means a good hat is a must. Hang it on a wall hook in the mudroom or entryway to double as decor.

A walnut wood desk brings warmth to this coastal-inspired study. Steer towards woods with a grain, like pine, walnut and oak, when picking furniture or accessories. They'll have more of a rustic, vintage feel. In true coastal grandmother fashion, neutral built-ins are filled with vases, books, trinkets and funky artwork.

Whether it's your friends or family, the coastal grandma lifestyle includes being a good host. Make sure visitors have an experience comparable to staying at a boutique hotel by creating a dreamy guest bedroom. Soft linens combined with a fluffy duvet and lots of pillows, of course, invite a restful night's sleep. You can put together a basket full of snacks, towels and toiletries to make their stay even more special.

Tones of white, blue and copper combine in this inviting and spacious bunk suite to create an open and airy feel with plenty of room for kids of all ages to rest and play. Mixing textures and patterns, from the shiplap behind the beds to the woven ottomans and soft throw pillows, adds depth to the room and makes every inch feel inviting.

Outdoor space is just as important as indoor space when it comes to the coastal grandmother aesthetic. Make it as comfortable to be outside as it is inside by laying down an outdoor rug, hanging string lights and placing planter beds throughout your yard. A pergola is a nice way to create a sense of shelter while still embracing the elements.

Because entertaining is de rigueur to the coastal grandma lifestyle, keep outdoor spaces guest-ready with lots of pillows and places to nap. A large sofa with a mix of patterned pillows feels lush and inviting, while a trio of smaller pedestal tables can double as seating — making this a versatile and easy outdoor living space.

Embrace the coastal grandma lifestyle — even if you don't live on the coast — with a pool. Neutral hues throughout this patio create a soothing patchwork of tones, while groupings of wood lounge chairs offer plenty of spots to unwind with a good book. But you don't need a grand pool like this one to achieve the look. Consider a stock tank pool or a plunge pool to create your own little coastal oasis.