If you’re a die-hard Nancy Meyers fan like me, you’ve probably heard the term “coastal granny aesthetic.” The term was coined a few years ago via TikTok and has since gone viral. So what exactly makes up this style, and is it going away anytime soon? Coastal granny is basically Erica Barry from Something’s Gotta Give. And she’s here to stay. She’s what I call a timeless, enduring trend, which is the best kind because it will never go away. Think about it: That movie was made in 2003, over twenty years ago, and we’re still talking about it.
What do we know and love about this main character? She’s down-to-earth but stylish; she mostly wears neutral colors, with the occasional splash of blue and black. She loves cooking and entertaining, but not late at night unless it’s for pancakes, lol. She loves long walks on the beach and visits to the farmers market—that is, if she doesn’t grow her own food. Linen is a staple in her wardrobe, along with stripes, hats, big button-down shirts, cozy sweaters, and denim. Her playlist includes Etta James, Natalie Cole, Norah Jones, and Ella Fitzgerald, to name a few. It’s about enjoying the simple things like fresh flowers, even from the grocery store, collecting shells, and biking into town.
How does this style reflect in your interior design? I always say that the best way to find your style is to look at your closet. If we look at a coastal grandmother’s closet, we will see a connection to home. There are linens, neutrals, reeds, collections, found objects, and handed-down items, touches of black, subtle patterns like stripes and checks, and lush organic textures. We might also find fresh flowers in a pretty vase, books and objects with stories on display, and a few throws in her home.
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This all sounds nice, but is it possible? Yes, yes!!! Follow these 12 steps, exhaust Target, thrift stores, Walmart, and Amazon, shop at home, and make things. Once you know the aesthetic, it’s easy to improvise. Think soft, neutral, cozy, organic, nostalgic, chic, and travel-friendly with coastal elements like a bowl of shells, pops of navy, and maybe even black-and-white beach photos.
You can shop my products from my Affordable Coastal Grandma collection on Amazon. I choose products that are budget-friendly while embodying my coastal grandma personality. I picture Jackie O and her summer trip to Hyannis Port, another example of this timeless style.
Have a nice day my friend!