Photography: Amy Skinner | Styling: Natalee Bowen
The term ‘Coastal Grandmother’ first caught on back in 2022 when TikTok influencer Lex Nicoleta made a video about it that went viral. It described an aesthetic that was inspired by the Nancy Meyers movie Something’s Gotta Give, starring Diane Keaton, and reflects a love of the homes found in her filmic portfolio, including It’s Complicated and Parent Trap.
Speaking to Elle Lovelock on The Edit podcast, television presenter Sophie Falkiner recently claimed that it’s her absolute favourite style, and one she’s aiming to capture in the renovation of her Northern Beaches home. It’s timeless and chic, and whether you call it Coastal Grandma, or simply ‘Nancy Meyers’, it’s an aesthetic that is here to stay. Here, we delve into everything you need to know about it.
What is Coastal Grandma?
Fashion-wise, Coastal Grandma style is inspired by, well, a coastal grandmother – or a very idealised version of one – without actually having to be one. Your wardrobe would consist of blue-and-white striped shirts, wide-leg linen pants and cable knit jumpers to throw over your shoulders for a breezy walk on the beach, with a straw hat on. Basically, emulating a wealthy, put-together older woman who lives by the sea.
The Coastal Grandma trend also translates into interiors. It’s a home with crisp whites and blues, plenty of stripes, fluffy cream cushions and seaside influences, a straw basket or two, and polished timber floors for a barefoot-chic feel.
“Rather than just a trend for clothing or interiors, it’s a whole lifestyle,” Lex explains. “Hobbies include but aren’t limited to hosting, gardening, spending time at the beach and the farmers’ market. It’s about taking elements of an aspirational lifestyle and bringing them into your own life.”
Describing the atmosphere of such a space, Sophie Falkiner describes the homes from Nancy Meyers movies as comfortable and inviting.
“They were a place where family came together. [They] always had beautiful things on the stove. The fire was always roaring. I used to look at these movies and think, ‘That’s what I want.’ I want a home like that, where it’s super comfortable and it’s a meeting place for your family and for your friends. The more people in my house, the happier I am.”
Sophie Falkiner, television presenter
Listen to Sophie Falkiner on The Edit podcast.
Is Coastal Grandmother still in?
Unlike some other TikTok interior trends that don’t last, Coastal Grandmother is as popular as ever. This is due to the fact that the style is fundamentally classic, meaning it won’t date. It can be freshened up year after year – but the key details, such as stripes, linens, woven details, whites and blues, will remain timeless.
“I think it’s a timeless aesthetic that’s comfortable but has mixes of old and new. It’s [a] very neutral palette and very based off the environment,” explains Sophie.
Three steps to Coastal Grandma interior design style
Follow these three tips for Coastal Grandma interiors.
1. Classic, understated and chic
At the heart of Coastal Grandma style is a simple and classic sensibility. It’s similar to the feel of a classic Hamptons home, with blues, seafoam green, creams and whites – with a little more of a coastal twist.
2. Undone, easy-breezy
The secret to getting Coastal Grandmother interior design down-pat is to ensure there’s an ‘undone’ effortlessness to the room, like in Tara Dennis’ riverside home. That might mean including woven pieces, stone details, weathered woods and vintage artworks. Second-hand finds help give a lived-in, effortless feeling.
3. Coastal vibe
Essential to the Coastal Grandma look is obviously the ‘coastal’ feeling. Shells, ocean motifs and anything that feels seaside and chic are the way to go – be sure to keep it subtle and elevated.
