COASTAL GRANDMA CHIC WALL ART-FOR EVERYONE
- Grotto Studios
- Aug 19, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 28
Coastal Grandma Decor: From Tik Tok Roots to Global Trend
Whether you’re digging the Coastal Grandmother, Coastal Granddaughter, Coastal Grand Millennial, Cowgirl or Surfer Girl vibe, these decorating and fashion trends have been all the buzz these last few years. The thing is, the original Coastal Grandma decor has really been around since before your grandma planted her first hydrangea garden. So coastal grandmas, coastal grand millennials, and coastal dreamers...let’s explore some elements of these classic takes on the “everything old is new again” Granny Coastal Chic interior design trends, and how can you create its easy, breezy but sophisticated energy on the walls of your home.
Something’s Gotta Give, Grandma!
Can you still picture the house in Nancy Meyer’s movie, Something’s Gotta Give, that came out in 2003? Maybe you even wish you could live in a place like that? I wasn't a particular fans of Diane Keaton’s summertime turtlenecks, cause they made me sweat just looking at them, but the house depicted in that movie is the ULTIMATE in Coastal Grandma design, and has always held a (very) warm and welcoming place in my heart and my dreams!

So let’s chat about some elements of Coastal Grandma decor and it’s related trends, and how you can incorporate some wall art designs into your rooms to reflect it’s timeless, serene elegance…whether you catch the salty vibe from the porch of your seaside McMansion, or from the city fish market down the block.
Coastal Grandma wall art:
Colors are All about Nature
Let’s get real…Grandma knew what she was talkin’ about! She knew the importance of bringing the natural world inside her home. Fresh blueberries turned into muffins and jam, served with freshly-squeezed lemonade. Flowers lovingly gathered from the garden. Found objects like driftwood, rocks or seashells on display after a morning walk along the shore. Coastal Grandma decor and wall art bring all those tastes, smells and sights that come from coastal nature...right into your home.
The Coastal Grandma color palette is light & breezy seaside. Soft, airy white or sailcloth toned walls and furniture are the mainsails, while crisp navy serves just as an accent color, along with lighter tones from nature that I'll mention below. Watery blues, greens and grays also appear in this trend. Think natural vs. nautical. Here are some samples of wall decor that work well with that freshly updated navy, bluesy and sailcloth white Coastal Grandma palette:
Bring some dashes of aqua to your bright and welcoming Coastal Grandma home with this perennial wall art fave...the row boat!

This gauzy, misty morning feel wall art is right at home in a simply natural-toned room:

For slightly more colorful wall decor that still works well in a Coastal Grandma home, beach fences can provide that classic, perfect touch in a kitchen...or any other room:
Light and airy art and decor make a serene retreat for the Coastal Grandma vibe:

A Natural with Light Woods & Fibers
Coastal Grandma style of decor blends all of these natural elements and textures, but with a light and airy touch. Instead of the mahogany woods and darker-wickers of prior generations, this updated design trend creates more of a relaxed, comfortably refined coastal vibe, with light bleached or white-washed woods, some watery blues, and even touches of gold. Here are some samples of artwork that works well with the natural fibers and light woods of Coastal Grandma decor.
Watery blues reflected in sea and sky compliment the light, natural wood tones of Coastal Chic design:
Add a bit of the Midas touch for an extra elegant Grandma Coastal living space:

A blonde wood table and taupe accents create a space for the windswept greens and blues of this wall art piece to shine as the subtle focal point of the room:

It's easy to drift away with these creamy and dreamy blues, still within the Coastal Grandma vibe, but the wall art here adds a balance to the pops of blue in the pillows and rug:

Flowers and Citrus: The Comforts of a Coastal Home
Okay, we’re not just talking hydrangeas here, but of course, Coastal Grandmothers are known for growing their own! Think beyond hydrangeas to farmers market or seaside garden florals, updated chinoiserie ginger jars, maybe a bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter ready to be squeezed into an Arnold Palmer. That’s the Coastal Grandma life! Intersperse some timeless elements like some family heirlooms that add a pop of gold to the room, and you’ve got the perfect formula for a feeling of warm coastal luxe. Here’s how you can dress up your walls to tie everything together:
A serene Coastal Grandma wall art floral with the gentle shades of Mother Nature's palette:
This blue and white wall art is the chic Coastal Grandma's re-mix on those classic Chinoiserie ginger jars:

Okay...I know you really wanted to see a pop of these beauties in an otherwise monochromatic space:

The gentle gold tones in this piece add a touch of coastal elegance to this quiet space:
Coastal Grand millennial & Granddaughter: The Colorful Side of Granny Chic
Just like a popular tv show or book that you never want to end, sometimes design trends end up having a spin-off or two, and the Granny Chic aesthetic is no exception! Welcome to the Coastal Grand Millennial (and also Granddaughter etc.) vibe, where the colors tend to be more intense than Coastal Grandma, and the designs utilize a wider color palette. Think more ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ vibe with florals and geometric design often incorporated, but now they feel a bit more fresh in their flair.
The spaces and colors tend more toward energizing than relaxed. Coastal Grand Millennial style still keeps the feel timeless and welcoming, leaning more eclectic than traditional, but packing a bit more punch. With bolder wallpapers, maybe throwing in a unique chandelier or some modern antiquities, all work to elevate the space. Together, it’s aged to coastal perfection, just like Grandma and her famous sangria shared on the beach at sunset..Cheers to our Coastal Grand Millennials & Granddaughters! What’s up on these walls?
The meandering marsh wall art adds some zip to an otherwise quiet room:

Sophistication abounds in this Coastal Millennial kitchen, complete with an array of white and gold tones and natural rattan...and a colorful vIntage coastal print Grandma said she'd be happy to let her have!

Nothing blends the Coastal Grandma and Millennial styles like these Chinoiserie dog cut out wall art pieces, and their contemporary humor:

Coastal Millennial design comes in all shapes and sizes. How about some majestic tall ship masts that add impactful focus with their geometry and color, tying the space together?:

Coastal Cowgirl & Surfer Girl: Coastal Style with a Side of Wild
And lastly, the Coastal Cowgirl & Surfer Girl deserve their own mentions for the cool factor they bring to the table. Whether it’s a blend of vintage surf boho or cool Coastal Cowgirl fashion, the eye for style spills over into the home space with brasses, woods and earthy browns, and just the right pop of grey/blues, greens and even blacks! Throw in some faded or bleached denim and a hint of leather and you’ve hit on perfection. These styles have great legs and they know it!
Coastal Cowgirl
This wall art canvas is the perfect pairing! With a wood-like treatment on the design that blends Coastal and Cowgirl, the rustic bench and the mandatory faux cow hide rug, this room represents!:
Rope 'em and ride 'em! We're talking about the waves...(and maybe a surfer or two!):

For a more eclectic blend of Coastal meets Cowgirl, this grouping of wall art prints can elevate any space:
Surfer Girl
Picture yourself in this soothing, perfectly Surfer Girl space. The wall art, macrame piece and other design elements bring that Coastal Chic vibe to this space in a quiet, sunset moment sort of way:

For a last bit of fun and ramped up blues and creamy yellows to add motion to an otherwise staid space:

Why are these styles so wildly popular?
Hmmm…who wouldn’t love a cozy living space filled with flowers, soothing colors and elements directly from nature's earth, sea and sky? Life is hectic, and if you read or listen to the news on a daily basis, things can sometimes feel pretty out of control. Stepping into a Coastal Grandma style room, no matter where you or your Grandma have lived, may just bring a little peaceful, safe and timeless energy to your home. Riffing off the main OG and yet creating a brand-new personal home space with your very own individualized touches, you just might start the next buzzy coastal trend!! If you do...please reach out and let me know! Now sit back and relax, brew up a pot of sun tea, add some lemon, and…be in touch with your authentic style.
From my grotto to yours,
Nancy
Grotto Studios










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