The “Coastal Grandma” style has captivated interior design enthusiasts all over the world. This is thanks to its tranquil, beachy vibe and nostalgic charm. Inspired by the idea of a grandmother’s breezy coastal cottage, it embraces muted palettes, soft linens, natural textures, and an overall sense of relaxed elegance.

Yet as the leaves change colour and the air becomes crisp, the summery aesthetic falls out of place. But, what’s stopping you from adding an autumnal twist to this otherwise sunny weather aesthetic? Introducing earthy hues, cosy textures, and rustic elements that symbolise autumn can create a Coastal Grandma look that feels seasonally fresh, all while maintaining its comforting foundation.

Shift from Ocean Blues to Warm, Earthy Hues

Traditionally, Coastal Grandma décor relies on ocean-inspired colours. Think soft blues, whites, and sandy neutrals that reflect the seascape. However, for an autumnal twist, swap out those cool tones for warmer hues reminiscent of fallen leaves. Burnt oranges, deep plums, sage greens, and golden yellows will do the trick. By incorporating these rich tones into your space, you evoke a sense of warmth without straying too far from the natural inspiration of the aesthetic.

One way to achieve this is by updating accent pieces like throw pillows, blankets, and rugs. Combine these with autumnal shades and textures such as cable-knit or wool to create visual interest and cosiness. A mix of neutral and colourful textiles will help keep your space light, while still introducing the season.

Embrace Heavier, Cosy Fabrics

Light and airy fabrics, such as linen and cotton, are central to achieving the Coastal Grandma look. For autumn, you’ll want to bring in heavier textures to create an inviting atmosphere. Swapping out linen throw blankets for wool or knit options, and add a few velvet or boucle pillows for a plush touch that adds both warmth and sophistication to your home.

Layering is key here. Think about pairing a chunky knit throw with a linen sofa or layering a thick woollen rug over dark vinyl flooring. These combinations of contrasting textures not only add visual depth, but they also keep the room feeling cosy as the temperatures drop. Incorporating heavier fabrics while staying true to the neutral colour palette of Coastal Grandma will ensure that your home feels seasonally appropriate yet timeless.

Light to Rustic with Wood and Wicker

This style often features light, natural wood tones that evoke driftwood on the beach. For an autumnal twist, you should consider adding darker or more rustic wood elements to balance the softer tones in the room. Incorporating walnut or reclaimed wood pieces brings a sense of grounded warmth to the space. If you have wood flooring, you can use it to help incorporate and match other pieces in similar shades of wood.

Wicker and rattan pieces, which are also staples of Coastal Grandma décor, can be used creatively for autumn. Layer wicker baskets filled with cosy blankets in the living room or place a rattan tray on a dark wood coffee table to hold candles or dried foliage. These touches maintain the coastal vibe, while seamlessly blending with the rustic feel of autumn.

Seasonal Greenery and Autumnal Arrangements

Incorporating nature is essential to both Coastal Grandma and autumnal décor. Instead of fresh blooms and greenery, shift to seasonal arrangements like dried flowers, pampas grass, or autumnal branches. These natural elements bring a touch of autumn without overwhelming the calm ambience of this design.

Try arranging eucalyptus branches, dried hydrangeas, or even a few sprigs of wheat in a simple ceramic vase. You can also display mini pumpkins or gourds in a subtle, sophisticated way. For example, line a sideboard with small pumpkins in muted, neutral colours like white, sage, or soft orange. These organic elements bring texture and seasonal warmth without taking away from the light coastal feel.

Emphasising Warmth and Ambience

Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating a cosy atmosphere as daylight hours dwindle in the autumn months. Coastal Grandma favours natural light, but for autumn, consider adding layers of warm lighting to create an inviting glow. Incorporate table lamps with soft, warm-toned bulbs, and don’t shy away from candlelight.

Choose candles in subtle, seasonal scents like cedarwood, vanilla, or cinnamon to add to the ambience. Lanterns and hurricane vases are also excellent options for housing candles. Blending effortlessly with both coastal and autumnal aesthetics. You can place them on mantels, coffee tables, or shelves to enhance the cosy, layered lighting that makes any space feel like home.

Subtle Seasonal Statements

Updating any artwork or décor with a seasonal touch can be a simple but effective way to achieve an autumnal Coastal Grandma aesthetic. Choose artwork that reflects the season subtly, such as landscape paintings in fall colours or still-life artwork featuring autumnal harvests. Vintage-inspired prints and muted landscapes can keep with he nostalgic vibe of Coastal Grandma while adding a nod to the season.

Another simple yet impactful décor idea is to display vintage books in warm colours on a bookshelf or coffee table. The mix of old books, pottery, and cosy seasonal items adds a lived-in vibe that feels right at home in a Coastal Grandma setting.