Coastal vs Mediterranean — Beach House or European Villa?
Both styles draw from waterfront living, but coastal evokes a casual beach house while Mediterranean channels a European villa. The difference is in the details.
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Color Palette
Why It Works
Coastal design captures the casual, sun-bleached aesthetic of an American beach house — whites, blues, weathered wood, and lightweight fabrics create a breezy, relaxed atmosphere. Mediterranean design draws from the stone villas and tile work of Southern Europe — warm terracotta, rich cobalt, wrought iron, and heavy wood create a more substantial, Old World warmth. Coastal is lighter and more casual; Mediterranean is warmer and more formal. Both connect to water and sunlight but express it through very different material palettes.
How to Achieve This Look
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Decide if you prefer cool ocean blues or warm sunset terracottas
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Coastal: use white, blue, and natural textures like rope and jute
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Mediterranean: use terracotta, iron, and textured plaster
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Coastal: keep things casual and breezy
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Mediterranean: embrace ornate details and rich textures
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Both: bring the outdoors in with natural light and greenery
Coastal is a New England beach house; Mediterranean is a Tuscan villa. Both love the sea, but the mood is completely different.
Try It with AI
Layoutly AI helps you decide between coastal casual and Mediterranean warmth by showing both styles in your actual space. Upload a photo and compare the breezy beach house look against the sun-drenched villa aesthetic to see which resonates with your home and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which style is better for a warm climate?
Both work well, but Mediterranean design is specifically born from warm-climate living. Its thick walls, tile floors, and shaded outdoor spaces are designed to stay cool in heat. Coastal works in any climate where you want beach vibes.
Can I mix coastal and Mediterranean elements?
Yes — the combination is sometimes called "coastal Mediterranean." Use the warm terracotta and tile of Mediterranean with the lighter, breezier textiles of coastal. The shared blue palette makes mixing natural.
Which is more expensive to achieve?
Mediterranean design tends to be more costly because it relies on heavier, more expensive materials — natural stone, wrought iron, ceramic tile. Coastal design uses lighter, more affordable materials like cotton, rattan, and painted wood.
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