Mastering the Eastcoastal Style: A Designer's Guide to Coastal Living

It seems like everyone is heading ‘out East’ these days. But what does ‘East’ really mean, and how does it manifest? Just outside New York City, charming coastal towns transform into bustling hubs each summer, featuring luxury pop-ups and gourmet dishes that can cost as much as $150 for chicken tenders, all while traffic rivals that of Midtown.

However, the East Coast offers far more than its summer attractions. It embodies a unique vibe reminiscent of Nancy Meyers films, capturing the all-American, breezy New England aesthetic, often referred to as 'Eastcoastal.'

We recently spoke with Jess Weeth, the principal and co-founder of Weeth Home. Living in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, she is a true Eastcoastal expert, well-versed in the region's signature interior design aesthetics.

According to Jess, the Eastcoastal style transcends specific coastal themes and elements; it’s more about the ambiance. It strikes a delightful balance between traditional charm and relaxed comfort. She elaborates, ‘We find Eastcoastal to be where heritage tradition meets the laid-back lifestyle of living by the water. It combines classical architecture and vintage furnishings with comfortable, uncomplicated interiors for a sense of effortless living.’

It’s about infusing various design eras to craft spaces that feel timeless and will adapt as they age. Picture Diane Keaton’s iconic shingled Hamptons retreat from Something’s Gotta Give (2003) — a quintessential East Coast summer residence, or the charmingly eclectic decor of Kate Winslet’s cottage in The Holiday (2006).

In the Mid-Atlantic region where Jess resides, you can explore southern influences that lean vibrant and tropical or head north for classic, traditional architecture with nautical accents rather than overt beach decor. Her design work reflects this mix: ‘We blend the traditional and preppy northern elements with a more rustic, relaxed ambiance, providing a comforting escape from the surrounding urban hustle.’

Here, Jess shares six valuable tips for incorporating this refined yet relaxed Eastcoastal trend into your home — straight from someone who embodies it daily.

1. Embrace Stripes

Stripes are a coastal classic for good reason, but they can easily feel clichéd. Jess states, ‘Textiles are often fundamental to our designs, and a lovely stripe can establish a coastal vibe.’ To keep things fresh, she advises steering clear of the typical bright blue and white stripes.

‘Opt for softer hues and unexpected stripe arrangements. We enjoy motifs like vines or florals that create a stripe pattern (we lovingly call this a “non-stripe stripe”).’

West Elm
Pierce & Ward Cotton Linen Stripe Standard Sham

Far removed from high-contrast cabana patterns, Pierce & Ward’s collaboration with West Elm offers a gentler, more Mid-Atlantic-friendly design.

2. Unique Shades of Blue

You may have come across the concept of ‘unexpected red’ — here, we’re flipping that to blue. Jess explains, ‘We strive to reinterpret this traditional coastal color in innovative ways.’

The twist is all about depth rather than brightness. ‘We seek out blues that convey mood and complexity, avoiding the expected vibrant shades. From Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge to Boothbay Gray — or even Phillip Jeffries’ Fuji Weave wallpaper in Mountain Mist — I love hues that can appear blue in certain lights while revealing a grey-green undertone reminiscent of the sea in others.’

Frenshe Interiors by Ashley Tisdale x Rugs USA
Maru Wool Rug, 4' x 6'

Skip the overused nautical navy and explore deeper shades instead. Jess suggests placing them in unexpected locations — like the floor.

3. Woven Textures

The Eastcoastal aesthetic thrives on lightness and ease, making it perfect for incorporating woven elements. While the look may lean neutral, the richness comes from layered textures.

‘Whether it’s a jute rug, a vintage rattan lamp, or a wicker chair, natural woven materials add warmth and an informal, relaxed vibe,’ Jess notes.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Rattan Accent Table Lamp

You might be surprised at how well light and airy rattan pairs with a more substantial design, as Joanna Gaines shows — it’s a perfect blend of coastal and chic that characterizes the Eastcoastal style.

4. Warm Wood Tones

When selecting wood finishes to achieve the Eastcoastal ambiance, aim for warmth. ‘While clean white oak has its merits, relying too heavily on it can evoke a West Coast feel rather than an East Coast vibe,’ Jess explains.

Instead, look for richer wood tones that contrast beautifully with white trim and crisp fabrics. ‘A walnut island can anchor a kitchen, while antique wooden pieces enhance a room's coziness.’

Greenrow
Reclaimed Wood Decorative Pedestal

This pedestal, made from reclaimed pine, is rich in character. Its varying tones, grains, and occasional imperfections provide a solid contrast to crisper elements — like a porcelain vase overflowing with blue hydrangeas.

5. Incorporate Vintage Elements

In Eastcoastal design, older features add stories that are irreplaceable. ‘If you have brick walls, consider limewashing them for a brighter, textured finish that maintains a weathered look,’ Jess advises. The same concept applies to painted floors.

For those not ready for a full renovation, incorporating vintage pieces is an excellent shortcut. ‘Pair a new sofa with a side table that has a bit of history,’ she suggests. Jess sources from places like The Expert and Chairish, as well as flea markets, estate sales, and local thrift shops.

‘The goal is to embrace imperfections — celebrate the quirks of an old side table, a captivating oil painting, or collections of found treasures,’ she muses.

Crate & Barrel
Oaxaca Taupe Cotton Mache Centerpiece Bowl

This cotton mache piece, while not actually vintage, carries that perfectly imperfect handmade aesthetic. Crafted by artisans, it strikes just the right note.

6. Subtle Shell Motifs

Common clichés might suggest that Eastcoastal decor includes exaggerated shell motifs, but the truth is far more subdued. ‘Our local waters are home to mussels, clams, oysters, and the occasional conch, all sun-bleached by the salt and brackish water,’ Jess shares. Therefore, keep shell motifs soft and muted.

‘I enjoy finding delicate ways to incorporate shell designs — perhaps a small shell sewn onto a jute tassel, an antique print, or even a fabric like Shell Grotto by Fermoie that is stunning,’ she adds.

Etsy
Vintage Brass Shell Trinket Tray

‘We’ve been on a shell dish collection spree for the past few years,’ Jess says. She recommends this vintage brass piece from the 1950s, which makes for a lovely catchall for an entryway or bedside table, or as decor on a coffee table or ottoman.

Curious about Jess's plans for Labor Day? Is she making any changes at home as summer draws to a close?

Currently, the hydrangeas outside her window are transitioning from white to dusty rose. ‘I love cutting them for table arrangements, then drying them to use throughout winter,’ she shares. Inside, her calendar is filled with gatherings: meals, drinks, and friends and family flowing from the kitchen to the deck.

‘As the evenings cool down, we keep our windows and doors open, allowing for a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors,’ she adds. ‘Labor Day signifies clinging to the last moments of summer before the seasons shift. The days may shorten, but the sunsets offer some of the most beautiful golden hours of the year.’