Environmental awareness is reshaping the luxury market. According to Nisi Mae, “Affluent homeowners want the beauty of coastal living without the ecological footprint.” Expect to see more use of reclaimed driftwood, FSC-certified woods, organic linens, and locally sourced materials.

Green technology is also becoming integral to coastal living—from solar roofing to energy-efficient climate control, even in high-end vacation properties. Luxury, it seems, is no longer about excess, but about ethical refinement.

While indoor plants and natural light are design staples, biophilic design in coastal homes is about deeper integration. “It’s about feeling the presence of nature indoors,” says Nisi. Upcoming designs will blur the line between inside and out with retractable glass walls, indoor water features, and sensory-driven design choices like calming ocean soundscapes or salt-infused air systems.

Gone are the days of kitschy nautical decor. The new wave of coastal luxury embraces clean lines, refined materials, and a restrained palette. But within that minimalism is a twist of opulence—think: sculptural lighting, curated art installations, and rich textures like mother-of-pearl, silk, or artisan tile.

Designers are calling this “coastal quiet luxury,” where quality, craftsmanship, and comfort take precedence over overt decoration.

One of the fastest-growing substyles within coastal luxury is what some are calling the Glamorocean movement—a fusion of classic oceanic tranquility with high-gloss glamour. This look pairs iridescent materials, opalescent finishes, and jewel-toned accents with traditional seaside hues for a result that’s equal parts dreamy and dramatic.

Interior Designer Nisi Mae notes, “Glamorocean is for those who want the calm of the sea and the sparkle of a champagne toast—it's about living beautifully, not just comfortably.”

Smart home innovations are finding their place in coastal design, but with a calming twist. Mood-based lighting, automated window treatments synced with sunrise and sunset, and sound systems playing ambient ocean tracks are becoming key to personalized comfort.

This trend extends into wellness-focused amenities—infrared saunas, plunge pools, aromatherapy systems—making the coastal home not just a getaway, but a holistic retreat.

Buyers are turning away from mass-produced pieces and embracing hand-crafted, meaningful design. In luxury coastal interiors, this means commissioning local artists for one-of-a-kind driftwood sculptures, sourcing ceramic lighting from nearby artisans, or using textiles woven with regionally inspired patterns.

This story-driven design approach gives each space a soul, connecting the home to its geography and the community around it.