Coastal style is the most distinctly Australian interior aesthetic — and it's evolved significantly in recent years. The coastal interiors we love in 2026 aren't the bleached-out, shell-and-driftwood look of the 1990s. They're considered, layered and genuinely beautiful: natural materials, a calm palette drawn from the Australian landscape, and furniture that feels relaxed but intentional.

Painted furniture is central to achieving this look. Here's our guide to the colours, materials and combinations that define Australian coastal style right now.

The Australian Coastal Palette

The coastal palette is drawn from the Australian environment — the colours of the bush, the beach and the ocean. It's not the bright, saturated blues and whites of a Greek island. It's softer, more muted, more complex.

Whites and Off-Whites

White is the foundation of coastal style — but the right white matters. Stark, cool whites can feel clinical in a coastal interior. Warm whites and off-whites feel more natural and relaxed.

• Arctic White (chalk finish) — crisp and clean. Works in coastal interiors with plenty of natural light.
• Parchment (chalk finish) — warm, creamy white. Our most-used coastal white — it has a softness that suits the relaxed coastal aesthetic perfectly.
• Cotton (mineral) — clean white for high-use coastal pieces like kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.
• Magnolia (mineral) — warm white that suits coastal bedrooms and living rooms beautifully.

Coastal Blues and Greens

The blues and greens of the Australian coast — from the pale aqua of a shallow reef to the deep navy of the open ocean, from the silver-green of coastal scrub to the deep green of the bush.

• Duck Egg (chalk finish) — the classic coastal blue-green. Soft, muted and timeless.
• Riviera Haze (chalk finish) — hazy blue-grey with a dreamy coastal quality. One of our personal favourites for coastal bedrooms.
• Seaglass (mineral) — soft coastal blue-green. Beautiful on bedroom and living room furniture.
• Byron (mineral) — relaxed, sun-bleached blue inspired by the NSW coast. Distinctly Australian.
• Sea Spray (mineral) — fresh, light coastal blue. Suits Hamptons and beach-inspired interiors.
• Sage (chalk finish) — soft sage green that captures the Australian bush palette. One of the most versatile coastal colours.
• Gumleaf (mineral) — muted Australian green. One of the most distinctly Australian colours in the range.
• Eucalypt (mineral) — cool, silvery green inspired by the Australian bush. Beautiful in coastal and organic interiors.

Natural Neutrals

• Natural Linen (mineral) — warm linen neutral. The most versatile coastal neutral in the range.
• Travertine (chalk finish) — warm stone neutral. Suits coastal interiors that lean organic.
• Stringy Bark (mineral) — warm, earthy Australian tan. Suits organic coastal interiors beautifully.
• Golden Sand (mineral) — warm sandy gold. Captures the colour of an Australian beach perfectly.

Coastal Hardware

Hardware is where the coastal look really comes together. Natural materials are the key — rattan, jute, timber and soft brass rather than chrome or matte black.

• Rattan and jute handles — the most distinctly coastal hardware choice. Adds natural texture and warmth. Shop Rattan & Jute Handles →
• Timber handles — warm, natural and organic. Works beautifully with sage, white and linen-toned painted pieces. Shop Timber Handles →
• Brushed brass — warm and relaxed. Suits coastal interiors that lean slightly Hamptons. Shop Brass Handles →

Coastal Furniture Pieces

The coastal aesthetic suits furniture with natural materials, relaxed proportions and a sense of quality without formality.

• Solid timber dressers and chests of drawers — painted in Sage, Duck Egg or Parchment with rattan or timber handles
• Rattan and cane chairs and side tables — painted in Arctic White or Parchment
• Timber bed heads — painted or whitewashed
• Timber sideboards — painted in Navy or Riviera Haze with brass handles
• Wicker and rattan storage pieces — painted in white or cream

Our Favourite Coastal Combinations

• Sage + timber or rattan handles — the quintessential Australian coastal combination
• Parchment + rattan handles — relaxed, warm and beautiful
• Duck Egg + antique brass knobs — vintage coastal charm
• Riviera Haze + brushed brass handles — dreamy and sophisticated
• Arctic White + rattan handles — clean, fresh coastal
• Gumleaf + timber handles — distinctly Australian bush-coastal
• Byron (mineral) + brass cup pulls — relaxed coastal kitchen

The Natural Timber Element

One of the defining features of Australian coastal style is the combination of painted furniture with natural timber. Rather than painting every surface, leave timber tops, legs or frames natural — sanded and oiled, or lightly whitewashed. The contrast between painted and natural timber adds warmth and a handmade quality that an all-painted piece can lack.

Shop the Coastal Palette at Sweet Pea Interiors

We stock the full Artisan Paint Company range — chalk finish and mineral paint — along with rattan, timber, brass and jute hardware chosen specifically for the Australian coastal aesthetic.

Browse: Chalk Finish Paint — Mineral Paint — Rattan & Jute Hardware — Timber Hardware

For the full colour guide: Best Paint Colours for Australian Homes 2026