Design spotlight: 5 Trending interior styles in coastal second homes

Decorating your home by the sea is more than choosing pretty furniture - it’s about creating your personal sanctuary. A second home offers something deeply special: a chance to retreat, unplug, and recharge. This is your reset button. And when the space around you is designed with care, comfort, and intention, it becomes the calm you return to over and over again.

Whether you're moving in for the summer, hosting guests over holidays, or planning a hybrid work lifestyle by the coast, these five interior styles will help shape a home that feels exactly like yours.

Modern coastal: Clean lines, open spaces, easy elegance

Modern coastal design is beloved for good reason - it creates a sense of ease the moment you walk in. It’s airy, light-filled, and effortlessly fresh. With soft neutrals, sandy beiges, and sea-glass blues, it brings the outside in, allowing your home by the sea to reflect the horizon.

The key is simplicity: open layouts, sleek surfaces, and just enough texture to make the space feel lived-in. Linen, driftwood, stone, and cotton are your best friends. You won’t find heavy curtains or clutter here. Instead, imagine wide windows, breezy terraces, and a layout that invites long, slow mornings and sunset dinners.

This style is perfect if you want a space that feels calm, modern, and ready to relax in at a moment’s notice.

Sophisticated villa with sea view - Kvarner

Mediterranean charm: Earthy, warm, and full of soul

If you crave character and connection to place, Mediterranean interiors might be your match. This design style draws inspiration from old-world villas - terracotta floors, arched doorways, exposed beams, and colorful tiles. It’s rich in textures and rooted in history.

Think sun-washed tones, hand-crafted details, and organic materials that age beautifully. Add built-in seating nooks, a few antique pieces, and natural fabrics like linen and cotton for a space that feels both grounded and luxurious.

It’s ideal for second homes that are meant to be more than a vacation rental - homes that welcome guests, tell stories, and evolve over time.

Exquisite estate in the heart of Istria – A timeless retreat of elegance and charm

Scandi coastal: Minimalism meets softness

For those who like their homes tidy but cozy, Scandi coastal is the sweet spot. It’s minimalist, yes - but never cold. Here, form follows function, but comfort is never sacrificed.

White-washed walls, and carefully chosen furniture keep things simple and intentional. Pops of blue or sage green, tactile materials like wool and jute, and soft lighting make this a style that breathes with the seasons.

In your home by the sea, Scandi coastal feels like a gentle exhale after a long week. It’s easy to maintain, stylish without trying too hard, and perfect for people who value peace of mind and smart design.

Modern luxury villa with infinity pool and wellness retreat in a tranquil location - Istria

Boho: Eclectic, relaxed, and full of personality

If you’re not one for rules and want your second home to feel personal and free-spirited, Boho style might be your calling.

This is where color and creativity come to play. Mix patterns, layer rugs, add handmade art, and surround yourself with plants. Rattan chairs, vintage fabrics, and textured cushions make everything feel lived-in and loved.

Boho interiors encourage comfort over perfection. They’re great for entertaining, lounging, or just staring out at the sea with a book in hand. If you want your home to reflect you, with all your quirks and passions - start here.

Where architecture meets nature – Home with pool and Idyllic views – Central Istria

Timeless design: The sanctuary that never goes out of style

Sometimes, the best design is the one that doesn’t follow trends. Timeless interiors are about creating calm, neutral, and elegant spaces that don’t need to be updated every few years. For a home by the sea, this approach makes perfect sense.

Natural materials, classic silhouettes, soft color palettes, and a balanced layout define this style. Nothing shouts for attention, yet everything feels harmonious. Creams, taupe, soft greys, and touches of black or brass lend sophistication without effort.

Timeless design is not boring - it’s serene. It allows your mind to rest. And in a world full of noise, having a second home that doesn’t demand anything of you is a true luxury. This is the style that welcomes you after a long trip, that invites you to breathe deeper and simply be.

Elegant villa with exquisite interior, wellness and sea views - Labin

Your second home: A retreat that reflects you

Designing your second home by the sea is a creative journey, but also an emotional one. It's not just a property - it's your place of peace. Whether you gravitate toward light modern spaces, sun-drenched Mediterranean charm, creative bohemian flair, or the enduring grace of timeless interiors, your choices should reflect what restores and inspires you.

This is your space to come back to - again and again. So make it beautiful, make it meaningful, and most importantly, make it yours.

For more inspiration on interior design, discover Texture and emotion in interior design: The secret of true luxury.