Spring Bedroom: Coastal Grandma Style
I can finally call myself a “Coastal Grandma” now that I’m a real grandma living by the sea. For the past two and a half years we’ve lived on an island on Washington’s upper northwest coast, a little cottage that was always our dream retirement spot. Although I’m not retiring, this home has been a joy to settle into and has helped shape my version of coastal-grandmother style.
My aesthetic has long leaned coastal — I often call it Forest and Sea because we’re surrounded by both. Bringing organic, natural elements from our surroundings into the house has always felt right, and that foundation remains as we adapt to a new space. Decorating is an ongoing, fun process of experimenting with details until the home feels like ours.
I’m excited about the next phase of decorating and will share projects and ideas in future posts. Below are a few updates we’ve made to our bedroom and some plans for what’s next.
New White Oak Wood Flooring
A few months ago we removed the upstairs carpet and installed European white oak throughout the house. It was a significant investment, but one that feels right since we plan to stay here long-term. The floors are classic, organic and beachy — they call to mind driftwood. They’re warm and light, giving the rooms a cheerful, airy feeling.
I love the look of bare wood in a small room, but we added a patterned rug at the foot of the bed we already owned. Our older dog Jack sometimes slips on bare floors, so the rug helps him get traction and also ties together the different furniture pieces in the room.
Coastal Grandma Quilt + Ticking Shams
For spring I refreshed the bedding with simple ticking stripe shams and a floral bolster that adds a pretty, soft pattern. The coverlet brings texture and a subtle tone that layers well with the rest of the bedding. Mixing classic stripes, florals and a neutral coverlet keeps the bed feeling cozy and collected without being fussy.
I recently treated myself to a patchwork quilt — my first true patchwork — which feels especially cozy and homey in a family beach house. I’m slowly building a collection of quilts to display and use; they bring warmth and a sense of history to the room.
Use What You Have
Most of the room remains the same aside from rotating chairs and the dresser to other rooms. I’m a “use what I have” person — we repurpose pieces from around the house rather than buying everything new. For now, one of our striped chairs and a gold dresser from previous homes work perfectly. Don’t overthink it; try different arrangements until something clicks.
Collect What You Love
The floral painting above the bed was an estate sale find from years ago. I believe in collecting pieces you love and giving them time to find their place — often their perfect spot reveals itself later. I’m open to moving things around as we repaint and rearrange upstairs; the painting may find a new home, or it may stay here for a long time.
What’s next in here?
I’m still searching for the right light fixture. I once bought a lantern thinking it would suit the bedroom, but it ended up finding a perfect home in our entryway — a reminder that pieces often reveal their best place over time. For the bedroom I’m waiting for the right fixture that feels just right.
A bench at the end of the bed is on my wishlist — our dog ottoman works for now but isn’t the right size or shape. I’d also like to make the small deck outside the bedroom more inviting: a small table, an outdoor rug and a few plants would be lovely. My only concern is finding items Lily can’t easily climb on since she’s adventurous. I’m collecting inspiration for small balconies and will share ideas once I’ve pulled them together.
Happy Spring!
Wall Color: Bunny Gray Benjamin Moore
Buffalo Check Curtains (chambray color)
Acrylic and Brass Rod
Striped Armchair
Cream Tassel Pillow (on Striped Chair)
Cane Bed
Patterned Rug
Gray Coverlet
Patchwork Quilt
Ticking Stripe Pillow Shams
Floral Bolster Pillow Sham
Plug In Wall Sconce Lights by Bed
Blue and White Plates on Wall
Bird Art in Gold Frames
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