One minute I’m enjoying my new empty-nester life in our little cottage by the sea — making coffee a morning ritual, gathering fresh flowers from the garden, and taking pleasure in the simple comforts of home — and the next minute the internet tells me that’s the trend everyone should aspire to. Apparently I’m both out of touch and suddenly very on-trend. Go figure.
What trend is this? It turns out I’m a Coastal Grandmother.
If that term is new to you, you’re not alone. Coastal Grandmother is a phrase popularized recently on social platforms to describe a lifestyle that romanticizes everyday life. It embraces the relaxed, sunlit elegance of seaside living, the kind of homes and atmospheres we admire in classic films and cozy coastal cottages. Think soft linens, breezy rooms, a simple but cultivated approach to domestic life — the feeling of a home made for savoring small moments.
A Lovely Life celebrates the simple pleasures of home
I love the coastal vibe and, by a delightful coincidence, I wrote a book about embracing small, meaningful rituals and cultivating a life that feels gentle and intentional. A Lovely Life: Savoring the Simple Joys in Every Season explores appreciating routine, creating a welcoming home, and celebrating ordinary days. It’s a guide to noticing and enjoying the little things that make life lovely.
Finding joy in domestic rituals, seasonal rhythms, and slow moments is very much at the heart of the Coastal Grandmother sensibility. Whether you’re discovering this aesthetic now or have quietly lived it for years, there’s something comforting about a home designed to be lived in and loved.
Anyone can embrace the Coastal Grandmother lifestyle
This aesthetic isn’t reserved for anyone by age or location. You don’t have to be a grandmother or live by the ocean to adopt the relaxed, inviting qualities of a coastal home. The idea is to create a feeling: light-filled spaces, comfortable textiles, a sense of ease and hospitality, and an appreciation for simple rituals. Even if coastal living is only a dream, you can bring that atmosphere into your own home.
You also don’t need a specific wardrobe, a particular address, or a long list of possessions to enjoy this way of living. You don’t have to wear cashmere or white button-downs to feel comfortable in the aesthetic — it’s more about an attitude of calm, thoughtful living. My book and writing encourage readers to craft a home and life that reflect what brings them peace, warmth, and contentment.
If you’re curious about styling a Coastal Grandmother look at home, there are plenty of accessible ideas and finds to help you create that serene vibe.
A Lovely Life is about embracing simple pleasures throughout the year. The Coastal Grandmother ideal — a home and lifestyle centered on comfort, beauty, and the small joys — is available to anyone who wants it.
If you want to create a Coastal Grandmother aesthetic in your home, there are easy, accessible styling tips and décor ideas to help you get started.
Are you a Coastal Grandmother, or are you discovering the charm of this lifestyle? Pull up a chair and share your thoughts — I’d love to hear how you bring simple pleasures into your home.