Spring Bedroom: Coastal Grandma Style
I can honestly say I’ve embraced the “Coastal Grandma” vibe now that I’m a grandmother living by the sea. For the past two and a half years we’ve called an island on the upper Northwest coast of Washington home. Retiring to a cozy seaside cottage was always a dream, and although I’m not actually retiring, living here has helped me explore what coastal-grandma style means for my home.
My aesthetic has long reflected coastal influences — I often call it Forest and Sea because we’re surrounded by both. Bringing natural, organic elements of our surroundings into the house feels natural and right. While the foundation of my style stays consistent, each home invites new experiments and small changes as I discover what feels best in a new space.
I’m excited about the next phase of decorating and will share future projects in upcoming posts. Here are a few updates we’ve made in our bedroom and some ideas I’m planning next.
New White Oak Wood Flooring
We recently removed carpet upstairs and installed European white oak throughout the house. It was a sizable investment, but we plan to live here for years and love the result. The floors feel classic, organic and beachy — like driftwood — and they bring warmth and brightness to every room.
While I adore bare wood floors in a small room, we placed a patterned rug at the foot of the bed for practical and aesthetic reasons. Our older dog, Jack, needs traction, and the rug helps him while tying together the various furniture colors and finishes in the room.
Coastal Quilt and Ticking Shams
For a spring refresh I updated the bedding with simple ticking shams and a floral bolster for a soft, classic look. The coverlet adds subtle texture and tone that feels peaceful and layered without being fussy. These small textile swaps make the room feel fresh and relaxed.
I recently treated myself to a patchwork quilt that feels cozy and homey — perfect for a family beach house. I’m collecting quilts slowly and would love to display a stack of beautiful ones in time.
Use What You Have
Most of the room is the same, though we’ve moved chairs and a dresser around. I like to rotate pieces from room to room — a striped chair and a gold dresser that have lived with us through two homes are doing duty here now. I’m a “use what you have” person: swap, try and don’t overthink it. Often something you already own will be the perfect fit.
Collect What You Love
The floral painting above our bed came from an estate sale years ago. I believe if you collect pieces you love, they eventually find the right place. That place can change over time, too — I’m happy to experiment with different pairings and locations until something feels right. Our painting currently hangs above the bed, but it may move as we continue to refine the upstairs layout.
What’s Next?
I’m on the hunt for the right light fixture. I once purchased a lantern intending to use it in the bedroom, but it found a better home in the entryway. That’s the fun of collecting: sometimes an item ends up shining in a different spot. I’m waiting for the right bedroom fixture to arrive.
I’d also like a bench at the end of the bed. We use an ottoman for the dogs now, but it’s not the right size or shape. Finding a compact, functional bench that complements the room is on my list.
Another project is the small deck just off the bedroom. It’s a dream to have a porch with a view. I love the existing chairs but am considering adding a small table, an outdoor rug and a few plants — while keeping safety in mind because our cat Lily is a climber. I’ll gather inspiration for small balconies and share ideas when I find them.
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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