Modern Coastal Home Decorating Ideas on a Budget

by Alina Orozco


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With a focus on natural materials, neutral colors, and personal touches, you can infuse your home with coastal charm without overspending. Here are some of the best modern coastal home decorating ideas on a budget that will transform your space.

How to Create a Coastal Home on a Budget

Creating a modern coastal home on a budget is all about making clever design choices and being resourceful. The beauty of coastal style or beachy style decor lies in its relaxed, effortless vibe, so there’s no need for expensive furniture or decor to achieve a modern coastal retreat. With a few thoughtful updates, your home will feel clean, modern and coastal.

Over the last year we did quite a lot to our home. While we did splurge on a small kitchen glow up, the budget friendly modern coastal decorating ideas helped transform our space.

What is Modern Coastal Design?

Modern coastal design is a fresh, simplified take on traditional coastal decor.

The style emphasizes natural materials, including light-colored woods, wicker, and rattan.

What makes the look coastal modern instead of traditional is that the “beachy” vibes are implied through color palette, wicker, rattan and other textural elements instead of bold nautical accessories and illustrated beach canvases.

5 Budget Friendly Steps to Modern Coastal Home

Here are 5 modern coastal home decorating ideas on a budget that helped transform our space.

  1. Declutter

One of the most important steps to creating the space that we loved was to declutter.

I got rid of everything and anything that we no longer needed. From plethora of coffee cups and glasses and extra coffee machines to baby clothes, furniture and anything that was broken or stained.

More simply. Anything that didn’t have sentimental value, was no longer being used.

2. Paint

We opted to paint our entire home. Painting alone was transformative for our space.

We went with Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace throughout our home. The house instantly became brighter and bigger.

3. Window Treatments

We removed faux dark wood blinds and opted for these Pinch Pleat Linen Curtains. They are fraction of the cost of custom drapes, but

I also placed the curtain rods almost at our ceiling, creating a lot more height and depth in the room. I would say this was one of the most rewarding transformations. The hardware was a splurge but it really helped elevate the look of the coastal modern space.

modern home style

4. Simplify

I got rid of a lot of our chachkas. A lot of frivolous items throughout the home that didn’t create the organic coastal home I wanted. This also helped create a much cleaner, simplified space.

Instead I focused on adding texture and natural elements to every space. Woven details, natural woods and a toned down color palette helped create a calm and relaxing space.

modern entryway decor

5. Budget Friendly Swaps & Decor

While I did not purchase a lot of new furniture, the pieces that I did buy helped achieve the modern coastal home aesthetic. The addition of our dining chairs,console table,among other pieces helped define the style of our home.

Find Bedroom details here.

More Inexpensive Ways to Transform Your Space into a Coastal Modern Home

  • Embrace Light, Neutral Colors—A hallmark of modern coastal design is its calming, light color palette. Soft shades of white, beige, light gray, and soft blues create an airy, spacious feel, mimicking the ocean and sky.
  • Incorporate Natural Elements—natural textures and materials like wood, wicker, and rattan. These materials not only add warmth but also make the space feel grounded and cozy.
  • Layer with Textiles—Textiles are one of the easiest ways to bring in a coastal feel while keeping your budget in check. Think soft linens, cotton, and woven materials for throws, pillows, and curtains. These fabrics offer a breezy, relaxed vibe perfect for a coastal modern home.
  • Update Your Lighting with a Coastal Twist—Lighting is key in creating that relaxed coastal atmosphere. Natural light is the best way to embrace modern coastal living, but if you need additional light sources, go for fixtures that reflect the natural, beachy vibe.
  • Bring the Outdoors In with Indoor Plants—Plants can instantly brighten up your space and provide a fresh, organic look. Opt for low-maintenance coastal plants like succulents, air plants, or palms to enhance the modern coastal vibe. They’re budget-friendly and easy to maintain.

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