'Coastal Scandifornia' Is The New Design Trend That Combines The Best Of Two Aesthetics

Do you love the coziness of seaside homes and the minimalism of Scandinavian design? Well, then 2025 has just the design trend for you: "Coastal Scandifornia." Forget rustic, nautical-themed Cape Cod homes or even your traditional California coastal look. You won't find model sailing ships or seashells in this decor. Embracing the minimalist side of this equation means dialing back the kitschy, and even cliche, elements associated with coastal design and finding ways to create a space inspired by nature while still embracing simple, minimal design.

From muted color palettes with pops of subtle color to wood accents, texture, and Scandinavian furniture, you will recognize familiar elements being remixed in new ways. Coastal Scandifornia takes the beachside aesthetic up a notch, and if the buzz about this new style is any indication, fans of the coastal grandmother decor and Nancy Meyers looks may have a new favorite trend. It may be just what you need to simplify and beautify your home.

The first step to achieving the Coastal Scandifornia look is understanding the two styles being merged. Let's start with California coastal, as it is tougher to nail down exactly what separates this design style from other coastal options. One of the most important things to know is that California coastal is cleaner and more modern than the competition. Think tailored furniture and clean lines that are not overly fussy but still casual. Unlike other coastal design styles, this one also pulls in Mediterranean elements such as stucco and arches that often separate California's coastal architecture from the rest of the country's beach homes.

On the other hand, Scandinavian decor isn't just minimalist, it's intentional. A Scandi room may not have much in it, but what is there is both beautiful and functional. Importantly, many of the same elements appear in Scandinavian design as in the California coastal look. Casual yet elegant clean lines pop up in both design schemes, but so do neutral, earthy color palettes and organic materials. It's easy to see why these two design styles are now being combined into Coastal Scandifornia.

To achieve this look for yourself, start, quite literally, from the ground up. Ruggable coined the term Coastal Scandifornia, and the company suggests using the Onda Slate Blue Rug, which has a subtle wave design that will work well. The bold blues of the rug harken back to more traditional coastal decor but with a modern twist.

If the blue wave forms don't quite do it for you, you can always start with a classic jute or sisal rug that fits well into the Coastal Scandifornia design as well as either of its predecessors. Keep in mind, texture and natural materials are the keys to perfecting this look. If you need help choosing a rug, check out our tips for finding the perfect rug for your space.

Rugs aren't the only textiles that will play an important part in this decor style. Breezy curtains, comfy linens, and cozy throw blankets in neutrals, greens, and blues will also play a big role in getting the minimalist beach vibe just right. Keep these in mind when looking for a rug, and be aware of how they will all work together.

When it comes to organic materials, it's hard to beat real wood. So, if you want to bring Coastal Scandifornia to your space, look for wood pieces with a light, neutral tone. Whether it is a headboard, a dining room table, or a living room chair, wood brings much-needed warmth to any space. The key here is getting the tone right, as lighter, brighter tones work better with the Coastal Scandifornia style.

You don't have to rush out and buy all new furniture to get this look. Not only do antiques bring character to every room, but with the right refinishing techniques you can give any heirloom a Scandifornia makeover. Oxalic acid can help lighten and brighten wood so that even grandma's dark, dingy old coffee table can get a new lease on life in your updated space. Don't want to practice bleaching wood on a priceless family heirloom? We don't blame you. Head to the thrift store to find a simple piece to practice your new DIY furniture bleaching skills on. If you get lucky, you can use it in your home.

While Coastal Scandifornia is more minimalist than most coastal styles, much of the coast-specific charm will come from your accessories. We're not talking about throw pillows with dolphins embroidered on the front or a starfish on every side table. Rather, bring in beautiful but simple items in neutral and earthy colors like a sea glass vase, houseplants or other greenery with sage-colored foliage, or lava stone accessories. These natural materials conjure up images of the beach without tip-toeing into over-the-top beachy themes.

Last but certainly not least, picking furniture that reflects the simple, clean lines of Scandi design is critical to finishing this look. These pieces tend to be sculptural on their own and are often the focal point in a Scandi or Coastal Scandifornia room. Of course, you may not have unlimited funds for brand new Scandi-chic furniture. To get the look on a budget, shop for the IKEA furniture items that designers actually buy, but keep your muted, natural color palette in mind when selecting the foundational pieces for your new favorite design style.