A far cry from Tony Stark's modernized mansion in Malibu, the character Robert Downey Jr. played in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his actual thin-shell home is an aerodynamic, environmentally conscious hobbit-style house, and his small living room ticks the boxes of a surprising interior design trend – coastal Scandifornia.
Reinventing coastal style is no easy feat, but designers and decorators are moving away from the cookie-cutter themed spaces of yesteryear to more, luxe-livable ones for 2025. Coastal Scandifornia is simple, breathable, and with intrinsic links to nature, it is a decorating trend that exudes calm. It is Minimalism with a touch of Californian charm.
Bringing together coastal charm and Scandinavian sensibility, it’s guaranteed to create an effortless, less-is-more aesthetic – and there’s no better place to start than in one of the most frequented rooms in the home – the living room.
But where to begin when designing a coastal living room with notes of Scandinavian minimalism? For me, the color palette is always a great starting point.
Decorating with white is often the default for a minimalist living room, however, this can often leave spaces feeling cold, especially if the white is pure or cool. Opting for a scheme of warm neutrals, reminiscent of earthy landscapes, such as stone tones, beiges, and creams, will ensure a room feels relaxed and inviting, which is important when it comes to curating a minimalist living room.
Shop the 'Scandifornia' look
With an intricate woven leather pattern the Ackley Leather Ottoman lends texture and visual interest to your space. Refined in style, this ottoman enhances the design of gathering areas while adding extra seating and comfort.
The Sassolino table by Athena Calderone looks to nature for its striking contemporary-meets-organic vibe. I love how this mixed-material coffee table breaks up angular lines and softens living spaces. It is the perfect example of the curvaceous furniture trend.
Throw pillows are the simplest way to introduce the coastal Scandifornia look to your home. Designed by Élan Byrd, a Miami-based artist and textile designer whose tactile pieces celebrate the natural world, the Topos throw pillow features a sinuous motif spread across an earth-tone backdrop.
When introducing furniture and soft furnishings for a light-filled and relaxed coastal Scandifornia living room, it's always best to remember that less is most definitely more, says Genna Margolis, interior designer and founder of Shapeside.
'You don’t want furniture that is going to fill the entire space. You want pieces that still leave a lot of room, so the size of the pieces should be a little bit smaller than usual to get the look. And, when it comes to wall decor, do not overdo it, you want to have decor on the wall without overcovering the wall space.'
In Robert's space, the light, exposed plaster walls create a pared-back yet textural foundation while sculptural furniture with sinuous shapes takes center stage, including a curvaceous, low-slung, squishy living room sofa, which is upholstered in a soft, tactile fabric to bring an element of coziness.
With the lure of living by the sea more popular than ever, the coastal Scandifornia trend is a wonderful way to recreate the feeling of living by the seaside, even if you are thousands of miles away. This reimagined seaside style moves beyond predictable nautical motifs and navy or turquoise accents to create an aesthetic that is more relaxing, timeless, and liveable year-round.
