The Block 2024 contestant Paige (who’s on the show with her fiancé Jesse) might have sounded like she completely made up ‘Coastal Grandma’ when describing the aesthetic they’re going for in the house they’re making over on Phillip Island for the 20th season, but she might be onto something. “We love an elevated Coastal Grandma vibe – very fresh, classic, understated, very chic, undone, easy-breezy, coastal vibe,” she said in the first week.
Each of The Block teams are embracing different styles, and Paige and Jesse’s Coastal Grandma aesthetic is certainly not a style they made up – in fact, it’s been around for quite some time now. The term ‘Coastal Grandmother’ first caught on back in 2022 when TikTok influencer Lex Nicoleta made a video about it that went viral. It described an aesthetic that was inspired by the Nancy Meyers movie Something’s Gotta Give, starring Diane Keaton. We can’t wait to see what The Block judges make of it.
What is Coastal Grandma?
Fashion-wise, Coastal Grandma style is inspired by, well, a coastal grandmother – or a very idealised version of one – without actually having to be one. Your wardrobe would consist of blue-and-white striped shirts, wide-leg linen pants and cable knit jumpers to throw over your shoulders for a breezy walk on the beach, with a straw hat on. Basically, emulating a wealthy, put-together older woman who lives by the sea.
The Coastal Grandma trend also translates into interiors. It’s a home with crisp whites and blues, plenty of stripes, fluffy cream cushions and seaside influences, a straw basket or two, and polished timber floors for a barefoot-chic feel.
“Rather than just a trend for clothing or interiors, it’s a whole lifestyle,” Lex explains. “Hobbies include but aren’t limited to hosting, gardening, spending time at the beach and the farmers’ market. It’s about taking elements of an aspirational lifestyle and bringing them into your own life.”
Is Coastal Grandmother still in?
Unlike some other TikTok interior trends that don’t last, Coastal Grandmother is as popular as ever in 2024 and beyond – just ask Paige and Jesse from The Block. This is due to the fact that the style is fundamentally classic, meaning it won’t date. It can be freshened up year after year – but the key details, such as stripes, linens, woven details, whites and blues, will remain timeless.
Three steps to Coastal Grandma interior design style
Follow these three tips for Coastal Grandma interiors.
1. Classic, understated and chic
At the heart of Coastal Grandma style is a simple and classic sensibility. It’s similar to the feel of a classic Hamptons home, with blues, creams and whites – with a little more of a coastal twist.
2. Undone, easy-breezy
The secret to getting Coastal Grandmother interior design down-pat is to ensure there’s an ‘undone’ effortlessness to the room, like in Tara Dennis’ riverside home. That might mean including woven pieces, stone details, weathered woods and vintage artworks. Second-hand finds help give a lived-in, effortless feeling.
3. Coastal vibe
Essential to the Coastal Grandma look is obviously the ‘coastal’ feeling. Shells, ocean motifs and anything that feels seaside and chic are the way to go – be sure to keep it subtle and elevated.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
