Top Outer Banks Decor Trends

Usually, when we think of trends, we imagine fast fads that come and go, but coastal decor is different. It`s timeless, effortless, and welcoming. If the term rattan means anything to you, you`re most likely already ahead of the game. If not, don`t worry. This guide will show you how organic elements and more can transform your space into the ultimate beach house.

Let`s talk colors, textures, natural materials, and design influences from around the world. From the laid-back elegance of coastal grandmother to the free-spirited charm of boho beachy style or the sleekness of mid-century modern furniture in a beachside setting, these trends bring the coastal aesthetic to life. Sprucing up a vacation rental, adding seaside touches to your own home, or just dreaming of beach days on the Outer Banks, these ideas will have you feeling like you`re on vacation year-round.

If you`re planning a Fourth of July getaway, a Memorial Day weekend escape, or a girls` trip, you just might find the perfect home in this article to add style to your getaway.

1. Natural Fibers & Organic Textures

One of the best ways to create a laid-back, Outer Banks atmosphere is by using natural fibers like jute, rattan, and seagrass. These materials bring warmth and texture to a space while maintaining a light, airy feel.

As seen in: The bamboo dining room blinds at Lotus House, the boucle fabric and leather seating in Wright Waves perfectly showcase this trend. In Metamorphoseas and MerSea, rattan chairs add an effortless coastal touch. Fairway to Heaven and Kiteboarding Paradise both have coffee tables that bring in texture that complete the rooms.

How to incorporate it: 

2. Statement Patterns

Coastal homes are all about textures, but that doesn`t stop at furniture and fabrics. Graphic tiles and wallpaper are a fun way to add depth and personality while keeping that relaxed beach house vibe. Whether it`s a bold backsplash, patterned bathroom floor, or subtle wallpaper accent, these details make a space feel unique and fun.

As seen in: The Tides brings in tilework that`s inspired by international beach towns, with a gorgeous kitchen backsplash at Wright Waves. Island Enchantment, with its 24 bedrooms, has plenty of room to play with patterns, featuring lively wallpaper in some of the half bathrooms and geometric tiles in the bathrooms. Metamorphoseas blends floral geometric tiles in the bathrooms with textured wallpaper in the bedrooms that flows with the furniture. Kings Landing keeps the bathroom fun with retro green tile on the floor and around the bathtub. Skydance energizes the hallway with exciting wallpaper that makes the space pop. Zensation brings a subtle touch with wallpaper in the half baths, keeping the rest of the space minimal and balanced.

How to incorporate it:

• Use patterned tile backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom for a timeless upgrade.
• Less is more: it is easy to overwhelm a room with too many patterns, prints, and textures. Choose an accent wall or a half bathroom to spice up.
• Stick with coastal hues such as deep blues, sandy neutrals, or soft greens to keep the classic beach house feel.

3. Warm Wood

There`s something about warm wood tones that instantly make a space feel cozy and inviting. Whether it`s exposed beams, natural wood furniture, or subtle accents, this element brings a sense of depth and history to a home. Coastal design is all about balancing airy with grounded, and natural warm wood does just that! It also pairs nicely with textures, ocean hues, and patterns.

As seen in: Vaulted wood ceilings in Mermaid Crossing, elegant wood furniture in Coastal Calling, Caribbean Jewel, Lighthouse Loft, and OBX Soundfront Hideaway all showcase how warm wood adds character to any room. Homes such as Summer Days, Summer Nights, Hidden Gem, and even the Historic Nags Head Beach Inn have the classic OBX beach house design with the warm wood walls, paneling, and trim. This style has aged like fine wine, and if you`re lucky enough to find a beach house with original wood, well, you`re lucky enough.

How to incorporate it:

• Opt for warm wood cabinetry or furniture to add depth to light, breezy spaces.
• Exposed beams or wood paneling instantly give a home that classic, coastal charm.
• Mix textures like weathered wood, cane, or rattan to create contrast while keeping things soft and inviting.

4. Coastal Hues with a Pop of Blue

A little blue goes a long way in making a space feel like a true beach house. Inspired by the sea and sky, shades of blue bring a calming, natural vibe while adding just the right amount of contrast to neutral coastal palettes. Whether it`s a bold accent wall, kitchen cabinetry, or even small decorative touches, a pop of blue can tie the whole space together without overpowering the overall design.

As seen in: Lighthouse Loft nails this look with its deep blue cabinets and drawers while keeping the countertops a fresh white. Skydance takes it a step further with stunning hallway wallpaper that brings in just the right amount of color and texture as also shown in Statement Patterns at number two. Even in homes like Sunset Soiree and Go Fish, blue is subtly woven in through furniture, artwork, and throw pillows to create a cohesive look.

How to incorporate it:

• Go bold with navy or ocean blue kitchen cabinets for an instant statement.
• Use patterned tile or wallpaper in shades of blue to add texture and interest.
• Opt for blue throw pillows, rugs, or artwork to keep the look fresh and easy to update or change.

5. Statement Pendants and Chandeliers

The right lighting can completely transform a space, and coastal homes do it best with statement pendants and elegant chandeliers. Whether it`s woven textures, brass accents, or dazzling shell-inspired designs, these fixtures don`t just brighten up a room, they add personality, warmth, and a touch of luxury.

As seen in: Eleanor Dare brings the perfect mix of bold and beachy with rattan bedside pendant lights paired with an eye-catching orange patterned accent wall. Island Enchantment stuns with dazzling dining chandeliers, while Pier Envy goes for a softer, coastal-glam look with delicate, pearl-like pendants over the dining table. Skydance is a dream with woven pendant lights over the kitchen island (brass accents included!) and breathtaking chandeliers with a pearl essence design over the dining room. And for the ultimate touch of coastal elegance, Starboard Suite features an elegant chandelier that sets the mood for stylish seaside dining.

How to incorporate it:

• Go for woven pendant lights to add warmth and texture to kitchens and bedrooms.
• Choose shell-inspired or pearl-detailed chandeliers for a refined coastal touch.
• Mix materials like rattan, brass, or glass to create contrast while keeping the space soft and inviting.

6. Breezy Layouts

A well-designed beach home blurs the line between indoors and out, making the most of natural light, open spaces, and fresh airflow. Breezy layouts create an effortless, inviting feel, whether it`s through high ceilings, expansive windows, or sliding doors that bring in the fresh sea breeze. This design isn`t just about aesthetics, it`s about embracing the environment and making every space feel connected to nature.

As seen in: A Million Dreams is surrounded by windows that flood the living area with natural light and frame stunning soundside views, making it the perfect spot to catch a dreamy sunset. Summer Salt offers a similar open and airy design, but with breathtaking dune and ocean views. Jurmala keeps things minimalistic with large windows, greenery just beyond the glass, and vaulted wood ceilings that make the space feel even more expansive. Kings Landing brings warmth and texture into the mix, with an open feel, wood accents, and subtle pops of greenery throughout. Oceans 24 takes the coastal lifestyle to the next level with sliding deck doors that open completely, letting in the fresh ocean breeze and allowing for seamless al fresco dining.

How to incorporate it:

• Maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and choosing sheer or light-filtering window treatments.
• Opt for high or vaulted ceilings to create a more open, expansive feel.
• Use sliding or accordion-style doors to connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Bring in greenery to add life and freshness while maintaining a natural flow.
• Stick to a neutral color palette with soft, organic textures throughout.

7. Outdoor Dining & Views

Dining with a view is one of the best perks of vacationing on the OBX, and these homes take full advantage of their incredible surroundings. Whether it`s the sound, the ocean, or the treetops, outdoor dining spaces allow you to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.

As seen in: Four Seasons brings nature right to your doorstep with breathtaking views of the sound on one side and the ocean on the other. Morr to Sea gives you the ultimate oceanfront dining experience, nothing beats enjoying your fresh catch with the sound of the waves in the background. A Million Dreams offers a peaceful setting overlooking the sound and surrounding greenery, making it the perfect spot for a quiet meal with a view. Dune Dreamer lets you enjoy the salty ocean air while dining with a direct view of the beach. Eleanor Dare is a prime sunrise spot where you can wake up early to catch the sun rising over the waves. Fairway to Heaven provides a unique experience, dining among the treetops, surrounded by lush greenery. Island Enchantment features an incredible al fresco dining area with views of the dune-top pool and the ocean beyond. And Jurmala`s screened-in porch offers a relaxing space to unwind, no matter the weather.

How to incorporate it:

• Create a dedicated outdoor dining space that takes full advantage of your view, whether it`s a deck, patio, or screened-in porch.
• Choose weather-resistant furniture that complements your home`s natural surroundings.
• Use natural materials like wood, wicker, or stone to keep the outdoor dining area feeling connected to nature.

8. Coastal Classics: Stripes & Shiplap

Stripes and shiplap are timeless coastal trends that have stood the test of time. These elements bring texture, warmth, and a sense of structure to any space. Shiplap`s clean lines evoke a nautical feel, while stripes add playful energy or a touch of sophistication, depending on how they`re used. Together, they capture the essence of beach home design.

As seen in: MerSea features shiplap walls paired with a woven rug and a wood coffee table, using different elements to perfect the room. Jurmala embraces a minimalistic aesthetic in the bedroom with crisp white linens that complement the shiplap walls. At Kings Landing, a blue accent wall paired with shiplap walls brings a modern twist to the charming look, with artwork that goes with the color palette. Summer Salt takes a playful approach with striped bean bag chairs in the theater room, adding a fun pop to the space. And Solara adds shiplap to the dining area which creates an elegant look that draws your eyes to the ocean view.

How to incorporate it:

• Use shiplap walls in any room to add texture and create a nautical look.
• Pair stripes with shiplap to create a layered look, mixing things like striped pillows, rugs, or artwork.
• Choose soft, beachy hues for stripes like navy, white, or beige to keep the design laid back.

9. Custom Built Bunk Beds

Custom-built bunk beds turn the kids` rooms into more than just a place to sleep. They become forts, pirate ships, and secret hideouts, making bedtime a little easier for those who love to resist it. These bunk beds create a fun and functional space, perfect for the littles` big imaginations.

As seen in: Dune Dreamer features warm wood walls and deep, blue-colored bunk beds that create a cozy cabin feel, allowing the kids, or even the adults, to experience a touch of summer camp. Oceans 24 has fun white bunks, blue walls, and ship-inspired lighting that lets kids pretend their beds are ships setting sail. Island Enchantment keeps it fresh and clean with a bright white bunk bed room, offering a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Breezy Bungalow takes it up a notch with a twin loft bed on top and a queen bed below, turning the room into the ultimate sleepover spot. SOCO switches it up with a bunk bed set and two integrated beds that are situated parallel.

How to incorporate it:

• Add nautical decor to create an immersive experience, like ship wheels, sailboat artwork, or pirate treasure maps.
• Incorporate vibrant blues and sandy neutrals to keep the coastal theme consistent, while letting the custom beds shine as the room`s focal point.
• Include whimsical lighting fixtures by each bed to add to the adventurous summer camp theme.

Coastal Home Color Palette

This coastal-inspired color palette, featuring hues from Sherwin-Williams, blends soft neutrals, sandy beiges, ocean blues, and muted greens to reflect the natural beauty of the charming North Carolina coast. Paired with organic textures like woven rattan, linen fabrics, weathered driftwood, and seagrass, these colors create a relaxed and timeless aesthetic. The tones mirror coastal elements like dunes, waves, and wood making them perfect for a nature-inspired home.

Local Places to Shop

These shops offer a variety of seaside-inspired decor and furnishings, with everything from local art to specialty goods from around the world. Stop in to add OBX touches to your own home or to upgrade your beach cottage. Keep an eye on upcoming markets to find even more beautiful local art and products.

Duck:

• Urban Cottage
• Modern Beach House
• The Cottage Shop

Kitty Hawk:

• Absolutely Outer Banks

Kill Devil Hills:

• Coastal Home Outer Banks
• Salt Marsh Home

Nags Head:

• Sea Green Gallery

Manteo:

• Manteo Furniture & Appliance