Coastal souvenir styling Ideas
There is nothing better than combining two favorite things: travel and interior design. Whenever I’m exploring a new place, whether it’s just across the border or a flight away, I find myself on the lookout for something special to bring back. This summer we’ll kick off with Summer finds: Souvenirs to bring the beach home.
A hand-thrown bowl, a striped linen towel, or a candle with a local scent, these little accents carry memories. They don’t try to recreate the whole vacation vibe (I’m not pretending I live in St Tropez 😉), but they do add a soft, personal layer to the rooms I live in every day.
So, in today’s post, I’m sharing three favorite regions for stylish, summery interior finds from the sun-drenched Mediterranean to the elegant Hamptons and the gentle tones of our own Dutch and Belgian coastlines.
Ready to pack a little beach house charm into your suitcase? Let’s go.
Mediterranean Magic
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France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza and Mallorca, are all beloved summer destinations. Think about products like
- Handmade or Hand-painted Ceramics/Porcelain
Like these Kyma set of two painted porcelain cups and saucers reflecting the Greek Aegean Sea by Themis Z.
- Woven Basket or other natural rattan pieces, they instantly bring a relaxed, summery feeling into your space.
- Blue and White textiles; that evoke sun-soaked days by the sea. Not a fan of blue in your interior? Try soft sand tones for the same breezy effect.
Styling Tip: combine with linen and for the Ibiza lovers with driftwood
Dune Tones & North Sea finds, souvenirs from our own coast
Sometimes the most inspiring treasures are found close to home. Along the Dutch, Belgian, and western French coastlines, you’ll discover a relaxed coastal charm that’s soft, natural, and quietly elegant.
Look for:
- Neutral-toned ceramics from local artisan markets (think Zeeland, Knokke, or Île de Ré)
- Vintage linen tea towels or striped deck chair fabrics from seaside boutiques. Like Libéco or Flamant products in Belgium.
- Framed prints, postcards, or black-and-white photography of the sea and dunes
It does not have to be expensive. This poster of a lady diving into the sea adds a fresh summery touch and it is only around € 40.
🌾 Styling tip: Layer soft sand, seashell, and misty gray tones.
Souvenirs from Cape Cod, The Hamptons and New England Shores
For that timeless East Coast look — crisp, breezy, and a little nautical — think about pieces that are elegant yet playful.
Look for:
- Striped textiles in navy, white, or soft gray from local boutiques
- Hand-poured sea-salt candles or soaps from coastal makers
- Coral as an accent color — whether in a throw pillow, ceramic bowl, or a framed print
- A decorative lobster figurine or small sculpture — more design detail than beach bar
🦞 Styling tip: A touch of coral (color or shape) can brighten up a neutral palette beautifully. The key is to keep it subtle — one or two well-chosen pieces will add personality without making your home feel too themed. Think chic, not kitschy!
Bonus Tips
- 🌊 A few posts about coastal destinations you might enjoy:
🇳🇱 Zeeland (NL) – Zeeland, and especially Schouwen Duiveland
🇧🇪 Knokke (BE) – Mundane Knokke-Heist for upscale interior shopping
🇺🇸 Long Island (USA) – Lose your heart on Long Island
- 🧳 Travel Light — Decorate Light
- No trip planned this summer? I’ve gathered Beach-inspired pieces you can shop online easy, stylish, and suitcase-free. ✨ check here
Enjoy your summer and your Summer finds: Souvenirs to bring the beach home!
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