Bringing Sunshine to the Coast: Designing a Yellow Coastal Cottage

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When you think of a coastal-inspired home, the first colors that likely come to mind are blues, greens, and neutrals.

While those palettes are classic and calming, infusing your coastal cottage with a bright, sunny yellow can create a refreshing and inviting aesthetic.

Yellow is an uplifting, cheerful color that evokes warmth and happiness - perfect for bringing that carefree, seaside vibe into your home.

Let’s walk through creating a beautiful yellow coastal cottage, from the entryway to the bedrooms.

We'll cover furniture, decor, textiles, and accessories to help you achieve this joyful, sun-drenched look.

By the end, your home will feel like a sunny beach oasis, no matter where it's located.

Welcoming Entry

The entryway is where you set the tone for your home, so it's the perfect place to start with your yellow coastal cottage design.

A sunny yellow console table or entry cabinet creates an upbeat, breezy feel as soon as you walk into your home.

Pair it with a mirror in a driftwood or whitewashed wood frame to enhance the coastal aesthetic.

Accent the entry with a cheerful yellow area rug, like this 8x10 cotton woven rug from Crate & Barrel. Its diamond pattern has a touch of boho flair that pairs beautifully with coastal styles.

Hang a few seascape or beach-themed wall art pieces, perhaps in shades of yellow, white, and blue, to complete the look.

For lighting, opt for a large, eye-catching pendant light fixture.

This Capiz 6-Light Chandelier from West Elm has an organic, beachy feel with its natural capiz shell shades.

Alternatively, this Hollis Pendant from Anthropologie features a woven rattan shade for a rustic-meets-coastal vibe.

Finally, don't forget to add some greenery and natural textures.

A potted palm, fiddle-leaf fig, or other lush plant will breathe life into the space, while woven baskets, driftwood accents, or jute rugs will reinforce the coastal theme.

Sunny Living Room

Moving into the living room, the sunny yellow palette continues.

Start with a plush, comfortable sofa in a soft, buttery shade of yellow.

This Serena & Lily Capri Sofa has clean, coastal lines and a beautiful linen upholstery.

Pair it with a pair of sunny yellow armchairs, like these Emmeline Chairs from Pottery Barn.

Ground the space with a large, textured area rug.

This Jute Chenille Rug from West Elm has a lovely, natural look that complements the yellow furnishings.

Layer in patterned throw pillows in shades of yellow, white, and blue for a cohesive, but visually interesting, look.

For the coffee table, opt for a natural wood or rattan piece to keep the coastal vibe strong.

This Carver Coffee Table from Crate & Barrel has an elegant, airy feel.

Top it with a stack of coastal-themed coffee table books, a decorative bowl or tray, and a few vases of fresh flowers.

Accent the walls with framed coastal art, sunburst mirrors, or whitewashed wood shelves displaying collected sea glass, driftwood, and other beachy treasures.

Sheer, billowy curtains in a pale yellow or white will soften the space and let in plenty of natural light.

Bright and Breezy Dining Room

Carry the sunny yellow theme into your dining room for a truly cohesive coastal cottage look.

Start with a classic farmhouse-style dining table in a natural wood tone.

This Benchmark Dining Table from West Elm has a beautiful, rustic-yet-refined look.

For the dining chairs, mix and match styles for visual interest.

Yellow spindle-back Windsor chairs, like these from Pottery Barn, would look charming paired with natural rattan or woven chairs.

Add some plush yellow cushions for comfort and pops of color.

Overhead, hang a large, statement-making pendant light fixture.

This Acapulco 6-Light Chandelier from Anthropologie has a beautiful, sculptural form with its rattan shades.

Or, opt for a simple but elegant white globe pendant, like this one from Crate & Barrel, to let the yellow furnishings shine.

Finish the space with a large, colorful area rug.

This Safavieh Montauk Rug from Overstock has a fun, abstract pattern in shades of yellow, blue, and white that would be perfect.

Hang some coastal wall art, perhaps in a gallery wall arrangement, and style a sideboard or hutch with collected shells, driftwood, and yellow accents.

Sunny and Serene Primary Bedroom

In the primary bedroom, continue the yellow and coastal theme with a focus on creating a calm, relaxing oasis.

Start with a soothing, sun-drenched yellow as the main wall color, like this "Sunbeam" shade from Behr. Pair it with crisp white trim and doors for a bright, airy feel.

For the bed, a natural wood or whitewashed frame keeps the coastal vibe strong.

This Fillmore Bed from Crate & Barrel has beautiful, sculpted lines that would look lovely.

Top it with luxurious yellow bedding, like this Linen Duvet Cover Set from West Elm.

Layer in patterned throw pillows in complementary blues, whites, and neutrals.

Accent the bedroom with natural wood nightstands, like these Landry Nightstands from Pottery Barn.

Top them with simple table lamps - these Marlow Table Lamps from Anthropologie have a lovely, organic shape.

Add a large, comfy yellow armchair or chaise for a cozy reading nook.

Finish the space with gauzy white curtains, a natural fiber area rug, and coastal-inspired wall decor.

A woven pendant light fixture or a whitewashed wood mirror would also tie the look together beautifully.

Bright and Breezy Guest Bedroom

In the guest bedroom, continue the sunny yellow and coastal theme, but with a slightly airier, more minimal approach.

Start with crisp white walls and pair them with a beautiful yellow upholstered bed frame, like this Emmeline Bed from Pottery Barn.

Top the bed with soft white bedding and layer in pops of yellow through the duvet cover, shams, and throw pillows.

Add natural wood nightstands, like these Delaney Nightstands from West Elm, topped with simple white table lamps.

For additional seating, a cozy yellow armchair or chaise would be a lovely addition.

Finish the space with breezy white curtains, a natural fiber area rug, and coastal-inspired artwork or mirrors.

Sunny and Serene Bathroom

In the bathroom, the yellow and coastal theme continues.

Start with a bright, sunny yellow vanity, like this Shaker-style cabinet from Wayfair.

Top it with a white quartz or marble countertop for a classic, high-end look.

Complement the yellow vanity with crisp white subway tile walls and floors.

Add in brushed brass or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures for warmth and contrast.

Hang a large, decorative mirror with a driftwood or whitewashed frame to enhance the coastal feel.

For the shower, opt for a glass enclosure to keep the space feeling open and airy.

Use white subway tiles on the walls and a natural stone or pebble floor for texture.

Hang sheer white curtains or install a bamboo Roman shade for privacy.

Finish the space with fluffy white towels, a plush yellow bath mat, and coastal-inspired accessories like seashells, baskets, and greenery.

If you have the space, a freestanding clawfoot tub would be a stunning, luxurious addition.

Bright and Breezy Outdoor Spaces

Bring the sunny, coastal vibe outside with your exterior spaces and landscaping.

Start with your entryway, hanging a cheerful yellow front door or painting the existing door a bright, sunny shade. Flank it with potted palms or other lush greenery.

In the backyard, create a cozy seating area with yellow outdoor furniture.

This Solano Outdoor Sectional from Crate & Barrel has a beautiful, slatted design that's perfect for a coastal cottage.

Pair it with matching yellow chairs and a low coffee table.

Add a touch of whimsy with a yellow hammock or porch swing, like this Ashbury Outdoor Swing from Anthropologie.

Surround the seating area with lush, tropical plants, fragrant flowering vines, and maybe even a citrus tree or two for that true coastal vibe.

For the patio or deck, use a cheerful yellow outdoor rug, like this Safavieh Courtyard Rug from Wayfair, to anchor the space.

String café lights overhead for a magical, twinkling ambiance in the evenings. Finish the look with decorative planters, garden stools, and coastal-themed decor.

Where to Shop

To achieve the perfect yellow coastal cottage aesthetic, here are some of the best places to shop for furniture, decor, and accessories:

Crate & Barrel: For classic, high-quality coastal furniture and decor, Crate & Barrel is a fantastic resource.

Their selection of sofas, dining tables, lighting, and rugs in natural, neutral tones is perfect for this look.

Pottery Barn: Pottery Barn has a great mix of coastal-inspired and classic furnishings, from beds and dressers to accent chairs and coffee tables.

Their textiles and accessories also make it easy to layer in pops of sunny yellow.

West Elm: West Elm is known for their modern, fresh take on coastal design.

They have a beautiful selection of yellow sofas, dining furniture, lighting, and accents that would work beautifully in a yellow coastal cottage.

Anthropologie: For a more boho-meets-coastal vibe, Anthropologie is a great place to find unique, artisanal pieces like woven chandeliers, patterned rugs, and one-of-a-kind wall decor.

Wayfair: As an online home retailer, Wayfair has an incredibly wide selection of furniture, decor, and accessories at all different price points.

It's a great source for finding affordable accents and smaller pieces to pull the look together.

Overstock: Similar to Wayfair, Overstock is another online home store with a huge variety of products, from area rugs and lighting to bedding and patio furniture.

Their coastal and yellow-hued offerings are especially budget-friendly.

By combining sunny yellow tones with classic coastal elements like natural wood, woven textures, and beachy accents, you can create a truly unique and inviting yellow coastal cottage aesthetic in your home.

With the right furnishings, decor, and accessories, you can transform any space into a cheerful, sun-drenched oasis.