'Coastal Scandifornia' is the chic, year-round vacation aesthetic that blends minimalism with seaside charm – and it's making waves in the interior world

Reinventing coastal style is no mean feat. The traditional blue and white, light and airy aesthetic is so synonymous with beachside homes and is honestly hard to beat.

But for those who love the laidback feel of coastal decor ideas but prefer to keep their homes just a touch minimalist, might we suggest adding in a little Scandinavian decor? Meet: Coastal Scandifornia.

This new interior design style, coined by the trend forecasters at Ruggable and interior designer and TikTok viral-trend-makeover Taylor Simon, is certainly one to watch in 2025. Blending the simplicity of Scandi style with the relaxed warmth of Cali coastal living, let us introduce you to your latest obsession.

What is the 'Coastal Scandifornia' asethetic?

When Ruggable, the washable rug brand, shared their top trends for 2025 with us there were a few aesthetics on the list that stood out. But none more so than the perfectly named 'Coastal Scandifornia' trend.

Breathing new life into the timeless coastal style, Claire Pinckney, manager of design trend forecasting at Ruggable, and designer Taylor Simon – the creator of the famous unexpected red theory – describe this trend as 'being on vacation at home'.

'This coastal trend reinvents seaside decor through soft utility and Scandifornian minimalism,' they explain. 'Inspired by the timeless charm of coastal living, this trend balances classic coastal charm with contemporary sophistication. Classic blue-and-white stripes are reinvented with a palette of sage, teal, and golden yellow.'

In order to achieve this fresh twist on such a classic style, they recommend using 'wave-inspired patterns, breezy linens, rustic wooden furniture, and sea glass accents. Take this trend a step further by opting for thrifted or unique items, a great way to inject some color and personality into the home through collected objects.'

'Laid-back and sophisticated, this trend combines textural causal elements that mimic the California coastal vibes with the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian design to create 'Coastal Scandifornia', explains Paula Dixon of Paula Dixon Design. 'This design style offers a relaxed yet chic aesthetic utilizing neutral colors paired with soft muted accent colors such as greens and blues.'

'Incorporate natural materials like the woven jute accents, as seen here on the chairs with woven accessories,' Paula suggests. 'Layer textural elements like linen paired with clean lines to pair the two styles seamlessly.' The result is a space that feels both ageless and contemporary, embodying a sense of effortless elegance.

This reimagined seaside style moves beyond predictable nautical motifs and turquoise accents to create something more relaxing, timeless, and liveable year-round. But how exactly do you achieve such a fine balance between the two distant aesthetics? Here, interior designers explain how.

How to achieve the Coastal Scandifornia look

1. Take cues from natural landscapes (not the ocean)

The simplest way to avoid any coastal decor mistakes is to steer clear of coastal cliches. When Taylor Simon posted a video teaching us how to properly decorate a beach house, one of the first things she mentioned was ditching any overly nautical themes.

Interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe agrees, saying, 'Having worked on several coastal homes, we always take cues from the surrounding landscape rather than relying on cliched nautical themes.'

'The most successful coastal interiors are those that feel natural and understated', she advises. 'Sisal or jute rugs, soft cotton upholstery, and a palette inspired by sand, sea, and sky. Powdery blues and muted neutrals work beautifully in these settings, creating a space that feels calm, airy, and timeless.'

2. Select a soothing palette

Color plays a crucial role in achieving the Coastal Scandifornia aesthetic, setting the tone for a space that feels serene. Instead of the typical bright blues and stark whites often associated with coastal color schemes, this trend leans into a softer, more nuanced palette inspired by nature.

'While living near the California coast, I've been consistently drawn to the balance and blend of understated luxury, sculptural lines, clutter-free spaces, and coastal elements - especially in natural materials, textures, and tones,' says interior designer Sabah Mansoor. 'There's an ease one feels in this environment; interiors reflecting the 'Scandifornia' style are relaxed and inviting, and the palettes are soothing.'

'Instead, visual interest is found in various textures and luxurious materials, as well as the mix of family heirlooms, or a whimsical piece of art or furnishing,' she adds. Think warm sandy beiges, muted sage greens, and soft blue-grays, colors that echo coastal cliffs and golden-hour light, rather than deep sea blues.

3. Look to natural materials

Instead of modern surfaces, this trend embraces the beauty of raw, imperfect materials that age gracefully over time. Think woven rattan, rustic ceramics, and soft linens – these materials help soften the clean lines of Scandi minimalism, making a space feel more inviting and lived-in.

'Coastal Scandifornia may be a trendy new term, but the style itself certainly isn't new or fleeting,' says designer Kasey Smith who designed the laidback bedroom above. 'The clean, minimal lines of Scandinavian design mixed with the laid-back lifestyle of California coastal living is reflective of the modern mental health mindset: less but better. Simple yet luxe. Clean and peaceful.'

'In this home, we pulled elements of Scandinavian style: crisp whites, a minimalist feel, and a clear connection to nature, and tied them together with California coastal style: relaxed with sandy neutrals and beachy textures,' says Kasey.

4. Finish with plenty of texture

Reclaimed wood, vintage finds, and soft textures are the finishing touches that give the aesthetic its soul. While the trend embraces light, airy spaces, these elements introduce warmth, depth, and a sense of history that keeps the look from feeling too pristine.

Think linen throw pillows and blankets, woven jute rugs, chunky boucle teddy chairs, and rattan furniture mixed with small decor pieces like a seagrass basket or a ceramic sculpture.

'The California coastal look and the minimalist Scandinavian one really go hand in hand,' says Kathy Kuo. 'Both aesthetics are heavily rooted in a sense of place and both draw extensively from the beauty of the natural world.'

'Blend these two trends by investing in reclaimed wood, plenty of warm neutral colors, clean lines and modern silhouettes, and wall art that speaks to your favorite coastal landscapes,' Kathy suggests.

The beauty of this aesthetic lies in its ability to feel traditionally coastal while still maintaining a light, airy appeal. Whether you’re renovating an entire home or just updating a single room, embracing the laid-back luxury of Coastal Scandifornia is a simple way to bring the tranquility of the coast into your everyday life.