4 minute read • Prize Home Lottery, Mater Lotteries, Mater Prize Home
An interior styling guide to sophisticated coastal
Creating a sophisticated coastal look with a modern twist can transform your home into a serene yet luxurious escape. This elevated take on coastal design moves away from traditional blues, opting instead for a chic blend of black, white, and wood with accents of green to bring the feeling of a coastal retreat without the usual colour palette.
Our latest Mater Prize Home lottery No. 316 is situated on one of the Gold Coast’s beautiful canals so naturally its architectural and interior design has drawn inspiration from its waterfront location, but with an elegant, refined update.
This modern take on coastal style is all about balance—pairing a sleek black palette and natural wood accents with ample natural light, organic textures, and lush greenery. With an emphasis on sophistication and simplicity, this elevated coastal look is as calming as it is stylish, offering a fresh, luxurious way to bring the essence of the coast into your home.
Whether through polished cabinetry, thoughtful black accents, or organic wood tones, you can create a coastal space that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Light and bright
A key element of any coastal-inspired interior is a sense of openness and abundant natural light. To create this feeling, start with a bright, airy foundation by keeping walls and ceilings a crisp white colour. Floor-to-ceiling windows or strategically placed glass doors can maximise daylight, enhancing the coastal vibe while creating the perfect canvas for sleek, sophisticated accents. Sheer window treatments are also great for making the space feel both luxurious and spacious. This sense of brightness not only keeps the coastal ambiance authentic but also allows any darker tones, like black or rich woods, to feel balanced and uplifting.
Elegant in black
Incorporating black into coastal design may seem counterintuitive, but with careful placement, black accents can bring a refined edge without making the space feel dark. Striking yet streamlined pops of black will maximise your impact without overwhelming the space or detracting from the room’s airiness. Details like black window and door frames and even skirting boards like those throughout our Mater Prize Home not only ground the room but also contrast beautifully against the lighter backdrop, creating a chic, smart look.
Refreshing greens
Rather than classic nautical blues, greenery serves as a refreshing accent that feels modern yet naturally connected to the coastal environment. Indoor plants like monsteras, ferns, and fiddle-leaf figs bring a burst of life and colour while softening black accents and complementing wood tones.
Besides botanicals, embrace statement furniture pieces in forest green hues. This brings in a lively, coastal element without committing to a full colour overhaul. Place green accents thoughtfully to prevent the space from feeling overly decorated; aim to let the green elements be minimalistic, giving each plant or statement furniture piece room to breathe and stand out.
Warming woods
Wood is an essential part of a coastal-inspired design, but instead of distressed or whitewashed finishes, consider rich, natural tones that introduce warmth and refinement. Light oak or walnut wood pieces, whether in furniture, cabinetry, or décor, add an organic feel that complements both black and white.
The kitchen is an ideal place to experiment with this modern coastal colour palette. A combination of black and wood cabinetry, paired with white countertops, can create an interior that feels coastal yet contemporary. Black lower cabinets, for instance, can add depth and sophistication, while upper cabinets in natural wood keep the area open and connected to the coast’s organic elements. Opt for slick, smooth cabinetry without hardware to keep the overall look fresh and minimalist.
For countertops, white enhances the light-drenched feel and keeps the kitchen from appearing too heavy. Add in accents of greenery—such as potted herbs on the countertop or a statement tall plant nearby—to soften the look and bring in a touch of nature. This helps to keep the kitchen feeling fresh and inviting, especially when it opens up and connects so seamlessly to the outdoors like the open-plan kitchen, living and dining space in our prize home does.
Ready to embrace a luxurious coastal lifestyle on the Gold Coast? Buy your tickets today for your chance to win our sophisticated coastal Mater Prize Home. Plus, for every ticket you purchase you’re helping support the vital medical research and patient care at Mater.
