Coastal landscapes have a look and feel that set them apart. It’s not about specific plants or decor. It’s about using design principles that work with light, air, movement, and the realities of coastal weather.
A well-designed coastal landscape captures the relaxed, breezy character of the shoreline no matter where the home sits.
The Core Principles of Coastal Design
Coastal landscapes prioritize openness. Sightlines are kept clear to emphasize space and connection. Layered textures add depth without feeling heavy. Height variation creates movement as light shifts throughout the day.
These principles create a calm, breathable environment that feels connected to its surroundings.
Designing With the Coast in Mind
Salt, wind, and sun shape every decision. Materials need to last. Forms need to be flexible. The space needs enough structure to hold its shape yet enough softness to feel relaxed.
Designers use these realities as guidelines, not limitations. The result is a landscape that thrives instead of struggles.
The Aesthetic That Sets Coastal Landscapes Apart
The best coastal spaces feel effortless and restrained. Clean lines. Soft transitions. A palette that doesn’t compete with the architecture or the natural environment. Instead of overloaded details, every element has room to breathe.
This simplicity is intentional. It makes the landscape feel timeless.
Bringing Coastal Principles Into Any Yard
Coastal design doesn’t require a waterfront address. Small changes can shift a landscape toward a more coastal feel:
• opening sightlines
• simplifying bed shapes
• incorporating airy textures
• emphasizing natural flow
The principles matter because they outlast trends and keep the space feeling modern for years.
The Takeaway
A true coastal landscape isn’t defined by what you plant. It’s defined by how the space is shaped to feel open, comfortable, and connected to its environment. When the principles are honored, the entire property feels more relaxed and refined.
At Coastal Landscapes, these design principles guide every decision we make. Whether a project sits directly on the water or in a neighborhood inland, we design with the same coastal clarity, openness, and long-term resilience. If you want your property to feel genuinely coastal, our team knows how to bring that vision to life.