Discover Coastal Grandmother Style with vintage decor ideas from a summer in Maine. Timeless, breezy, and filled with nostalgic charm.
If Coastal Grandmother Style had a hometown, it might just be our cozy summer cottage in coastal Maine.
With breezy curtains, vintage dishware, cedar shingles, and stories passed down from my mother, this nostalgic decor trend feels like home.
Today I’m sharing how we embraced this effortlessly elegant look with thrifted finds, family heirlooms, and those timeless “grandma” touches that never go out of style.
Meet my mother, Shirley, who inspired it all~
What Is Coastal Grandmother Style? A Timeless Look Rooted in Vintage Charm
Influencer Lex Nicoleta coined the now-iconic term Coastal Grandmother Style, and her short video here offers a charming glimpse into the lifestyle trend that took the design world by storm. Think: breezy button-downs, beach walks, Nancy Meyers kitchens, and interiors filled with soft linens, natural textures, and heirloom charm. In home decor, Coastal Grandma style celebrates simplicity, vintage treasures, and a sense of lived-in comfort—surrounding yourself with pieces that spark joy and carry a story.
@lexnicoleta Reply to @herathehund KITCHEN TOUR #coastalgrandmother #kitchentour ♬ pennies from heaven lofi remix with super haz – LLusion
My Coastal Grandma Inspiration
For me, the original Coastal Grandmother was my own mother. She lived her best life here in coastal Maine, with a style that was effortlessly elegant, timeless, and always filled with warmth. We inherited her beloved home six years ago, and it’s been my joy to slowly restore and restyle it in her honor. From the cedar shingles to the vintage linens and collected antiques, her spirit is in every corner.
You can explore the full transformation in our Coastal Maine Home Tour and dive deeper into the story through my ongoing blog series, In My Mother’s Maine Home, where I share renovation updates, sentimental finds, and seasonal decor inspiration rooted in coastal vintage style.
Living the Coastal Maine Lifestyle: Decor, Traditions, and Summer Charm
Have you ever spent a summer by the sea in Maine? With its rocky coastline, salty breezes, lobster buoys, and pastel-washed towns, coastal Maine is a place like no other. We swim in the freezing ocean, wear sweatshirts on July nights, collect driftwood and shells, and style our homes with antique finds and faded nautical charm. It’s silver bracelets, beach bonfires, tree-torn sneakers, and Chappy Wrap blankets wrapped around you as the sun sets over the water.
Shop Chappy Wrap Blankets
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Coastal Grandmother Decor Style: Vintage Touches for a Seaside-Inspired Home
Coastal Grandmother Decor is where seaside nostalgia meets timeless vintage charm—and I like to think this Maine home captures it to a tee. Picture sun-faded linens in soft whites, creams, and pastel blues; weathered wood furniture with salty stories to tell; and cozy corners filled with wicker baskets, seashells, and collected maritime treasures.
This relaxed style isn’t about perfection—it’s about comfort, charm, and slow-living by the sea. Think a plush, timeworn sofa layered with knitted throws, antique books stacked on a rustic shelf, and candlelit hurricane lamps flickering beside breezy curtains. Every detail invites you to breathe deeply and stay a little longer.
Welcome to my mother’s Maine home, lovingly restored with all the warmth and coastal character of generations past. It was even featured in Country Sampler Magazine’s 40th anniversary edition.
Our Home, Featured in Country Sampler Magazine
In 2024, our coastal Maine home was featured in Country Sampler Magazine—a true dream come true! It was an unforgettable experience, and I’ve shared all the behind-the-scenes moments, vintage styling, and emotional details in this special post.
Lobster Bake Table Settings
Backyard lobster bakes are a summer tradition here in coastal Maine. I styled these tables using vintage lobster picks, thrifted dinnerware, and a big splash of New England charm.
Summer Table Setting with Vintage McCoy and Coastal Charm
Embrace the colorful spirit of Coastal Grandmother decor with a summer table setting that’s as welcoming as it is nostalgic. I styled our dining room table with cheerful yellow vintage McCoy pottery, rich blue and white dishes, pewter goblets, and jewel-toned glassware that sparkles in the summer light. Fresh purple hyacinths mingle with strawberries and seasonal blooms, creating a simple yet elegant centerpiece.
I also added whimsical touches like lobster butter bowls and handcrafted silverware pouches to elevate everyday dining into something special. From the Beaumont pottery accents to the soft coastal color palette, this tablescape is all about slow living and summertime memories.
You can find more about this setup in my post, How to Style a Table with Vintage Charm Using Silverware Pouches
Vintage-Inspired Table Settings for Every Season You’ll Love
From porch breakfasts to holiday gatherings, this vintage tablescape guide includes styling inspiration for every season—indoor and outdoor—using thrifted and antique finds.
From indoor nooks to outdoor porches, I hope these ideas inspire your own Coastal Grandma decor style this season.
Coastal Grandmother Outdoor Beverage Table Idea
The Coastal Grandmother knows how to welcome guests with timeless style—and that starts with an inviting outdoor beverage station. We brought the indoors out with this vintage wooden table, styled with colorful thrifted glassware, a bouquet of fresh white flowers arranged in a silver champagne bucket, and a simple infused water setup. It’s the perfect prelude to a relaxed lobster dinner under the trees or a slow summer afternoon spent by the sea. This little moment is all about charm, nostalgia, and making guests feel right at home.
Discover more beverage styling ideas in these entertaining posts:
Coastal Grandmother Kitchen Decor with Faux Desserts
A true Coastal Grandmother loves to create a warm, inviting home—even if she’s not much of a baker. My mother and I both fall into that category, so instead of fresh pies or homemade cakes, we turn to beautiful faux desserts to set the scene. These handcrafted pieces, like this charming Faux Berry Mousseline Tarte by Everything Dawn, look stunning displayed on vintage cake stands layered on the counter, dining table, or even perched playfully atop the microwave. I styled this little dessert table to welcome a visiting friend, complete with my mother’s antique pink teacups and champagne flutes, layered linen napkins, and fresh flowers in a silver champagne bucket. It’s an easy and elegant kitchen styling tip—and a fun way to embrace Coastal Grandmother decor without ever turning on the oven.
Explore more in these faux dessert favorites:
Try a Styling Tip!
Looking for simple, vintage-inspired decorating ideas you can try in an afternoon? Explore all my Styling Tips for easy seasonal projects, quick DIYs, and creative ways to style your home with charm.
Patriotic Coastal Decor for a Summer in Maine
Summer in coastal Maine doesn’t truly kick off until the Fourth of July, when the salty sea air is filled with celebration and charm. While we’re still easing into the season, it’s the perfect time to start adding a few patriotic summer touches to your home. From vintage flags to red, white, and blue tablescapes, there are so many easy ways to bring coastal grandmother-style decor into your summer holiday celebrations. Think timeless charm, collected pieces, and a nod to Americana woven together with breezy seaside vibes.
Patriotic Vintage Decor Guide
Looking to style your home with red, white, and blue this summer? Explore 12 creative vintage-inspired patriotic decor ideas—from DIY flags and alfresco tablescapes to guest bedroom accents and porch displays. Perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and all your summer styling needs.
Recommended Reading
You may also find inspiration in the post Quilt Jackets: The Trendy Vintage Fashion.
Handmade Touches in a Coastal Grandmother Bedroom
One of the hallmarks of coastal grandmother style is a love for slow living and meaningful handmade touches—especially in the bedroom. Whether it’s a hand-stitched quilt, a cozy braided rug, or a vintage-inspired quilted jacket, these comforting pieces bring timeless charm to every corner.
In our coastal Maine home, I’ve styled one bedroom with a stack of my mother’s cherished handmade quilts folded neatly on top of an antique dresser. Her beautiful braided rugs—crafted in soft, faded coastal hues—ground the room with warmth and texture. And while my mother didn’t make it herself, a vintage-inspired quilted jacket handmade by a talented creator now hangs proudly as part of the decor, echoing the story behind each lovingly stitched piece.
These elements aren’t just decor—they’re memory keepers. Each one captures the essence of coastal grandmother living: cozy, creative, and filled with love.
Explore Vintage Bedroom Decor Guide
Ready to give your bedroom timeless character and charm? Explore my Vintage Bedroom Décor Guide featuring 50+ cozy styling ideas using antique furniture, vintage linens, and heirloom accents—all inspired by our Vermont and Maine homes.
A Coastal Grandmother and Her Dogs: A Timeless Companionship
Nothing says coastal grandmother style quite like the quiet companionship of a beloved dog by your side—whether curled up on the couch, riding shotgun on a scenic coastal drive, or sunbathing on the porch. For us, dogs have always been part of the family story and the decor style.
Meet Ella, our affectionate Bernese Mountain Dog, who is often found lounging in our coastal cottage living room or enjoying cozy couch moments with me. Her presence brings joy, comfort, and a lived-in charm that defines the heart of a true coastal grandmother home.
My own mother adored her Basset Hounds and Dachshunds—this photo of her in the 1950s with her dog Boozer at the lighthouse near our Maine home captures that spirit perfectly. It’s more than decor—it’s lifestyle, legacy, and love all rolled into one.
If you enjoy decorating with pets in mind, check out a few of our vintage pet-friendly spaces: Vintage Balancing Toy Whale with a Meaningful Story, Cozy Couch Style for Snowy Winter Days, and Life with Bernese Mountain Dogs: Love, Loss, and 25 Years of Devotion. Dogs are the perfect finishing touch to any cozy, coastal, collected home.
Recommended Reading
Looking for more coastal grandmother inspiration? Explore this Coastal Wall Decor Ideas: Framing a 1920s Bathing Suit post.
A Vintage Coastal Grandmother Moment on the Tennis Court
One of my favorite recent finds? This charming old video of my mother playing tennis in the 1970s with her dear friend Judy Seidner—right on the water in York Beach, Maine. Dressed in crisp whites and full of joy, it’s such a true reflection of the coastal grandmother lifestyle: elegance, friendship, movement, and ocean breezes.
This was filmed at the Seedners’ oceanside home, where I spent many summer days as a child with my best friend, Jenny Seedner. Watching it brings back all the memories of laughter, lobsters, tennis rackets, and salty Maine air. It’s Coastal Grandmother style in its most authentic, lived form.
7 Old Galvanized Bucket Planter Ideas
Don’t you just love this galvanized red bucket?
I picked it up last year while out Thrifting with the Gals, and I had forgotten all about it!
Geraniums remind me so much of a Coastal Grandmother as I reflect on the days when my mother would ride out to their gift shop at the Nubble Lighthouse daily to water the red geranium window boxes.
You may also enjoy the post, White Petunias Antique Arrangement Ideas.
Check out these Galvanized Flower Buckets: 7 DIY Floral Designs that I recently shared.
You may also enjoy these Red Geranium Time-Honored Window Flower Boxes.
A Coastal Grandmother’s Charm Bracelet
Do you remember when charm bracelets were so popular, and then there were the Pandora bracelets?
I think every Coastal Grandma I know has had a precious charm bracelet.
And at the end of last summer, I found this long-lost charm bracelet that was my mother’s, and I wrote and shared all about it in this post, Embracing Summer’s End.
Start Your Own Charm Bracelet Tradition
Antiquing and Thrifting
Now, not all coastal grandmothers love to go antiquing and thrifting, but mine sure did. And I do, too! Join me every month here on the blog for a round-up of all my coastal thrifting this summer in the series Thrifting with the Gals.
Or daily over on Instagram with my sidekick, Ella!
Take Our Coastal Grandma Decor Video Home Tour of Earlier this Spring
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
Pin forLater!
Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours
I am joining some of my blogging friends this week for the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours. Thirty talented and creative women will open their homes up for you to tour all week. You can visit each summer home tour by clicking the links below.
Monday’s Tours
The Tattered Pew / Cottage On Bunker Hill / She Gave It A Go
Cottage In The Mitten / Stonegable / My Wee Abode
Tuesday’s Tours
Thistle Key Lane / Midwest Life & Style / White Lilac Farmhouse
My Thrift Store Addiction / Willow Bloom Home Blog / Dabbling and Decorating
Wednesday’s Tours
Bricks ‘n Blooms /Amy Sadler Designs / Peacock Ridge Farm
White Arrows Home / Pasha Is Home / The Ponds Farmhouse
Thursday’s Tours
Simply2Moms / Country Peony / Southern Home and Hospitality
Shiplap and Shells / Eleanor Rose Home / Cloches and Lavender
Friday’s Tours
Le Cultivateur / Lora Bloomquist Create & Ponder / Noting Grace
My Family Thyme / Vintage and Grace Living / County Road 407
This Coastal Grandmother Summer Decor is perfect for your mother’s home. It features stylish Coastal accents in a cheerful and inviting color scheme. The pieces are easy to assemble and look great when finished.
Thank you for your kind words😃
I love your style so much!!! Your home is so beautiful!!! Everything looks so fresh and cozy for summer! I love it!!
Ann, your mom’s home definitely nails the coastal grandmother style! I love your collected style on that tablescape too. Everything is so lovely and welcoming. Happy to be touring with you. Enjoy your summer!
Thank you so much Kate😃
Hi Ann! Loved the home tour! What color is the trim in the bedroom on the first floor? I am considering painting all of my walls white and the trim a blueish gray. Cheers!
Hi Peg, thank you so much. The color is beautiful we love it. However, it’s a formula, not just a named color. If you drop me an email at [email protected] I’ll gladly email you the formula.
Your home fits the Coastal Grandmother style to the tee, Ann! The quilts your mom made are such a treasure. Old quilts are beautiful but when they have meaning to the owner, that makes them really special. I love your home – both of them! Your style is so casual and comfortable and welcoming! Pinned!
Thank you so much Cindy, I really appreciate it!
What a wonderful home & great memories. The quilts are so beautiful. So glad to join you on this Summer Home tour.
Thank you Cynthia!
It’s a wonderful home and some great memories. Your mother had a wonderful place to live and her quilts were just beautiful.
Thank you kindly Marlene!
Maine is one of my very favorite places…I need my feet under your table for that lobster…oh, my! I may truly fit into the coastal grandmother category…quilts, charm bracelets and geraniums are all favorites! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home!
Thank you Leslie, I’m so grateful that you stopped by today!
Your dining table is so quaint! And I always love when Ella makes an appearance! You capture my favorite way to style family treasures and accomplish it so beautifully!
Thank you kindly Jennifer!
I’m so in love with this post! It’s so special and such a fun way to look at your collections and entertaining.
Thank you so much Kristin😃
Ann your home is always beautiful. So many cozy pieces. You have such a wonderful vintage collection.
Send some of your shops to NJ. Love seeing Ella’s too!
I wish I could Cindy, I understand you don’t have a lot there. Well if it makes you feel better, we hardly have any big box stores in Vermont…
Ann, this is such a fun post! I love reading about the coastal grandmother style and seeing your mother’s lovely home. Such a treat! I hope to make it to Maine someday and go antiquing! 😊
Thank you Michelle. I always love seeing your beautiful posts too😘
I loved this blog post! The vintage tablecloth with lobsters was so beautiful. I am in New England as well. We are on the south coast of Massachusetts!
Heidi thank you so much. I’m so glad you stopped by👏🏻👏🏻
You are living the dream girlfriend! Love your authentic coastal grandmother style and all the treasures. I’ve never been to Maine but it’s on my bucket list! It sounds so fun and your tour makes me think I’ve already been. Love it all!
Thank you so much Cindy😘
Ann, everything about your home is lovely! I enjoy everything you share. What treasures you have from the home to the quilts and braided rugs. Such a beautiful coastal tour! Pinned and so nice sharing a hop with you!!💙
Thank you so much, Kim!
Always so fun touring your homes, Ann. They both are gorgeous and I love how you incorporated the Coast Grandmother aspect in your tour! Always love touring with you!
Thank you so much Julie💙
Ann, Your Mom was a talented woman…between the quilting, making rugs, and her tennis skills! Gosh, that was fun watching the video…it brings me back! Beautifully written piece! Oh, and I just found my charm bracelet this week in a little jewelry bag!
No way, that’s awesome. The charm bracelets jingle a lot but I love them! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Jennifer. See you next weekend!
This is such a fun blog post to read Ann. Your mother was the perfect “coastal grandmother kind-of-gal”! I love this style. I think I knew it was a style deep down inside when I used to watch Diane Keaton movies with the cute houses. Maine is definitely on my bucket list. It looks like a wonderful place to be in the summer.
You would love Maine Kim. It’s a lot like Washington honestly. Washington and Oregon’s coast always remind me of Maine.
Thanks for teaching me about this style, Ann! Enjoyed seeing pics & the video of your mom; what a treasure. Love seeing your Maine home decorated in vintage style:)
Thank you so much Lora😘
So pretty, Ann. I adore everything about your summer home and the way you’ve incorporated unique vintage finds. I’ve never been to Maine, but it is on my husband and my’s bucket list of places we’d like to visit. The way you describe it makes it sound so wonderful. I can’t wait to go. So glad to be touring with you this week. Pinned!
Thank you so much Jen. I hope you get to Maine someday you’d love it💙💙💙
Well, in my heart I am a coastal grandmother–I live just outside Augusta, Maine. But I grew up in NH and York Beach reamins my favoirte place in the world–it was my teenaged stomping grounds! I enjoy being a grandmother although I am not as good at it as my grandmother and mother! I agirate for day trips to Rockland, Camden, and Belfast as well as trips to Popham for a real beach on a regular basis! Can’t wait to get my energy and ambition back from having Covid to get out thrifting again!
My teenage stopping ground too. Thank you so much for stopping by😉💙
Ann,
I love all the history you have in your Maine home and what a perfect way to honor your mother’s lifestyle. She would be the poster child for Coastal Grandmothers.
Thank you Rachel💙💙
I forgot to add…in love with all of the beautiful quilts! Love them all!!!!
💙💙💙
Ann, I may just fall into that Coastal Grandma Style. Especially when you talk about always having a dog by your side. My little French Bulldog, Piper rides with my in my VW Bug Convertible with little googles on. LOL You home is beautiful with all the coastal touches. I love the beautiful vintage finds incorporated into your rooms too. We are traveling to Maine in September and looking so forward to it.
That is so funny Tammy what a picture that must be. I hope you have a wonderful trip to Maine💙
It was so fun learning more about the concept of a “coastal grandmother,” Ann! My mother has a similar charm bracelet that always brings back so many memories whenever I see her wearing it. I love all your decorating details, but especially those heirloom quilts. As we are in the middle of 90-100 degree temperatures this week and into next, I have to laugh to think that it isn’t even summery up in Maine yet! Happy Summer!
I can’t even imagine that kind of heat Anne. I’m sitting on the beach now with 55 degree waters in front of me😂
Ann, I’m really inspired by your summer home tour and the whole Coastal Grandmother theming. I love how you’ve incorporated vintage and meaningful elements into your decor. The quilt is so gorgeous! After this tour, I think I need to go digging through my photo collection.
I’m so glad Shawna. It was going down memory lane and the summer here in Maine is filled with so many wonderful memories. I need to pull together some more I think🙏
Ann I loved learning more about the coastal grandmother style! But of course I loved seeing peeks of your home as well. Also, so jealous that you got to host Molly! If I could hang out with you both that would be a treat. Happy Summer!
I get see Molly every now and then. And we catch up on so much. Thanks as always Kelly🙏
Oh my goodness, Ann. Your home is so inviting. The perfect coastal grandmother style. Hugs and blessings to you.
Thank you so much Renae🙏🏻
Ann,
This is all so LOVELY! I am digging this style and you nailed it. Thank you for all the wonderful decor ideas.
Happy Summer!
xoxo,
Brendt
I’m so glad you enjoyed it
Brendt😃
Hi Ann!
So many beautiful coastal vibes in your mother’s lovely home! Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you so much Cecilia🙌🏻
So pretty ann! I love that vintage table cloth with the lobster plates.
Thank you Stacy🦞