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Articleson coastal design and living

Architecture, interiors, real estate, art and travel along the coasts of North America, from Malibu to the Hamptons.

Latest · Architecture

Designing with the coast, not over itContemporary coastal design

Coastal homes are shaped less by style and more by circumstance. Light behaves differently near the water, reflections shift throughout the day, and the surrounding landscape is never static.

By Maria Lopez-Plantey · February 4, 2026

Designing with the coast, not over it: Contemporary coastal design

All articles

Homes shaped by water: Coastal sophistication a lifestyle that flows
Architecture2 min read

Homes shaped by waterCoastal sophistication a lifestyle that flows

On the West Coast, luxury takes a different shape. It’s relaxed, understated, and deeply connected to nature. A way of living shaped by the ocean where design, daily life, and well-being move at a calmer, more intentional pace.

Guest House Design Ideas for Your Home on the Coast
Architecture6 min read

Guest House Design Ideas for Your Home on the Coast

The five guest house designs listed below reimagine the coastal experience by blending architectural elegance with…

The Architecture of Gathering: Designing Spaces That Bring People Together
Architecture6 min read

The Architecture of GatheringDesigning Spaces That Bring People Together

Explore how architects and designers are crafting spaces—especially coastal homes—that foster human connection…

Modernist Architects Immortalized by Julius Shulman in Photographs
Architecture10 min read

Modernist Architects Immortalized by Julius Shulman in Photographs

Examine Shulman’s photography in the context of LA and the California coast through his relationships with seven iconic…

Contemporary Waterfront Homes for Sale in Naples, Florida
Architecture5 min read

Contemporary Waterfront Homes for Sale in NaplesFlorida

Waterfront homes for sale in Naples, Florida combine gorgeous locations with incredible contemporary and…

How Richard Neutra’s Coastal Homes May Inform the Palisades Rebuilding Efforts
Architectural Features9 min read

How Richard Neutra’s Coastal Homes May Inform the Palisades Rebuilding Efforts

Shaped by the spirit of place and the human desire for connection, Neutra’s homes hold lessons for us as we rebuild…

Five San Francisco Art Exhibitions to Explore by the Bay in 2025
Art5 min read

Five San Francisco Art Exhibitions to Explore by the Bay in 2025

Whether a longtime collector or a curious visitor, these five San Francisco art shows by the Bay will inspire, provoke, and…

From Gagosian to LACMA: 7 Upcoming Contemporary Art Exhibits in Los Angeles
Art6 min read

From Gagosian to LACMA7 Upcoming Contemporary Art Exhibits in Los Angeles

From immersive digital installations by Nancy Baker Cahill to bold abstract canvases by Mary Weatherford, the following shows capture LA’s spirit…

From Sag Harbor to Montauk: 7 Hamptons Homes for Sale in 2025
Architecture7 min read

From Sag Harbor to Montauk7 Hamptons Homes for Sale in 2025

From Sag Harbor to Montauk, explore seven stunning contemporary and modern homes for sale in…

Inspiring Art Exhibits Miami Has to Offer Locals & Visitors in 2025
Art6 min read

Inspiring Art Exhibits Miami Has to Offer Locals & Visitors in 2025

From Miami Art Basel to shows at Mindy Solomon Gallery to programming at the PAMM, add these 2025 Miami art exhibits to…

Contemporary Homes for Sale in Corona del Mar, Orange County
Architecture8 min read

Contemporary Homes for Sale in Corona del MarOrange County

Each architecturally distinct, effortlessly livable, and beautifully in sync with their surroundings, these five homes for sale in Corona del Mar…

5 California Coastal Homes Designed by Richard Neutra
Architecture10 min read

5 California Coastal Homes Designed by Richard Neutra

Explore five iconic coastal homes designed by Richard Neutra that showcase his mastery of modernist architecture in the…

These Are the Best Luxury Motor Yacht Brands in 2025
Travel8 min read

These Are the Best Luxury Motor Yacht Brands in 2025

Explore the best luxury yacht brands of 2025—from Feadship to Sanlorenzo.

Where Sky Meets Sea: Designing Coastal Homes That Breathe
Architecture7 min read

Where Sky Meets SeaDesigning Coastal Homes That Breathe

Learn how today’s most visionary architects and designers are rethinking coastal homes as living…

Ultra-Contemporary Architects We Love for Their Bold, Masculine Styles
Architecture8 min read

Ultra-Contemporary Architects We Love for Their BoldMasculine Styles

These designers define contemporary architecture by blending precision with presence and innovation with…

Serene Living with Burdge Architects in Malibu
Architecture3 min read

Serene Living with Burdge Architects in Malibu

With breathtaking ocean views, elegant design, and luxurious amenities, this award-winning home embodies serene…

Luxury Swimming Pool Design Trends to Consider for Your Coastal Property
Architecture6 min read

Luxury Swimming Pool Design Trends to Consider for Your Coastal Property

From innovative technology to custom shapes that frame your property’s inimitable views, explore these luxury pool…

Wine Tastings to Enjoy Along the California Coast
Travel3 min read

Wine Tastings to Enjoy Along the California Coast

From sun-drenched estates in Santa Barbara to cool-climate terroirs of Sonoma, this region’s wine-tasting experiences are unlike…

Surprising New Ways to Serve and Pair Oysters This Season
Lifestyle & Entertaining4 min read

Surprising New Ways to Serve and Pair Oysters This Season

This season, elevate your oyster experience with unexpected flavor pairings, innovative preparations, and…

Museums & Art Galleries to Explore While in Hilton Head
Art4 min read

Museums & Art Galleries to Explore While in Hilton Head

Whether you’re a collector or simply someone who values thoughtfully curated spaces, Hilton Head’s museums and galleries will…

What Are Riparian Rights and How Do They Affect Waterfront Homeowners?
Real Estate5 min read

What Are Riparian Rights and How Do They Affect Waterfront Homeowners?

You must understand riparian water rights to protect ownership, maximize recreational use, and ensure you are aware of…

Art Exhibitions San Diego Galleries & Museums Will Show in 2025
Art8 min read

Art Exhibitions San Diego Galleries & Museums Will Show in 2025

From La Jolla Surf to We Are Voices of Other Voices, explore thirteen incredible art exhibitions San Diego has to offer…

Our Favorite Art-Filled Cocktail Table Books for Your Entryway
Interiors5 min read

Our Favorite Art-Filled Cocktail Table Books for Your Entryway

Each of these art books celebrates vision, craftsmanship, and cultural depth, making ideal selections for a contemporary…

These Are the Best Restaurants Along (and Near) PCH
Travel6 min read

These Are the Best Restaurants Along (and Near) PCH

Whether savoring hyper-local seafood in Elk or a kaiseki experience in LA, these Michelin-starred restaurants along PCH…

The Ocean Modern Guide to Sourcing Sustainable Seafood for Your Next Soirée
Lifestyle & Entertaining7 min read

The Ocean Modern Guide to Sourcing Sustainable Seafood for Your Next Soirée

This Ocean Modern guide will empower you to host eco-conscious events that support a sustainable seafood supply chain without sacrificing on either style…

Coastal Hues We Would Have Chosen for Pantone Color of the Year 2025
Interiors10 min read

Coastal Hues We Would Have Chosen for Pantone Color of the Year 2025

From Backdrop’s Blue is the Coolest Color to Piet Boon’s Mud to Behr’s Ocean Abyss, here are 15 picks for Pantone Color of the…

The Ocean Modern Guide to Navigating HOAs in Exclusive Coastal Communities
Real Estate10 min read

The Ocean Modern Guide to Navigating HOAs in Exclusive Coastal Communities

Whether planning a new build, an extensive renovation, or simply settling in, here’s all you should know about HOAs in…

What You Need to Know About Hiring a Sommelier for a Private Wine Tasting
Lifestyle & Entertaining8 min read

What You Need to Know About Hiring a Sommelier for a Private Wine Tasting

Not sure where to begin? Read on to learn everything you need to know about hiring a sommelier for a private…

Don’t Build a Dock for Your Coastal Home. Consider a Marina Membership Instead.
Travel9 min read

Don’t Build a Dock for Your Coastal Home. Consider a Marina Membership Instead.

From turnkey boating solutions to unmatched lifestyle perks across all sister locations, here’s why you should opt for a…

Stunning Coastal Interior Design Books for Your Foyer or Great Room
Interiors8 min read

Stunning Coastal Interior Design Books for Your Foyer or Great Room

Whether designing a contemporary oceanfront retreat or renovating one, the 20 interior design books listed below offer…

15 Tips for Navigating Art Basel Miami Beach 2025
Art6 min read

15 Tips for Navigating Art Basel Miami Beach 2025

Read our top tips to ensure you navigate the fair with confidence, avoid rookie mistakes, and fully immerse yourself in Miami Art…

Coastal Designs from Phillip Jeffries Wallcoverings
Interiors5 min read

Coastal Designs from Phillip Jeffries Wallcoverings

From menswear-inspired patterns to dramatic ombré murals, we love each design in this curated list of coastal Phillip…

On the Market: Five Stunning Montecito Homes for Sale Right Now
Architecture5 min read

On the MarketFive Stunning Montecito Homes for Sale Right Now

Montecito has become a haven for tech entrepreneurs, and cultural icons.

What Are Your Neighbors Doing This Weekend? Hobbies of the Wealthy and Well-Connected
Art7 min read

What Are Your Neighbors Doing This Weekend? Hobbies of the Wealthy and Well-Connected

From classic car collecting and skiing to attending artist panels and hosting fundraisers, here are the wealthy hobbies your…

Moving from a High-Rise to a Coastal Estate? Here’s How Condo Boards & HOAs Differ.
Lifestyle & Entertaining5 min read

Moving from a High-Rise to a Coastal Estate? Here’s How Condo Boards & HOAs Differ.

Condo board vs HOA. Wondering how they compare? Read on to learn how to navigate the transition and exert influence in your…

These Are the Best Private Airports in Coastal California
Travel8 min read

These Are the Best Private Airports in Coastal California

Whether seeking a quiet alternative to LAX or a direct flight to your vineyard estate, these are the best private airports…

Drone Surveillance and Monitoring for Expansive Waterfront Estates
Technology7 min read

Drone Surveillance and Monitoring for Expansive Waterfront Estates

Owning an expansive waterfront estate is the ultimate statement of success.

Minimalist Wallpaper Designs We Love for Contemporary Coastal Interiors
Interiors5 min read

Minimalist Wallpaper Designs We Love for Contemporary Coastal Interiors

Minimalist wallpaper designs from Instagram-worthy brands like Calico and Kudzu perfectly suit contemporary…

Artists Who Have Exhibited at the Parrish Art Museum, Hamptons, NY
Art5 min read

Artists Who Have Exhibited at the Parrish Art MuseumHamptons, NY

The Parrish Art Museum collection spans 3,000 pieces—from 19th-century Impressionist landscapes to work by Jackson Pollock and…

On the Market: 5 Waterfront West Palm Beach Homes for Sale Right Now
Architecture5 min read

On the Market5 Waterfront West Palm Beach Homes for Sale Right Now

West Palm Beach is a uniquely vibrant blend of cosmopolitan energy and tropical paradise.

Contemporary Coastal Landscaping Tips to Try at Home
Sustainable Living5 min read

Contemporary Coastal Landscaping Tips to Try at Home

California’s coastal landscaping is remarkably eclectic, often drawing inspiration from Japanese gardening and…

Unusual Coastal Interior Renovations to Inspire Your 2025 Remodel
Interiors7 min read

Unusual Coastal Interior Renovations to Inspire Your 2025 Remodel

From velvet sectionals and metallic wallpapers to walnut cabinetry and industrial flair, designers like Michael Ferozco, Rita Konig and others have displayed unconventional approaches to coastal…

Stunning Examples of Coastal Architecture Underground
Architecture15 min read

Stunning Examples of Coastal Architecture Underground

From Archea Associati in Tuscany to Clayton Korte in Texas, architects across the globe are now embracing…

Southeast Coastal Cities Where Luxury Travel Meets Contemporary Architecture
Architecture11 min read

Southeast Coastal Cities Where Luxury Travel Meets Contemporary Architecture

From Miami to Galveston, the Southeast coast suffers no shortage of incredible artistic, cultural, and…