The Coastal Modern Craze: 2025’s Home Style Everyone Wants

by Anna Baluch

Imagine waking up every morning and feeling like you’re on vacation.

With a coastal modern home, this dream can become your reality. The rise of these properties in high-end markets is no surprise as they offer the perfect blend of serenity and sophistication.

The Realtor.com Hottest Home Trends report of 2025 found that while the current prevalence of these homes still remains average, there’s been an uptick of 125.6% in mentions of coastal modern homes in the last year. It ranked in the top #3 trends of the year, falling behind eco-friendly trends like WaterSense fixtures and biophilic design. But with an average listing price of $1,275,000, the homes on the market attract a specific buyer.

“We're way past the outdated seashell motifs and nautical stripes. Unlike those more traditional styles, coastal modern is all about clean lines, organic textures, and natural light that feels like part of the architecture, says Chris Wands, luxury real estate advisor and founder of The Wands Team in Miami.

A coastal modern house offers more than a place to live—it provides a fulfilling, peaceful lifestyle you can enjoy for years to come.

What is a coastal modern home?

A coastal modern home is all about capturing that feeling you get when you’re standing near the ocean—calm, refreshed, and connected to nature.

"It aims to bring the beauty of the coastline indoors and allows those natural surroundings to guide the design," says Shandon Barrett, interior designer at Love vs. Design in Washington, UT.

The “modern” element is what keeps it fresh and clean — simple lines, uncluttered spaces, and intentional design choices that feel effortless but curated.

"At the end of the day, this design aims to achieve balance—relaxed but refined, natural but tailored," explains Barrrett.

High-end buyers are willing to pay a premium for coastal modern homes as they allow them to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and still enjoy a luxury aesthetic.

Coastal modern home features

When it comes to color, coastal modern homes are all about whites, creams, light blues, and light greens. “You’ll often find light woods such as white or pale oak used for flooring and cabinets as well as pecky cypress-planked ceilings, beams, and fireplace mantels,” says Allison Freeman, real estate agent at The Premier Property Group in Rosemary Beach, FL.

You can also expect large overhangs and deep balconies to manage light and create shade, expansive outdoor living areas that double as open-air rooms, and an effortless connection between the interior and exterior.

According to Barrett, the magic of coastal modern properties lies in the textures and finishes.

"I love using finishes that instantly make you think of the beach—woven rattan, raw cotton canvas, driftwood tones, and matte stone," explains Barrett.

These add warmth and depth—keeping the design grounded in nature while maintaining that modern edge. Natural light plays a big role too as it’s essential for bringing out the softness of those materials.

"Open layouts, indoor-outdoor flow, and plenty of breathable space are key—it should feel like you can exhale the moment you walk in," adds Barrett.

Types of coastal modern homes

Not all coastal modern homes are created equal. In fact, there are several varieties, including:

Transitional coastal modern

Transitional coastal modern blends contemporary forms with softer, classic detailing.

“It’s ideal for those who want warmth alongside clean lines,” says Gerard Liguori, real estate broker Premier Estate Properties in Boca Raton, FL.

Minimalist coastal modern

This is a more restrained approach to coastal modernism. According to Liguori, it emphasizes simplicity, uncluttered spaces, and a light, neutral palette.

Tropical coastal modern

Tropical coastal modern incorporates organic textures, greenery and tropical landscaping including bamboo, coconut palms, and bougainvillea.

“Think indoor-outdoor courtyards, and resort-style amenities to echo the ambiance of a luxury retreat,” explains Liguori.

Nautical coastal modern

This style features subtle maritime elements—marine woods, rope details, and soft pastel color. They’re used sparingly to maintain sophistication.

Where to buy a coastal modern home in America

You can find coastal modern homes across the country, but the style is especially popular in South Florida. The beachfront and waterfront locations perfectly complement the aesthetic.

“We’re seeing a growing demand for these properties from Northeast clients who want to embrace the tropical lifestyle and appreciate design that creates a seamless connection to the surrounding water, light, and nature,” says explains Sari Libbin Shapiro, luxury real estate advisor at J&S Group, of Douglas Elliman in Miami.

Florida neighborhoods like Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are emulating the same ease and elegance of these types of homes through architecture that converges with a more urban setting.

Beyond the Sunshine State, you’ll see the coastal modern aesthetic on the East Coast—in places like Beaufort and Charleston in South Carolina—and across California.

“Basically, anywhere water, light, and contemporary design meet, coastal modern thrives,” adds Wands.