Inspiration comes from everywhere – from nature, from travel, from memories, and from the smallest everyday details. Sometimes it’s a color spotted on a worn building in a quiet village, the rhythm of waves while walking a shoreline, or the pages of a well-thumbed stack of design magazines. It might be the familiar scent of home, the unexpected comfort of a place you’ve never been before, or the satisfying texture of sun-warmed stone. For me, it’s never just one source – it’s the layering of experiences, visuals, and feelings that begin to shape a space long before a floor plan is drawn. This post focuses on coastal retro interior design inspiration, wellness-focused spaces, and boutique-style aesthetics that can elevate any home.
This month, I’ve been dreaming in golden light, soft curves, and retro coastal retreat energy. The following images are part of a creative exercise I do regularly, designing and exploring conceptual spaces to explore the kinds of projects I’d love to bring to life. (Note: I use AI for these concepts because frankly, I do not have time to render each of them from scratch, but I save chosen ones and render them for my own personal portfolio when I have a rare moment of down time.)
These aren’t just beautiful spaces – they’re invitations. Thought starters. A peek inside the soul of a studio that believes in designing for how it feels, not just how it looks.
Where the Inspiration Began
This month’s designs were sparked by a mix of sensory and visual inspiration:
- Fun artwork like this one and this one
- The soft, moody luxury of Hotel Bardo in Savannah, Georgia
- The retro cabana stripes on Stanley’s Peach Whip quencher — they reminded me of vintage umbrellas by the pool
- The new Pura scents I ordered for my office – Beach Vacay and Citrus Leaves (Affiliate link that gives you $10 off your order of $50)
It’s the kind of inspiration that builds slowly – a shape here, a texture there, a mental note jotted down in the middle of making dinner. And somehow, it all found its way into these six conceptual spaces.
Soft Coastal Lounge with Blush & Ochre Accents
The vibe: This living space concept combines coastal interior design elements with modern minimalism. Featuring a blend of blush and ochre tones, natural textures, and clean lines, it balances warmth and simplicity.
Why I love it: It feels like the kind of room where golden hour lasts all day. It’s both elevated and livable – ideal for someone craving calm in a high-paced world. A perfect balance of refined and relaxed.
Design notes:
- Feeling: Grounded, relaxed, feminine, warm
- Palette: Ochre, blush, stone white
- Materials: Woven linen, plaster walls, rattan accents, aged brass accents
- Client persona: Ideal for clients looking to create a laid-back but elevated lounge area.
Golden Hour Guest Room with Velvet Headboard
The vibe: This guest room design concept blends warm color tones and luxurious textiles to create a high-comfort hospitality experience. The plush velvet headboard and ambient lighting emphasize a welcoming, lived-in feel.
Why I love it: It’s hospitality-meets-high-style and a love letter to guests. Warm, welcoming, and elevated without being pretentious.
Design notes:
- Feeling: Golden, intimate, elegant
- Palette: Apricot, blush, cream, soft ochre
- Materials: Velvet, boucle, brushed gold lighting, wood floors
- Client persona: A host who wants to create a beautiful, memorable experience for overnight guests
Wellness-Inspired Bedroom with Arch Detail
The vibe: Designed as a personal sanctuary, this bedroom concept integrates soft neutrals, arched millwork, and a minimalist aesthetic. The headboard and textured finishes support rest and recovery – perfect for those seeking a spa-like environment at home.
Why I love it: The gentle arches and tonal textures create instant calm. It’s simple, but rich in intention.
Design notes:
- Feeling: Tranquil, cozy, restorative
- Palette: Cream, sand, pale coral, ochre, pale apricot
- Materials: Velvet headboard, sheer drapes, natural wood, brushed gold
- Client persona: The client who values quality sleep and calming environments, who wants their bedroom to help reset their nervous system back to calm.
Retreat-Inspired Poolside Nook
The vibe: This outdoor seating area was inspired by high-end resort design and retro cabana style. Earthy tones and low-profile furniture create a relaxing space ideal for conversation or solo recharge time. The kind of space that makes you forget your phone inside.
Why I love it: It blends natural texture and structured design with softness and subtle curves. Inspired by resort-style living and retro coastal interiors, this outdoor concept blends terracotta, cabana stripes, and natural textures.
Design notes:
- Feeling: Fresh, open, quiet luxury
- Palette: Terracotta, ivory, sun-bleached coral
- Materials: Rendered concrete, outdoor linen, clay tile
- Client persona: A city dweller dreaming of their own wellness retreat at home
Serene Eat in Kitchen with Botanical Mural Accent
The vibe: This concept eat in kitchen features a botanical mural with subtle stripes as a focal point. Rounded furniture and layered textures reinforce softness without sacrificing sophistication.
Why I love it: It’s anchored by a mural – not as a trend, but as a grounding, expressive element. It’s artistic without being overwhelming.
Design notes:
- Feeling: Artistic, soft, curated
- Palette: Mauve, stone
- Materials: Painted mural, boucle seating, terrazzo floor, matte finishes, marble, brushed gold
- Client persona: A creative who wants their space to be just as expressive as they are
Modern Coastal Café-Inspired Dining Room
The vibe: This dining space draws inspiration from the modern coastal hospitality scene. The curved banquette seating, layered textures, and blush-meets-brass palette give it a refined yet playful vibe—perfect for entertaining or relaxing with ocean views.
Why I love it: It’s the perfect blend of modern elegance and beachy charm, with a warm, hospitality-inspired feel.
Design notes:
- Feeling: Elevated, open, inviting
- Palette: Blush, brass, sand
- Materials: Channel-tufted upholstery, brushed brass, stone composite, glass, plaster walls
- Client persona: Someone who wants to bring a boutique hotel experience into their home
Want a space like this?
If one (or all) of these images made you stop scrolling and think “that’s exactly what I want,” – let’s talk.
Each of these concepts is a beginning — a whisper of what’s possible when we design with feeling, function, and intentionality. These design studies reflect the kinds of spaces we’re passionate about designing in real homes.
Let’s bring softness, soul, and sanctuary into your space.
The Dream Project Files will be a monthly glimpse inside my creative brain – a way to share what’s inspiring me and what I’d love to create with you. Thanks for dreaming with me! Looking for more inspiration? Check out our post on The Power of Storytelling in Interior Design.
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