Living on the East Coast, I love the coastal classic style and there’s nothing I love more than the colors of summer…particularly the blue of the water and the green marsh and dune grass. And I also love spending time outdoors (when the mosquitos aren’t raging). Even though I live more “off-shore” than where I grew up, I still like to incorporate as much of a coastal feel as possible. One way I do that is through a blue and green color palette.
There’s something deeply comforting about a space that feels both pulled-together and personal. A coastal classic patio style gives you just that—polished, serene, and ready to host everything from solo coffee mornings to sunset wine nights with friends. Add a sprinkle of grandmillennial flair, and now you’ve got a space that whispers old-school charm with a modern, low-maintenance twist.
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A Coastal Classic Color Palette that Lasts: Blue + Green Done Right
One of the easiest ways to ground your patio in classic style is by sticking to a blue and green color palette. This duo is beloved in both coastal and grandmillennial design for good reason—it’s calming, clean, and endlessly versatile.
- Soft chambray blues, navy stripes, or sky blue cushions instantly evoke seaside charm.
- Add sage green plant pots, striped awnings, or olive-toned accents for a fresh, grounded feel.
This color combo isn’t trendy—it’s timeless with a twist, bridging the gap between crisp modern lines and nostalgic details. It also makes layering prints easier and gives your outdoor space that collected, not curated vibe.
Neutrals First, But Make It Nostalgic
Coastal style leans on soft whites, sandy beiges, and muted taupes as a base. But for a grandmillennial flair don’t be afraid to layer in classics like ticking stripes, botanical prints, or scalloped cushions that nod to your grandmother’s screened porch—if your grandmother had impeccable taste in Pinterest boards.
Layer Texture and Tradition
Where coastal goes breezy, grandmillennial adds a wink of formality. Woven rattan trays, vintage-style planters, prints mixed with solids (and other prints) and soft textiles elevate even the smallest porch. Keep it playful but intentional.
Lighting That Works (and Wows)
Yes to string lights. But also yes to:
- Lanterns with LED candles
- Raffia wrapped votives and hurricanes
- Cordless table lamps for candlelit dinners that won’t blow out
Layered lighting is always a must.
Mix-and-Match Furniture with Heart
Ditch the full patio set. Mix a little bistro with a little beach house:
- Teak dining table
- Rattan accent chairs
- Garden stools in white or green/blue chinoiserie
It should look like it was collected over time, not shipped overnight. The days of the matchy-matchy influencer aesthetic are over. The best way to look collected and not overly curated is to mix-and-match.
Coastal Classic Florals & Foliage
Layer your space with life…as in plants
- Boxwoods in blue-and-white planters
- Hydrangeas in green ceramic urns
- A lattice trellis with climbing jasmine or roses
- Petite topiaries flanking a seating nook
- Lush peonies in pops of pink
Function for the Season You’re In
Whether it’s a toddler’s snack time, family dinner outside or a cocktail hour, functionality matters:
- Storage ottomans
- Skirted side tables hiding coolers
- Umbrellas in classic prints like navy cabana stripe or soft sage floral
- Low-maintenance, easy to clean but also high-style is the name of the game
You don’t need a beach house to channel that coastal classic feeling. With a base of neutrals, a fresh blue-and-green palette, and layered charm, your patio can become the outdoor retreat you didn’t know you needed.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, planting basil, or sipping something refreshing while the kids play, your space can reflect your lifestyle: elevated yet easy.
