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A New Kind of Coastal: The Fisherman Interior Trend
Step aside, Coastal Grandma—there’s a new maritime-inspired aesthetic making waves. Layered, rugged, and a little rough around the edges in the best way, the fisherman aesthetic is a fresh take on nautical design. It’s got all the charm of coastal interiors but with a lived-in, collected feel. Less polished, more practical. Maybe it’s the laidback, salt-worn textures or the excuse to embrace imperfections, but one thing’s certain: we’re hooked, line, and sinker.
Design by Winsome Interior Design | Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Coastal interiors have been steering design trends for years. We’ve seen the crisp blue and white stripes of traditional beach houses, the breezy buttoned-up version of Coastal Grandma (cue the idyllic Nancy Meyers settings), and even the maximalist spin of Eclectic Grandpa. Now there’s a new take on nautical style that ditches the obvious beach house clichés for something grittier and a little more storied: the fisherman aesthetic.
It’s maritime escapism, but not in a campy-themed way (think of a place where a captain might kick back with a drink after a long day at sea). It swaps seashell motifs for chunky rope details, rusted metals, and wood that makes it look like it has stories to tell. There’s nothing too precious about this style, and if you’re craving interiors that are unfussy and real, this is it.
Here’s what makes this aesthetic stand apart from the usual coastal look.
Design by Violet Marsh Interiors, Photography by Eric Roth
Layered Textures & Materials
Coastal Grandma gave us crisp whites, breezy linen, and a polished take on beachy living. The fisherman aesthetic is a little rougher around the edges, in the best way possible. Weathered wood, raw and unpolished finishes, and materials that are built to last are all staples in this design style. Consider oxidized metals, aged brass, and thick rope accents that wouldn’t feel out of place on an old dock. It’s all about texture and patina, embracing the beauty of materials that only get better with time.
Design by The Little Black Shack, Photography by Luisa Brimble
Seaside Ephemera & Tchotchkes
Not all maritime decor is created equal. The fisherman aesthetic ditches starfish motifs and nautical stripes in favor of well-traveled finds. Vintage maritime maps, weather-worn sea flags, and oversized glass fishing floats bring a sense of character without veering into theme-y territory. For artwork, rather than an obvious beach print, you can opt for one-of-a-kind fish paintings or abstract depictions of the sea. The key is to choose pieces that look like they’ve been collected over time, not plucked from a beachside souvenir shop.
Design by Watts Design House, Photography by Read McKendree
Sea-Inspired Color Palette
Despite the fisherman aesthetic being rooted in natural materials like wood and shiplap, color is never off the table. As we predicted in our design trend report, cozy, color-cocooned spaces are having a moment, and we know very well that a pop of color can balance out even the most rugged seaside interiors.
Calming shades of blue and cream are obvious choices in any coastal design, but we love seeing spaces that veer into more unexpected colors. If you prefer a more neutral take, stormy grays, seaweed greens, and deep navy offer a richer, deep sea feel. While layered neutrals continue to play a role, the fisherman aesthetic can still be about embracing a little color confidence, whether through textiles, painted walls, or unexpected decorative elements.
Want to bring the fisherman aesthetic home? Shop the look below or stop by our Austin showroom—we’ve got a curated selection of pieces that capture this rugged, sea-worn charm.
BY: Daniela Araya
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