37 Coastal Cottage Exteriors For Your Inspiration

A coastal cottage home is a dream for many homeowners. With the sound of crashing waves and the smell of salt in the air, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to this charming architectural style. But maintaining and improving the exterior of your coastal home is crucial to keep it looking its best. In this guide, we’ll share some tips and tricks to enhance your coastal cottage’s curb appeal and make it the envy of the neighborhood.

If you live near the beach, you probably love coastal cottages just like we do. Coastal cottage homes are beautiful, which is why we put together a list of 37 coastal cottage home exterior designs. Whether you are planning your beach home or you just enjoy looking at cottage style coastal homes, the list below is perfect for you.

Coastal Cottage Exteriors

Discover the best coastal cottages that you can use for inspiration. We love coastal cottage designs and decor ideas because they will give you great cottage styles for beach homes.

Tips to Enhance The Look of Your Coastal Cottage Exterior

We have plenty of ideas below that you can use and incorporate to the exterior of your home. Obviously, it’s harder to completely change your siding, your windows, and your roof, but you can make slight progressions until you have your dream beach cottage.

Exterior Paint Color

One of the simplest ways to improve the exterior of a coastal cottage is by choosing the right paint color. Coastal colors such as soft blues, greens, and grays evoke a calming, beachy atmosphere and complement the natural surroundings.

Neutral Shades

Neutral shades like beige, white, and cream also work well for coastal homes. These colors create a clean and sophisticated look while allowing the coastal elements to stand out.

Bright Outdoor Accents

Incorporate bright accent colors on doors, shutters, or trim to add a pop of personality and make your home stand out from the rest.

Choose The Right Siding

Selecting the right siding material is essential for a coastal cottage. Vinyl, fiber cement, and cedar are popular choices due to their durability and resistance to harsh coastal conditions. Choose a siding style that complements your home’s architectural design. Traditional lap siding, shingle siding, and board-and-batten are popular options for coastal cottages.

Roofing For Your Coastal Cottage

The roof is a critical component of your home’s exterior. Metal, asphalt shingles, and cedar shakes are all suitable choices for coastal environments due to their durability and resistance to salt and moisture. Select a roof color that complements your home’s exterior paint and siding. Lighter colors help reflect sunlight and keep your home cooler in warm climates.

Beautiful Windows to View The Ocean

Choose window styles that suit your coastal cottage’s architecture. Casement, double-hung, and awning windows are popular options. Consider adding decorative elements like grids or shutters for added charm. Enhance the exterior appearance of your windows by adding window boxes filled with colorful flowers or decorative shutters. These additions not only improve curb appeal but also help create a cohesive look for your coastal cottage.

Upgrade Your Doors

The front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior. Choose a door style that complements your coastal cottage’s architecture and consider adding a pop of color to make it stand out. Incorporate patio doors to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sliding or French doors are popular choices for coastal homes due to their elegant appearance and ability to let in natural light.

Install Front and Back Porches

A well-designed porch can greatly enhance the appeal of your coastal cottage. Consider adding a wraparound porch or a screened-in area for enjoying the outdoors while staying protected from bugs and the elements. Incorporate comfortable seating on your porch, such as Adirondack chairs, rocking chairs, or a porch swing. This creates a welcoming atmosphere and invites relaxation. Add ambient lighting to your porch with outdoor lanterns, string lights, or wall sconces. This not only enhances the ambiance but also provides safety and security.

Professional Landscaping

Choose salt-tolerant plants that thrive in coastal environments. Seaside grasses, succulents, and native plants are excellent choices for low-maintenance and attractive landscaping. Create inviting walkways and paths using materials like crushed shells, gravel, or pavers. These elements add visual interest and guide visitors through your outdoor space. Design outdoor living spaces, such as patios, decks, or fire pits, to make the most of your coastal surroundings. These areas offer the perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment.

Outdoor Lighting

Illuminate your coastal cottage’s exterior with a combination of functional and decorative lighting. Path lights, wall sconces, and landscape spotlights enhance safety while creating a welcoming atmosphere. Add decorative lighting like string lights or lanterns to create a warm and inviting ambiance in your outdoor spaces.

Outdoor Accessories and Decorations

Incorporate coastal-themed outdoor decor, such as nautical flags, sculptures, or wall art, to showcase your personal style and complement your home’s architecture.

Incorporate Outdoor Furniture

Choose durable, weather-resistant outdoor furniture that fits the coastal aesthetic. Teak, wicker, and wrought iron are popular choices for coastal homes. Add colorful cushions, outdoor rugs, and umbrellas to your outdoor spaces to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Choosing a Coastal Cottage Home

The two things that will dictate the cottage homes you can purchase are your budget and the location you are looking. Cottage homes in the Pacific Northwest have a different style than cottage beach homes in the North East. In addition, if you have a larger budget, you will have more choices to choose from. We absolutely love the coastal charm in cottage decor, and almost all of the homes above would be a dream home.

In Summary

Improving the exterior of your coastal cottage home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on elements like paint colors, siding, roofing, windows, doors, porches, landscaping, lighting, and accessories, you can create a stunning, inviting, and well-maintained home that reflects your personal style and stands the test of time

There’s nothing quite like a beach cottage home design because they are simply elegant. Cottages are beautiful and you can make them eclectic or simple with your decor and colors. Hopefully, with all of these coastal cottages, you are able to find some inspiration for your next home project.