Iconic Pier, Stunning Beaches, and Coastal Vibes in Santa Monica
Santa Monica is more than just a beach town — it’s a way of life. Golden-hour sunsets, the hum of skateboard wheels, and the salty ocean breeze blend to create a sensory experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. For me, Santa Monica wasn’t just a destination — it was a source of design inspiration. This article captures my experience wandering its sunlit streets, iconic pier, and stylish oceanfront scene.
From the nostalgia of the Santa Monica Pier to the sleek sophistication of Ocean Avenue and the calming retreat of its coastal views, Santa Monica offers endless ideas for home design. Here’s how you can channel the beachy elegance, playful whimsy, and minimalist luxury of this iconic city into your own space.
The Essence of Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a city of contrasts. It’s playful yet refined, nostalgic yet forward-thinking. You’ve got the colorful, retro energy of the Santa Monica Pier, the sleek modern design of Ocean Avenue’s hotels and restaurants, and the calming simplicity of beachfront views. These distinct styles may seem different, but together, they tell a cohesive design story.
In this post, I’ll break down three key areas of Santa Monica — the Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Avenue, and Coastal Views — and the home design inspiration you can draw from each. Each space has a unique vibe, but they all come together under the idea of "coastal chic," which blends relaxation with refinement.
Santa Monica Pier – Playful, Whimsical, and Full of Color
The Santa Monica Pier is pure nostalgia. From the vibrant Ferris wheel to the smell of saltwater taffy, it’s the kind of place that reminds you to have fun with design. It’s bold, colorful, and a little bit playful.
But here’s the twist — you don’t need to recreate a carnival atmosphere in your home to capture the essence of the pier. Instead, think of it as inspiration for embracing bright accents, pops of color, and playful, whimsical touches.
Design Takeaways
Pops of Bold Color: The Ferris wheel-inspired palette of primary colors (blue, red, yellow) works well as accents in decor, such as throw pillows, art, or statement rugs.
Retro-Inspired Decor: Think vintage prints, old-school boardwalk signage, or playful coastal wall art.
Playful Touches: Small, playful touches — like a quirky lamp or a unique piece of art — can create a sense of nostalgia and fun.
Pro Tip: A little goes a long way with this look. Instead of making your home feel like a boardwalk arcade, focus on small, intentional bursts of color and playful details.
Ocean Avenue – Sleek, Minimalist, and Modern Coastal Luxury
While the pier is colorful and playful, Ocean Avenue represents Santa Monica’s more refined side. Lined with upscale hotels, stylish restaurants, and modern cafes, it’s all about clean lines, open spaces, and subtle sophistication. This is where coastal design meets luxury minimalism.
To bring the Ocean Avenue aesthetic into your home, think "less is more." Instead of filling a space with decor, allow natural light, sleek furniture, and intentional accents to do the talking. The vibe is clean, modern, and chic — and it’s easier to achieve than you think.
Design Takeaways
Clean Lines, Open Spaces: Prioritize open layouts with clean, modern furniture that doesn’t feel bulky or overstuffed.
Neutral Color Palettes: Whites, beiges, and soft taupes create a backdrop that feels clean, calming, and modern.
Statement Lighting: Sleek pendant lights, wall sconces, or sculptural light fixtures become decor pieces in their own right.
Pro Tip: Keep decor minimal, but not sterile. It’s all about creating a space that feels fresh, open, and airy — like walking into a luxury hotel lobby on Ocean Avenue.
Coastal Views – Natural, Breezy, and Calm
No trip to Santa Monica is complete without gazing out at the endless expanse of ocean. It’s calming, grounding, and deeply inspiring. The colors of the sea — seafoam green, pale blue, and sandy beige — are enough to inspire an entire home color palette.
The "coastal view" design vibe is all about channeling that feeling of peace and openness. Imagine breezy linen curtains, soft natural light, and textures that feel light and airy. If you want your home to feel like a breath of fresh air, this is the look for you.
Design Takeaways
Breezy Fabrics: Lightweight linens and gauzy curtains that float with the breeze create an airy, open feel.
Ocean-Inspired Color Palette: Draw inspiration from the sea with soft greens, pale blues, and sandy beiges.
Natural Textures: Jute rugs, woven accents, and natural wood furniture bring an organic, beachy touch to any space.
Pro Tip: This look is all about natural materials and simplicity. Don’t over-accessorize — the "coastal view" vibe is about space, air, and calm.
Where I Stayed: The Pierside Hotel
When it comes to modern coastal luxury, The Pierside Hotel is the epitome of Santa Monica style. Steps from the pier, this hotel blends the whimsy of the beach with the clean, modern aesthetic of Ocean Avenue. Newly opened in 2023, it offers a fresh perspective on what "coastal chic" can be.
The design is simple yet sophisticated. You’ll find warm wood finishes, woven pendant lights, and a color palette pulled straight from the Pacific. The guest rooms are a masterclass in "modern coastal minimalism," with clean lines, soft fabrics, and textures that invite you to relax. The Pierside Hotel reminded me that coastal design doesn’t have to be kitschy. It can be modern, minimalist, and full of warmth. With its natural materials, woven textures, and thoughtful lighting, this hotel is a masterclass in fresh coastal design.
My Design Takeaways From Santa Monica
Bringing the essence of Santa Monica into your home doesn’t mean seashells and surfboards. It’s about balance. Here’s how to capture the essence of this iconic beach city:
Color with Intention: Use bright pops of color for playful energy, but balance them with soft coastal neutrals.
Natural Materials: Lean on rattan, wood, and woven textures to ground your space in coastal calm.
Minimalist Luxury: Clean lines, open spaces, and uncluttered decor bring Ocean Avenue's modern luxury home.
Bring Santa Monica Home Through My Curated Finds on Amazon
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“Santa Monica taught me that coastal design isn’t about seashells and surfboards—it’s about creating a space that feels light, fresh, and free.”
