Seaside Sophistication: Coastal Décor Inspiration from the French Riviera

The essence of French Riviera décor

Evoking the luxurious yet laid-back verve of the Riviera, French coastal style is elegantly refined yet understated. A backdrop of white and soft neutrals sets the stage for accents reflective of the natural splendour of the region – blues, turquoises, golds and gentle, sun-kissed shades.

No Riviera-style interior would be complete without a nautical stripe here and there – amplified by subtle design details that nod to the maritime theme. Natural, woven textiles and wood bring an element of the beach – seagrass-fringed dunes and driftwood – to seaside home décor, while elegant, functional furnishings embrace comfort.  

How to capture the elements of coastal chic

Inspired by the natural beauty of the region and the sophistication of its residents, a thoughtful blend of coastal chic design elements informs our ocean-facing Cannes abode. Recreate the mood with the August formula for French Riviera décor. 

The colours of the Côte d'Azur

Drawing inspiration from the southern French sun and shimmering Mediterranean Sea, our Cannes apartment is bathed in a restorative palette of buttery cream and white, to amplify the light pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Subtle blues echo through the cabinetry and custom artworks, and hints of deeper cobalt and gold enhance the nautical Mediterranean mood.    

Textural play

‍Raffia, rattan, wicker and woven textiles add a rustic note to Mediterranean-style homes, while mirroring the natural beauty of the beachscape. We segmented the living and dining spaces of our seaside home with a generous rug in earthen tones, interspersing chunkier weaves to pull focus to statement lampshades and furnishings. Stepping into the master suite, the juxtaposition of textural elements continues, grounded by crisp-white walls and cohesive tonal accents.   

‍Chic southern French furnishings

Leaning into comfort in the Rivieran heat, the August Design Team chose functional yet elegant furnishings to complement the coastal chic décor. A generous L-shaped sofa and clean-lined tables and carpentry create an easy, inviting mood. For a statement touch, a contemporary four-poster bed in black wrought iron provides the focal point of the master suite. Woven elements are threaded through the furnishings – carefully balanced by clean-lined, contemporary silhouettes.      

Tranquil outdoor spaces 

Absorb the breathtaking coastal landscape from the veranda of your seaside home by creating a tranquil space in which to entertain and relax. Serving as an extension of the living space, the ample balcony of our Cannes Pied À Terre echoes the décor of the Riviera-style interior. Celebrating the vista, a contemporary table framed with elegant iron chairs invites ocean-view breakfasts and sunset apéritifs. For restorative moments, a wicker-backed sofa, rustic rug and lush plants invite you to lounge in a miniature oasis with a view.  

Sanctuaries for rejuvenation

For moments of pure indulgence, natural stone, light wood and polished chrome imbue the capacious bathroom suite with a spa-like quality. Create cohesion with the rest of the seaside home décor by bringing in subtle rustic elements – or perhaps a low-key striped accent.

With an elegant balance of pared-back functionality, evocative shades and textural accents, French Riviera décor can bring the coastal chic mood of the Côte d'Azur into your seaside home. 

August homes are infused with the authentic character of their sublime locations. From the Riviera to Rome, London, Barcelona and Paris, take a leap with August and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Europe’s most enchanting cities, with a Pied à Terre Collection of covetable apartments. 

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For those seeking a slower pace of life, our Signature, Premium and Prime Collections are nestled in the heart of the most desirable Alpine, Rivieran, Tuscan, Mallorcan and Cotswold communities. Whatever your version of the European dream is, an August Collection can unlock the enviable lifestyles of five of the Continent’s most desirable destinations. Schedule a call with an Advisor or request a brochure, and take the first step in your August journey today.