5 ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Style Tips to Make Your Home Feel Like a Beach Getaway

If you’ve been binge-watchingThe Summer I Turned Pretty and dreaming of a serene, sun-soaked escape, you’re not alone. The coming-of-age series doesn’t just capture a teen summer feeling—it also serves up a masterclass in timeless coastal design that’s effortless, nostalgic, and refined all at once.

Full of sunlit rooms with soft textures, elegant touches, and subtle nods to carefree summer days, the beach house offers up an ocean of decor ideas. Featuring advice from an expert who decoded its aesthetic, here’s how to bring that charming, East Coast style into your own home.

Breezy Coastal Elegance Meets Old-Money Sophistication

At the heart of The Summer I Turned Pretty’s style is a balance between relaxed coastal living and traditional elements. It’s beach house meets classic estate: wood paneling painted white, vintage rattan furniture, linen slipcovers, and rooms that breathe with natural light. These aren’t just sunny vacation homes—they hold memories of family summers and quiet luxury.

Broker Peter Spinella of CENTURY 21 Guardian Realty defines the aesthetic of the Cousins Beach, the fictional location where the show takes place, as “coastal features with bright whites, soft blues, and greens” paired with open-floor plans that maximize natural light.

“Sweeping porches, expansive views, open concepts, natural wood siding, and light colors always draw buyers,” he says. The key is creating a feeling of calm and relaxation, inviting you to “take off your shoes, have a seat on the porch in the sun, smell the salt air, and relax.”

TikTok creators like @southern.lovely capture this with glimpses of light, airy interiors, where pale blues and sandy neutrals reign. Wood floors worn smooth by years of sandy feet, soft textured rugs, and fresh greenery bring nature indoors. The overall aesthetic is inviting yet polished—a place where teenagers can gather after a day at the shore and grown-ups feel equally at home.

One of the reasons the show’s interiors feel so authentic is how closely the design reflects the personalities and journeys of the main characters. Belly, the vibrant and introspective young woman at the center of the story, inhabits spaces filled with light and softness. Meanwhile, the Fisher family’s home hosts elegant, traditional furniture and vintage accents.

5 Signature Elements to Capture the Look

Spinella recommends considering your interior color choices before anything else: “It’s best to start with darker tones mixed with light wood or gray wood finishes.” He suggests avoiding very dark woods like mahogany, which can feel too heavy in coastal spaces. “Affordable swaps like nautical outdoor accents or adding plants can instantly shift a home’s feel,” he adds.

1. Weathered Wood and Whitewashed Walls

Peek inside any coastal home, and you’ll probably find classic shiplap or beadboard walls in crisp white or muted cream. This instantly evokes beach cottages with a lived-in feel. Pair with wide plank hardwood floors, preferably in lighter tones, to enhance the open, breezy atmosphere.

2. Natural Fibers and Textured Fabrics

Rattan chairs, wicker baskets, and linen drapes or slipcovers create depth and a tactile quality that complements the simple color scheme. Layer in woven jute or sisal rugs for grounding texture without overpowering the space.

3. Muted Coastal Colors with Soft Blues and Greens

Rather than bright, saturated hues, the beachy palette favors muted seafoam, pale aqua, and soft sky blues accented with sand tones, creamy whites, and occasional navy. This restrained color story feels fresh yet timeless.

4. Vintage and Antiques with History

Old-money style isn’t about flashy new furniture—it’s about heirlooms and character. Hunt for vintage mirrors, brass lamps, or weathered wooden chests that look like they’ve passed through generations of summer homes.

5. Welcoming Places to Gather

The Summer I Turned Pretty has captured audiences because it makes you feel like you’re stepping into a real family’s summer. Spaces aren’t overly curated or stuffy: They’re lived in, with personal touches that tell stories. In main rooms, comfy, oversized sofas and slipcovered chairs invite long conversations, and vintage record players spin nostalgic tunes. It’s all about blending style with comfort, creating spaces that feel simultaneously chic and casual.

Outdoor Spaces That Celebrate the Coast

Don’t forget the outside! Porches, decks, and patios in The Summer I Turned Pretty embrace the easygoing summer spirit. String lights overhead, Adirondack chairs, and weathered wooden tables encourage lazy mornings and sunset dinners.

When it comes to what draws buyers in beach markets, Spinella says location remains king. Waterfront access or proximity to the shore are top priorities, but nearby restaurants and activities are also a major factor, making a home a complete lifestyle package.

Adding elements like a fire pit, hanging swings, or simple floral arrangements can elevate your outdoor space into a year-round vacation retreat.

Bring the Look Home

You don’t need a sprawling beach house to capture this aesthetic. Whether you live inland or right on the shore, the key is layering natural materials, investing in quality vintage or vintage-inspired pieces, and keeping your palette soft and airy. Use slipcovers on your living room sofas or add a few rattan baskets for storage. Pick up some linen curtains and mix in coastal-inspired accents like driftwood frames or seashell collections.