Here at Livingetc, we've loved coastal decor way before 'Coastal Grandmother' was a trend making waves on TikTok. Big time blues, seashell motifs, wicker and rattan accents — sure, it can be a bit kitschy, but that's part of the charm. And though it's most fitting near bodies of water, or in keeping with certain regional aesthetics (I'm picturing New England), you can undoubtedly implement certain facets of coastal decor in landlocked cities, too.
At the moment, I'm vibing with one sub-aesthetic in particular: Amalficore. This trending look calls to mind the luxurious seaside appeal of coastal Italian towns like Positano and Sorrento, dotted with million-dollar yachts and opulent accommodation. It's country charm meets untapped wealth; bucolic meets billionaire, and it makes for a luxe interior design trend.
'For those living far away from the seaside, turning to decor to recreate the warmth and vibrancy of coastal — and more precisely, Mediterranean — destinations means unlocking new ways of bringing a year-around touch of sunshine into their homes; wherever these might be located,' says Livingetc's lifestyle editor Gilda Bruno, an Italy native. 'While the Amalficore trend might not necessarily speak to everyone in the same way, its quintessentially Southern Italian look allows us to imbue the rooms of our house with the spirited atmosphere of our favorite vacation.'
What does the Amalficore decor trend look like?
To really nail this trend, Gilda suggests using 'shades like turquoise, aquamarine, sea blue, moss green, and sun porch yellow' in order to 'reference the traditional designs of Amalfi's ceramics, enriched with hand-painted scenes of its coastal views and detailed depictions of its world-renowned lemons.'
From a materials standpoint, she recommends focussing on 'terracotta, wrought iron, and wooden finishes,' while paying particular attention to 'sourcing locally crafted tableware, from plates, glasses, and napkin holders all the way to mosaic-filled tablecloths and throws.' Moreover, 'stick to stripy or geometrical white and blue patterns for a minimalist alternative retaining the essence of Amalfitan extravaganza.'
Then there is the iridescent sea glass and seashell motifs — which have been taking a hold of the fashion landscape lately — as well as bright colors and ceramic accents. 'The Amalficore trend is alluring because it draws us back to nature, to the feeling of relaxation, vacation, understated elegance and sophistication, combined with the beauty of a laid back, luxury lifestyle,' says Patrick Knowles, an interior designer specializing in luxury yachts.
So get ready to level-up your home before summer's end — we are going full Italian. The shopping edit below includes 12 decorative accents that ooze 'Amalfi.' If you couldn't make it to Europe this summer, why not bring Europe to you?
The Amalficore edit
Price: $6.99
Though this hand towel is admittedly not blue and white, its two-toned design calls to mind striped outdoor lounge chairs next to glistening aquamarine-colored water — a distinctly Italian image. I'm picturing guest houses next to white sand beaches, or season two's White Lotus hotel. You see it now, right? It would be an ideal bit of coastal decor for a bathroom or kitchen.
Price: $44
Size: 6"H, 4.75" diameter
The Amalfi is known for its world-class lemons, Gilda shares. Pay homage to the harvest with this fabulously avant-garde candlestick holder, adorned with bright green leaves, juicy lemons, and little citrus flowers. 'Love these lemon taper candle holders!' wrote one customer in their review. 'So cute and perfect for my dining room decor!'
Price: $34.95
Any Amalfi tablescape or living room vignette needs a touch of wood, according to Gilda's expert guidance. These salad servers are an easy, affordable, and two-birds-one-stone solution, thanks to the blue and white pip inlay on the handles. Al fresco dining, here we come!
Price: $74
Was: 105
Dimensions: 9.8"W x 1.5"H x 13"D
'I love decorating with stylish coffee table books, and Assouline's Amalfi Coast book is stunning,' says yacht designer Patrick. Perhaps the coffee table accent of the moment, the instantly recognizable spines of the Assouline collection are all over TikTok and Instagram. As Patrick suggests, this tome celebrating the beauty of the Amalfi would make a pertinent and on-trend addition to any coastal living room.
Price: $98
Was: $128
Size: Euro (26" sq.)
Serena & Lily is typically my go-to for New England-style coastal charm, but this quilted blue-and-white sham is distinctly Italian (and not for nothing, it was 'born from textiles spotted in our travels,' according to the product description). I love the combination of solid, striped, and floral motifs — and though it's not pictured here, the back panel is quite fun, as well.
Price: $99
Seashells aren't indicative of the Amalfi alone, but they are representative of the coast, so I had to pay homage. I fell in love with this champagne bucket the second I saw it, thanks to a showstopping frame that's sure to be an instant crowd-pleaser. I could see even the fanciest hotel in the Amalfi pulling this out as a wine chiller.
Price: $85
Was: $100
Size: 7 oz.
This candle's scent is inspired by the 'natural landscapes of the Amalfi coast' — primarily its fig and lemon trees, although there are also notes of pink pepper, jasmine petal, and fig wood, in there as well. The blue of the jar represents the clear waters of the Mediterranean sea. A perfect accent that plays to two of the five senses.
Price: $64
Vietri touts itself as 'irresistibly Italian,' with an origin story rooted deep in the Amalfi Coast. Its name is derived from the town of Vietri sul Mare, where founders Susan, Frances, and their mother, Lee Gravely, purchased the artisan-made pieces of their first collection. While I'm not familiar with those early pieces, I'd think the Campagna Cavallo dinner plate — featuring a funky hand-painted horse and flower vignette — would fit right in. I'm undeniably obsessed.
Price: $138
Stuff this porcelain planter with wisteria, bougainvillea, or other Amalfi blooms for a classic botanical touch. The fish motif (hand-painted, of course) pays homage to the glimmering Mediterranean Sea, while the blue and white coloring plays up that typical Italian palette.
Price: $89.95
Includes: 4 glasses
Cin cin! Cheers to a summer of luxury with these vintage etched wine glasses from Williams Sonoma, a fabulous touch of opulence atop a linen-drenched tablescape. The sun will sparkle and shine off these beauties, which are 'perfect for formal entertaining, yet durable enough for everyday use,' according to the description. They're dishwasher safe, as well.
Price: $93
Was: $150
Although it's not explicitly Italian, I think this 5-piece flatware set is perfect for a coastal decor-inspired table setting. The squiggle stems are reminiscent of rolling waves, while the shiny silver reminds me of the gleaming sun. What's more, every piece is completely recyclable (though, if you're like me, you'll want to keep this set forever).
Price: $160
Dimensions: 71" x 126"
This blue linen tablecloth has everything I want in a coastal accent — a lightweight material, a floral (or otherwise seaside-related) motif, a cotton trim, and the perfect mix of blue and white. I've never tried this brand before, but I'm quite intrigued by its products, which have been featured in a number of prestigious interior publications before (and now on Livingetc.)
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