The New Coast: How Rory Carter Redefines Beachside Style

Featured: Peace Cream Vegan Shearling Rug

For interior stylist Rory Carter, creating spaces that honor their beachside setting while avoiding coastal clichés is second nature. "I've always lived close to the beach, and love opening the curtains and watching the changing skies over the water at sunrise and sunset," shares Rory, giving us a glimpse into his natural connection to the beachside.

Through his work styling photoshoots for architects and curating homes for clients, he's developed a distinctive approach that brings fresh perspective to coastal living – one that celebrates location without being bound by tradition. "I do a lot of new product sourcing in my work, so I'm constantly seeing fresh collections and ideas which helps to provide inspiration for my own place," explains Rory, whose evolving style can be attributed to his consistent discovery and passion for finding new inspirations.

“For me, a coastal home should feel comfortable,
light and fresh.”

Natural light as narrative

Step into Rory's home and you'll understand how natural light can transform modern coastal spaces. Large windows frame the picturesque seaside sky like living artwork, while a carefully considered palette creates dialogue between indoors and out. "I've used a few key materials throughout the space — oak timber, light cream linen and concrete with highlights of black metal. This palette feels contemporary but timeless to me," Rory explains. One may be surprised by the suggestion of concrete, black and metal, but Rory's refreshing and unique design perspective reminds us that coastal living can also be subtly experimental.

The space's defining feature? White VJ panelling that runs its entire length, offering subtle coastal reference without overwhelming the contemporary elements. Drawing inspiration from both local landscapes and global design, Rory's material choices demonstrate how coastal spaces can transcend expected narratives. Each element serves both aesthetic and practical purpose, creating interiors that feel intentional rather than themed.

“Sometimes inspiration will come just from flicking through one of my coffee table books and seeing a material combination or styling vignette that I haven't thought of before.”

Breaking coastal conventions

"There's many different ways to approach a coastal interior," Rory notes, challenging traditional assumptions about beachside design. Rather than reaching for predictable maritime motifs or navy-white combinations, he advocates for a more nuanced palette that reflects authentic Australian living.

Think creams that echo sand dunes, browns that reference weathered timber, and greens and blues in muted tones that capture the complexity of ocean hues. This sophisticated approach moves beyond decorative anchors and seashells, focusing instead on how color and material can create atmosphere. "Remember, a coastal interior doesn't need to follow any particular look or style," he emphasises, "it's more about the atmosphere, natural light and mood."

This perspective reminds us that a truly successful space prioritizes feeling over appearance – it's less about adhering to coastal design rules and more about creating an environment that resonates with you. After all, you're the one who'll be experiencing the space most personally, making its emotional impact far more significant than its adherence to any particular style.

“I'm constantly seeing fresh collections and ideas which helps to provide inspiration for my own place.”

Design that endures

Rory's emphasis on the practicality of a space is a important reminder to anyone who is looking for guidance when styling a space. When designing for families with children or pets, he proves that durability and style aren't mutually exclusive. Take his own light-toned linen sofa – with removable, washable covers, it defies the assumption that homes with kids need dark, heavy furniture.

This philosophy extends throughout his spaces. Washable rugs eliminate the need for dark patterns that hide wear. Hardwearing materials are selected not just for their resilience but for their ability to age gracefully. "You don't have to sacrifice on your style” he insists, demonstrating how thoughtful material selection can serve both purposes, reminding us that beautiful home furnishings can still be practical.

“My top tip would be to go with a rug that is similar tonally to other colours in the room but choose a texture or subtle pattern that will help the rug feel grounded in the space.”

His inspiration sources reflect this balanced approach. From Japanese minimalism to Scandinavian functionality, Rory curates ideas from diverse design traditions while maintaining local relevance. Whether through Pinterest boards or books featuring unexpected material combinations, he shows how global design perspectives can inform coastal spaces without diluting their authentic character.

The essence of modern coastal interiors, as Rory demonstrates, lies in understanding how natural light, materials, and practical considerations can harmonize to create spaces that feel both elevated and livable. It's about crafting environments that respect their location while serving real-life needs – proving that the most compelling coastal spaces are those that feel naturally sophisticated rather than deliberately themed.