Coastal New England vs. French Brittany Style
Two distinct coastal worlds, both rich in character: the breezy, salt-kissed elegance of Coastal New England and the rustic, storied charm of France's Brittany region. In this blog post, we’ll explore the color palettes, materials, and decorative accents that define each style, perfect for helping you curate your ideal home aesthetic.
8/5/20252 min read
Color Palettes
Coastal New England: As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links benefit me at no extra cost to you.
Soft neutrals dominate, think cloud white, seafoam green, navy, sand beige, and driftwood gray.
The palette reflects foggy mornings, sun-bleached shingles, and the cool Atlantic sea.
Accents often come in the form of subtle blues, pale aquas, and washed-out reds (think antique buoys or faded flags).
French Brittany (Bretagne):
Rooted in natural, earthy hues: warm stone grays, chalky whites, muddy taupes, and slate blues.
Inspired by Brittany's rocky cliffs, moody skies, and traditional longère homes.
You’ll often see ochres, iron blacks, and even soft floral tones that reflect regional textiles.
Materials
Coastal New England:
Painted wood paneling and shiplap are key architectural features.
Weathered oak, pine, and maple are commonly used for flooring and furniture.
Stone fireplaces, brick hearths, and nautical metals (like brushed nickel or pewter) reinforce the marine connection.
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French Brittany:
Emphasizes raw and tactile surfaces: exposed stone walls, plaster, and hand-hewn beams.
Traditional furniture includes carved woods like walnut or cherry, often painted or distressed.
Terracotta tile floors, aged iron fixtures, and ceramic accents (especially Quimper faïence) are often featured.
Decorative Accents
Coastal New England:
Nautical-inspired pieces like model sailboats, glass floats, and rope-wrapped mirrors.
Vintage maps, whale motifs, and striped cushions evoke maritime history.
Accessories tend to be functional, subtle, and weathered, emphasizing comfort and authenticity.
French Brittany:
Features antique ceramics, Breton folk art, and ornate religious artifacts.
Includes brass candlesticks, iron sconces, and woven baskets for practical charm.
Often showcases regional craftsmanship with hand-painted pottery and rustic wood carvings.
Interiors often include cozy touches like upholstered armchairs, stone fireplaces with decorative mantels, and built-in cabinetry painted in muted greens or ochres.
Whether you're drawn to the lightness and simplicity of Coastal New England, or the rugged, historical richness of Brittany, both styles offer timeless ways to connect your home to the coast. Use this guide to mix, match, and create your own curated space, one that feels both personal and evocative of a place you love.
