1. Add Low-Pile and Layered Vintage Rugs

If there’s one essential element of Nantucket style, it’s rugs. Whether it's a timeworn Oushak, a vintage natural rug, or a woven rug in washed hues, these foundational pieces can set the tone for your entire space. “Texture underfoot grounds the whole room,” notes Kostamo-McNeil.

For Kopp, jute rugs and Oushaks in muted colors are her top picks, as they often maintain their look no matter how many “party fouls” they encounter. “You want a carefree feel to capture that Nantucket spirit,” says the Connecticut-based designer. “It’s not about stress.”

2. Carefully Use Color

While there’s room to play with color, Kopp advises a light hand. “You can either work in all whites and neutrals, or a controlled palette such as greens and blues,” she explains. This classic palette (paired with wood floors painted a crisp white) can create spaces that exude summer living.

While Kostamo-McNeil is a fan of the classic, pared-down palette of blue and white (that skews more sun-drenched than oversaturated), she says there’s also room for a mix of layered prints, but with one caveat. “Color should coordinate, not match,” she says. “The moment everything is too perfectly pulled together, you’ve lost it.”

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Adam Albright

3. Implement Layers

Whether rugs, linens, soft accessories, or any additional decor, the room’s elements should feel collected. “Layering is everything, and antiques are your best friend,” says Kostamo-McNeil. “A weathered side table, a vintage print, a piece of old ironstone; these are details that give a room its soul and suggest a life lived in the space.”

In addition to furnishings and decor, don’t be afraid to play with layering patterns and textures, too. Seagrass, linen, and rattan all play beautifully with casual patterns, subtle stripes, and warm wood tones, the designer says.

4. Use Objects That Tell a Story

Skip the “Beach This Way” sign and instead opt for antiques with a subtle nautical nod, says Kostamo-McNeil. Antique maps, a stack of old books, and watercolors in worn frames are all options that feel genuine to the style.

While all of these elements can help further your Nantucket look, they can also get in the way if you take it too far. Instead of piling in all the interest, use restraint to build a space with character that still feels open and airy, with plenty of breathing room. “The kind of thing that looks discovered, not decorated,” says Kostamo-McNeil.

Edmund Barr

5. Consider Outdoor Living

After all, a major element of Nantucket living is time spent outdoors. “Make sure your outdoor space is ready to rumble, think plenty of shade, comfortable seating, and lots of hydrangeas everywhere,” says Kopp. If you're ready for a more permanent option, add a more expansive, elevated outdoor area, complete with large doors to create a hybrid space when the weather permits.

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6. Find Items with Patina

Your fabrics, finishes, lighting, and even plumbing should have that lived-in element. “A slightly rumpled throw, an unironed pillow; imperfect and used right is its own kind of polish,” says Kostamo-McNeil. When possible, opt for living finishes that will age over time. “The patina is the point,” she says.

Patrick Biller

More Quick Designer Tips for Nailing the Look

• Opt for wood tones: “Rich woods are also part of this look, whether that is an oversized coffee table or some sort of armoire—these warm tones pair beautifully in white spaces," says Kopp.
• Don't force the look: Kostamo-McNeil says it best: “Nantucket style only works when it feels effortless, and effortless is the hardest thing to fake.”
• Choose high-quality fabrics: “Don’t go cheap with your upholstery; the Puritan mentality prioritizes quality and durability. Real comfort is something you not be able to see, but you will certainly feel as you sit down," Kopp says. Try searching Facebook Marketplace or online resale stores for more affordable yet high-quality options.
• Let your home's character shine: If you have an older home, Kopp encourages you to highlight its original features. “Exposed rafters and any other original parts of an antique home should be seen as they bring so much character and history to a space, not to mention increasing the cubic footage of your room.”