Your Guide to the Fisherman Aesthetic

You might be wondering: how can the fisherman aesthetic be considered a "new and emerging trend" when coastal interiors have such a long-standing presence? Well, while the two styles share similar roots, there is a difference, it’s subtle, but it’s there.

The first notable distinction is the color palette. Traditional coastal interiors tend to stick to a predictable, nautical scheme of navy and neutrals. In contrast, the fisherman aesthetic embraces earthier tones, paired with unexpected pastels that echo the charm of quaint seaside towns.

Another key difference lies in the overall mood and finish. The fisherman aesthetic leans into a more rugged, lived-in vibe - a romanticized version of a cozy, ramshackle space. This sets it apart from the clean, crisp, and uniform feel often associated with classic coastal interiors.

As this trend has continued to emerge, three key components have consistently appeared in interiors inspired by the Fisherman Aesthetic: stripes, wooden panel-style detailing, and a palette of pastel and earthy neutral tones. Together, these elements instantly evoke the character of a clapboard coastal home, complete with a jetty and a boat docked out back.

Stripes have long been a popular pattern in homes over the years, standing the test of time as countless trends have come and gone. What makes stripes so synonymous with the Fisherman Aesthetic is their versatility, they can be effortlessly blended with other patterns to create a laid-back, anything-goes look that quietly says, we're relaxing by the beach here.

One striped Hovia design we recommend as the perfect foundation for mixing and matching coastal accents is Walter. With its traditional feel and uniform two-tone layout, Walter brings a sense of quiet structure. The soft mint green and cream color combination makes it ideal for subtly setting the scene, allowing other features, like wicker baskets, traditional crockery, or even row boating paraphernalia, to take center stage. This design is a great option if you favor a more minimalist space, but still want to embrace the essence of this trend.

Wooden panelling is an obvious design choice that comes to mind when thinking of the coastal aesthetic as a whole, as well as micro-trends like the Fisherman Aesthetic and Coastal Grandma. These wooden panel accents can take many forms, from half-wall paneling that starts at the skirting board, to full-wall features, even running vertically for a more cohesive and continuous look throughout a space.

Regardless of how these wooden paneling details are incorporated, they all draw inspiration from traditional coastal clapboard houses, typically found in regions like New England, USA.

We offer a variety of wood-effect wallpaper designs that allow you to interpret this trend in your own way. One design we feel perfectly captures the look is Board, with its vintage whitewashed finish. This design looks as though it’s weathered sunny days and seaside storms, creating an authentic fisherman’s home feel. If you’re looking to fully embrace the Fisherman Aesthetic and want to introduce the look of natural materials over your home’s existing foundations, Board could be the perfect choice.

The third design element we’ve consistently seen in interiors inspired by the Fisherman Aesthetic is a color palette made up of earthy, natural tones and muted, understated pastels. These earthy shades subtly reference the rugged, weathered beauty of the coastal landscape beyond the interior walls. This palette is often used as the foundation, applied to walls, flooring, and ceilings, while the rest of the space is layered with striped accents and antique decorative pieces. The eclectic mix of furnishings complements the laid-back, natural tones, creating a raw yet cozy atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of this trend.

A design we’d incorporate into our interior if we chose to work with earthy and pastel tones is Sunset Classic. This wallpaper captures the full color palette most commonly associated with the Fisherman Aesthetic. It can be used across an entire wall to create a striking panoramic feature within a space. Not only does it align beautifully with the trend’s color scheme, but it also subtly nods to the endless horizons you imagine when living by the coast, perfectly tying together the relationship between indoors and out.

After exploring these three components, it’s easy to see why so many people are styling their spaces with inspiration from the Fisherman Aesthetic. Who wouldn’t want to live in a laid-back, cozy space filled with natural accents and earthy tones?

If you’re still looking for more ideas beyond the three components mentioned above, head over to our Fisherman Aesthetic Pinterest board where you’ll find a wider selection of designs inspired by this trend, along with broader interior inspiration to help spark ideas for your whole space.