Modern Coastal Apartment from "The Other Woman"

The movie The Other Woman came out long before terms like “coastal grandma” and “modern coastal” became popular interior trends, but I still think it is one of the best examples of this relaxed coastal aesthetic on screen.

The story takes place across New York City, Connecticut, the Hamptons, and eventually the Bahamas. The main character Carly (played by Cameron Diaz) lives in a beautiful Soho apartment that is not the most obviously coastal location in the movie — and that is exactly what makes it interesting. Instead of filling the space with predictable beach references, the designers created a home that feels coastal through colors, textures, natural materials, and carefully chosen decorative pieces.

So if you have been looking for ways to bring a coastal feeling into your home without filling every corner with seashell trays and starfish trinkets, this apartment is full of ideas.

Subtle coastal details: Arteriors Cooper Silver Leaf Floor Lamp

One of the decorative pieces I noticed right away is the Cooper Silver Leaf Floor Lamp by Arteriors. It appears several times throughout the movie, often in the background as characters move through the room, but honestly, it would have caught my eye even if it only appeared for a second.

The lamp has a beautiful sculptural base with a subtle pattern that resembles fish scales or waves, but only if you look closely. That is what makes it work so well in this interior: it suggests the coastal theme without making it too obvious.

Arteriors uses this same approach in many of their pieces, creating furniture and lighting with organic shapes, interesting textures, and a slightly luxurious feel. The brand also makes table lamps and accent tables with similar silver and gold finishes.

Jonathan Adler’s Georgia Vase: a piece inspired by an American icon

Another recognizable decorative object in Carly’s apartment is the Georgia Porcelain Vase by Jonathan Adler.

The collection was inspired by the American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, known for her large-scale flower paintings and her unique visual language. O’Keeffe was also the wife and muse of the famous photographer Alfred Stieglitz, making her one of the most fascinating figures in American art history.

The vase was part of a larger collection that also included a centerpiece bowl, cookie jar, and other ceramic pieces. With its soft curves and organic shape, it immediately brings to mind summer days, ocean waves, and even the image of Aphrodite emerging from the sea foam.

It is a perfect example of how a coastal interior does not need literal beach decorations — sometimes one beautifully designed object is enough to create the feeling.

A home bar with a little vintage glamour

The home bar area features a marble-top console table with hourglass-shaped legs. I found a similar option at 14th Street Modern & Vintage Home — the Cyan Design Modern Black Marble and Antique Gold Hourglass Side Table.

The glass decanters are Frances Decanters by Arteriors. I also found similar versions with brass stoppers at Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, including some even more sculptural freeform designs.

On the bar table, you can spot the K Tribe Table Lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos. Designed in 2007, this elegant lamp is known for its transparent polycarbonate shade and timeless silhouette, blending classic proportions with a modern, almost jewelry-like aesthetic.

There is also a beautiful table lamp with a clear base sitting on the windowsill. These lamps have become a classic and can be found in many variations today, so I’m including two Skye Lamps from Birch Lane — including the chrome and brass versions that I actually own myself.

Layered textures and coastal accents

The two matching consoles by the front door are another great example of the apartment’s understated coastal style. Their slim shape and metallic finish make them look almost like antique silver pieces that have been gently aged over time.

I especially love the cake stand used to display the collection of decorative objects. It adds a slightly unexpected touch — it almost makes you imagine serving oysters or a fresh catch of the day on it during a summer dinner by the water.

The large asymmetrical ceramic bowl has a similar feeling. Its uneven edges resemble seashells polished smooth by ocean waves, but the reference is subtle enough that the room never feels themed.

Coastal-inspired pieces with a similar feel

Here are some pieces I found that have a similar look and feeling to the ones featured in the movie:

• Jeffon Ceramic Table Lamp by Red Barrel Studio

• Stone Washed Linen Pillows from Bed Bath & Beyond

• Vintage 1948 Waldorf Astoria Hotel Cake Stand from Weston Table

• Glazed Ceramic Decorative Bowl by Patina Vie

• Barajas Console Table by House of Hampton

The power of layered lighting

One thing that really stands out in Carly’s apartment is the number of lamps throughout the space. And as someone who always notices lighting in interiors: yes to layered lighting!

Instead of relying on one central light source, the room uses multiple lamps to create a warmer and more inviting atmosphere. This is one of those small details that can completely change the feeling of a home.

I found several options in different shades of blue and different price ranges that could help recreate a similar mood:

• Mason Table Lamp by Robert Abbey

• Braylen Ribbed Table Lamp by Kate Spade

• Elegant Designs Modern Leather Table Lamp (available at Amazon and Target)

• Pangong Table Lamp by Surya

• Coto Lamp by George Oliver

• Formosa Table Lamp by Villa & House

A coastal-inspired office

Speaking of lamps, Carly’s office also has a beautiful coastal touch.

The small lamp with the bright blue enamel shade on top of the dresser looks like a vintage piece, but the lamp on her desk reminded me of the Contemporary Galaxy Arc Chrome Downbridge Lamp previously available from Lamps Plus.

With its sailboat-like shape, it almost looks ready to leave the desk and float down the East River

outside the window.

Small details that complete the atmosphere

I also noticed several pillar candles throughout the apartment. The blue ones look very similar to the Blue Chamomile 3x4 Mottled Pillar Candle from Pier 1.

It is a small detail, but that is exactly how many movie interiors create atmosphere: not through one dramatic statement piece, but through dozens of carefully chosen objects.

A coastal kitchen moment

Besides the living room, the movie briefly takes us into Carly’s kitchen. It looks very clean and polished, but one detail immediately caught my attention: the stoneware footed fruit bowl.

Its rounded shape and reflective glazed surface almost look like a reflection in water, creating a subtle connection to the coastal theme.

Here are some other bowls with a similar texture and shape that bring the same beach-inspired feeling:

• Jamie Young Aegan Pedestal Bowl

• Fountain Centerpiece by Ferm Living

• Kaala Ribbed Bowl by Serrv

And just a few more screenshots from this movie that capture that effortless coastal feeling.

Ah, such a vibe!

© 2014 20th Century Fox. Film stills from The Other Woman used for editorial commentary and analysis.