10 Ways to Style Your House Like It’s Straight Out of We Were Liars

We Were Liars carries a coastal New England mood—equal parts wealthy tradition and weathered simplicity. The Sinclair family’s private island wasn’t about flashy décor. It leaned into restraint: white walls, raw textures, and a quiet kind of luxury that whispered instead of shouted.

You can capture that same moody, upscale coastal vibe by focusing on natural finishes, thoughtful details, and spaces that feel both polished and lived-in.

Weathered Wood Everywhere

In the Sinclair homes, nothing looked brand new. The furniture felt worn, sun-bleached, and softened by salt air. That look comes from finishes that are weathered but intentional.

You can bring that into your home with reclaimed wood tables, driftwood accents, or whitewashed finishes. Even something as small as a wooden bench in the entry or a side table with a raw edge channels that New England island energy without overdoing it.

Keep the Palette Light and Restrained

White walls dominated the Sinclair houses, with beige, gray, and muted blues layered in sparingly. The focus wasn’t on bold colors—it was on letting the architecture and light speak for themselves.

Painting walls crisp white or a soft gray gives you the same clean backdrop. From there, layer in texture instead of color: linen throws, jute rugs, or a slipcovered sofa. The restraint makes the whole room feel timeless and elevated.

Choose Nautical Touches Carefully

This isn’t about anchors and seashells—it’s about subtle nods to the ocean. The Sinclair houses kept things quiet: rope-wrapped details, brass hardware, or a single piece of art that reminded you of the sea.

You can pull this off with woven baskets, rope handles on cabinets, or a vintage brass lamp. The trick is to keep it understated so the space feels coastal without slipping into kitsch.

Incorporate Statement Fireplaces

In New England, fireplaces aren’t just practical—they’re a focal point. The Sinclair homes often gathered people around the hearth, adding warmth to otherwise minimal rooms.

If you already have a fireplace, dress it with stacked wood and a stone or brick surround instead of something glossy. If not, even an electric fireplace with a weathered mantel can give you that same grounding effect. It’s about anchoring the space.

Stick to Minimalist Furniture

One thing that stood out in We Were Liars was how spare the furniture felt. Rooms weren’t crammed with extra pieces. Instead, they relied on clean lines, open layouts, and furniture that did its job without fuss.

Opt for simple wooden tables, neutral sofas, and functional seating. Skip overly ornate details. A pared-down approach keeps the home feeling intentional and high-end, much like the Sinclair summer houses.

Lean Into Linen

Linen was practically made for this kind of look. It’s lightweight, breathable, and carries that effortlessly wrinkled texture that feels coastal but elevated.

Use linen for curtains, bedding, or tablecloths. Even a set of linen throw pillows makes a difference. Stick to neutral tones like off-white, oatmeal, or muted gray to keep the palette cohesive.

Maximize Natural Light

The Sinclair homes were designed to frame the outdoors. Windows were large, curtains were minimal, and light poured into the rooms.

In your own house, opt for light-filtering curtains instead of heavy drapes. Keep window treatments simple or skip them altogether if privacy allows. The goal is to let the landscape—whether it’s a backyard or an actual shoreline—become part of the room.

Use Artwork as Atmosphere

The art in We Were Liars wasn’t cheerful. It leaned moody—stormy seascapes, stark photography, or abstract pieces that carried weight. It reflected the tone of the island itself.

Choose art that feels atmospheric. Black-and-white photography, muted coastal landscapes, or darker abstract prints all fit the mood. Let the artwork be the thing that adds depth to otherwise pared-back rooms.

Outdoor Spaces That Blend In

The Sinclair homes didn’t overpower the landscape—they blended with it. Decks, porches, and outdoor seating all looked like extensions of the island, not afterthoughts.

You can echo that by choosing wood decking, Adirondack chairs, or neutral cushions that disappear into the surroundings. Even a stone fire pit with simple seating feels right at home in this style.

Embrace Empty Space

One of the most striking things about the Sinclair houses was what wasn’t there. Rooms often felt bare, leaving space for silence, reflection, and mystery.

Don’t feel like you have to fill every wall or surface. Leave breathing room around furniture. Let a hallway stay uncluttered. That emptiness is part of what makes the house feel intentional—and it mirrors the haunting, minimal atmosphere of We Were Liars.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.