Hi---perhaps these photos will bridge the design/color gap between you and your hubby. Good Luck!
[houzz=][houzz=][[houzz=]houzz=]

Hi there! It seems to me that the one color you should avoid is - blue!

It is possible to create a coastal look without it. To me, a coastal look implies slipcovered sofas (for easy wash-ability), rustic wood to evoke driftwood, seagrass or other natural fibres, and colors found in coastal areas. So, in addition to blue, you might find gray (gulls, driftwood, pebbles), green (grasses) and tan (sand).

Below is a collage of how I imagine a blue-less coastal look to be. The background color in the collage is Ben Moore Natural Linen, which has a nice khaki undertone.

No seashells necessary!

And, can you two combine your photography and graphic art in collage-type groupings - each media style placed wherever it looks most harmonious?

Opposites attract! Lol! Looking at your idea book I was attracted to the colourful tile fireplace which your hubby would probably love as it seems very California / Spanish inspired. You probably were attracted to something else in the photo. I think you will be able to mesh your styles to a water / nature theme with some of the suggestions above from the other Houzzers. I often find something interesting (like a towel for the bathroom or fireplace slate) and use that to guide me. If hubby has a favourite electric blue, he can go crazy in his man cave or have a snuggle blanket or pillow. Or buy him clothes in that colour and he will be happy. Lol!