Introduction
Welcome to our kitchen of the week, a bright and breezy coastal-style space designed for casual seaside living. This kitchen features an open and inviting layout with light, neutral colors, weathered finishes, and subtle nautical accents. Tactile textures, natural materials, and cozy furnishings evoke the relaxed charm of life by the ocean. Read on as we tour this coastal kitchen and explore ideas to bring beach house style into your own home.
Overview of the Coastal Design Style
Coastal design pulls inspiration from classic seaside cottages and beach homes. It focuses on casual comfort and making the most of natural light and ocean views. Here are some key elements that define this laidback style:
Bright, Airy Ambiance
Abundant natural light is a hallmark of coastal rooms. Large windows, skylights, and glass doors usher in sunshine to create an open, airy interior. Pale paint colors, high ceilings, and reflective surfaces help enhance the feeling of spaciousness and illumination.
Weathered Materials
Coastal interiors incorporate natural, often distressed finishes that reference driftwood, seashells, and stones washed smooth by the tide. Whitewashed wood, galvanized metal, wicker, rattan, rope, and concrete evoke the textures of beachside living.
Neutral Color Palette
Soft neutrals like white, tan, gray, and pale blue keep coastal rooms feeling tranquil and relaxed. Accent colors derive from ocean and shoreline hues in shades of aqua, sea glass, sand, and sky blue. Pops of navy blue add nautical flair.
Tactile Textures
Natural fiber rugs, wood floors, woven accents, and open shelving provide visual depth and tactile interest. Billowy linens, breezy curtains, and cozy furnishings invite relaxation in the coastal kitchen.
Subtle Nautical Touches
Tasteful nods to marine life and sailing bring a seaside spirit without going overboard.fish, seashell, rope, oar, and anchor motifs can adorn walls, serveware, pillows, or decor items. Use sparingly for just a touch of coastal charm.
Touring This Bright Coastal Kitchen
This kitchen exemplifies the laidback coastal design aesthetic while still providing smart function and workflow. Let’s look at specific details that make this space so fresh, inviting, and well-suited for seaside living.
An Open, Airy Layout
This kitchen features a spacious open-concept design to maximize natural light. Large windows along the backsplash wash the room in sunshine. A vaulted ceiling adds height and a feeling of airiness. Light oak floors reflect light and prevent the space from feeling closed in or dark.
Despite its open layout, distinct zones separate the kitchen, dining, and living areas for a sense of order. A large white-painted wood island defines the kitchen zone while providing extra prep space and casual seating.
A Bright, Neutral Color Scheme
Crisp white cabinetry, pale wood floors, and painted white walls create a clean backdrop in this kitchen. The all-white cabinetry provides a coastal cottage feel and brightens the space.
Pops of ocean blue in the pendant lights over the island and the accent rug bring in serene color without overwhelming the neutral palette. Navy blue bar stools at the island add another subtle splash of color.
Overall, the color scheme is tranquil and beachy, allowing the architecture and natural light to shine.
Weathered Wood & Natural Textures
Weathered driftwood finishes on the kitchen island and dining table add warmth and a casual coastal vibe. The uneven plank wood floors and exposed wood ceiling beams contribute distressed natural textures.
Jute rugs layered over the wood floors provide cozy softness underfoot. Wicker barstools, woven placemats, linen curtains, and a cotton area rug provide natural fiber accents that connect the space to the tactile sensations of the beach.
Relaxed Coastal Furnishings
The furniture reinforces the breezy, coastal feel. Weathered wood dining chairs complement the reclaimed driftwood table. A wicker pendant light hangs above in seaside character.
The living area features a slipcovered linen sofa and side chair ideal for beach cottage interiors. Painted oars mounted horizontally serve as casual coastal art.
Pops of coraland shell accents on the coffee table and credenza provide subtle ties to marine life. The overall effect is relaxed, textural, and quintessentially coastal.
Tasteful Nautical Accents
This kitchen includes well-chosen nautical details to evoke the seaside without going overboard. Blue and white ceramic pieces on the open shelves nod to life by the sea. A driftwood candleholder and vase of beach grasses continue the natural, beachy aesthetics.
The brass bell above the kitchen window provides an understated nautical accent. Finally, a handsome ship’s wheel console behind the sofa adds intrigue and character to the living zone.
Tips for Designing Your Own Coastal-Style Kitchen
If you’re aiming to design a coastal kitchen like this bright and breezy space, keep these tips in mind:
- Opt for light cabinetry or paint cabinets white to open up the space and reflect light. Shaker-style cabinets give a casual cottage look.
- Incorporate weathered wood finishes on cabinets, open shelving, furniture or accent walls to add warmth. Distressed, reclaimed, or whitewashed wood offers coastal character.
- Choose light natural fiber flooring like jute rugs, sisal, seagrass or bleached wood to evoke beach houses.
- Add textural interest with woven shades, linen curtains, cotton towels, ceramic dinnerware, and wood or rattan accents.
- Display beachy accents like driftwood, seashells, woven baskets and ceramic pieces in cool oceanic hues.
- Paint walls light neutral colors like sand, linen, oyster white, or pale aqua for a calming backdrop.
- Maximize natural light with ample windows, skylights, and glass-front cabinetry or display shelving. Consider pale reflective finishes.
- Incorporate nautical motifs sparingly on textiles, art, mirrors, hardware or decor items like anchors, fish, shells, knots, and oars.
Keeping these coastal design tips in mind will help you transform an everyday kitchen into a laidback, beach-inspired oasis. Achieve breezy seaside style through smart layout, abundant natural light, weathered finishes, and relaxed textural details.
Coastal Kitchen Palette Ideas
The color palette plays an essential role in creating a coastal kitchen aesthetic. Cool oceanic hues, warm neutrals, and weathered driftwood tones work together to evoke the colors of sand, sky, sea glass, and shoreline. Here are some pleasing coastal color combinations to try in your kitchen design:
Palette 1: Classic Blue & White
Crisp white paired with navy blue is the quintessential nautical color duo. White cabinetry or walls offset by navy backsplashes, island bases, barstools and accents nods to life by the sea. Pale blue ceilings enhance the beach house vibe.
Palette 2: Sea Glass Tones
Cool greens and aquas inspired by sea glass make tranquil kitchen color schemes. Try a soft sage green on the lower cabinets with a crisp white upper cabinets and light aqua backsplash. Aqua oven mitts, dish towels, and ceramic pieces continue the oceanic tones.
Palette 3: Neutral Tones
For a soothing retreat, stick to neutral coastal hues. Creamy white or oyster gray cabinets, paired with pale oak or whitewashed wood floors exude beach house style. Sand colored walls and tan leathered granite counters keep the palette subdued and relaxing.
Palette 4: Weathered Driftwood
Warm driftwood browns injected into a light coastal kitchen provides contrast and coziness. Try white cabinetry with a reclaimed wood butcher block island. Driftwood dining chairs and suspended wood beams add weathered detail. Jute rugs warm up light wood flooring.
Palette 5: Touch of Coral
A pop of vivd coral red or salmon pink breathes energy into a neutral coastal kitchen. Try bold coral barstools, kitchen linens or dishes. Salmon colored walls look stunning beside white cabinetry and a sea foam backsplash.
Play around with various pleasing, beachy color combinations to design your dream coastal kitchen palette.
Top Coastal Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
The backsplash offers the perfect opportunity to infuse coastal character through your kitchen design. Here are some top coastal-inspired backsplash looks to consider:
Breezy White Subway Tile
Classic white 3 x 6 subway tiles make a crisp, beachy backsplash statement. Rows of sleek white tiles keep the coastal kitchen looking light and fuss-free. Add visual punch by laying the tiles in a herringbone pattern or framing with wood trim.
Weathered Driftwood Planks
Reclaimed driftwood planks in soft weathered grays, browns and beiges evoke the textures of worn piers and boathouses. The natural variations in tone and grain add rustic interest. Finish with protective polyurethane.
Sea Glass & Ceramic Mosaic
Mosaics made from actual sea glass pieces combine coastal texture with an artisanal look. Add intrigue with irregularly shaped bits of turquoise, jade, and aqua glass. Tiny ceramic tile mosaics in oceanic hues also make artistic backsplash choices.
Light Beadboard Paneling
Crisp white beadboard offers charming cottage character in a coastal kitchen backsplash. Use wide or narrow panels with simple trim edging for a beach house vibe. Paint to complement your cabinets.
Whitewashed Brick
Salvaged whitewashed bricks have an aged, organic look perfect for coastal kitchens. The worn, textural bricks references weathered shoreline structures. Use white grout to continue the light airy look.
Handpainted Ceramic Tile
Choose handpainted ceramic tiles featuring coastal scenes, seashells, fish, sailboats, anchors and more. Spanish-style tiles are ideal. Add vibrant pops of color, or stick to a blue on white nautical scheme.
Pick a backsplash that reflects the breezy, weathered aesthetic of life by the water. Then frame it with trim, corbels or open shelves to highlight the coastal design.
Flooring Options for Coastal Style
Flooring can make a big impact in coastal kitchen design. Natural, textural, and water-resistant flooring materials are ideal choices for kitchens by the shore. Consider these flooring options to complete your coastal kitchen aesthetic:
Whitewashed Wood Planks
Whitewashed oak or pine wood floors with a matte finish are coastal design classics. The pale weathered finish allows the wood grain to show through for texture. Use extra wide planks for a relaxed, beach house look.
Wood-look Porcelain Tile Planks
Wood-look porcelain tiles offer the appearance of weathered, whitewashed hardwood but with more durability and water resistance. The neutral tones and varied grain patterns mimic driftwood floors.
Natural Stone Tiles
Honed natural stone tiles in soft hues like sea salt limestone or beach pebble travertine add subtle color and aged charm. The porous, textural tiles complement coastal decor and stand up to ocean air.
Seagrass & Jute Rugs
Natural fiber rugs made from sisal, seagrass, abaca and jute resist moisture well, making them ideal for coastal environments. Layer them over hardwood or tiled floors to add organic texture.
Concrete Flooring
Simple, durable concrete gets a coastal look with added seashell chips, pebbles or color tinting. The smooth yet textural floor stands up to sandy feet. Add area rugs to warm up the space.
The right flooring provides the perfect foundation to build your relaxed, beachy aesthetic. Seek out durable, laidback options that flow with your coastal design preferences.
Best Paint Colors for a Coastal Kitchen
Paint can make all the difference in creating a light and breezy coastal kitchen ambiance. Most coastal kitchens rely on a bright, neutral palette. But you can also find creative ways to incorporate oceanic hues. Here are some pleasing paint colors and techniques to try:
- White – Crisp bright white on walls or cabinetry opens up coastal kitchens and reflects light. Try white dove, alabaster white or cloud white.
- Beach glass – Soft shades like sea foam, aqua mist, or robin’s egg blue add serene splashes of color without overwhelming.
- Sand – Warm beige or tan shades like muslin, flax, or sandstone give a beachy feel.
- Sky tones – Muted blues and grays like coastline fog, blustery gray, or overcast create relaxed backdrops.
- Whitewashed wood – Use white paint mixed with water to create a wash effect on wood cabinets or furnishings.
- Distressed paint – Lightly sand then paint built-ins and furniture for a weathered coastal look.
- Accent walls – Paint one focal wall a bold coastal hue like coral, turquoise, navy or sea green to make it pop.
With a palette of breezy whites, weathered neutrals, and soft oceanic tones, you can craft a coastal kitchen full of easy seaside charm.
Choosing Coastal Kitchen Cabinets
Your choice of cabinetry plays an integral role in achieving the bright, relaxed vibe of a coastal kitchen. Here are some fitting options to consider:
Painted Shaker Style Cabinets
Classic Shaker cabinets painted crisp white or oyster gray exude cottage charm with their simple styling and recessed panel fronts. The clean lines keep the look light and beachy.
Weathered Wood Cabinets
Driftwood-inspired cabinets made from reclaimed barnwood, salvaged oak, or pine with a whitewashed finish bring a coastal essence through beautifully imperfect natural wood grains and tones.
Open Shelving
Built-in open shelves crafted from salvaged wood, weathered oak, or painted pine lend a casual coastal feel for displaying colorful dishware. Enhance the breezy look with bracket supports.
Glass-Front Upper Cabinets
Upper cabinets with glass-pane doors maintain visibility and reflect light well in Coastal kitchens. Try some glass uppers mixed with painted Shaker base cabinets.
Beadboard Cabinets
Cabinets featuring recessed beadboard door panels evoke relaxed cottage living. Pair with brass hardware for extra coastal flair. Use on lower cabinets or just as accents.
Choose cabinets and shelving that align with the laidback charm and unfussy comforts of life by the shore. The materials and styling will bring a breezy seaside spirit to your kitchen.
Coastal Kitchen Countertop Options
When selecting countertops for a coastal kitchen, durability and easy maintenance are top concerns thanks to the humid, salty air. Here are some fitting countertop ideas:
Quartz
Durable, low-maintenance quartz with a sandy neutral color or aggregated seashell pattern resembles natural stone. Some varieties incorporate glass fragments that sparkle like sea glass. Quartz counters resist stains, scratches, and moisture.
Soapstone
Soapstone has a soft gray color and texture that references weathered beachside structures. The natural mineral stands up well to hot pans, is non-porous to resist moisture and stains, and is simple to maintain with mineral oil.
Marble
Elegant white Carrara or Calacatta marble paired with dark grout mimics a sun-bleached seaside patio. Opt for a honed matte finish to help this porous stone resist stains and etching. Avoid polished marble, which is quite delicate.
Concrete
Simple, sturdy concrete counters get a coastal look with embedded seashells, smooth pebbles, or blue and green glass aggregates. Concrete is non-porous and gains a stone-like patina over time. Use protective sealants to prevent staining.
Butcher Block
Wood butcher block offers a timeless coastal work surface perfect for chopping, prepping and serving. Opt for naturally moisture-resistant tropical hardwoods like teak or choose a laminate butcher block to provide protection.
Your countertop material can reinforce the laidback charm of your coastal design. Seek out durable, low-maintenance options that align with the weathered natural style.
Ideas for Coastal Kitchen Islands
A dreamy coastal kitchen typically includes a spacious island to serve as a casual dining area and design focal point. Here are some fabulous coastal-inspired island ideas:
Weathered Driftwood Island
A custom-built island created from reclaimed driftwood or decades-old barn wood beams will be an organic showstopper. Protect with marine varnish and partner with crisp white cabinets.
Metal Pipe Farmhouse Island
Black metal pipe legs and an acacia wood countertop make an industrial farmhouse island perfect for coastal living. The airy open design provides legroom and complements pale cabinetry.
White & Rustic Two-Tone
For contrast, pair a crisp white painted base with a reclaimed wood countertop in weathered gray, brown, or whitewash. The mix of finishes defines the island while keeping the look light and beachy.
Wraparound Bench Island
Maximize seating and comfort with a wraparound bench island. Use cushioned bench seating instead of stools for cozy casual dining. Include open shelving or glass cabinet accents.
Sea Green & Butcher Block
Make your island a bold focal point by pairing vivid aqua or sea green painted bases with rich wood butcher block countertops. Trim in bright white for a colorful coastal contrast.
With a spacious multi-functional island tailored to your tastes, you can anchor your coastal kitchen in breezy, beach house style.
