Coastal design isn’t just for bedrooms and living rooms—your kitchen can be just as breezy and inviting! I’ve always been drawn to the calm, relaxed vibe of coastal decor, and when I decided to bring that aesthetic into my kitchen, it transformed the space entirely. It went from feeling functional to a place I truly enjoy spending time in—where mornings feel like beachside retreats and evenings glow with a serene coastal charm.
Whether you’re dreaming of a full kitchen makeover or just want to incorporate a few light and airy details, coastal elements can breathe life into your space. Here are my favorite ways to give your kitchen a touch of seaside style.
1. Start With a Coastal Color Palette
Why It Works:
The right color scheme is the foundation of coastal design, creating an airy, open feel reminiscent of the beach.
How to Do It:
- Opt for a base of whites and soft neutrals (think sand and seashells).
- Add accent colors like seafoam green, aqua, or navy blue.
- Use matte finishes for a subtle, understated look.
Pro Tip: Paint your kitchen cabinets a soft, muted blue or white for an instant coastal transformation.
2. Incorporate Natural Materials
Why It Works:
Natural textures bring warmth and an organic feel to coastal kitchens, making them feel grounded and inviting.
How to Do It:
- Use wood accents, such as butcher block countertops, open shelving, or cutting boards.
- Add rattan or wicker bar stools for seating.
- Incorporate stone, like marble or quartz, for a touch of elegance.
Pro Tip: Consider using reclaimed wood for a sustainable and weathered look that ties perfectly with a beachy vibe.
3. Let the Light In
Why It Works:
Natural light is a hallmark of coastal design—it enhances the brightness and openness of the space.
How to Do It:
- Swap heavy window treatments for sheer or no curtains at all.
- Use glass cabinet doors to reflect light and showcase your dishes.
- Install large pendant lights with clear or frosted glass shades.
Pro Tip: If natural light is limited, brighten your space with strategically placed mirrors or light-colored finishes.
4. Add Coastal-Inspired Lighting Fixtures
Why It Works:
Lighting is a practical way to introduce design elements while setting the mood of your space.
How to Do It:
- Install pendant lights with rope, rattan, or shell details over your kitchen island.
- Use sconces or wall lights with a nautical or industrial flair.
- Consider a driftwood or weathered wood chandelier for a unique focal point.
Pro Tip: Stick to warm white bulbs to maintain a cozy and welcoming glow.
5. Use Open Shelving for a Breezy Look
Why It Works:
Open shelving keeps your kitchen feeling light and airy while showcasing beautiful, curated items.
How to Do It:
- Install floating shelves made of light or whitewashed wood.
- Display glassware, ceramic bowls, or jars filled with dry goods like grains and pasta.
- Add subtle coastal decor, like small potted plants, driftwood, or seashell accents.
Pro Tip: Keep it minimal—too many items can make open shelves look cluttered.
6. Incorporate Coastal Textures
Why It Works:
Coastal decor is all about layering textures to create depth and interest without overwhelming the space.
How to Do It:
- Add a jute or sisal rug to the floor for a natural, beachy touch.
- Use textured ceramics, like hand-thrown pottery, for dishes or decor.
- Include linen or cotton tea towels in neutral or striped patterns.
Pro Tip: Woven baskets are perfect for storing kitchen essentials while adding a touch of texture.
7. Go Big on Backsplashes
Why It Works:
A coastal backsplash can be both practical and visually striking, acting as a focal point in your kitchen.
How to Do It:
- Opt for subway tiles in white or sea-inspired shades like teal or aqua.
- Choose a mosaic tile with a wave or fish-scale pattern for a bold statement.
- Use glass tiles for a clean, reflective surface that mimics the ocean.
Pro Tip: Keep the grout color neutral for a seamless, modern look.
8. Bring in Coastal Artwork or Decor
Why It Works:
Small decor pieces add personality and reinforce the coastal theme without overpowering the space.
How to Do It:
- Hang framed prints of seascapes, coral, or nautical maps on nearby walls.
- Display decorative jars filled with shells or beach glass on your countertop.
- Incorporate subtle nods to the sea, like a rope-wrapped utensil holder or ceramic fish figurine.
Pro Tip: Less is more—stick to 1–2 decor pieces per surface to maintain an uncluttered look.
9. Add Houseplants for a Fresh Touch
Why It Works:
Greenery adds life and complements the natural elements of a coastal kitchen.
How to Do It:
- Use small potted plants like succulents or herbs on windowsills or countertops.
- Hang a macramé planter with trailing greenery, like pothos or string of pearls.
- Incorporate dried pampas grass or eucalyptus in vases for a low-maintenance option.
Pro Tip: Choose planters in natural materials like terracotta or ceramic for a cohesive look.
10. Upgrade to Coastal-Inspired Hardware
Why It Works:
Changing your cabinet hardware is an easy and affordable way to introduce coastal details.
How to Do It:
- Replace knobs and pulls with ones in brushed nickel, bronze, or glass.
- Opt for hardware with subtle nautical elements, like rope or anchor designs.
- Mix metal finishes for a modern yet beachy vibe.
Pro Tip: Keep hardware simple to avoid clashing with other coastal elements.
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Conclusion
Bringing light and airy coastal elements into your kitchen can completely transform the space, making it feel more open, welcoming, and serene. By incorporating natural materials, coastal textures, and a soft color palette, you can create a space that feels like a seaside retreat—even if you’re far from the shore.
Start small by adding decor pieces or upgrading your hardware, or go big with a new backsplash or lighting fixtures. The beauty of coastal design is its flexibility and timelessness—it’s all about creating a space that feels fresh and inviting. With these ideas, you’re sure to fall in love with your kitchen all over again.
FAQs
1. Do I need to live near the coast to have a coastal kitchen?
Not at all! Coastal design is about evoking the feeling of the beach, which you can achieve anywhere with the right materials, colors, and decor.
2. What are the best colors for a coastal kitchen?
Stick to soft whites, neutrals, and blues. Seafoam green, aqua, and sandy beige are also excellent choices.
3. How can I achieve a coastal vibe on a budget?
Start with small changes like swapping out hardware, adding sheer curtains, or incorporating natural materials like wood and rattan. DIY decor, like filling jars with shells, is another affordable option.
4. Can I mix coastal design with other styles?
Yes! Coastal design pairs beautifully with minimalist, boho, and farmhouse styles. Focus on blending natural textures and light colors for a cohesive look.
5. What’s the most impactful coastal upgrade for a kitchen?
Upgrading your lighting fixtures or adding a coastal-inspired backsplash can make a big difference, instantly transforming the space.
About the Author
M.Arch. Julio Arco is an architect, interior designer, and urban planner with degrees from ITESM, McGill University, and a certificate in Architecture in Urban Context from LDM. Julio has designed interiors for over 1,200 clients and also teaches architecture at ITESM.
His go-to sites for inspiration include Houzz, Apartment Therapy, HGTV, Architectural Digest, and The Spruce.