It’s In the Details: What Makes A Kitchen Coastal?

Exposing you to the beauty and power of nature, coastal living is truly like no other. Coastal kitchen design aims to embrace these two qualities by incorporating a variety of textures, designs, and palettes. 

Not only are coastal kitchens visually appealing, they also provide the perfect backdrop for a variety of occasions - whether you’re enjoying a cup of coffee or hosting a dinner gathering with friends or family.

Light and Breezy Color Palettes

Coastal kitchen design is all about promoting light, airy hues. You’ll find that many coastal kitchens use color palettes ranging from beiges, creams, and soothing blues. These tones are designed to bring the coast into your kitchen while promoting a breezy, open feel. 

A major benefit to these colors is that they complement a wide variety of common accent pieces found in coastal kitchen design. 

These shades pair beautifully with: 

• Gold/brushed nickel hardware

• Darker-hued islands 

• Lighter, natural wood cabinetry

Curated Kitchen Co. remodel featuring coastal color palette in white

Quality, Natural Materials and Finishes 

You’ll often find coastal kitchens making use of a variety of natural textures and finishes. 

Common materials found in coastal kitchen design  include solid natural woods, rattan furniture, stone/marble countertops, and ceramic or porcelain tiling. Reclaimed wood and driftwood are also common finishes in coastal-style kitchens. 

The goal is to mimic the rugged beauty often found in coastal settings, bringing the beach right into your home. Aesthetic aside, these textures and finishes are typically made to withstand humid environments, ensuring long-lasting interior style. 

Pro tip: Pairing wood open shelves with a clean, sleek natural stone countertop creates a sense of rustic, coastal luxury.

Photo by Dane Deaner / Unsplash

 Open-Concept Kitchen Layouts

Open-concept layouts lend themselves to the breezy nature of coastal homes. 

A well-designed open layout kitchen will flow seamlessly between dining and living areas, embracing natural lighting within a home. Open layouts also promote easy movement between some of the most action-packed areas of your home, allowing for less clutter. 

Additionally, open-concept kitchens are wonderful for entertaining, the design making it simple for guests to move from the kitchen into a dining area.

Curated Kitchen Co. remodel featuring open-concept layout

Unique Backsplashes and Tilework

Coastal kitchens will frequently have unique backsplashes and tilework throughout. 

These accents work to enhance the other coastal qualities of a kitchen, rather than make a big statement. 

Common backsplashes/tilework in coastal kitchens include: 

• Sea-glass

• Subway tiles

• Mosaics

Backsplashes are also incredibly customizable, so you can be sure yours will reflect what coastal style means to you. An added benefit? They’re extremely easy to clean and designed to last.

Curated Kitchen Co. remodel featuring a patterned tile backsplash

Indoor-Outdoor Integration

If possible, promoting an indoor-outdoor integration can greatly enhance the feel of your coastal kitchen. 

This layout provides you not only with beautiful views, but enhanced natural lighting that showcases the beauty of your home. 

Often, this layout can be achieved by incorporating bi-fold or sliding glass doors that lead out to a deck or patio. Yet another great feature for varied lifestyles, these entry points are great for outdoor dinner parties and gatherings - or simply enjoying a quiet meal outdoors.

Image by Jason Briscoe / Unsplash

Statement Lighting

Mixing in statement lighting in your kitchen can also create a coastal vibe. 

This is especially true of pendant lighting. Anchoring your kitchen space, pendant lights provide both functionality and immense visual appeal while contributing to an airy, beachy interior style. For example, pendant lighting that features rope, woven textures, or even textured glass paired with brass can evoke elements of the beach. 

Pendant lighting is especially helpful for those who cook frequently, as they save space and also illuminate countertops. Additionally, pendant lights are excellent for layering with recessed lighting, as this helps promote ambiance throughout your space.

Image by Callum Hill / Unsplash

Enjoy Elevated Comfort In Your Coastal Kitchen 

Kitchens featuring a coastal design promote a breezy atmosphere and subtle luxury with an ode to nature. By combining the right elements - from cabinetry to lighting - you can bring the beauty of the coast into your home. 

To get started on your coastal kitchen remodel, contact our design team today.