Coastal Kitchen Style with a Perfect Seamless Look
Coastal kitchen ideas bring the serenity and beauty of the coast into your home. Just imagine waking up to the sound of waves and the smell of saltwater in the air (even if you’re miles away from the beach). With the right design elements, you can achieve a beachy ambiance and evoke the feeling of a beach house right in your own home. And one way to fuse a harmonious combination of textures is to pair marble countertops with hardwood floors.
Beach House Decorating Ideas
Additionally, large windows or skylights are essential to flood the space with natural light, adding to the coastal ambiance. Seagrass woven bar stools and rattan pendant lights can further enhance a coastal vibe in your home. Mixing textures and materials will make your coastal kitchen look layered and beachy. Use open shelving instead of traditional upper cabinets to create a more relaxed, airy feel. In keeping with the coastal theme, a blue island or painted cabinets can add a pop of color. [Read: Heart of the Home: Your Nancy Meyers Kitchen]
Choose a Coastal Color-Scheme
Consider adding unexpected elements to elevate the design, such as a farm sink or wine fridge, to add function and style to the space. Mixing and matching different materials and textures to create an interesting look is key. Opt for a neutral color scheme with pops of blue and white for a crisp and clean feel. Overall, a coastal kitchen should exude a sense of laid-back luxury and be a space where you will truly relax and enjoy the Zen of it all. [Kitchen Trends 2023]
Unveiling: Our Client’s Kitchen Renovation Before and After
Crisp white cabinetry, a warm, welcoming glow, and a functional kitchen layout make this room the heart of this beach house. The clients’ well-designed workflow lends to their comfortable California coastal lifestyle. As this couple’s interior designer, it’s challenging to conjure a memory of this kitchen space in its previous state. This stunning coastal design was once dark, cramped, and filled with an array of unattractive focal points. So if you’re craving inspiration for your coastal kitchen, join us on a quick tour as we share some of the ways this couple transformed their dated house into their forever home. [Read: Home Decorating | The Ultimate Guide to Get the Results You Want]
"The final result was so breathtaking and inviting that our clients couldn't help but fall in love with their new space. They ultimately decided to make it their forever home, a decision they could never have imagined before renovations began." Gigi Day
Coastal Kitchen Ideas – Project Planning
Designing a kitchen that truly captures the essence of coastal living is all about embracing unique challenges and turning them into opportunities for bold, inspired creation. A coastal kitchen renovation is the ultimate DIY playground, offering endless possibilities for those with an eye for design and a passion for creating functional spaces. But before diving in headfirst, it’s crucial to take a step back and evaluate the design dilemmas your home presents. (We share plenty of examples below!)
Kitchen Remodel
Rather, approach your renovation with a clear vision and a well-defined plan. That way, you’ll be able to craft a coastal look that will have you reveling in the beauty of your home every single day. So, let’s get started and create a kitchen that is visually stunning, functional, and reflective of your personal style.
What is Coastal Style?
Homeowners often ask, “How can I infuse my white kitchen with luxury and elegance?” The possibilities are endless when creating a coastal style kitchen, and consulting with an interior designer can help bring your vision to life. Opt for a sleek and functional kitchen island or peninsula and enhance storage with shaker style cabinetry and pantry. Embrace the latest in appliance technology to elevate the functionality of your space. Get creative with your coastal kitchen design and see how it can change your house and lifestyle.
Let’s walk through eleven kitchen remodeling challenges and solutions that turn a dark, drab kitchen into a bright and beautiful space. [Read: How to Use Coastal Living Room Ideas to Create a Beautiful Home]
"The final result was so inviting that our clients couldn't help but fall in love with their new space. They ultimately decided to make it their forever home, a decision they could never have imagined before renovations began." Gigi Day
Dark Kitchen Ideas
What is coastal kitchen style?
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Coastal Theme
Getting a clear picture of how your beach themed kitchen will translate in your home can be tricky. That’s why it is crucial to allocate time in the beginning phase to set up a project planner and consult with a kitchen professional. Planning may not be glamorous, but it is the secret ingredient behind those gorgeous insta-worthy white kitchen photos that are inspiring your remodel!
Beach House Kitchens
Like many homeowners, my clients attempted a DIY kitchen redesign but soon realized they would have a better result by working with a designer. The couple invited me onto the project team, and we began assessing the scope of work to be done. [Read: Mod Daily’s DIY Room Planner]
The coastal home was in dire need of a remodel, with a dark and uninviting layout. Our top priority was to open up the space, starting with the kitchen and dining area. We removed the wall separating the two rooms, allowing natural light to flood the space and create a laid back atmosphere.
Coastal Feel
By adding large sliding doors, we also incorporated biophilic elements and enhanced the overall well-being of the space. Warm white ceilings and kitchen cabinets contrast beautifully with the weathered wooden floors, creating an inviting space. [Read: Coastal Grandmother and Home Improvement Ideas for a Fabulous Life]
Open Floor Plan
How do I make my kitchen look beachy?
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Coastal Kitchen Ideas
Transform your coastal home into a stylish and functional living space with this open floor plan idea:
Although the homeowners were excited about an open kitchen and dining room, they were concerned about lost storage. The solution, a peninsula (or kitchen island) with lower cabinetry and a pantry, makes the home look fresh and inviting. Even more, the peninsula provides over 50% of the storage lost when removing the divider wall. [Read: 5 Top Rated Air Fryers – Which One is Right For You?]
Quartz Countertops
And it serves as a multifunctional space. The Wolf Speed Oven is a microwave and convection oven, and the new countertop makes it perfect for baking and dough kneading. The Oceano quartzite countertops add contrast and infuses a beachy feel that pays homage to the beauty of the ocean. The countertop’s waterfall edge also reduces visual clutter which is important when viewing from the living room.
Coastal Kitchens
An open floor plan can create the illusion of more space, improve traffic flow and make the area more inviting for entertaining guests. However, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks such as privacy, noise levels, and furniture placement. Take time to weigh the pros and cons and decide what works best for your specific space, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
Read: Coastal Entryway Ideas!Kitchen Pantry Ideas
What is a good size for a kitchen pantry with white cabinets?
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Kitchen Storage Ideas
We understand the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional but also visually appealing and provide a sense of privacy.
One area often overlooked is the relationship between a coastal kitchen and the powder room. These rooms are usually located near each other, and the traffic flow between them can be disruptive. For that reason, we recommend removing house kitchen hall access that connects the two rooms and rerouting the access. By doing this, you’ll enjoy a more serene and intimate atmosphere. [White Bedroom Ideas]
Coastal Style
Using the hall opening as a floor-to-ceiling pantry will improve the space’s aesthetics and provide a practical storage solution. This allowed us to reclaim over 65% of the storage lost when the load-bearing wall was removed. With a clever and budget-friendly solution, we addressed two significant issues in the home. The new pantry (white cabinetry) provides ample storage space, while the rerouted traffic flow increases privacy.
Coastal Kitchen Ideas
Beach decor: Are soffits in kitchens outdated?
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Kitchen Soffit
Coastal kitchen design often creates a light, airy space that feels connected to the outdoors. One element that can detract from this aesthetic is a kitchen drop soffit. These low-hanging soffits can make a kitchen feel heavy and cramped, making the backsplash height awkward at 16-1/2 inches.
By removing the kitchen drop soffit, we were able to open the space and create a feeling of spaciousness. However, the removal was more complex than eliminating a design element a previous homeowner enjoyed.
Coastal Decor
The soffit also concealed essential plumbing. And so, working with a licensed professional is a must for a successful gourmet kitchen remodel project. Not only do plumbers handle important tasks like rerouting plumbing, but they also ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Tile Backsplash
As the image shows, removing the low drop soffit (see “A”) allowed us to create a new ceiling that impactfully opens the space. Additionally, by adjusting the height of the kitchen backsplash to 18″ (see “B”) and using tile that extends from the countertop to the wall cabinet, we were able to create a cohesive and visually pleasing coastal style design.
Beach House Kitchens
Should backsplash be light or darker than countertop?
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Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
The art of coastal design lies in finding the right balance between form and function. As a matter of fact, choosing the right height for your backsplash is a considerable part of this process. In this case, the existing backsplash was cramped – only 16-1/2 inches from the countertop to the bottom of the wall cabinets. Not only did it make the kitchen feel a bit claustrophobic, but it also meant that certain small appliances would not fit. It’s not just the cabinet light rail that makes the area look stout, but also the 4-inch granite backsplash.
Tile Backsplash
Functionally speaking, the 16-1/2 inches clearance will not allow for some small appliances such as a Vitamix 7500. The light rail contributes to the challenges the existing design poses.
We raised the kitchen backsplash height to 18 inches from the countertop to the bottom of the wall cabinets. In this project, wall cabinet height was not affected by increasing the size of the backsplash. Before and after photos show how the wall cabinet height increased after removing the drop soffit. Installing backsplash tile from the countertop to the wall cabinet adds a Zen aesthetic.
Design Decor Ideas: Eliminate the need for a light rail with lower profile LED kitchen lighting. Also, pendant lighting and cabinet hardware found at RH. The luxe counter stools with a curved back available at West Elm.
Coastal Kitchen Ideas
Ideally, we would eliminate the cabinets on either side of the window to create a more substantial focal point and a sense of space. That said, our clients evaluated their lifestyles and opted to keep the additional storage. When you are encounter a similar decision, have your cabinet company calculate old vs. new storage space. [Read tip six below for more information about developing the ideal focal point.]
Coastal Kitchens – National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
If you prefer to DIY in advances of meeting with your specialist, calculate the shelf and drawer frontage according to NKBA guidelines. It’s a standard measure considering your cabinets’ width, depth, and number of shelves and drawers. According to the NKBA, a small kitchen (under 150 sq ft) should aim for 1400 inches, a medium kitchen (151-350 sq ft) should aim for 1700 inches, and a large kitchen (over 350 sq ft) should aim for 2000 inches of shelf/drawer frontage. See how you could alter your kitchen storage to suit your lifestyle. Also, take a look at the NKBA guidelines. You will be glad that you did!
Coastal Kitchen Ideas – Focal Point
How do you make a focal point in the kitchen?
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Beach House Kitchens
Coastal kitchens are all about creating a relaxed, beachy vibe. However, this layout presented a challenge from an aesthetic standpoint. Every appliance creates a visual bottleneck, and the window looks awkward when paired with an off-centered sink base.
Minimizing Focal Points
In redesigning this kitchen, we wanted to create a single focal point, the bay window. We begin by focusing on the obvious focal point, the 45-degree casement bay window. A new window (without grids) was installed and painted with a coastal white hue to make it stand out even more. The dishwasher was relocated, and the sink base is centered on the window to create more symmetry in the kitchen.
Coastal Feel – Appliances
Next, multiple appliances with different finishes can cause a visible bottleneck. In a small kitchen, this can make the space feel cramped and disorganized. Not only does it detract from the overall aesthetic, but it can also make it challenging to use the area effectively. The problem is further aggravated by older appliances that are deeper than today’s counter-depth appliances. We welcome you to continue reading to see how we solved the various appliances challenges.
Coastal Decor and Kitchen Appliances
What are common kitchen appliances?
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Stainless Steel Appliances
Challenge: The over-the-range microwave and black slide-in gas range contradict the dreamy Coastal Grandmother aesthetic the homeowners planned for. Stainless steel gas ranges and large range hoods are often used as focal points, but the narrow range wall was not an ideal consideration. However, this kitchen’s inconvenient dimensions factored into the decision to highlight the window’s picturesque view instead.
Coastal Kitchen Ideas
When it comes to kitchen design, having too many visual elements can create a cluttered and disjointed feel. This is especially true in smaller spaces where every inch counts.
We specified the minimalist Zephyr Pisa Hood that tucks neatly out of sight within the cabinetry. It is built with a stainless steel retractable glass visor that, when pulled out, increases the capture area. Next, we specified a Wolf Gas Range, a must-have on our clients’ wish list. The creamy white coastal kitchen cabinet finishes complement the stainless appliances beautifully.
Fisher and Paykel Dishwasher
Are double drawer dishwashers worth it?
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Kitchen Ideas
Relocating a dishwasher can be a challenging task, particularly when it comes to clearance and access issues. However, we have solved this design challenge by specifying a Fisher Paykel Panel Ready Double Dish Drawer. The double drawers make it much easier to access than a single-panel dishwasher in tight spaces. Additionally, custom panels for the dishwasher are designed to match the finish and style of the adjacent cabinetry, creating a seamless look and eliminating the dishwasher as an unwanted focal point.
Appliances Connection
Choosing the best dishwasher brand depends on your lifestyle, kitchen layout, and clearance requirements. In this kitchen project, dishwasher drawers addressed the homeowners’ needs and clearance requirements. By relocating the dishwasher, we created a cohesive focal point centered around the window and sink wall. Ultimately, the Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawer was the perfect solution for this design challenge.
Coastal Kitchen Ideas
What is special about Sub-Zero refrigerators?
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Coastal Style Refrigerator
Coastal-inspired design is all about creating a light and airy space that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor elements. Yet, an oversized free-standing refrigerator can be a real design obstacle and detract from the overall aesthetic. The solution? A built-in refrigerator.
Sub Zero Refrigerator
Built-in refrigerators blend seamlessly into surrounding cabinetry, taking up less space and creating a more open and airy feel that is perfect for the coastal design. Plus, with a Sub Zero refrigerator, you get a sleek and modern design that perfectly fits a coastal aesthetic.
White Cabinetry
We took it one step further and added custom refrigerator door panels. The panels match the surrounding cabinetry and eliminate any unintended focal points. Additionally, the shaker door style minimizes the appearance of clutter. Not only does a built-in refrigerator contribute to the coastal aesthetic, but it also helps reduce energy consumption and costs. Upgrade your kitchen and enjoy a more spacious, visually pleasing, and energy-efficient space that embodies the coastal style.
Quartzite Countertops
Is quartzite good for countertops?
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Coastal Kitchen Ideas
Since the homeowners are passionate about cooking, they look for new ways to entertain their guests. They need a tough and durable countertop to meet the demands of their entertaining lifestyle. Additionally, they want something coastal-inspired to go with their current home remodel.
Perla Venata Quartzite After ruling out marble, quartz, and granite, they gravitate towards the beachy vibe found in Perla Venata. It is a luminous soft ivory quartzite similar to Taj Mahal; however, Perla Venata’s veining is lighter. Their choice of quartzite is ideal because it is durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain.
Quartzite vs Granite
A stone known as Perla Venata, quarried from Brazil, often has the same creamy white background as the Taj Mahal quartzite stone. However, it has fewer veins, and Perla Venata is the perfect choice for a coastal kitchen.
Quartzite is a beautiful and unique stone that must be sealed to maintain its beauty. The key thing about it, though? It is 20% stronger than granite! Quartzite is perfect for those who want more durability without sacrificing the elegant look of marble.
Design Tip: Be sure to protect your counter surface with a trivet like the Cool Tool by Le Creuset. It is heat-resistant up to 482°F. Please note: most products do not provide total heat insulation protection.
Coastal Kitchen Ideas
How to make my kitchen look beachy?
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Coastal Kitchen Lighting
To add a warm, coastal glow to your kitchen, consider incorporating a few key elements into your lighting design. Start by replacing any 5″ recessed fixtures with 4″ LED downlights to increase comfort and productivity. Next, add a touch of sparkle with kitchen pendant lighting in a metallic finish.
To enhance the views from the living room, backyard, and dining room, opt for glass globes that won’t obstruct the view. A glass front cabinet with interior lighting can also add a beautiful, warm glow in the evening.
Modern Coastal Kitchen Ideas
Infuse coastal decor, such as rattan pendant lights, for an inviting coastal feel. These fixtures add a touch of nature and light to the space, making it feel more coastal.
Other ways to bring in a coastal vibe include adding comfy upholstered bar stools with a warm metal finish, white cabinets, and a subtle glass tile with New England influences. Adding these fixtures and furnishings will help elongate the wall visually and brighten the room, making it feel warm and inviting.
Coastal Kitchen Ideas Conclusion
And there you have it, friends! We hope you enjoyed our roundup of coastal kitchen ideas and that you’re inspired to bring a little bit of the beach into your own home. Be bold with your choices when creating a coastal kitchen. Mix and match different materials and textures, such as pairing marble countertops with hardwood floors, to create a unique and cohesive look. To elevate the design, feel free to add unexpected elements like a farm sink or wine fridge.
So, start planning your dream coastal kitchen, and remember to share your progress with us! We can’t wait to see what you come up with.
The coastal aesthetic is all about creating a serene and relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of the seaside. One way to achieve this in your home is by incorporating elements of the coastal style into your kitchen design. A kitchen island in a neutral color, such as white or beige, can serve as the focal point of the room and provide additional counter space. Blue cabinets, reminiscent of the ocean, can add a pop of color and create a soothing atmosphere.
Clean lines and neutral colors throughout the kitchen, such as white countertops, create a cohesive and calm aesthetic. The coastal style can also be incorporated into other rooms in the house, such as the living room or bedroom, for a consistent seaside-inspired look. A white kitchen with white countertops, in particular, can give a light and airy feel to the space, evoking the feeling of a beach house. Overall, the coastal aesthetic is a perfect way to bring a touch of tranquility and a relaxing vibe to your home.
A modern white kitchen typically features a more contemporary design with clean lines, minimal decor, and a neutral color palette. White cabinets and cupboards are often used to create a bright and airy feel. Blue accents (and bar stools) may be incorporated to evoke a beachy atmosphere. The use of natural materials such as wood and stone can also be seen in a modern coastal kitchen and even bar stools.
A classic coastal kitchen, on the other hand, may have a more traditional design with ornate details and decor that evokes a nautical or seaside theme. White is still a popular color choice for cabinets and cupboards, but there may also be the use of more bold colors such as navy blue or red. Beach-inspired decor such as shells and lighthouse accents may be used to create a more coastal feel. The use of natural materials such as wicker, rattan, and rope is also common in a classic coastal kitchen.
