Want to learn how to design welcoming, stylish, and contemporary Coastal-style kitchens? Today we are sharing our top 8 interior styling tips to create a kitchen that is light, open, airy, and reminiscent of beachside living.
WATCH THE COASTAL-STYLE KITCHEN STYLING VIDEO
Tip #1
What is the Coastal Style Kitchen Colour Palette?
The coastal-style kitchen colour palette is inspired by the oceanic surroundings, incorporating shades of white, cool greys, tan, sand, beige, soft blues, and celadon greens. For contrast, incorporate stripped-back black accents alongside weathered and bleached wooden finishes.
Consider bolder pops of colours inspired by the sea, such as aqua, coral, or turquoise, to add visual interest.
Lastly, elevate these soft neutrals with a mix of warm brass, matte black, or polished nickel accents.
Photo Source: Houzz
Source: GL Design
Tip #2
What are Coastal-Style Kitchen Materials and Finishes?
Coastal-style kitchens favor natural materials such as wood, rattan, bamboo, and marble.
These materials can be painted or left natural, and are present in the cabinetry, countertops, and flooring to evoke a warm, laid-back, and organic feel.
Photo Source: Pure Salt Interiors
Tip #3
What are Coastal Style Kitchen Cabinetry, Splashbacks, and Countertops?
Coastal-style kitchens tend to favor a tiled splashback, with glass or glossy ceramic tiles being popular choices. These may feature herringbone, subway, or mosaic patterns in shades of white, blue, grey, or green. For countertops, consider natural stones such as limestone, Calacatta, and Carrera.
We recommend light-coloured or white-painted cabinets to create a bright and airy feel. Add personality with the inclusion of glass fronts, paneled, and shaker designs.
Additionally, open shelving in some areas of the kitchen will allow you to display coastal-themed decor, ceramics, whitewash rattan, and fresh greenery.
Photo Source: Mark D Sikes
Tip #4
What is Coastal Style Kitchen Hardware?
To enhance the coastal theme, select nautical-inspired hardware, such as rope drawer pulls or knobs featuring anchors, reef knots, shields, or woven wicker designs.
For a contemporary feel, opt for sleek hardware made from glossy ceramic, marble, or warm metals in finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or antique brass.
Photo Source: Society Inc.
Tip #5
What is Coastal Style Kitchen Flooring?
Like other areas of the home, Coastal style kitchen flooring includes natural, painted, or limewash hardwood flooring, painted concrete or light-coloured tiled flooring, and luxury vinyl panels.
These can be softened by floor mats of seagrass, sisal, and jute, or cotton dhurries in shades of blue, green, or cool neutrals, sometimes featuring striped and geometric prints.
Armadillo Nook | Sahara | Charcoal
$190.00
The Sahara Nook Rug is incredibly robust thanks to a double layer of jute woven into an effortless knit-like texture. Soft tassels on either end lend a tactile touch without overpowering smaller spaces. Materials: Jute Colour: Charcoal Features: *Please note this… read more
Barcelona Beige Powder Vinyl Mat
$135.00
Vinyl Floor Mat Beija Flor finds its inspiration in ancient geometric patterns from all over the world. These beautiful patterns originated hundreds of years a, when people searched for an expression of harmony and balance found in nature. Beija Flor… read more
Tip #6
What is Coastal Style Kitchen Lighting & Window Treatments?
Coastal-style kitchen lighting ideas include pendants made from shell, clay, bamboo, wood, jute, or woven rattan.
Alternatively, consider a pair of brass and opaque glass globe pendant lights, or organically shaped mouth-blown glass pendants for a contemporary feel.
Maximize natural light by choosing sheer or lightweight linen curtains, woven blinds, or wooden shutters to soften any harsh glare.
Photo Source: Pure Salt Interiors
Photo Source: Jodi Spear Interior Design
Tip #7
What is Coastal Style Kitchen Furniture?
Coastal-style kitchen furniture is minimal, lightweight, and relaxed.
In addition to the built-in cabinetry and kitchen islands, ideas include:
- Kitchen bar stools made from painted metal, wicker, cane, bamboo, or pale wood.
- Small wooden or metal step stools or stump stools.
- A coastal-style hutch or sideboard in a distressed, painted, or whitewashed finish.
- & If space allows, incorporate a breakfast dining nook with built-in bench seating layered with coastal-patterned cushions or upholstery.
Photo Source: Sarah Bartholomew
Tip #8
What are Coastal Style Kitchen Accessories?
Decorate with coastal-themed accessories like large seashells, starfish, dried sea fans, driftwood, or coral. These can be displayed in glass jars, glossy ceramic vases, or on open vertical shelving.
If space allows display glass vases and whitewash rattan homewares alongside collections of white, blue, or celadon green glazed ceramics.
Small-scale coastal landscape art, photography, or abstract canvas artwork can be positioned on open shelving to create a focal point and reinforce the coastal theme.
Coffee Cup & Saucer | Nova Denim | Made in Portugal
$24.00
Inspired by the shapes of the natural world and the cycle of life, Nova seeks to capture movement in fine stoneware. The pieces are inspired by seashells and tree bark, and like these objects found in nature, they can change… read more
Rattan Placemat Yoga Blue
$52.00
Embrace Island style with this hand-crafted rattan placemat in the Yoga blue. Materials: Rattan Colour: Blue Dimensions: 39 cm Diameter 1cm H Price is for one placemat PLEASE NOTE: Large items including Furniture, Lighting, Rugs, Mirrors, Artwork, Cushion Inserts… read more
Sabre | Panda | Dark Bamboo | Salad Set 2pc
$149.00
With its genuine bamboo handle and its finely crafted styling, the PANDA model certainly stands out. Some of you may experience a blast from the past, thinking of the housekeeper you often saw at your grandmother's house, while for others… read more
For freshness and vitality, incorporating living energy such as small succulents or fresh flowers can bring life and vibrancy to the kitchen.
Lastly, coastal style encourages a relaxed and casual approach to design, so don't be afraid to mix and match different kitchen linens. Ideas include napery and tea towels made from materials linen, cotton, or burlap, table runners, placemats, or serving trays made from rattan.
Photo Source: Mackenzie Co
