21 Coastal Kitchen Ideas

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Ready to bring the beach vibe into your home? These 21 Coastal Kitchen Ideas offer simple ways to create a breezy cooking space. Get inspired to give your kitchen a fresh, sea-inspired makeover that feels relaxed and welcoming every day.

Light And Airy Colors

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a bright coastal kitchen with white cabinets, a light blue backsplash, and large windows letting in sunlight. No text visible.

Paint your kitchen walls and cabinets in soft colors.

Think white, sandy beige, or light blues.

These shades help your space feel open and bright, like a sunny beach day.

You can also pick light countertops, perhaps quartz or marble, to bounce light around the room easily.

Natural Wood Accents

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a coastal kitchen featuring light wood open shelves displaying white dishes, against a pale blue wall. No text visible.

Add touches of natural wood for warmth.

You could use wood for open shelves, a cutting board, or even countertops like butcher block.

Light woods like maple or ash work well.

These elements bring an earthy, beachy feel, balancing the cooler colors in your coastal kitchen design.

Open Shelving

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of white open shelves in a coastal kitchen, neatly displaying blue and white ceramic plates and glassware. No text visible.

Install open shelves instead of some upper cabinets.

This creates an airy look and lets you display pretty dishes or beach-themed decor.

Use sturdy wood or white shelves.

Keep them tidy so your kitchen feels organized and spacious, showing off your coastal style effortlessly.

Shiplap Walls Or Ceilings

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a coastal kitchen with horizontal white shiplap planks on one accent wall behind the stove. No text visible.

Put shiplap V-groove boards on an accent wall or your ceiling.

Paint them white for a classic coastal look.

This adds texture and character, reminding you of seaside cottages.

It is a simple way to make a big impact and enhance the beach house atmosphere in your kitchen.

Woven Textures

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a coastal kitchen island with rattan bar stools featuring light blue cushions. Woven pendant lights hang above. No text visible.

Bring in woven materials like rattan, wicker, or jute.

You can find these textures in bar stools, pendant light shades, storage baskets, or rugs.

These natural elements add warmth and a relaxed, beachy feel.

They contrast nicely with smooth surfaces like cabinets and countertops.

Nautical Hardware

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of brushed nickel cabinet pulls shaped like boat cleats on white kitchen drawers. No text visible.

Update your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls with nautical designs.

Look for hardware shaped like boat cleats, anchors, or made from rope.

Simple brushed nickel or chrome finishes keep the look clean.

This small change adds a distinct coastal touch without overwhelming the space.

Subway Tile Backsplash

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a coastal kitchen backsplash using glossy white subway tiles laid in a traditional pattern. No text visible.

Choose a classic subway tile backsplash.

White tiles always look fresh and clean.

For a subtle hint of color, you could use light blue or seafoam green tiles.

Subway tiles are timeless and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for your coastal kitchen wall.

Seashell Or Sea Glass Decor

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a clear glass jar filled with various seashells and pieces of sea glass sitting on a kitchen countertop. No text visible.

Display seashells or sea glass you collected on your beach trips.

Arrange them in a clear glass jar or bowl on a windowsill or shelf.

This adds a personal touch and brings authentic seaside elements into your kitchen.

Keep it simple to avoid a cluttered look.

Pendant Lighting

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of three clear glass pendant lights hanging over a white kitchen island in a coastal style home. No text visible.

Hang pendant lights over your kitchen island or sink.

Clear glass pendants keep the look light and airy.

You might also choose lights with woven shades or rope details.

Good lighting makes your kitchen functional and highlights your coastal design choices beautifully.

Butcher Block Countertops

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a light maple butcher block countertop on a kitchen island, contrasting with white surrounding cabinets. No text visible.

Consider butcher block for your countertops, especially on an island.

The natural wood adds warmth and a casual feel.

Light woods like maple work well with coastal colors.

Seal it properly to protect it from spills and daily use, giving you a durable, attractive surface.

Blue Island Or Cabinets

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a coastal kitchen featuring white perimeter cabinets and a contrasting navy blue kitchen island with a white top. No text visible.

Paint your kitchen island or a set of cabinets a shade of blue.

Navy, teal, or sky blue can create a lovely focal point.

It contrasts nicely with white walls and cabinets.

This pop of color strongly connects your kitchen design to the sea and sky.

Coastal Artwork

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a framed print of a serene beach scene with waves and sand hanging on a light blue kitchen wall. No text visible.

Hang artwork that reminds you of the coast.

Look for prints or paintings of beaches, waves, sailboats, or marine life.

Choose simple frames in white or natural wood.

Art adds personality and reinforces the beach theme, making your kitchen feel more complete and inviting.

Striped Patterns

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a blue and white striped runner rug on the light wood floor of a coastal kitchen. No text visible.

Use striped patterns in blues and whites.

You can add stripes with a rug, kitchen towels, or cushion covers for your chairs or stools.

This classic nautical pattern adds visual interest without being too busy.

It is a simple way to enhance the coastal vibe.

Large Windows Or Glass Doors

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a coastal kitchen with large windows above the sink overlooking a garden, letting in abundant natural light. No text visible.

Maximize natural light with large windows or glass doors if possible.

Sunshine makes any space feel more open and cheerful, perfect for a coastal theme.

Keep window treatments light and simple, like sheer curtains, to let the light pour in and connect your kitchen to the outdoors.

White Cabinets

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a clean coastal kitchen dominated by bright white shaker-style cabinets and drawers. No text visible.

Choose white cabinets for a timeless coastal foundation.

White makes your kitchen look clean, bright, and spacious.

Shaker-style cabinets are a popular choice that fits the relaxed coastal aesthetic well.

You can easily pair white cabinets with almost any coastal accent color or material.

Stainless Steel Appliances

Select stainless steel appliances for a modern touch.

Their sleek look pairs well with light coastal colors and wood accents.

They reflect light, adding to the brightness of your kitchen.

Stainless steel is also durable and relatively easy to keep clean, a practical choice for any busy kitchen.

Comfortable Bar Stools

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of backless wooden bar stools with woven seats tucked under a kitchen island breakfast bar. No text visible.

Pick comfortable bar stools for your island or breakfast bar.

Choose styles with woven seats, light wood frames, or cushions in blue or white fabric.

Make sure they are the right height for your counter.

Indoor Plants

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a small potted palm plant and some herbs growing in terracotta pots on a sunny kitchen windowsill. No text visible.

Add a few indoor plants to bring life into your kitchen.

Place small potted plants like succulents or herbs on windowsills or shelves.

A larger plant in a corner can also make a nice statement.

Greenery adds natural color and freshness, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere.

Driftwood Elements

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a piece of weathered driftwood displayed as a centerpiece on a white kitchen island. No text visible.

Incorporate pieces of driftwood for an authentic beach feel.

You can use a larger piece as a centerpiece or smaller bits in decor arrangements.

The weathered texture and natural shapes add unique character.

Find genuine driftwood or look for items made to resemble it.

Patterned Floor Tiles

A professional photo, similar to a photo in a home design magazine, of a coastal kitchen floor covered in geometric blue and white patterned cement tiles. No text visible.

Consider patterned floor tiles, perhaps in blue and white.

Geometric or encaustic-style tiles can add visual interest underfoot.

If patterned tiles feel too bold, a simple light wood-look tile or vinyl plank also fits the coastal style well, offering durability and ease of maintenance.