Home > Inspiration > Designing a Modern Coastal Kitchen: Cool Colors, Breezy Layouts & Year-Round Summer Vibes

Designing a Modern Coastal Kitchen: Cool Colors, Breezy Layouts & Year-Round Summer Vibes

Where to use natural materials is a common discussion in planning a kitchen remodel. Coastal kitchens don’t just use natural materials; they’re fully inspired by them.

From ocean waters and driftwood to sandy beaches and sun-bleached exteriors, this style is a go-to for any property near a body of water.

What is a coastal kitchen?

Coastal kitchens use cool colors and natural textures to create a relaxed, beachside vibe. Casual but high-performing, this style is good for active people who want time spent at home to be more peaceful and restorative.

There are many ways to customize the design further to suit the property. Combine coastal with cottage for little seaside retreats. Or, let it mingle with contemporary styles in modern kitchens.

The colors: Cool blues, salt-washed aquas, and sandy neutrals

Relaxing blues and earthy neutrals are perfect for coastal kitchens that take inspiration from a home’s surroundings. Sun-bright whites work their way in, too. If you’re looking to buck coastal trends, take tropical inspiration with vivid green or coral accents.

Marble-effect patterns and stone accents open up the palette to include colors of nature.

Coastal kitchens find balance by incorporating woven and wooden fixtures and elements into the deepest ocean blues.

Sandy beiges add warmth and texture to modern kitchens with sleek appliances and smooth stone countertops.

Sticking with crisp white cabinets is a beach house classic. Adding seafoam green or washed aquamarine accents keeps it even cooler.

The layout: Open where possible, but always spacious

Easy workflows, plenty of storage, and a place to gather make coastal kitchens the place to be during summertime. Smaller kitchens can employ a paler palette and brighter light for a breezier feel.

Designing a modern coastal kitchen is the perfect excuse to increase cabinet space. Wider drawers, taller cabinets, and oven shelving keep surfaces clear for inner calm.

Smaller kitchens can include dining areas and décor to make the space more inviting. Don’t forget to let in as much natural light as is available.

Sinks large enough to clean the catch of the day scale well in high-ceilinged open layouts. Open concepts and floor plans are a must for larger families and entertaining.

The vibes: Cozy coastal details and low-maintenance materials

Classic beach themes are still inspiring coastal kitchen design. Apply the palette to the best materials and architectural features for your everyday getaway.

In or out of the kitchen, easy-to-clean materials are integral to the design. Think durable fabrics, virtually indestructible counters, and smooth flooring.

Sandy tile countertops and serving counters make cooking and entertaining at once a walk on the beach.

Dining nooks outfitted in classic and vintage styles create inviting areas along one wall, maximizing floor space.

A generous expanse of engineered stone countertop stays gleaming and never needs sealing.

Shiplap is named as such because of its origins in shipbuilding. Reclaim it from strictly farmhouse and cottage styles by adding it to your coastal kitchen.

Design your very own coastal kitchen with The Designery

The Designery has everything you need for perfectly planned and professionally executed coastal kitchens. Optimize shoreside living with custom cabinets and hardware, premier countertops, high-performance flooring, and much more.

An experienced designer can help advise and guide you in the right direction. Schedule your complimentary consultation today.