How to Remodel a Kitchen with a Coastal Style
As someone who’s always been captivated by the soothing vibe of the ocean, I decided to bring that coastal charm into my kitchen remodel. The goal was simple: to create a space that felt airy, bright, and calming, reminiscent of the beach, while maintaining functionality and style. After months of research, planning, and a bit of trial and error, I discovered several essential tips for achieving the perfect coastal kitchen remodel. Whether you're near the ocean or just love the beachy look, here’s how I achieved my dream coastal-style kitchen.
1. Start with a Light and Airy Color Palette
The first thing I did when embarking on my coastal kitchen remodel was choose a light and airy color palette. Coastal design is all about creating a fresh, open atmosphere, and nothing achieves that better than light tones. I opted for shades of white, soft blues, and seafoam greens, which immediately gave the space a relaxed vibe. These colors mimic the natural hues of the beach and water, making the kitchen feel as if it was designed for coastal living.
I didn’t limit myself to just one color. Instead, I used a mix of soft whites for the walls, light blues for accents, and seafoam green for the island. This layered color palette brings depth and warmth while still keeping the space light and inviting. The key is to keep it balanced so that no one color overpowers the others. To add dimension, I included various textures in the design, such as wood and marble, which reflect the natural beauty of the coastline.
2. Incorporate Natural Elements and Textures
No coastal kitchen remodel is complete without natural elements and textures that remind you of the beach. I incorporated a mix of materials that brought in the essence of coastal living. The countertops were a key element in achieving this. I chose white marble with soft veining, resembling the waves of the ocean. It gave the kitchen a sleek yet natural feel, perfectly complementing the coastal theme.
In addition to marble countertops, I used reclaimed wood for the open shelving. The wood brought a rustic charm to the space, grounding the light colors and offering a warm, inviting feel. I also added wicker elements, such as baskets and a wicker pendant light, which gave the space a laid-back, beachy vibe. These natural materials not only look beautiful but also evoke the peacefulness of a coastal retreat.
3. Use Light, Breezy Window Treatments
When remodeling my kitchen, I knew that the window treatments would play a major role in achieving that breezy coastal look. Instead of heavy drapes or dark shades, I chose sheer white linen curtains that let in as much light as possible. The soft fabric allowed natural light to filter through, brightening the entire space and giving it an open, airy feel.
For a bit more texture, I added some bamboo shades behind the curtains. The bamboo offered a touch of earthiness that balanced the more delicate feel of the linen curtains. Additionally, the shades were functional for privacy when needed but didn’t detract from the openness of the room. If you’re aiming for a coastal vibe, I highly recommend going for window treatments that let in lots of natural light and offer a soft, calming texture.
4. Install Coastal-Inspired Lighting Fixtures
Lighting is a vital element in any kitchen, and when designing a coastal kitchen, you want to choose fixtures that feel light, bright, and natural. I selected pendant lights with a weathered wood finish and glass shades. These fixtures reminded me of driftwood, which added a rustic, nautical touch to the space. They were perfect for hanging over the kitchen island and added both style and function to the room.
To enhance the coastal feel, I also included under-cabinet lighting. The soft glow from these lights illuminated the countertops and created a cozy atmosphere in the evenings. When remodeling your kitchen with a coastal style, think about how the lighting will not only serve as a practical feature but also as a design element that ties everything together. Natural, airy fixtures and soft lighting will help maintain the peaceful, beach-inspired ambiance.
5. Focus on Functional, Coastal-Style Storage Solutions
One of the biggest challenges in a kitchen remodel is ensuring that you have enough storage without compromising style. For my coastal kitchen, I chose open shelving instead of upper cabinets. This gave the room a more spacious, open feel and allowed me to display beautiful dishware and glass jars filled with seashells, sea glass, and other beach-inspired items. Open shelving is an excellent way to keep the space feeling light and airy while providing storage space for everyday items.
I also used wicker baskets for extra storage on lower shelves. These baskets blended seamlessly with the coastal theme while adding a practical storage solution for less frequently used items. When you’re remodeling, think about how to incorporate coastal elements into your storage—whether it’s with stylish baskets, glass jars, or even decorative wooden crates.
6. Add Beach-Inspired Accents and Decor
The final touch to any coastal kitchen is the decor. After getting the major elements of the design in place, I turned to smaller decorative accents that brought in the essence of the beach. I added a few sea-inspired prints on the walls, such as a watercolor of a lighthouse and a picture of a sandy beach with rolling waves. I also included decorative bowls filled with seashells and coral pieces on the countertops.
For a personal touch, I placed a few beach-themed candles around the room, which gave off a calming scent reminiscent of the sea. The key is to choose decor that complements the overall design and doesn’t overcrowd the space. A few beach-inspired accents can go a long way in adding personality and enhancing the coastal atmosphere.
Conclusion
Remodeling a kitchen with a coastal style is all about creating a space that feels open, airy, and relaxed. By focusing on a light color palette, incorporating natural textures, using breezy window treatments, selecting coastal-inspired lighting fixtures, and ensuring that your storage solutions are both functional and stylish, you can create the ultimate beach-inspired kitchen. Don’t forget the little details—decorative accents like seashells, candles, and beach prints will bring the entire look together. I hope these tips inspire you to create your own coastal kitchen, whether you’re near the ocean or just love the calming vibe of the beach.
