Designing a Coastal Kitchen That Works (and Feels Like Vacation)

Aug 13

Let’s be honest: the kitchen is the spot. It’s where people gather (even when you wish they wouldn’t), where snacks mysteriously disappear, and where flow and function matter just as much as the finishes.

Whether you’re remodeling your main home, setting up your dream vacation escape, or just trying to make your open shelves look less chaotic, this guide is here to help you create a coastal kitchen that feels like a retreat—without losing your mind (or your budget) in the process.

Why Functionality and Flow Matter in Coastal Kitchens

Before we start talking backsplash and barstools, let’s talk about the real kitchen goals:

Can you prep dinner while your partner grabs a drink and your guests hang out at the island—without turning it into a game of human Tetris?
Is there a spot for morning coffee that doesn’t involve stepping over three dogs and someone’s half-unpacked beach bag?
Can you open a drawer and the dishwasher without losing your patience?

If the answer is no, start there. The most beautiful kitchen in the world won’t matter if the layout makes you want to scream. And in coastal homes, where we’re often talking open floor plans and indoor-outdoor living, flow is everything.

Coastal Kitchen Styles: Choose Your Vibe

Not all coastal kitchens look the same—and thank goodness for that. Here’s the secret: coastal is a feeling, not a color scheme. It’s breezy, layered, grounded, and sometimes even a little rustic. Your version should reflect how you want to live in the space.

Here are a few vibes to get your wheels turning:

☀️ All-White & Airy

This is the classic beach house feel: white cabinetry, white quartz or marble countertops, brushed nickel or soft brass fixtures, and natural light pouring in. Add texture with woven barstools, linen shades, or a white oak island to keep it from feeling too flat.
**Best for**: Minimalists, clean lines lovers, and bright, open floor plans.

🌾 Warm & Layered

Think creamy cabinetry, soft greige or beige tones, natural wood accents, and organic textures. This version of coastal feels elevated but still relaxed. Pair *Accessible Beige* or *White Dove* walls with rattan lighting, warm brass, and white oak floors.
**Best for**: Year-round homes, families, and anyone craving comfort with character.

🐚 Cottage Coastal / New England

This look brings in charm and a little nostalgia: apron-front sinks, painted beadboard or tongue-and-groove paneling, vintage-style appliances, and maybe even an open shelf filled with collected pottery or cookbooks. A soapstone counter or honed marble adds to the feel.
**Best for**: Landlocked lake homes, older homes with character, or anyone drawn to slow living and layers of history.

⚓ Nautical & Bold

If you’re drawn to navy, crisp whites, polished metals, and tailored details, this is for you. Add stripes in your textiles, brass lighting or hardware, and sleek cabinetry. You can go slightly more formal here without losing that relaxed feel.
**Best for**: Intercoastal homes, sailing families, or lovers of that East Coast regatta vibe.

Choosing the Right Materials for Coastal Environments

Kitchens in coastal homes work hard. They deal with humidity, salt air, sandy feet, spilled rosé—you name it. Choose materials that can hang.

Countertops

Quartzite – Durable, natural, and beautiful. Like marble’s chill cousin that doesn’t stain when you look at it wrong.
Marble – Yes, it’s high maintenance. But if you’re okay with a little patina, it’s timeless. Just seal it well and clean up the red wine.
Pro Tip: Skip stark white countertops unless you want to constantly wipe them down. Go for something with warmth and movement.

Backsplash & Tile

This is where you can have fun. Instead of defaulting to plain white subway tile (we’ve all seen it), try:

Handmade zellige in sea glass tones
Creamy, wavy-edge ceramic
A patterned moment behind the range
Tile Tip: Vacation home? Be bold. You won’t get tired of it the way you do your “everyday home” backsplash.

Add Depth with Architectural Detail

Want your kitchen to feel coastal the second you walk in? You don’t need seashells and “Beach Life” signs—you need texture and detail.

Here’s where that comes in:

Shiplap on the ceiling: Yes, the ceiling. It draws the eye up and instantly gives you that relaxed, layered look—especially paired with beams.
Custom range hood: Wrap it in plaster or vertical paneling and voilà—your kitchen feels instantly designer.
Tongue-and-groove paneling on an island or nook wall: Adds charm without screaming farmhouse.

✨ Hot take: Shiplap isn’t basic if you use it in a smart way. On a backsplash? Probably not. On a ceiling or hood? Chef’s kiss.

Layered Lighting, Fixtures & Finishes

Lighting and hardware are like jewelry for your kitchen. They're small but mighty—and they totally change the vibe.

Lighting:

Woven pendants or lanterns over the island
Brass or bronze task lights for warmth
Picture lights over open shelves (yes, it’s a thing)
Dimmers—because bright overheads at 10 p.m. just feel rude

Hardware:

Lacquered brass, matte black, aged bronze—whatever fits your vibe
Think of it like your favorite accessories: a little worn-in, a little coastal, a little “I found this at a market in Portugal even if I didn’t”

Faucets + Fixtures:

Gooseneck or bridge styles always feel classic
Warm metals over chrome (unless you’re going super modern)
Pot filler = totally unnecessary but kind of fun,

💡 Pro Tip: You can mix metals. I promise. Just do it with intention—maybe brass lighting + matte black hardware, or aged nickel with polished chrome. It works when it looks like you meant to do it.

Furnishings That Feel Coastal (Not Kitschy)

This is where people either play it safe or go full nautical theme. Let’s aim for the sweet spot: collected, comfortable, and coastal without looking like a prop kitchen in a model home.

Barstools: Woven, caned, or linen-covered—no shiny metal and faux leather here, please.
Window coverings: Natural Roman shades or linen curtains that move in the breeze like a Nancy Meyers movie.
Art: Coastal doesn’t mean “shell collage.” Try abstract landscapes, vintage travel posters, or even a favorite recipe framed on the wall.
Shelving: Reclaimed or natural wood open shelves styled with pottery, stacked cookbooks, and a plant that hopefully stays alive.

🎨 Styling tip: Treat your kitchen like a living space. Add a candle, a bowl of fruit you may or may not eat, and a little stack of pretty things that make you feel at home.

Bonus: Indoor-Outdoor Living Goals

If your kitchen connects to an outdoor space, lean into it. This is where coastal homes shine.

Consider:

A pass-through window that turns your counter into a cocktail bar (dreamy)
Sliding or bifold doors that make indoor-outdoor flow effortless
Even just placing your dining table near a big open window with breezy drapes brings that same vibe

Add a plant or two while you’re at it. Nothing too fussy—just enough to say “I love fresh air and I probably compost” (even if you don’t).

The Final Layer: Styling Your Coastal Kitchen

Okay—you’ve got your flow, your finishes, your fun. Now comes the easy part: the layer that makes it feel like you.

I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite coastal kitchen accessories to bring warmth, charm, and that lived-in magic to your space.

Shop the entire collection here.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. I only share products I truly love and would use in my own home.

Final Thoughts: Design for Your Version of Coastal

The most important thing I can leave you with is this: coastal design isn’t a checklist—it’s a feeling. And that feeling should reflect you. Whether your kitchen leans airy, vintage, rustic, or crisp—if it makes you feel at ease, connected, and inspired… then you nailed it.

Want help pulling it all together—floorplan, materials, and all the styling details that bring it to life? Reach out below to see how we can help!

And stay tuned for next week’s post: How to Design a Spa-Like Coastal Bathroom!

let's get cooking