Whether you’ve just bought your dream seaside weekender, or you’re renovating an inner-city home and want to create a breezy, relaxed atmosphere, coastal kitchen designs are a great way to liven up your kitchen area.
Here are ten modern coastal kitchen ideas that will also make cleaning a breeze!
1. Galley kitchen
Image source: https://www.threebirdsrenovations.com/blog/beachhouse
Taking its name from the style of kitchen typically found on boats, a galley kitchen is one of the most quintessential coastal kitchen designs. Galley kitchens like the one shown here are long and narrow, with benches and cabinets on either side for practicality. They lend themselves well to open plan living and kitchen areas because they allow you to cook while facing your friends and family, and minimise the amount of walking you need to do while cooking. The simple shape also makes sweeping and mopping a cinch, because it means there are fewer corners for crumbs and dust to hide in!
2. Blue and green tones
Image source: http://countertopsnews.com/35-stunning-coastal-kitchen-design-ideas/
Nothing says coastal kitchen like soft blues and sea greens, or if you’re really after a nautical vibe, navy and white. Playing with colour is one of the easiest ways to revamp a tired old kitchen and create a beachy vibe. Depending on the look you’re after, you can go with coloured cabinetry, like the kitchen pictured here, experiment with fun tiling, or keep it simple and just give the walls a new lick of paint.
The other great thing about this modern coastal kitchen is the amount of storage space the owners have included in the design. Making clever use of space is the best way to keep your benches free of appliances, minimising clutter and making wiping them down a simple task.
3. Neutrals
Image source: https://www.adoremagazine.com/blog/my-kitchen-and-dining-reno
If you’re after an ultra-chic, modern coastal kitchen a neutral palette might just be the answer. The kitchen pictured here is a great example of someone pairing white cupboards, walls and benchtops with natural light-coloured wood to create an airy aesthetic. It’s minimalist, but the warm tone of the wood still creates an inviting atmosphere. This kitchen’s also a great example of how an island bench can be used to expand your kitchen workspace without imposing on the rest of the room.
4. Accent splashback
Image source: https://decincesdesignbuild.com/seabluffe
No matter whether you’re trying to create a modernist inner-city home, or the coastal style kitchen of your dreams, a splashback is key for keeping things clean. It’s also a great way to add a small feature wall to your kitchen. This kitchen here has used blue tones to contrast with the white cabinetry, and chevron tiles to provide an eye-catching, but not overly busy, detail. For an extra beachy feel you could experiment with scalloped tiles, or if you’re after something a bit more out there, intersperse plain tiles with some beautiful hand-painted mural tiles picturing fish or sailboats.
If cleaning tiles is your least favourite job, you’ll want to stick to larger tiles because they’re easier to wipe down and have fewer joins.
5. Beach cottage
Image source: http://countertopsnews.com/35-stunning-coastal-kitchen-design-ideas/
The kitchen pictured here is a beautiful example of a kitchen that blends a more traditional cottage style with a contemporary colour palette to create a dreamy coastal kitchen. The traditional style cabinetry and farm style sink provide a touch of old-world charm (and ample storage space) but they’re offset by the stone benchtop and calming blue paint.
6. Breakfast bar
Image source: https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/galley-kitchen-remodel-ideas
One of the reasons coastal kitchen designs are so popular is their ability to create an informal, welcoming environment. Adding a breakfast bar to your kitchen is a great way to make use of space, as it means your workbench doubles as a casual eating and entertaining space. The kitchen pictured here has taken all the elements of a well-executed coastal kitchen—a galley kitchen, white and blue colour scheme and warm-toned wood—and included a breakfast bar for an extra beachy, but homely, touch.
7. Cosy kitchen
Image source: https://semistories.semihandmade.com/mallory-fletchall-rental-kitchen-renovation/
You don’t need a lot of space to create a beautiful coastal style kitchen. With a bit of clever design thinking, you can turn the smallest space into a functional, stylish kitchen. And because you’re working with less space, you can really indulge by using high-quality materials. This apartment kitchen is tiny, but a clever use of natural wood and pastel colours gives the illusion of space. It’s also got a calm feel thanks to the minimalist style of fixtures, with the simple brass handles adding a touch of elegance without making the space feel overly busy.
8. Bring the outside in
Image source: https://www.homestolove.com.au/12-indoor-outdoor-ideas-for-a-stunning-entertaining-area-18680
We’re blessed with brilliant weather all year round up here in Queensland. To make the most of the sunshine, and cool coastal breezes, why not consider putting your kitchen next to your outdoor entertaining space? The kitchen pictured here is a beautiful example of a home that’s done just that. By keeping the interior décor simple, the transition to the outside space is more seamless, and the tropical garden is left to shine. The statement cane light fitting also adds a beachy touch, reminiscent of wicker veranda chairs.
When it comes to cleaning spaces like these, the key is to keep the deck free of leaves and dust by regularly sweeping it. That way less dirt will blow into the house. It’s also a good idea to keep the doors shut on bad weather days!
9. Open plan
This open plan kitchen we created for one of our clients is a beautiful example of a simple galley style kitchen that’s got all the features of a modern coastal kitchen design. The open plan design helps to create a casual atmosphere, while the concertina doors onto the deck help to bring the natural world inside, and would be a great way to make the most of an ocean view!
10. Tropicana
Image source: https://artfasad.com/8-modern-coastal-kitchen-ideas-to-inspire-your-next-remodel/
Not all modern coastal kitchen designs have to be minimalist! This kitchen is a great example of a breezy coastal kitchen design that’s sophisticated but still a bit of fun! The statement wall adds a gorgeous tropical touch which is balanced out by the simple colour scheme and minimalist cabinetry. The use of wooden shelving, rattan pendant lights and the wood-look exhaust fan also help to create a relaxed vibe without being too overwhelming.
Sources
- Art Façade, 2023, 8+ Modern Coastal Kitchen Ideas to Inspire Your Next Remodel
- Kelsey Clark, 2020, This 210-Square-Foot Rental Kitchen Is Proof You Don’t (Always) Need a Contractor
- Ilana Saul, 2022, A Galley Kitchen Remodel
- Three Birds Renovations, 2022, Beach House H2O
- Aulivin, 2023, Timeless Charm: Exploring Traditional Kitchen Ideas for a Classic and Refined Look
- DeCinces Design Build Co, Seabluffe
- Homes to Love, 2021, 21 indoor/outdoor entertaining area designs to inspire
- Countertops News, 35 stunning coastal kitchen design ideas
- Adore Magazine, My kitchen and dining reno