6 easy, breezy steps to creating a coastal-style kitchen

The hub of the home, year-round, gets more footfall than any other room. That’s why, when it comes to your decor style, coastal decor can be just the ticket in your kitchen. Whether you live by the sea or in a city, it’s a little bit of that vacation laidback living. From a colour palette inspired by the sky and sea to a sense of space and airiness, these 6 breezy coastal kitchen ideas will leave you feeling calmed and relaxed in no time.

Coastal kitchen idea: beachy-inspired colour palette

You want the colour palette in your coastal kitchen to reflect the natural elements of coastal living. From beachy beiges to sea and sky blues, and cloudy whites. Blue 02 would look gorgeous on the walls of a clam and soothing coastal kitchen, whilst if you want to make a statement don’t be afraid to go dark when it comes to your kitchen cabinets, with Grey 08. Or, for that weathered look, light and white-washed with White 01. Remember, this colour palette isn’t prescriptive. Use it to inspire your mood board, rather than a list of paint colours.

Coastal kitchen idea: white shiplap cladding 

Another coastal kitchen idea for your walls is white shiplap cladding. This will give your home that seaside cabin aesthetic, for a relaxed, lived-in feel. Alternatively, if you don’t want to start tackling DIY wall panelling, you can get the look with panelled kitchen cabinets or a kitchen island. This is a popular and sophisticated way to get that coastal look in your kitchen.

Coastal kitchen idea: a sense of light and airiness 

Just like the ocean itself, coastal decor is informed by its need for open space and a sense of flow. This means as much natural light as possible and a feeling of airiness. Both of these can be achieved by open-plan living, floor-to-ceiling folding doors - which merges the indoors with the outdoors - as well as strategically placed skylights, to let the sunshine in.

Coastal kitchen idea: natural materials 

Just as with biophilic design, coastal decor places an enormous emphasis on natural materials. From kiln-baked backsplash tiles in sea greens to a large marble-top kitchen island. Rustic, woven bar stools are a popular choice too, as well as seagrass baskets for storing your sundries, or an oversized woven basket fruit bowl. You could even place a large sisal style rug or organic cotton striped runner under your dining table.

Coastal kitchen idea: selective use of stripes

In fact, speaking of stripes... used selectively can create a stylish look in a coastal kitchen. Go too heavy and you’re entering into nautical decor territory, but a light touch in the form of a rustic striped rug, or deck-chair style kitchen island chairs means plain sailing towards a coastal decor kitchen. From Breton striped bar stools to cabana striped cushions—even ticking striped tea towels! There are lots of subtle ways you can incorporate the pattern into your kitchen.

Coastal kitchen idea: statement pendant lighting 

Pendant lighting above a kitchen island or dining table is always a good look. If you want to give it a coastal look why not go for rustic, metal domed pendant lighting in brass, copper, or steel. Alternatively, for a more gentle feel natural style seagrass pendant lighting has an almost boho aesthetic, for a bit of that beachy Mediterranean coastal style. 

If you like the sound of a coastal decor kitchen, why not get the look throughout your home by taking a read of these coastal decor living room ideas.