Are you on the hunt for aesthetically pleasing small coastal kitchen ideas? Get inspired by these carefully curated small coastal kitchen ideas!
Let’s start by looking at what a coastal kitchen really is!
Coastal kitchen style is inherently light, open and airy. It is all about creating a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
It also involves incorporating elements that reflect the serene and breezy atmosphere of the beach.
Inspired by the colors of nature, modern coastal kitchens might include open shelving, wooden beams, baskets, nature fiber rugs, woven light fixtures and a light color scheme.
The purpose of this blog post is to present you with 33 dreamy small coastal kitchen ideas that you will adore and find magical to try.
33 SMALL COASTAL KITCHEN IDEAS TO RECREATE
1. A Nautical Color Palette
Incorporating a coastal kitchen typically features shades inspired by the sea and sky. Key colors include navy blue, crisp white, and various shades of blue and aqua.
These colors can be complemented with sandy beige and driftwood gray to create a serene, beach-inspired atmosphere. Using these colors in cabinetry, backsplashes, and accessories can create a fresh, airy feel reminiscent of the coast.
2. Open Shelving
Open shelving in a small coastal kitchen helps create an airy, spacious feel by reducing visual clutter.
It allows for easy access to everyday items and provides a platform to display coastal-themed decor, such as seashells, glass jars filled with sand, or white dishware.
This design choice can make the space feel more open and inviting, enhancing the overall coastal vibe.
3. Rattan Bar Stool
Rattan bar stools are a popular choice for coastal kitchens because they evoke a relaxed, beachy vibe.
The natural, woven material adds texture and warmth, complementing other coastal elements like light wood, white cabinetry, and nautical accents.
Their casual, airy look fits seamlessly into the open, breezy feel often desired in coastal decor.
4. White Shiplap Wall
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Choose this to offer a clean, crisp backdrop that enhances the airy and light-filled atmosphere typical of coastal decor.
The horizontal planks add subtle texture and visual interest, while the white color maintains a fresh, bright aesthetic reminiscent of seaside cottages.
This style pairs well with natural materials and nautical accents, reinforcing the coastal theme.
5. Butcher Block Countertops
This can be a great addition to a coastal kitchen, because their natural wood tones complement the light, airy feel of coastal decor.
The warm, organic look of the wood contrasts beautifully with the often white or pastel color palettes typical of coastal kitchens.
When paired with white cabinetry, blue accents, and nautical decor, butcher block countertops enhance the relaxed, beachy vibe.
They also provide a tactile, earthy element that complements other natural materials commonly found in coastal designs, such as wicker, jute, and linen.
6. Blue Subway Tile Backsplash
Decorating with a blue subway tile backsplash is a great idea because it evokes the calming, refreshing feel of the ocean, providing a clean and timeless look.
The blue hues can range from soft pastels to deep navy, reminiscent of sea and sky. The subway tile pattern adds a classic, orderly aesthetic, which pairs well with white or light-colored cabinets and natural wood elements.
This combination creates a bright, airy, and inviting space that embodies the relaxed charm of coastal living.
7. Beach-Inspired Pendant Lights
Go for these because it adds a touch of seaside charm and a relaxed atmosphere. These lights often feature materials like driftwood, rope, glass, and shells, reminiscent of the beach.
Their designs can range from nautical to more modern interpretations, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen decor.
These pendant lights add to the overall coastal theme by incorporating such elements, making the space bright, airy, and inviting.
8. Driftwood Accents
Consider using driftwood for open shelving, cabinet handles, or a decorative wall piece to enhance the coastal theme without overwhelming the space.
Choosing this in a small coastal kitchen can add a natural, beach-inspired touch
9. Glass Front Cabinets
These are popular choices for coastal kitchens as they enhance the airy and light atmosphere typical of coastal decor.
These cabinets feature glass-paneled doors, allowing you to showcase dishware, glassware, and decorative items.
They help create an open and spacious feel, reflecting light and making the kitchen appear brighter.
The transparency aligns with the coastal aesthetic, which often emphasizes natural light, simplicity, and a connection to the seaside environment.
10. Light and Airy Fabrics
Light and airy fabrics, like linen or cotton, enhance a coastal kitchen and gives it a breezy feel. They allow natural light to filter through, creating a bright and relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of the seaside.
11. Seashell Cabinet Pulls
Seashell cabinet pulls are small hardware pieces shaped like seashells, used to replace standard cabinet knobs or handles.
They add a subtle coastal touch to furniture, enhancing a beach-themed decor with a hint of the ocean.
12. Vintage Maritime Decor
Vintage maritime decor for a coastal kitchen includes items like old ship wheels, nautical charts, antique lanterns, and weathered buoys.
These elements create a nostalgic, seaside ambiance, evoking the charm of classic maritime traditions.
13. Ocean-Inspired Art
This can transform a coastal kitchen by bringing the tranquility and beauty of the sea indoors. This type of decor typically includes artwork featuring seascapes, marine life, beach scenes, and abstract ocean patterns.
These pieces often use a palette of blues, greens, and sandy neutrals, evoking the soothing and refreshing feel of the ocean.
Incorporating ocean-inspired art into a coastal kitchen can create a serene and inviting atmosphere, making the space feel airy and connected to nature.
14. Seagrass Rugs Appealing
Seagrass rug is a practical and stylish addition to a small coastal kitchen. This is because it is made from natural fibers, these rugs bring an earthy, organic feel to the space.
Their neutral tones complement coastal color palettes, while their durable and easy-to-clean nature makes them ideal for kitchen environments.
Seagrass rugs also add texture and warmth, enhancing the overall beachy vibe without overwhelming a smaller area.
15. Aqua Appliances
Choose pastel-colored kitchen appliances, with a light blue or aqua color to evoke the serene and refreshing vibes of the sea.
These appliances can include refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and mixers, among others.
Integrating aqua-colored appliances can complement white or light cabinetry, natural wood accents, and other coastal elements like seashell decorations or beach-themed artwork.
This color choice helps create a bright, airy, and relaxing atmosphere that is reminiscent of a coastal retreat.
16. Wicker Baskets
These are fantastic additions to a coastal kitchen, as it brings in a touch of natural texture and warmth. These baskets can be used for storing fruits, vegetables, linens, or even kitchen utensils.
Their natural, woven design complements the light, airy feel of coastal decor while adding a touch of rustic charm.
Wicker baskets are versatile, functional, and help to enhance the relaxed, beachy ambiance of a coastal kitchen.
17. Beachy Tableware
Beachy tables in a small coastal kitchen can enhance the coastal theme with their casual, laid-back style.
These tables often feature weathered wood finishes, light colors like white or pale blue, and may include elements like rope details or distressed paint to evoke a seaside look.
Compact and functional, beachy tables can serve as dining spots, prep areas, or additional storage, fitting perfectly into smaller spaces while maintaining the breezy, coastal atmosphere.
18. Coral Accents
Decorate with coral inspired pieces, this can add a vibrant, seaside-inspired touch.
This can include using coral-colored accessories like dishware, napkins, and cushions.
Decorative items such as coral sculptures or wall art can also enhance the coastal theme.
Incorporating coral hues in tiles, backsplashes, or small appliances can bring a pop of color that complements a palette of blues, whites, and sandy neutrals, creating a fresh and inviting coastal vibe.
19. Open Windows
Maximize natural light for a fresh open feel. This allows natural light and sea breezes to flow through, enhancing the airy and fresh atmosphere typical of coastal design.
They provide a seamless connection between the indoor space and the outdoor scenery, often showcasing ocean views or lush greenery.
This design element emphasizes the relaxed and open feel of a coastal kitchen, making it bright, inviting, and
well-ventilated.
20. Striped Upholstery
Use classic nautical stripes on cushions and seats. A “Striped up” coastal kitchen can evoke a breezy, seaside vibe by incorporating striped patterns and a light, airy color palette.
21. Mosaic Tile Backsplash
A mosaic tile backsplash in a coastal kitchen is great. It often features shades of blue, green, and white, mimicking the colors of the ocean.
The small, intricately arranged tiles can create a vibrant and textured look, adding visual interest and a beachy feel to the space.
22. Weathered Wood Cabinets
Incorporating this create a rustic, beach-inspired look, adding warmth and a natural feel while maximizing space with a light, airy aesthetic.
23. Pale Blue Paint
This evokes the calmness of the sea and sky, creating a fresh, airy, and soothing atmosphere.
24. Sea Glass Decor
Decorating with Sea glass decor in a coastal kitchen adds a touch of beachy charm with its smooth, frosted appearance and ocean-inspired colors, enhancing the coastal vibe.
25. Nautical Rope Features
Nautical rope adds a coastal touch to a kitchen through cabinet handles, wrapped light fixtures, hanging shelves, curtain tiebacks, and bar stool accents, creating a cohesive beachy feel.
26. Anchor Decor
This involves using anchor-themed items like wall hooks, cabinet knobs, or art pieces.
These elements, combined with a light, airy color palette and nautical accents, create a seaside ambiance without overwhelming the space.
27. Soft White and Beige Tones
This creates a serene and airy atmosphere reminiscent of sandy beaches and sun-bleached driftwood.
These colors can be used for cabinets, walls, and countertops, complemented by natural wood accents and subtle maritime decor like seashells or light blue accents to enhance the coastal theme.
28. Beach Photography
You can frame and hang photos of beach scenes. This can be a fantastic coastal kitchen idea as it brings the serene and relaxing ambiance of the beach directly into your kitchen space.
Beach photography in a coastal kitchen brings the essence of the seaside indoors, enhancing the overall ambiance with its calming colors and natural beauty.
29. Coastal-Inspired Backsplash Tiles
Choose Coastal-inspired backsplash tiles for a kitchen, this can include designs that mimic sea glass, shells, or ocean waves.
They often feature soft blues, greens, and sandy hues, bringing a beachy vibe to the kitchen space effortlessly.
30. Sand and Shell Jars
Add some Sand and shell jars as decorative items for a coastal kitchen, typically glass jars filled with layers of sand and small seashells. They add a beachy, relaxed vibe to the kitchen decor.
31. Ocean Breeze Scented Candles
Incorporating this can enhance a coastal kitchen by infusing the space with refreshing, seaside-inspired scents like sea salt, ocean mist, or fresh linen.
Placing these candles strategically on countertops or dining tables can evoke a sense of tranquility and bring a coastal ambiance to your kitchen.
They complement other coastal decor elements such as light, airy colors, natural textures like driftwood or sea glass, and nautical accents.
32. Light Wood Flooring
This is an excellent choice for a small coastal kitchen for several reasons. It enhances the sense of space by reflecting natural light and creating a bright, airy atmosphere.
The light color of the wood complements coastal decor themes, evoking the feeling of
sandy beaches or driftwood.
It also complements other coastal elements such as white cabinets, blue accents, and natural textures like rattan or seagrass, resulting in a cohesive coastal aesthetic in a small kitchen.
33. Sea Life Sculptures
Sea life sculptures can be a charming addition to a coastal kitchen theme. They typically involve sculptures or art pieces inspired by marine life such as dolphins, seashells, starfish, or even coral reefs.
These sculptures can be made from materials like ceramic, glass, or metal, and they add a nautical touch to the kitchen decor. Placing them strategically on shelves, countertops, or as wall art can help create a serene and beach-inspired atmosphere in your kitchen.
In this article, we have curated 33 stunning small coastal kitchen ideas you can try out.
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