Designing a modern coastal kitchen is about more than just looking beachy—it’s about creating a space that feels as breezy, calm, and inviting as the ocean itself. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or just adding a few coastal touches, here’s how to nail the modern coastal design style, with 17 ideas that combine functionality and beauty.
Whether you’re all-in with a full remodel or just swapping out some decor, there’s something about the effortless charm of coastal interiors that makes life feel a little more relaxed and, dare I say, magical.
What is Modern Coastal Design Style?
Modern coastal design is all about capturing the relaxed vibes of the beach while keeping things chic and sophisticated. Imagine the clean lines of contemporary design blended with natural materials and calming coastal colors. It’s not about filling your space with seashells and anchors (though a subtle nod to nautical can work); it’s about balance.
Take blue-gray kitchen cabinets, for example. Pairing them with a white quartz countertop or natural wood accents creates that serene modern coastal home vibe without feeling overly thematic. Light wood tones, textured accents like jute rugs or wicker stools, and big, airy windows to flood the space with natural light are key elements. Think of walking into a California beach house where everything whispers, “Stay for a while.”
1. Start with a Calming Coastal Color Palette
White, light greys, and light blues are the foundation of a coastal chic kitchen. To add character, sprinkle in accents like:
- Dark blue for a water-inspired vibe
- Yellow or Beige for a sunny, cheerful touch
- Green (especially sage greens) for a fresh, natural pop
- Grey for a modern feel
These colors can show up in cabinet hardware, backsplash tiles, or even decor like pottery and rugs.
How to Make a Kitchen Look Beachy
Creating a beachy vibe doesn’t require a full-scale remodel (though, if you’re up for it, go big!). Here are a few tips to instantly add a coastal interior flair:
2. Add Beach-Inspired Cabinet Hardware
Switch outdated hardware for brushed nickel or dark matte finishes. These small details are sleek and coastal chic without overpowering the space.
3. Choose the Right Backsplash Ideas
A backsplash can completely transform your space. Stick with white subway tiles for a classic option, or elevate it with textured zellige tiles or soft aquamarine glass tiles. These mimic the light-reflecting qualities of water and add depth to your modern coastal kitchen.
4. Natural Materials
Add natural textures like unfinished wood, stone, or woven grasses. Driftwood accents or jute rugs ground the space in beachy warmth while complementing the light, breezy aesthetic.
5. Bright Windows for Natural Light
Large windows or even a skylight make a world of difference. Coastal kitchens thrive on natural light, so keep window treatments minimal or nonexistent.
6. Coastal Interior Lighting
Lighting is a game-changer in any kitchen, but especially in a coastal interior. Pendant lights with woven shades or clear glass globes add to the breezy aesthetic while providing plenty of illumination.
Pro tip: Use natural wood or brass finishes to tie the lighting back into your other natural textures.
7. Layer in Subtle Decor Ideas
Think ceramic vases, woven baskets, and driftwood centerpieces. A large beach-inspired artwork—like a serene ocean print—can also anchor the space without clutter.
Pro tip: Less is more! A modern coastal kitchen should feel calm and uncluttered, the opposite of those overly busy beach house kitchens of the past.
What is the Best Color for Coastal Kitchen Cabinets?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Hands down, the best colors for coastal farmhouse kitchen cabinets revolve around soft, muted tones. Think tones that evoke the ocean and shorelines. Here are the top picks:
Blue-gray kitchen cabinets: These capture the calm of the sea and pair beautifully with natural wood accents or white finishes. Blue-gray kitchen cabinets are a huge favorite because they remind us of the ocean’s calm and pair perfectly with natural wood accents and white finishes.
White cabinets: Always timeless, they make the space feel bigger and brighter, especially in smaller kitchens. They’re fresh, bright, and make the space feel bigger (especially if you’re dealing with a smaller kitchen).
Soft greens and sandy beiges: Great for a subtle beach house kitchen aesthetic.
Two-tone cabinets: Try blue-gray lowers and white uppers for a modern, layered look.
If you’re feeling adventurous, two-tone cabinets are also a popular design idea for a modern coastal kitchen. For instance, you could do blue-gray lowers and white uppers for a look that feels dynamic yet cohesive.
8. Avoid Overwhelming Dark Colors
If you love darker tones, balance them with bright white walls and reflective surfaces like a mirrored backsplash or glossy tiles. White walls and cabinets give the kitchen that light, airy beach house feel.
9. Shiplap Walls for Coastal Farmhouse Charm
Adding shiplap to your walls or kitchen island instantly evokes the charm of a coastal farmhouse kitchen. Stick to light, neutral tones like white or light grey to keep it modern, and pair it with wood or woven textures to complete the look.
10. Backsplash Tiles That Wow
Experiment with colorful tiles—like soft teal or seafoam—to add personality. Even white tiles in a wavy or textured pattern can mimic the feel of ocean water.
11. Natural Wood and Woven Textures
Unfinished wood open shelves, wicker barstools, and jute rugs are a must for that laid-back beach vibe. These elements are especially great for tying together a modern coastal home.
On the same note, white cabinets make the perfect base for coastal design touches like natural materials, light fixtures, window treatments, rugs, and decor.
12. Rattan and Woven Accents
Add warmth with rattan barstools, wicker light fixtures, or woven rugs. These elements create texture and depth, balancing out the sleekness of white cabinetry and stone countertops. Trust me, it’s the easiest way to channel a laid-back beach house kitchen feel.
13. Natural Stone Countertops
Stone countertops are not only practical but also tie in beautifully with the coastal theme. Options like white quartz, marble, or even soapstone add a luxurious touch while keeping things grounded in natural materials.
14. Bring in Plants for a Fresh Coastal Interior
A little greenery can go a long way in adding life to your kitchen. Think potted herbs, hanging plants, or a centerpiece of leafy greens on your dining table. Green is one of those colors that just works anywhere—it’s fresh, inviting, and effortlessly coastal.
15. Pops of Color in Decor Ideas
If committing to bold cabinet colors feels daunting, bring pops of color through your decor instead. Think yellow ceramic bowls, red-striped kitchen towels, or even green potted herbs along the windowsill. These accents can easily be swapped out as your mood or the seasons change—no long-term commitments required!
16. Hampton Style Blue and White
If you’re a fan of the gorgeous spaces in Nancy Meyers movies, you’re probably already into the coastal Hamptons vibe. It’s becoming more popular as people lean towards clean, classic, and easygoing decor.
17. Open shelving
Open shelving is a hot trend in modern coastal kitchens. It lets you showcase your favorite dishes and decor while keeping the space open and airy. I’m loving this modern kitchen with open wood shelving and a mix of light and dark cabinets. The woven counter stools and wood beams give it a fresh, coastal vibe.
Transforming your kitchen into a modern coastal haven doesn’t have to be daunting. Start with these beach house kitchen ideas, focus on natural elements, and let that California sun—or at least its vibes—shine through.
I hope you give some of these modern coastal kitchen ideas a go. With these design ideas, your coastal kitchen will feel like a permanent seaside escape—no matter where you live!
