Are you looking for some modern coastal kitchen ideas but not sure where to start? Creating your dream coastal kitchen design does not have to be difficult (quite the opposite!). If you’re wanting to feel like you’re on that beach holiday year-round and create your very own coastal style kitchen, try incorporating some of my favourite tips below.  

When planning your coastal kitchen design colour palette, you want to think light and bright. This includes lots of white, light timbers with pops of sage green or light blue. If haven’t opted for timber floors in the rest of your house, you can bring in elements of light timber either through some of the cabinetry or on the panelling of your island bench. Opting for a white bench top, white cabinetry (if not going for timber) and white walls will help bring the simplicity of coastal style into your kitchen.

A common complaint I hear about (mostly) white kitchens is that they can be a little boring. The pops colour mentioned earlier (sage green or a light blue) can be an excellent way to bring more character into your home if you are worried about this. They can be brought in via statement décor pieces or with a unique splash back tile (e.g mermaid scale or mosaic style tiles). If you aren’t wanting to add too much colour but still looking for a way to add more character to your modern coastal kitchen- consider shaker cabinets or unique pieces of hardware. 

When opting for a coastal kitchen, the goal is to often merge a quaint beach house vibe with luxurious feel. While these might sound contradictory, it is can actually be quite easy to bring the best of both worlds. An under mount farmhouse style sink is an easy to bring the quaint beach house into your modern coastal style kitchen. As a bonus- they are so much more practical than your standard sink!

To ensure you create the luxurious feel, try and opt for a large-ish (space permitting) island bench. This will help give an expansive and spacious feeling, key for a coastal kitchen design. Another factor to consider when planning your island bench is the space between the island bench and the rest of the kitchen. A good balance of expansiveness and practicality need to be considered here (at the end of the day- it is not a show kitchen). We usually recommend about 4 feet (1.2-1.3 metres) for the right balance. 

When planning out your fixtures and hardware you cannot go past a gold or brushed brass look. These fit so well into the coastal aesthetic and given their recent rise in popularity (and competition)- have become a lot higher in quality also. Black fixtures and hardware are also often used in modern coastal kitchens and something to consider if you prefer more of a contrasting aesthetic.

Now you might remember when we discussed coastal home décor must haves that natural textures are key in coastal design. These can be incorporated through a natural textured statement pendant or with wicker or rattan bar stools. If you’re wanting a smaller way to include these natural textures- consider a small display basket that can be styled easily with a small plant and some glasses. 

Have I missed anything? Let me know what you think makes the ultimate coastal style kitchen.