Lately, I’ve been diving into coastal kitchen ideas – from color schemes, island and cabinet ideas, layout designs, countertops, and tile options – as we begin planning the kitchen for our small Maine ADU. I’m especially drawn to soft blues, serene greens, airy whites, and soothing grays that capture that relaxed, beachy vibe. Choosing the right colors and layout is key to creating a space that feels both timeless and welcoming. Planning this kitchen has been so much fun, and I hope these coastal-inspired ideas spark your imagination as you design your own dream coastal kitchen!
Coastal Kitchen Color Schemes: Beachy Color Palettes and Coastal Paint Inspiration
When it comes to designing a coastal style kitchen, the color scheme sets the entire mood. I’ve been gathering beach kitchen ideas with coastal colors that feel light, fresh, and calming — just like being by the water. Whether you love cool blues, soft greens, or breezy neutrals, these coastal color palettes instantly bring that relaxed, happy feeling into your kitchen.
Blue Coastal Kitchen Color Schemes
For a classic beach house vibe, blue is the way to go. Shades like seaglass blue, pale blue, duck egg blue, French blue, or soft grey-blue paired with white cabinets create a clean, timeless look. It’s the perfect way to capture that fresh, calming beach feel.
Green Coastal Kitchen Color Schemes
Soft greens like sage or sea salt are perfect if you want a more natural, soothing coastal kitchen feel. I’m loving kitchens painted with Sherwin Williams Sea Salt — it brings such a fresh, organic vibe that feels both coastal and cozy. It’s the perfect look for a lake house kitchen where you want a peaceful, airy mood.
Neutral Coastal Kitchen Color Schemes
If you prefer a timeless look, neutral coastal colors like white, Agreeable Gray, or beachy beige are ideal. They provide a bright, inviting space that works perfectly with natural materials and subtle coastal accents.
Coastal Kitchen Island and Cabinet Color Ideas: Blue, Green, and Neutral Inspiration
Choosing the right kitchen cabinet color combination is essential for a coastal style kitchen. I’ve been gathering my favorite coastal cabinet ideas for our Maine lake house — from sea glass blues to calming greens and soft neutrals. Whether you prefer classic shaker cabinets or a modern flat-panel look, the right cabinet colors and finishes can transform your space into a peaceful beach or lake house getaway.
Blue Kitchen Island, White Cabinets
I absolutely love the look of navy blue in a coastal kitchen as it adds a bit of nautical flair! Navy blue kitchen cabinets on the lower half paired with white upper cabinets or navy blue island with white cabinets is a gorgeous two tone kitchen cabinet idea that feels classic and beachy at the same time.
Green Kitchen Island, White Cabinets
I’m especially loving a sea colored light green island with white classic shaker style cabinets — this feels fresh, natural, and so peaceful, perfect for a cozy lake house. Pairing with brushed nickel hardware adds a modern but beachy twist.
Gray Kitchen Island, White Cabinets
For a more modern coastal look, light gray or white cabinets bring a sleek, neutral, airy vibe. Matte black lighting fixtures and brass or gold hardware gives your kitchen a fresh, coastal chic look.
Coastal Kitchen Layout Ideas
I love the idea of a kitchen island being the central focus as that’s where I see casual meals and family gatherings happening. I’m leaning toward a separate kitchen island but also like a L-Shaped kitchen layout with an island attached (peninsula). There’s also U-Shaped and galley kitchen layouts. For us, it all depends on what will fit into our rather small floor plan. Here are a few options for coastal kitchen layouts that might work for you:
Here’s a L-Shaped Kitchen layout with a peninsula island. I like this as it will offer us plenty of counter space while also creating a subtle division between our living space.
This U-Shaped kitchen layout works well for small spaces. I love the sage green cabinets and white shiplap accent wall – makes for a cozy, charming kitchen that would be perfect a small lake house or beach house.
Galley Kitchens are great for small spaces. This is what we currently have and it’s a bit too constraining for my taste. But I’m loving the blue cabinets and white shiplap accent wall.
The ever so popular stand alone kitchen island with cozy island seating is always a top layout choice. With it’s green island, white cabinets and white-washed flooring, this kitchen offers an airy, relaxed vibe that works well for a beach or lake house.
Beach House Kitchen Countertops: Light and Airy Coastal Countertop Ideas
For our lake house kitchen, I envision bright, light countertops that feel fresh, clean, and beachy. Lighter countertops like marble, quartz, and white granite are perfect for a relaxed coastal vibe. Here’s a quick look at countertop options for a breezy, beachy kitchen.
White Marble Countertops: A Dreamy Coastal Favorite
White marble countertops create a natural elegance that feels timeless and breezy. Pairing marble with white cabinets and light wood floors transforms the space into a bright coastal dream kitchen.
White Granite or Quartz Countertops for a Breezy Coastal Look
White granite or quartz countertops offer durability with a fresh, coastal feel. Both options bring that clean, airy vibe into your kitchen, perfect for a beach or lake house.
Mixing Materials: Butcher Block Accents for Warmth
Combining materials, like marble or quartz countertops with a butcher block island, adds warmth to your coastal kitchen while keeping it fresh and charming for a coastal farmhouse aesthetic.
Coastal Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas: Beautiful Beach-Inspired Designs
A tile backsplash is a fun, creative way to add a beachy touch to your kitchen. Whether you love soft sea glass colors, classic blue and white tiles, or subtle greens, these backsplash ideas create a relaxed coastal vibe.
Tile Backsplash in Sea Glass Colors
A sea glass inspired tile backsplash brings in soft shades of blue, aqua, and green, mimicking the ocean and creating a calm, beachy atmosphere.
Blue and White Patterned Tile Backsplash
This fun blue and white patterned tile backsplash adds a Mediterranean or European vibe. The combo feels classic, yet fresh for a beach house kitchen.
Sage Green Tile Backsplash with White Cabinets
Glass tiles with sage green tones and various sea glass colors offer a calming vibe, perfect for a lake or beach house kitchen. Pair it with white cabinets and marble or quartz countertops and you have an airy peaceful look.
Coastal Mosaic Tile Backsplash
For a little extra texture and interest, this coastal mosaic backsplash adds neutral grays and whites that bring the feeling of being by the water.
Designing a coastal kitchen is all about creating a space that feels light, relaxed, and inspired by the water. From soft blue cabinets to breezy layouts and beachy tile, the right details can bring that coastal charm home. I hope these ideas inspire your own kitchen design—wherever your shoreline may be.
