If you’ve ever visited the ocean, you probably remember the calming colors, the sounds of the waves crashing on the sandy beaches, the relaxing yet powerful feeling of nature surrounding you, and for a brief time, the busyness of our normal everyday lives seems forgotten. When you think of coastal decorating, those are the same feelings and emotions you can bring into your home through well-thought design choices.
Today we’ll explore the best coastal, beach, and ocean themed kitchen ideas that have been carefully curated with photos below. Even if you can’t afford an interior designer to help transform your space, you can certainly pick and choose certain coastal elements you like and add similar decor to your home on a small scale, or incorporate them into your own upcoming kitchen remodel for a big update.
This post may contain some affiliate links so you can find highly-rated home items that we recommend.
Here are some common elements of coastal style and beach-inspired kitchens that you’ll find below:
- Calming colors: White, beige (sand), blues, greens, light gray
- Cabinets usually white, blue, or a combination of both
- Some cabinets with glass doors, or open shelving
- Backsplash: White, blue, or glossy tile
- Natural lighting from windows for an open, airy feeling
- Light fixtures: Rattan, white, glass, metallic
- Bar stools: White, wood, or rattan
- Floors: Wood or wood-look tile
- Decor: Natural elements, wood tones, greenery (especially palm fronds), baskets, coastal wall art
- Shiplap as a backsplash, on the ceiling, or on the sides of island
- Adjoining spaces that are cohesively decorated (find beach house decorating ideas on a budget here)
Enjoy the lovely coastal kitchen designs and ocean themed kitchens below!

Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal beach-style kitchen: light ceramic floor tile, coffered ceiling with rattan light fixture and barstools, glass-front and white cabinets with blue island, white quartz countertops, blue cement tile backsplash, and white appliances. Light and airy kitchen remodel in San Diego via Flagg Coastal Homes.

Coastal kitchen inspiration in Long Beach, CA: White oak kitchen featuring a pale blue island with white porcelain and wood countertops. A blue and gray herringbone tile backsplash reminds you of a cloudy day at the beach. White cabinetry, some with glass front doors, and pale blue island. Shiplap ceiling with wood beams above and barstools that mimic the shape of seashells. Designed by the homeowner, Karen B. Wolf Interiors – via One Kindesign.

Traditional style kitchen with white and glass-front cabinets, beach-themed wall art and decor, white barstools with cabana-striped covers, and a bouquet of palm fronds on the island. Via Queensland Homes, more photos at Made in Heaven.

Ocean-inspired kitchen remodel in Manhattan Beach, CA: White cabinets with glass-front doors, gorgeous glass tile mosaic backsplash, turquoise glass light pendants, natural wood island and white counters, wood floors, and stainless steel appliances. Designed by Jennifer Allison Design – more photos via Builder Boy on Houzz.

Serene and elegant coastal kitchen with pale gray/green cabinets, white quartz counters, white plank ceiling, large Capiz shell chandelier, wood tones throughout, gray rattan seating, and beach-inspired decor. Via KBG Design.

California Coastal Kitchen: White upper cabinets with glass front doors, turquoise lower cabinets, glass backsplash in sea glass colors, Capiz shell chandelier, rattan barstools, glass pendant lights wrapped in rope, and a built-in bench with lots of natural light. Via Joselyn Rendon Interiors.

Florida beach retreat with views of the Gulf of Mexico: Coastal kitchen with white cabinets and some glass front doors, knotty pine island and bamboo barstools, white marble countertops, blue glass tile backsplash, blue metal and glass pendants, and white plank ceiling above. By Geoff Chick & Associates – more photos via One Kindesign.

Northern California Bungalow: This waterside retreat features mostly blue and white, with pops of bright colors throughout. The kitchen has white cabinets and counters with abundant windows and natural lighting. White wicker pendants hanging from ropes, white barstools with blue seats, and blue geometric wallpaper with a large blue bamboo mirror complete the nautical space. By Amanda Reynal Interiors.

Coastal Kitchen in Rhode Island: Turquoise cabinets painted in SW Composed, white glossy backsplash and white and gray counters. Warm wood floors and rattan barstools with white planked ceiling and glass pendants. By Mikayla Strong.

Ocean-Inspired Missouri Kitchen: Traditional white cabinets with Sherwin Williams Hazel painted island. Mosaic tile backsplash in blues and greens, beaded chandeliers, and warm wood tones on the floor and barstools. Designed by Kevin Thayer, remodel completed by Greg Terbrock Design Build. More photos at House of Turquoise.

Nantucket-Inspired Beach Home in Jacksonville: White kitchen with glass front upper cabinets and white counters, wood open shelving and ceiling beams, blue and white fabric barstools, and custom painted pendants. Designed by Lauren Leonard – more photos via Jacksonville Magazine.

Massachusetts nautical kitchen with white cabinets and glass front doors, with porthole windows in a blue glass tile backsplash. By James Merrell – more photos via House Beautiful.

Coastal Home on 10 Acres in Rhode Island: Traditional white kitchen with some glass front doors, coffered ceiling with sky blue planks, blue metal and glass pendants, and striped barstools with vinyl laminate cushions for durability. Designed by Neil Hauck Architects and Lynn Morgan Design – more photos via New England Magazine.

Summer House on Lake Michigan Built for Entertaining: This beach style kitchen is adorned with a vibrant cement tile wall and shiplap walls and ceiling. Blue cabinets and vintage wicker chair contrast with the wood floors and ceiling in the adjoining room. Designed by the homeowner Dana Small – more photos via House Beautiful.

White cabinets and counters with open shelving in this beach-inspired kitchen. Sky blue glass tile backsplash with coffered sky blue ceiling and curtains. Large rattan pendants and bamboo seating add coastal charm. Designed by Kara Miller Interiors.

Neutral coastal kitchen with white cabinets and counters, wood floors and open shelving, teal island and cabinets, pale green fish scale tile, white shiplap, blue and white striped barstools, beaded chandelier, and brass nautical pendants. Designed by Beth Lindsey Interior Design. (see more below)

Neutral coastal kitchen with white cabinets and counters, wood floors and open shelving, teal island and cabinets, pale green fish scale tile, white shiplap, blue and white striped barstools, beaded chandelier, and brass nautical pendants. Designed by Beth Lindsey Interior Design. (see more above)

Beach-inspired kitchen with pale turquoise cabinets and whitewashed wood island, white stone counters and backsplash, coffered ceiling with white shiplap, white and gold formal pendants, and lucite hardware and barstools that match the cabinetry. Designed by Kara Miller Interiors.
Hopefully you’ve loved some of the beach house kitchen designs above. When designing and decorating your coastal or ocean themed kitchen, you don’t need to go overboard making it look like a Long John Silver’s. Keep it simple with soft neutral colors of the ocean and beach or more vibrant nautical blues and greens. Balance cool colors with the warmth of wood floors, rattan pieces, and accessories. Mix metallics for a chic look, and add white shiplap on a wall or ceiling for an easy update. Overall, the feel should be relaxing and somewhat casual, while keeping it family-friendly where memories can be made.
Below, find stylish decor options for your dream coastal kitchen. Click any of the item links for more details and to see the most current price.
1. Vintage-Style Embossed Drinking Glasses (set of 4, other colors available)
2. Oster Cutlery Set with Turquoise Handles (14 piece set)
3. Beach Themed Dishtowels (set of 3)
4. Faux Palm Leaf Branches (2 pieces)
5. Wooden Candle Lantern
6. Large Seashell Bowl
7. Turquoise Embossed Dinnerware Set (16 piece set)
8. Salt and Pepper Shakers
9. Wood Tiered Tray Stand
1. Capiz Shell Chandelier
2. Cafe Style Bamboo and Rattan Barstools (set of 2)
3. Large Bamboo Pendant Light
4. Wood Beaded Blue Ombre Chandelier
5. Beach-Inspired Rug/Runner
6. Turquoise Metal and Wood Barstools (set of 4)
7. Blue Glass Vase with Handles (three sizes available)
8. Ocean Landscape Framed Wall Art