25 Small Coastal Kitchen Decor Ideas for a Fresh Look

ByEditorial Staff Updated
Small Coastal Kitchen Decor Ideas - Guyo's Guide

Do you have a small kitchen by the coast? 

Let’s make it beautiful and practical! 

In this article, we’ll share tips and ideas to create a cozy and stylish coastal kitchen, even in a tiny space. 

From colors to storage solutions, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s get started!

1. Opt for Open Shelving

A bright and airy small coastal kitchen with natural wood open shelving. The shelves display white dishes, glass jars filled with seashells, and woven baskets. The light from a nearby window enhances the openness of the space, making it feel larger and more inviting.

Open shelving is perfect for a small coastal kitchen. 

It gives the space an airy, open feel and allows you to showcase beautiful dishes and coastal decor. 

Choose natural wood shelves or white ones to keep the look light and bright. 

Add some woven baskets or glass jars filled with seashells for an extra beachy touch.

2. Choose Light Blue Cabinets

A small coastal kitchen featuring light blue cabinets paired with white countertops and a simple subway tile backsplash. Brass hardware adds warmth to the space, while the soft blue color of the cabinets evokes a serene, ocean-inspired atmosphere.

Light blue cabinets can transform your kitchen into a coastal paradise. 

This color evokes the serenity of the ocean and pairs well with white countertops and backsplashes. 

Add brass or copper hardware for a touch of warmth and elegance. 

The soft blue hue will keep the space feeling fresh and inviting.

3. Incorporate Nautical Lighting

A small coastal kitchen with lantern-style pendant lights hanging above a central island. The lighting fixtures have a brushed nickel finish, adding a modern yet nautical touch. Rope detailing on the fixtures enhances the coastal vibe.

Nautical lighting fixtures, like lantern-style pendants or rope-wrapped chandeliers, add a coastal vibe to your kitchen. 

These elements provide both function and style, enhancing the seaside feel. 

Look for fixtures in brushed nickel or matte black to keep the look modern and chic.

4. Use Beachy Backsplash Tiles

A cozy coastal kitchen featuring a stunning mosaic backsplash made of blue and green tiles, inspired by the sea. The tiles showcase a beautiful mix of sea glass and pebble patterns, adding depth and a lively burst of color. The kitchen is equipped with a small oven, a sink, and wooden cabinets that provide ample storage. A small glass of wine and a loaf of freshly baked bread sit on the counter, inviting warmth and comfort to the space.

A backsplash with a beachy theme can instantly update your kitchen. 

Consider tiles in shades of blue and green, or ones that feature sea glass or pebble designs. 

These tiles not only add color but also texture and interest to your small space, making it feel more dynamic and engaging.

5. Add Woven Bar Stools

A small coastal kitchen with a white island accompanied by woven rattan bar stools. The stools have light-colored cushions, perfectly complementing the kitchen’s soft color palette and adding a cozy, beachy feel to the space.

Woven bar stools bring a touch of coastal charm to your kitchen island or breakfast bar. 

Materials like rattan or wicker create a relaxed, beachy feel and complement a variety of color schemes. 

Choose stools with light-colored cushions to keep the look cohesive and comfortable.

6. Install a Butcher Block Countertop

A small coastal kitchen featuring a natural wood butcher block countertop. The warm wood grain contrasts beautifully with white cabinets and a simple tile backsplash, adding both functionality and rustic charm to the space.

A butcher block countertop adds warmth and character to your coastal kitchen. 

The natural wood grain offers a rustic touch that pairs beautifully with white or blue cabinets. 

It’s also a practical choice for a small kitchen, providing a durable and versatile work surface.

7. Display Coastal Art

A small coastal kitchen with walls adorned with framed coastal art, including prints of sea life and beach landscapes. The artwork is displayed in simple white and driftwood frames, adding personality and enhancing the kitchen’s seaside theme.

Hang coastal-themed art on your kitchen walls to enhance the seaside ambiance. 

Prints of sea life, beach landscapes, or nautical charts can add color and personality. 

Choose frames in driftwood finishes or simple white for a cohesive look that ties the room together.

8. Choose White Appliances

A pristine, modern coastal kitchen with sleek white appliances and minimalist design. The space features a large island with white stools, a stainless steel sink, and a white oven and refrigerator. The backsplash is a stunning mosaic of blue and green tiles, evoking the feeling of an ocean breeze. The room is filled with natural light from large windows, and there's a beautiful view of the sea in the distance.

White appliances blend seamlessly into a coastal kitchen, maintaining a clean and crisp look. 

They reflect light, making the space feel larger and brighter. 

Opt for sleek, modern designs to keep the look fresh and up-to-date, while still embracing a timeless coastal style.

9. Incorporate Sea Glass Accents

A small coastal kitchen featuring sea glass accents, including cabinet knobs and a mosaic backsplash. A bowl filled with various colored sea glass sits on the countertop, adding a touch of the ocean and a splash of color to the room.

Sea glass accents bring a touch of the ocean into your kitchen. 

Use sea glass knobs on cabinets, incorporate sea glass mosaic tiles in the backsplash, or display a bowl of collected sea glass on the counter. 

These subtle touches add color and texture, enhancing the coastal theme.

10. Use Striped Rugs

A cozy coastal kitchen with a blue and white striped rug that adds a touch of nautical charm. The space features a clean and modern design, with white cabinets and countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The sink has a large window above it, allowing natural light to filter in and highlight the rug. On the counter, there's a vase with fresh flowers and a few neatly stacked cookbooks. The overall ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for preparing a delicious meal.

A striped rug can add a classic coastal touch to your kitchen. 

Choose rugs with blue and white stripes to evoke a nautical feel. 

Place them in front of the sink or under the kitchen table to add softness and a pop of color. 

They’re also practical, protecting your floors from spills.

11. Add Shiplap Walls

A small coastal kitchen with white shiplap walls that add texture and depth to the space. The shiplap extends from the floor to the ceiling, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that perfectly embodies coastal charm.

Shiplap walls are a quintessential element of coastal design. 

They add texture and interest to a small kitchen without overwhelming it. 

Paint the shiplap white to keep the look bright and airy, or opt for a soft blue or gray for a subtle hint of color that still feels coastal.

12. Hang Rope Shelving

A cozy coastal kitchen, adorned with distinctive rope shelving hanging from the walls. Thick, nautical ropes support wooden shelves that are laden with an eclectic mix of dishes and small seaside decor items, evoking a sense of maritime charm. The warm lighting and rustic elements create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for preparing and enjoying home-cooked meals.

Rope shelving is a unique and charming way to add storage to your coastal kitchen. 

Use thick, nautical rope to hang wooden shelves from the ceiling or walls. 

This adds both function and a decorative element, perfect for displaying dishes, plants, or coastal decor items.

13. Decorate with Coral Pieces

A small coastal kitchen decorated with coral pieces, including a large coral sculpture as a centerpiece on the kitchen island. Smaller coral accents are placed on open shelves, adding texture and an authentic coastal vibe to the room.

Incorporate coral pieces into your kitchen decor for an authentic coastal look. 

Use coral sculptures as centerpieces, or place smaller pieces on open shelves or the countertop. 

These natural elements add texture and interest, bringing a touch of the sea into your home.

14. Install a Farmhouse Sink

A small coastal kitchen featuring a classic white farmhouse sink. The deep basin is framed by light blue cabinets and paired with a sleek stainless steel faucet, blending practicality with a timeless coastal design.

A farmhouse sink is both practical and stylish for a coastal kitchen. 

Its deep basin is perfect for washing large pots and pans, while its classic design fits seamlessly with coastal decor. 

Choose a white or stainless steel finish to keep the look clean and timeless.

15. Use Glass Front Cabinets

A small coastal kitchen with glass front cabinets displaying neatly arranged white dishes and glassware. The cabinets are painted in a soft blue, and the glass fronts create an open, airy feel while showcasing the beautiful contents inside.

Glass front cabinets can make a small kitchen feel more open and airy. 

They allow you to display your favorite dishes and glassware, adding a personal touch. 

For a coastal look, paint the cabinets white or a soft blue, and add sea-inspired hardware for a cohesive design.

16. Hang a Beadboard Ceiling

A small coastal kitchen featuring a white beadboard ceiling that adds texture and charm. The beadboard is painted a bright white, reflecting light and making the kitchen feel more spacious and inviting.

A beadboard ceiling adds texture and charm to a small coastal kitchen. 

Paint it white to keep the look light and bright, or choose a soft pastel for a subtle touch of color. 

This detail enhances the coastal vibe and creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

17. Incorporate Driftwood Elements

A cozy, rustic coastal kitchen adorned with driftwood accents, creating an enchanting atmosphere. A driftwood-framed mirror hangs on the wall, reflecting the warm, inviting space. Above the island, a unique driftwood light fixture casts gentle, ambient light, illuminating the room. The weathered wood adds charm and enhances the coastal theme, making it a perfect spot for preparing delicious ocean-fresh meals.

Driftwood elements can add a rustic, natural touch to your kitchen. 

Use driftwood as a base for shelving, as decorative accents, or even as a unique light fixture. 

The weathered look of driftwood brings the beach inside, creating a relaxed and inviting space.

18. Opt for Pale Countertops

A cozy, coastal-inspired kitchen with pale quartz countertops in a light cream hue. The elegant countertops provide the perfect neutral backdrop for the room's coastal elements, such as the soft blue cabinets and a sea-inspired backsplash featuring intricate patterns that resemble waves. The space is filled with natural light, and there's a charming window overlooking the sea. A few potted plants and nautical accessories add a touch of warmth and personality to the room.

Pale countertops in shades of white, cream, or light gray can make your coastal kitchen feel more spacious and bright. 

Materials like marble, quartz, or granite are durable and add a touch of elegance. 

They provide a neutral backdrop that allows other coastal elements to shine.

19. Decorate with Seashells

A small coastal kitchen with seashells displayed in open shelve. The seashells vary in size and color, adding natural beauty and a touch of the beach to the kitchen’s decor. They are paired with other coastal-themed items to enhance the seaside feel.

Seashells are a simple and affordable way to add coastal decor to your kitchen. 

Display them in glass jars, use them as napkin rings, or scatter them on open shelves. 

Their natural beauty and variety of shapes and colors bring a touch of the beach indoors.

20. Use Soft Coastal Colors

A serene and picturesque coastal kitchen, bathed in soft hues of seafoam green and sandy beige. The walls are adorned with tranquil ocean-inspired artworks, creating an inviting and calming ambiance. The room features pristine white cabinetry and natural wood elements, adding a touch of sophistication and warmth. A sunlit window overlooks the peaceful ocean, while a cozy dining nook invites guests to enjoy a leisurely meal.

Soft coastal colors like aqua, seafoam, and sandy beige create a serene and calming atmosphere in your kitchen. 

Use these colors on walls, cabinets, or accessories to evoke the feeling of being by the sea. 

They pair well with natural materials and white accents.

21. Install a Coastal-Inspired Backsplash

A small coastal kitchen featuring a backsplash with coastal-inspired tiles, including designs of waves and seashells. The tiles are in shades of blue and green, adding a playful yet elegant focal point that enhances the overall beachy theme.

A backsplash with coastal-inspired tiles, such as those featuring waves, shells, or fish, can add a fun and whimsical touch to your kitchen. 

These tiles become a focal point, adding personality and charm. 

Choose colors that complement your overall color scheme.

22. Add a Kitchen Island

A small coastal kitchen with a compact island painted in soft white, providing extra counter space and storage. The island is accompanied by woven bar stools, creating a cozy spot for casual meals while maintaining the coastal aesthetic.

A kitchen island adds extra counter space and storage in a small kitchen. 

For a coastal look, choose one with a light wood finish or painted in a soft blue or white. 

Add some bar stools and you’ve got a perfect spot for casual meals or entertaining guests.

23. Use Natural Fiber Rugs

A small coastal kitchen with a natural jute rug placed under the kitchen table. The rug adds texture and warmth, complementing the kitchen’s light color palette and enhancing the overall coastal vibe.

Natural fiber rugs, such as those made from jute or sisal, add texture and warmth to a coastal kitchen. 

They’re durable and easy to clean, making them practical for high-traffic areas. 

Their neutral tones complement a variety of color schemes and enhance the beachy vibe.

24. Decorate with Coastal Tableware

A charming coastal kitchen, showcasing a beautiful collection of blue and white themed tableware. The open shelves are adorned with plates and bowls featuring intricate sea-inspired designs, such as ocean waves and seashells. The overall aesthetic is serene and calming, reflecting the beauty of the coastal lifestyle. Pairing practicality with style, the tableware enhances the appeal of the kitchen, making it a delightful space to prepare and share delicious meals.

Coastal tableware, such as plates and bowls with sea-inspired designs, can add a fun and thematic touch to your kitchen. 

Display them on open shelves or in glass-front cabinets to show off their beauty. 

Choose pieces in shades of blue, green, and white to keep the look cohesive.

25. Add a Touch of Greenery

A small coastal kitchen with potted herbs and succulents placed on the windowsill and countertop. The greenery adds a fresh, vibrant element that complements the coastal decor, bringing a touch of nature into the space.

Incorporate some greenery to bring life and freshness to your coastal kitchen. 

Choose plants that thrive in kitchen environments, such as herbs, succulents, or small potted palms. 

The green adds a natural element that complements the coastal theme and brightens up the space.

Wrap Up

Creating a small coastal kitchen can be fun and easy with these 25 ideas. 

From light blue cabinets to nautical lighting, you can make your kitchen feel like a beach getaway. 

Enjoy transforming your space into a cozy, coastal retreat. 

Happy decorating!

25 Small Coastal Kitchen Decor Ideas
Editorial Staff

Meet our editorial team—a diverse group of home improvement experts. With expertise spanning DIY, kitchen equipment, decor, plumbing, tech, and more, they're your trusted guides to elevate your home.

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