Inspiring Coastal Kitchens

Things are heating up in kitchen design, and we’ve cooked up our favorite looks

  

Capitalize on Color

Paint cabinetry a cool, sea-foam green for a look that’s as tantalizing as the waves outside. The soft ocean hue pops against bright-white walls. Replace drywall with vertical boards to underscore beach cottage appeal. Don’t forget what lies above. This punched-tin ceiling offers a change of pace with an unexpected material overhead.

 

Keep It Real

Simple and understated, this look never goes out of style. Don’t go overboard―the warm tones and tactile appeal of natural wood make a big impact, especially in a tight space. In new construction, salvaged or reclaimed wood brings a sense of history and reduces the environmental impact. Finish off the look and hide utilitarian objects with a skirted curtain.

Nod to Mod

A no-frills design approach allows bold color to take center stage in this kitchen. Contemporary pendant lighting and sleek drawer pulls keep the look streamlined. Brushed-glass cabinet doors disguise what’s stored inside but etched letters serve a purpose. “I don’t know my way around the kitchen, so if I’m looking for pancake syrup, my wife Paige can say, ‘Look in cabinet C,’” says owner and architect Tim McNamara.

Twist on Tradition

A blue-and-white scheme is a classic coastal look. But designers William Diamond and Anthony Baratta turned tradition on its head in this refreshing kitchen. A coastal theme stenciled onto painted wood floors adds a playful touch, while wallpaper reminiscent of a picnic tablecloth personalizes the ceiling.

Back to Basics

California-based designer Hilde Leiaghat gave this kitchen an extra helping of cottage charm. Beaded board, marble countertops, and retro appliances set the tone for a fresh, inviting space. “White makes an interesting backdrop for vintage appliances or accessories of any color,” Hilde says. The monochromatic palette paired with glass shelving makes even the smallest kitchen feel more spacious.

Think Green

Architect turned shoe designer Tinker Hatfield designed this spunky space with an emphasis on the environment. Get this: The island is a handmade surfboard crafted from recycled wine vats! Exposed shelving provides a place to display glassware and maintains an open, airy feel. Formaldehyde-free cabinetry and doors, low-VOC paints, and Energy Star–rated kitchen appliances ensure that this kitchen is just as easy on the environment as it is on the eyes. “Good architecture doesn’t try to just copy the past, but contributes to the future,” Tinker says.

Happy 25th Solana Beach

 SOLANA BEACH — Happy 25th, Solana Beach.

On July 1, 1986, Solana Beach became a city. This Friday it will hold a quarter-century birthday party at the newly renovated Fletcher Cove Community Center

Before 1986, Solana Beach was part of unincorporated San Diego County, with residents and leaders constantly feeling ignored by the board of supervisors. Moneys that could have stayed in Solana Beach, such as revenue from sales tax, were being directed to other parts of the county. And there was a constant threat of development without local decision makers.

“What really fueled the campaign for incorporation was to have some say over land use,” said Margaret Schlesinger, the city’s first mayor. “This is a wonderful place to live and we’ve just done so many improvements.”

Indeed. Solana Beach has become a draw to people across the county over the past quarter century. The Cedros Avenue Design District has become a regional draw. A large train station is now a transit center in North County. The city built Fletcher Cove park above its coastal bluffs. And the lush Coastal Rail Trail walkway traverses Highway 101.

One move was ideologic. In 2003, the city became the first in America to ban smoking on beaches.

A lot of this may not have happened if Solana Beach didn’t have local authority.

“Oh my gosh it’s been phenomenal,” said Councilman Joe Kellejian, first elected in 1992. “It’s gone by so fast. We’ve accomplished great things….We have a wonderful place that we call Solana Beach.”

The citizens of Solana Beach voted to incorporate by a 64 percent majority in June 1986. Solana Beach became a city at 7 a.m. July 1 of that year. The first order of action? Stop all county-issued development permits in Solana Beach.

“We all got sued immediately,” Schlesinger said. “We won them all. We just wanted to stop everything to take a look at what was happening.”

Solana Beach’s first attempt to incorporate was unsuccessful. A ballot measure for it to become a city in 1981 failed by 200 votes, Schlesinger said. But five years later, Solana Beach residents successfully drove the effort for cityhood. A group of roughly 75 made it happen with a campaign called Citizens Intending to Incorporate, or CITI.

Encinitas also incorporated in 1986. The two areas had been considering forming one city as the San Dieguito region, but Encinitas would incorporate on its own in October of that year.

One of Solana Beach’s next big projects will be revitalizing its downtown stretch of the Coast Highway. The city will borrow up to $6 million from the San Diego Association of Governments for the first phase of a project that could ultimately create a pedestrian and bicyclist friendly shopping district, with roundabouts instead of traffic lights and a reduced number of lanes for cars. Construction could begin in the fall.

Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Celebration

Where: Fletcher Cove Community Center, 111 S. Sierra Ave.

When: Friday, July 1

Admission: Free

Schedule:

• 5:30 p.m. Grand Reopening Celebration at Fletcher Cove Community Center

• 6 p.m. Celebration moves to Fletcher Cove Park with a 1980s tribute band

• 6:45 p.m. Magician, arts and crafts

• 7:45 p.m. Presentations and recognition of dignitaries

• 8:45 p.m. Laser light show

Solana Beach Coastal Investment Property For Sale

Amazing town home in Solana Beach and Tennis Club is priced to sell, and sell fast with another PRICE REDUCTION! This Marvelous space offers 2 private balconies, sliding glass doors, upgraded kitchen appliances, newer washer and dryer, tile floors and much more! One of the largest units at 1,440 Sq. Ft. with 2 beds, 21/2 baths with a peek of Ocean View, now priced at $579,900- $599,900 that is over $100,000 below market value!

Seasonal rents ranging from $1,200 – $1,800 week, and up to $2,500 and more for long term leases, what are you waiting for? This Solana Beach Coastal property is located in the Solana Beach condo and tennis club on S. Sierra. Seller is very motivated to sell NOW! Looking at all resonable offers. Please contact Alvin Newton at (858)876-5153 for more detailed information and to view this marvelous investment opportunity!

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