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.

Time To Design Your Coastal Home?

Fairbanks Interiors

Her style is classic, and craftsmanship, her trademark. Her taste is simply flawless and her quality, among the finest; of this, her clientele would overwhelmingly agree. Sue Kelly of Fairbanks Interiors shares her passion for good design, honing more than three decades of expertise. And with an overflowing portfolio of custom and model home designs, she is quick to offer a detailed narrative – relaying her approach and partnership with her clientele.

Based in Solana Beach, Fairbanks Interiors embraces the challenge of creating custom-tailored environments for their clients, fitting their individual personalities and lifestyles accordingly to encompass both their living and entertaining needs. And with a more European-style approach to design, the end result, as Kelly notes, is a reflection of a personal style of living – speaking to the emotional nature and connection with a home.

In seeking balance in design, she stresses the opportunity to embrace classic  and timeless styles; being trendy is too often fleeting, not to mention the ease of duplication for a non-custom look and feel. Being “ahead of the curve,” as Kelly words it, is about being “unique” and fresh while holding longevity; natural elements of wood, stone and iron, along with natural lighting and overall flow are utilized to explore this difference in design. In the end, it is the unexpected details that complete the narrative of a home, giving her clients the pleasure of living well in a space that truly reflects who they are.