4 coastal kitchen mistakes designers say you must avoid
There are certain styles that a truly beloved by designers in the kitchen, and coastal is one of them. And as it enjoys another resurgence, designers warn there are a few faux pas that could be ruining your kitchen schemes.
When they are designed well, coastal kitchen ideas can feel chic, elevated, and totally inviting. But there are a few mistakes designers keep seeing in cooking spaces that take the look from timeless to dated and distasteful. It’s a style that’s all about balance, take the look too literally and you could end up with a kitchen thatis cliché rather than chic.
If you’re planning a coastal space – or you already have one that needs some tweaking – these are the coastal decor mistakes to avoid specifically in your kitchen, and the more timeless alternatives to replace them with.
1. An overly bold approach to coastal colors
(Image credit: CE Furniture + Design)
I know what you’re thinking – a kitchen that you want to have a coastal feel calls for a bold color palette of shades synonymous with the style. But actually, color is one of the main places people are ruining their coastal schemes.
‘One common mistake we see is the urge to go bold in big, permanent ways – like painting all the cabinetry, installing a bright backsplash, or choosing an island color that overpowers the rest of the space,’ says Katie Winnington, creative director and principal designer at CE Furniture + Design.
‘A kitchen designed entirely around a statement color can feel dated more quickly and harder to adapt over time, in turn lacking longevity. In our experience, these high-commitment choices don’t always age well and often leave the homeowner with a space that feels dated much sooner than they hoped,’ she explains.
Instead, Katie recommends taking a more refined approach to a coastal color scheme that still nods to the style but feels more intentional and considered, like in this neutral kitchen. ‘We design kitchens in neutral tones while letting organic materials and layered natural textures carry the coastal aesthetic,’ she notes.
‘Think soft oak cabinetry, creamy handmade tiles, honed marble countertops, and unlacquered brass or blackened bronze hardware. Then, use bolder colors more sparingly through accessories, art, or even light fixtures. This approach keeps the space feeling fresh, elevated, and flexible for years to come, while still capturing the breezy, relaxed vibe that makes coastal design so inviting.’
2. Creating a kitchen scheme that feels too themed
(Image credit: Mindy Laven / Photography Ryan Garvin)
Novelty is the enemy of stylish design, and it’s never been more true than in a coastal kitchen. Overdoing any theme can look tacky, but a kitchen covered in shells and driftwood? It’s a recipe for disaster.
‘I think the biggest mistake people make when it comes to trying to bring coastal style into a kitchen is trying to make them look “coastal.” Coastal, done incorrectly, can look kitschy. Not everything has to be blue and white to feel coastal, and you definitely don’t need to display shells and coral,’ says interior designer Mary Beth Christopher.
‘The best coastal kitchens are subtle, leaving room for interpretation and focusing instead on using natural materials and textures, warm woods, and neutral tones. Coastal environments, to many, are welcoming and relaxed, and so the emphasis should be on creating a space that feels that way too.’
This kitchen design by Mindy Laven proves you don’t need those novelty motifs to give your scheme a coastal feel. She’s achieved the look through wooden accents and natural woven materials, as well as a very subtle splash of blue through the kitchen backsplash.
This set of two woven trays is the perfect way to accessorize a kitchen. It adds that textural, natural element that has a timeless feel to it. Plus, it’s a practical piece for hosting, too.
Alhambra Jute Wall Sconce
In the kitchen, bringing in coastal elements through more functional features ensures you keep a good balance. This sconce features jute lampshades, another stylish material that feels subtly coastal.
You don’t have to bring in woven decor for your kitchen to feel coastal. This counter stool, made from wood with a scallop detail and a comfy striped seat cushion, is a fun way to introduce the aesthetic.
3. Cabinets stopping short of the ceiling
(Image credit: CASS Design Co)
Our mind often goes to the decorative details of a coastal kitchen, especially when we are discussing common mistakes. But there are a few fundamental design decisions that can have an impact, especially when it comes to your kitchen cabinets.
‘One mistake I often see is stopping cabinets short of the ceiling. Not only does it create a dust-collecting ledge, but it also chops up the visual height of the room and makes the space feel smaller,’ says interior designer Cassie Scaldaferri.
‘In a coastal kitchen, where light, airiness, and openness are key, we want to draw the eye up and make the most of every inch of vertical space. Taking cabinetry all the way to the ceiling creates a seamless, custom look that feels elevated and timeless. It’s an element in kitchen design that doesn’t just look good today but will also feel fresh years from now.’
4. Opting for a closed, crowded layout
(Image credit: Elizabeth Cooper Interior Design/Francesco Lagnese)
It’s important to think about the atmosphere too. They are loved for their open, airy, social feel, so choosing a closed and crowded kitchen layout is a mistake you don’t want to make.
‘Creating an enclosed or galley style kitchen (unless that’s all that the footprint of the house will allow) instead of incorporating it into a dining room or great room is a big mistake,’ says interior designer Elizabeth Cooper. ‘Not taking advantage of a coastal view with the placement of the kitchen island or sink – anywhere people spend lots of time in the kitchen.’
‘I find that coastal houses are gathering spaces for friends and family, and everyone loves hanging out in the kitchen! Not to mention that the person or people taking care of food prep or clean up can remain part of the group rather than cut off from everyone,’ she adds.
Coastal homes are synonymous with socializing, and the kitchen inevitably becomes the hub of this. Think about how you will incorporate enough space for people to gather, and where you will introduce seating. Island seating, a breakfast nook, or even a dedicated drinks station for smoothies and cocktails can be a lovely addition to a coastal space.
These coastal kitchen mistakes allude to one thing: taking coastal too literally and trying to recreate a set, rather than designing a chic cooking space inspired by the natural landscape. It’s all about introducing the right coastal decor ideas and ensuring they feel chic and timeless rather than tacky and contrived.
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