How To Make Wood Tones Work In A Coastal Kitchen

Even if the nearest beach is hours away from your kitchen, you can recreate the calming vibes of the coast through your design choices. The overall color palette for a coastal home decor style is influenced by the colors of the sea and other natural materials. You'll find a lot of muted, light neutrals along with greens and blues. Traditional beach house kitchens — like those you'll find in magazine features of the Hamptons — boast classic colors like blue along with natural fibers, seaside motifs, and an eclectic combination of bleached and dark wood.

More modern beach houses still favor abundant blue shades in the kitchen, but often feature primarily light woods, such as oak or birch countertops, which encourage an open and breezy feel. However, you're not confined to using one single type or color of wood, regardless of the coastal style you choose for your kitchen. In fact, doing so can make your space look lifeless and flat. Instead, by using some clever tips for perfectly mixing wood tones, you can give your coastal kitchen a timeless yet updated look.

Wood furnishings and finishes are often associated with a solid, earthy look, rather than the breezy, bright aesthetic of a coastal kitchen. However, you can create a beachy kitchen and incorporate the wood tones you love with some planning and forethought. One simple way to do this is by choosing wood tones and varieties that are naturally found near the ocean. Sun- and saltwater-weathered driftwood furniture and accent pieces are a ideal example. Other light woods, such as bleached oak, will help you evoke an airy feel in your coastal kitchen. You can make these a focal point of your kitchen by using them as countertops or shelves, or you can use them as accent pieces, such as trays, cheese boards, or nautical-themed decor.

Light woods aren't your only option for creating a beach-inspired kitchen, so don't feel like you have to forego darker tones. Mixing wood tones gives you the flexibility to bring in your favorite pieces without compromising your overall design style. It also offsets the stiff formality that can come from a room that's too coordinated and matched. The relaxed ease and flow of different wood tones will help you create a natural seaside ambiance. Finally, look beyond wood and refresh your kitchen by adding textures, such as glass, metal, and fabric, to bring the perfect finishing touches.