Add A Coastal Vibe To The Kitchen With A Touch Of Unexpected Blue

If you've ever explored ideas for coastal-inspired interior design, you've likely come up against plenty of pastel blue shades paired with crisp white tones or maybe some bright, nautical decor such as sailboats and sand dollars. However, if you're looking for something a little more elegant and timeless, you have some other options. While many coastal decor schemes take inspiration from the light, airy blue of shallow waters, why not give your coastal kitchen a moody vibe that is more reminiscent of the depths of the sea instead?

This is a particularly good option in the kitchen if you're hoping to add a bit more individuality to the space. By using a dark, unexpected blue to balance the usual kitchen color scheme, you can help make the room feel intentional and impressive. This works well for small kitchens, too, as the focal points can often get lost within plain, light colors that lack definition. The key, however, is not to overwhelm the space with your new dark shade. By adding in contrasting colors and natural materials, the deep blue color becomes the star of the show, inviting visitors in and helping them enjoy the space without getting overstimulated. But how can you maintain a sense of that carefree, coastal vibe while using an unexpectedly dark shade? Well, it all comes down to how you style it.

The first thing to consider when styling dark blue in a coastal kitchen is where to add the color. As mentioned, you don't want to completely envelop the space in this intense hue, so it's a good idea to choose a few specific spots for it such as bar stools, a tile backsplash, or even a key appliance like the oven. Then, you can get to work adding some coastal decor to help tie the room closer to its beach-y inspiration.

The important thing when designing around a dark blue coastal color is subtlety. Due to the fact that this shade is refined and classy, you will likely want to emphasize this feel with more delicate, coastal-inspired motifs rather than large, overbearing pieces. For example, this mosaic wave glass cutting board from Etsy hints at an ocean theme while tying in the lovely dark blue shade. Or you could retain some of that coastal whimsy within the color scheme by decorating with these octopus tea towels in the color 'sea' from Spoonflower. Alternatively, try marrying form and function by keeping kitchen counters clutter-free with a scallop shell bowl or blue woven baskets to add a coastal vibe while keeping your space organized at the same time.