Design & Decorate Your Cozy Beach House Kitchen

Your Cozy Beach House Kitchen

We designed this in the classic Hamptons Style: Designed by Ken Kelly, CKD, CBD, CR

“Light and airy” are the first two words that come to mind.  With a home near the beach, decorate and design with the idea of bringing the outdoors in and using materials that reflect the environment.  You want to be able to ENJOY your beach house home, so be practical. It’s important to keep it casual and low maintenance. We designed the kitchen above in with Bentwood cabinetry in a white hand-painted finish (with catalyst for durability).

Cabinetry…You can never go wrong with white cabinetry, and it is probably the most popular. It’s timeless look gives a bright and airy feel. Choose a door style that fits with the “beachy” theme such as shaker, bead board, shutter style, etc. WoodMode makes a nice shutter door as in this photo. Wood tones help to balance the industrial appearance of stainless steel by adding warmth to a room. Replace some cabinetry with open shelving to keep the airy feeling. It’s also a good idea to replace some doors with glass. If you don’t want the inside of your cabinetry on display, there are many different styles of glass that you cannot see through. Vintage style appliances can add a lovely “cottage charm” to your kitchen as well.

via: casasugar.com (click photo to visit their page)

via homeinexteriors.blogspot.com

via countryliving.com

via adreamhousefortrish.blogspot.com

Countertops…There are many options for countertops. (See our post: Kitchen Countertops: What Options are Best for You?) Granite is always a nice choice, and will certainly give you a natural, earthy feel. Each slab will vary from one to the next, especially if you are looking for a lot of movement in the stone. However, granite does have to be maintained and sealed depending on wear and tear.  White marble continues to be popular, but know that it can stain and scratch more easily than granite and anything with acidity will leave a mark if left on the counter.   Quartz is another appealing option to clients seeking a natural stone look that is maintenance free.  Quartz does not have to be sealed, and many quartz lines are available in colors that look remarkably similar to granite and marble. Another countertop that adds a nice touch to a beach style kitchen is glass.  It resembles the ocean and looks great when used as an accent on an island, bar area, ledge, etc. We recently added Icestone countertops in our showrooms, and these are very interesting indeed! Icestone countertops are made of recycled glass and cement compositions.

via Integrity Stone & Tile Cleaning

We used Statuary Marble in this client’s kitchen (click photo for story)

via Mullet Cabinet

via IceStone

Backsplash…Make it fun! When it comes to backsplashes, the possibilities are endless with the variety of options available in today’s market.  Select materials and colors that complement your surroundings. Use accents that match your lifestyle such as foods and activities you enjoy at your beach house and incorporate them in your design. Porcelain and glass tiles are always a great choice. They hold up well and have no maintenance.

via Sally By The Sea Coastal Lifestyle Blog

via Sally By The Sea Coastal Lifestyle Blog

from our Six Hot Trends and Designer Looks

Colors and Other Design Tips…Use natural elements such as the ocean, sand and sun, and incorporate colors such as blue, turquoise, yellow, white and beige.  To keep it low maintenance, you can even try using outdoor fabrics inside, which can take a beating. Golden shades on cushions and chairs hide dirty and sandy feet!  Slip covers are a nice option and allow you to live without worrying about wear and tear.  Painted and worn furniture add a more casual and relaxed environment. Wicker chairs always add a airy “island” feel.  Have fun adding extra “charm” wherever you can….whether it’s a saying, a plaque, a picture, or special memorabilia.  It’s also important to maximize sunlight! Sunlight contributes to happiness and health. You can do this by using sheer coverings, installing a skylight (if possible) or even by hanging mirrors.  You’d be surprised at what a well-placed mirror can do for sunlight amplification in a room. Just add a mirror on the opposite wall of a window and watch how it doubles the light.  Painting walls a light shade of yellow will create a “sun-filled” effect in a room.  Accessories should be fun like the ones illustrated below. Natural or found objects such as beach glass, seashells, or driftwood are perfect for a beach theme.

1. Clamrose Lamp white fabric – Dodd’s & Eder or online at Amazon | 2. Shadow Box Starfish – Dodd’s & Eder | 3. Coquilles Trivet | 4. Ocean Scallop Server | 5.  Row Boat Salad Bowl | 6. Personalized Life Ring  | 7. Pint Ice Cream Holders  | 8. Blue/White Stripe Cornishware found at 125 West  | 9. The Mane Lion Piece are Available at Amazon | 10. Look Sand Switchplate Outlet Covers  | 11. Capiz Shell Mosaic Tile Mirror  | 12. Starfish Pillow

Update…A few more unique beach house finds:

Posted by GKelly/Cori Schramm in Kitchen Design, Create the Look, Products, Kitchen Accessories |   Kitchen Designs by Ken Kelly, Inc.  © 2012, Showroom locations: 26 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 516-746-3435  - 11 Bridge Street, Sag Harbor, NY 631-808-3116|  ftc compliant – privacy/disclosure policy  | See our favorite kitchen finds at  ShopKitchensesigns.com | View our main website at KitchenDesigns.com  | Kitchen Designs on Facebook  | Kitchen Designs on Twitter