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There’s just something about the cozy, coastal cottage aesthetic that constantly lures us in. Maybe it’s the feeling of nostalgia for the aesthetic from our favorite Nancy Meyers films, or perhaps it’s the euphoric, calming sensation we dream of in the space. Whatever it is, we’re obsessed with it and love seeing how other creators make their dream of a coastal home come to life — even if they aren’t remotely close to the beach.
Today, we’re focusing on the heart of the home — the kitchen — and showing you how you can create a coastal, cottage kitchen aesthetic in your own home. Whether you live in a small bungalow close to the coast or a high-rise in Midtown, this warm and happy interior is totally possible.
From the kitchen cabinet color to the backsplash, to the small decorative details that bring the space to life, we’re confident these home decor tips will inspire you to transform your space into the coastal cottage kitchen of your dreams.
Want more coastal home decor ideas? Check out these articles:
- 15 Coastal Decor Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Like a Cozy Cape Cod Home
- Coastal Cowgirl Home Decor is Trending: 15+ Ways to Try It in Your Home
- 28 Coastal Grandma Decor Items to Achieve the Timeless Aesthetic
12 Ways to Create the Coastal Cottage Kitchen of Your Dreams
1. Navy and White Color Scheme
@theinspiredroom Cozy fall morning in our kitchen 🤍 #coastalcottage #cozymorning #coffeeroutine ♬ Le Carrousel – James Quinn
Navy, whites, and creams are the quintessential color palettes for coastal design. We love that this classic color pairing is so timeless, and this creator blended the two tones beautifully in their kitchen. They kept the walls cozy, and creamy white, and added contrast with a navy oven and decorative accents to create the coastal aesthetic.
Antique Porcelain Dinner Set
SMEG Slice Toaster
2. Opt for Butter Yellow Cabinets
We’re calling it —butter yellow is making a comeback to kitchen spaces, and it’s the perfect shade to select when blending coastal design and cottage aesthetic. It instantly brings in that nostalgic element and is a more neutral, cheerful color to add to a kitchen.
3. Cozy Breakfast Nook
When we think of a cozy, cottage home, we envision small, intentional spaces throughout the home. Whether you’re working with a small space or have a large kitchen to design, adding a cozy breakfast nook should be at the top of your list. It’s such an adorable and practical way to decorate extra space.
Rattan Wall Sconce
Shearling Dining Chair
European Euro Sham
Daphne Concrete Table
4. A Blend of Rustic and Coastal Details
@emilyeraleigh Welcome to my favorite spot in our house, our cozy coastal cottage kitchen! #kitchentour #longbeachisland #cottagecore #nancymeyers #boostofhope ♬ Interns Get Started – Theodore Shapiro
Cottage coastal design is defined by a balanced blend of rustic and coastal details. This includes big and small design elements. Look for items that have natural wood or distressed ceramic for a rustic feel. To bring the coastal aesthetic into your kitchen, add nautical art or blue and green decorative items consistent with coastal design.
Farmhouse Cutting Boards
Cottage Crocks
Vintage Coastal Art
Kravet Garden Mugs, Set of 4
5. Maximal Decor on Kitchen Counters
Maximal kitchen counter decor isn’t seen as clutter in coastal cottage homes. In fact, having a more decorated countertop creates the feel of an intentionally designed and well-lived space. The layering of cookbooks, baskets, and coffee mugs looks artistically curated when all the elements align with the coastal cottage aesthetic.
Pasta Cookbook
Seagrass Produce Bowl
6. Butcher Block Countertops
Coastal and cottage design have something in common when designing a kitchen space and that’s butcher block countertops. The rich, raw tones of the wood add beautiful character and warmth to the space. Whether all your countertops are butcher blocks or you’re only able to add a rolling island with a butcher block counter, there’s always a way to tie this element into a space.
7. Add Wicker Accents
Wicker accents are essential to cottage coastal design. There are so many ways to add this element to your kitchen. You could add wicker barstools, hanging baskets, or woven lighting.
Wicker Dining Chairs
Woven Table Lamp
8. Fresh Florals Bring the Space to Life
When we envision a coastal cottage kitchen, we can envision a fresh bouquet on the kitchen counter as the sun is streaming in. Fresh florals are such a gorgeous way to add life to the space. Plus, they always have a way of brightening your mood in a space too.
Opt for blue or white hydrangeas, poppies, or dahlias for a fun burst of color and personality.
9. Style Cabinets with Cottage-Inspired Dishes
@megleonardco These dishes were one of the first orders I placed and I am so glad I did – they’re almost sold out and I now get why. They are so uniquely crafted, hold up through meals & wash and have that perfect level of charm due to the patterns, shape and coloring. That little blue detail is everything. Shop in my B I O @lauraashleyusa #ltkhome #classichomedecor #homerenovation #homedesign #homebeforeandafter #kitchenrenovation #kitchendesign #homerenovations #traditionalhome #cottagekitchen #nancymeyers #coastalkitchen #kitchensinks #kitchensinkwindow ♬ som original – Vbedit.x
Dishes are a practical and beautiful way of adding to the overall design of the space. When styling your kitchen, these small details can make all the difference. Adding cottage or coastal-inspired dishes to your kitchen cabinets, counters, or open shelving are a few ways of achieving the cozy, curated look.
Laura Ashley Dinner Plates
Laura Ashley Bowls
10. Blues, Greens, Whites & Natural Wood
@katemurnane Style my kitchen with me. I love the Nancy Meyers, cosy, coastal, cottage vibes so thought I’d continue my mini home makeovers by adding some things I love to this area of the kitchen. Let me know what you think. #nancymeyers #nancymeyersinteriors #nancymeyersaesthetic #shelfie #cottagecore #cottagestyle #interiors #kitcheninspo #kitchenstyling #marthastewart #inagarten ♬ This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) [From "Bride Wars"] – Soundtrack Studio Band
A simple color palette many people use in coastal design is mixing blues, greens, and white or varying shades. Whites and creams are often the colors of the cabinets counters and walls, so adding color and warmer elements, like natural wood, creates a beautiful blend of elements.
Coastal Grandma Floral Print
Small Bread Board
11. Add a Kitchen Lamp
@theyouthfulhome It’s the little things #kitchendecor #kitchen #cottagekitchen #kitchenlamp #cottagecoreaesthetic #cottagecore #homedecor #cottage #kitchenideas #coastalkitchen ♬ original sound – Sara Shepheard
One thing we always advocate for when decorating a kitchen — no matter the design style — is adding a small kitchen lamp to the countertop. It’s the perfect way to add warmth and cozy ambiance to the kitchen in the evening. Look for small kitchen lamps that can fit under upper cabinets and ones that fit naturally into the aesthetic of your kitchen.
Pleated Lamp with Wood Base
Rustic Ceramic Mini Lamp
12. Fun, Coastal Tile Backsplash
Marble Fan Tile
Morocco Peel & Stick Tiles
Changing the backsplash in your kitchen can completely transform the feel of your space. Whether you’re able to add tile backsplash or live in an apartment and need a renter-friendly solution, tiles that have character and a coastal color scheme will create the classic feel of a coastal cottage.
