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2. Choosing the Right Sink: A Coastal Essential

When clients ask about sink styles, I often recommend apron-front sinks or farmhouse sinks, particularly in coastal designs. These sinks have deep basins, ideal for tasks like washing large pots, preparing seafood, or cleaning up after a family meal.

My Coastal Tip: Adding a drip edge underneath the apron sink—especially when paired with stone or concrete—is a great way to keep water from damaging cabinetry. It’s both functional and stylish. If you're designing for a beach home, soapstone is a fantastic option because it’s not only heat resistant but also easy to disguise surface scratches, making it perfect for a kitchen that will be well-used. A concrete sink can also give a modern edge while offering versatility in shape, color, and size.

3. Tile Design: Creating a Beautiful and Functional Backsplash

Shea recommends starting with the backsplash as a central design element in the kitchen. For a kitchen to be both functional and timeless, the backsplash should tie the space together while also being easy to maintain. There are several tile patterns that work beautifully in coastal kitchens, and each one brings its own unique flair.

• Brick Lay: A classic pattern that’s perfect for creating a clean, structured look. It’s timeless and complements both traditional and modern kitchens.

• Herringbone: This chevron-like pattern is great for adding visual interest and texture to a kitchen, especially in high-traffic areas like the backsplash.

• Stacked: For a minimalist aesthetic, stacked tiles offer a clean and crisp look. This is great for a contemporary coastal design.

• Basketweave: Adds a bit of vintage charm and works beautifully when paired with natural stone or wood elements.

• Checkerboard: A bold choice that adds a bit of drama to your kitchen. When combined with simple, neutral tones, it can offer a stunning, timeless effect.

For coastal kitchens, I love using subway tiles in soft, neutral shades or blue-green tiles to evoke the colors of the Gulf Coast. Whether you choose marble, ceramic, or porcelain, a well-chosen tile pattern can create a sophisticated backdrop for the rest of your kitchen design.

4. Concealed Pantry Doors: A Sleek Solution

One of my favorite ways to keep a kitchen looking sleek and modern is by incorporating concealed pantry doors that mimic the cabinetry. This design choice creates a seamless, uniform look and keeps the focus on the kitchen’s beautiful finishes without any interruptions.

For homes in Orange Beach or Ono Island, this design choice works perfectly, especially when combined with full-overlay cabinetry or flush inset cabinetry. Concealing pantry doors ensures that your kitchen feels like a carefully curated space, with no distractions from functional elements like storage.

5. The Island: A Statement Piece

The kitchen island is a key feature in many of the kitchens I design. Shea emphasizes the importance of having an island that is both functional and beautiful. When designing kitchens in coastal homes, I love incorporating islands that feel like furniture pieces—with legs, open shelving, or even unique materials like reclaimed wood or stone.

My Coastal Tip: For homes by the beach, I recommend opting for light-colored stone for the island countertops, such as marble or quartzite, paired with brass hardware for that coastal charm. An island can serve as a gathering space for family and friends while still making a design statement.

6. Countertop Edge Profiles: Elevating the Design

When designing countertops, Shea suggests exploring different edge profiles for a custom look. Some popular options include:

• Bullnose Edges: Rounded edges that are soft to the touch and perfect for family-friendly kitchens.

• Straight Edges: A clean, modern profile ideal for minimalist designs.

• Waterfall Edges: If you want your countertops to feel more dramatic, waterfall edges create a bold look that’s perfect for an island or bar area.

For coastal kitchens, bullnose edges work well with soft stone like soapstone or marble, offering a gentle, organic look that complements the relaxed, natural feel of beach homes.

7. Lighting: Layering for Warmth and Function

Shea’s tip on lighting is to layer different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—to create a welcoming atmosphere. For coastal kitchens, lighting should feel both functional and atmospheric, especially when you want to highlight the natural beauty of the space.

My Coastal Tip: Pendant lighting over the kitchen island is an essential design feature. I recommend choosing rattan, woven, or brass pendant lights for that relaxed coastal vibe. For ambient lighting, wall sconces or under-cabinet lighting provide a soft glow, perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

When clients ask me for kitchen design advice, I always recommend creating spaces that prioritize both beauty and function, while incorporating timeless materials and thoughtful layouts. Whether it’s choosing the right sink, picking out tiles, or adding coastal touches, the kitchen should be a space that reflects your lifestyle and is built to last.

For homes on Ono Island or in Orange Beach, integrating coastal elements like open shelving, light-colored stone countertops, and natural wood cabinetry can elevate the design, making it feel connected to the beautiful Gulf Coast surroundings. If you're ready to design a kitchen that balances luxury with practicality, I'm here to help guide you through the process.

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