Designing Coastal Kitchens on the Southern Gulf Coast: My Guide to Luxury and Functionality

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Gulf Coast Home Kitchen Design Home Building


Designing a coastal kitchen on the Southern Gulf Coast is about so much more than choosing cabinets and countertops. In my twenty-plus years of working with homeowners and builders, I’ve seen kitchens evolve into the true center of the home. Here along the Gulf Coast, kitchens aren’t just for cooking—they’re for entertaining, gathering, and creating spaces that flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors.

Whether you’re planning a new construction home in Orange Beach or updating an existing property on Ono Island, the key is blending timeless coastal aesthetics with high-end functionality. Here’s my guide to today’s luxury coastal kitchen trends.

Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor


Neutral Palettes with Coastal Calm

Instead of bold colors, I love a neutral foundation that reflects the light and airiness of coastal living. Paint colors like Sherwin Williams Sea Salt or Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl bring in a hint of warmth and subtle sophistication without overpowering the space. Pairing these shades with natural stone, quartz countertops, and light wood accents creates a palette that feels both timeless and fresh.


Smart Functionality Meets Luxury

Coastal kitchens today are designed with functionality at the forefront. Some of the most requested features I see from homeowners include:

  • Dual Dishwashers – ideal for entertaining and large gatherings.

  • Butler’s Pantries & Walk-In Pantries – keeping the main kitchen sleek and uncluttered while providing hidden storage and prep space.

  • High-End Appliances – Wolf and Thermador gas ranges, double convection ovens, and built-in warming drawers are becoming the new standard.

  • Wine Coolers & Beverage Centers – often paired with wet and dry bars for effortless entertaining.

  • Coffee Bars – tucked into butler pantries or keeping rooms for convenience and charm.

  • Microwave Drawers – a discreet and functional luxury that keeps countertops clear.

When these elements come together, they elevate the kitchen into a seamless blend of elegance and practicality.


Statement Islands and Open Layouts

The double island trend has arrived on the Gulf Coast in a big way. Many of my clients are choosing one island for prep work and a second for serving or seating, often finished with waterfall edges for a modern, coastal look. Pair this with open kitchen and dining layouts, often extending to a breakfast bar, and the kitchen becomes the true anchor of the home.


Lighting That Defines the Space

I always tell homeowners that lighting is the jewelry of the kitchen. Today’s designs combine pendant lighting over islands, recessed ceiling lights for general illumination, and accent fixtures that highlight architectural details. Natural woven textures remain popular in pendants, but we’re also seeing sleek metallics in brushed nickel, pewter, and soft brass for a touch of coastal glamour.

Meredith Amon Ono Island Realtor and Home Specialist Designer


Hardware and Finishing Touches

Hardware may seem small, but it makes a big impact. Oversized pulls in mixed metals like bronze and brushed brass are making their way into coastal kitchens, balancing durability with luxury style. I also love incorporating soft-close drawers, hidden outlets, and seamless cabinetry that maintains the clean, coastal aesthetic.


Beyond the Kitchen: Keeping Rooms & Entertaining Spaces

On the Gulf Coast, entertaining is part of our lifestyle, which is why I’m seeing a resurgence of keeping rooms—cozy sitting areas off the kitchen where friends can gather while meals are prepared. Wet bars and wine storage tucked into corners or adjoining rooms keep traffic flowing and add to the functionality of the entire floor plan.


Bringing It All Together

To me, a well-designed coastal kitchen is one that blends luxury, durability, and hospitality. Neutral tones like Sea Salt and Sea Pearl, natural textures, high-end appliances, and thoughtful storage solutions all work together to create kitchens that are as beautiful as they are functional. Whether you’re designing your dream kitchen in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Ono Island, these trends ensure your home reflects both timeless elegance and the easygoing lifestyle of the Gulf Coast.

If you’re thinking about building or renovating, I’d love to share my insight and connect you with trusted builders, designers, and architects who specialize in coastal luxury. You can explore more inspiration and current real estate opportunities at www.searchthegulf.com.


#searchthegulf #meredithamon #becausewelivehere

SEARCH ORANGE BEACH REAL ESTATE LISTINGS FOR SALE, $900,000 - $1,000,000

Sort by:
27770 Canal Road Unit 2405, Orange Beach

$949,000

27770 Canal Road Unit 2405, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,739 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383999

Signature Properties

28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit B1014, Orange Beach

$949,000

28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit B1014, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,706 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380253

RE/MAX of Orange Beach CELL: 251-233-6695

23972 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1902, Orange Beach

$949,000

23972 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1902, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,926 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380051

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

27006 Canal Road Unit A 110, Orange Beach

$945,000

27006 Canal Road Unit A 110, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,575 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381029

RE/MAX Paradise

23972 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2102, Orange Beach

$939,000

↓ $10,900

23972 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2102, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,926 SqFt Residential MLS® # 335434

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

27580 Canal Road Unit 1411, Orange Beach

$935,000

27580 Canal Road Unit 1411, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,787 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384560

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

33129 River Road, Orange Beach

$935,000

33129 River Road, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,401 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383923

Roberts Brothers Inc. Gulf Coa CELL: 256-899-7769

11 Meeting Street, Orange Beach

$929,500

↑ $500

11 Meeting Street, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,784 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380695

Beachball Properties

27204 Magnolia Drive, Orange Beach

$925,000

27204 Magnolia Drive, Orange Beach

3 Beds 5 Baths 2,500 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383418

Signature Properties

29531 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 110, Orange Beach

$925,000

↓ $24,900

29531 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 110, Orange Beach

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,953 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382635

Coastal Leaders Realty Group PHONE: 251-589-7815

3564 Bayou Road Unit 402, Orange Beach

$925,000

3564 Bayou Road Unit 402, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,953 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382339

RE/MAX Paradise

29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 907, Orange Beach

$919,000

29576 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 907, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,392 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386123

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

 
Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction

How to Build Equity with New Construction on the Gulf Coast
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 18, 2025

How to Build Equity with New Construction on the Gulf Coast


How to Build Equity with New Construction on the Gulf Coast

Along the Gulf Coast, building a home isn’t just about creating a place to live—it’s about crafting equity from the ground up. I’ve spent years helping investors and homeowners turn land into legacy.  In markets like Orange Beach and Ono…

Lagoon-Front Home with Deeded Gulf Access | 2780 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 17, 2025

Lagoon-Front Home with Deeded Gulf Access | 2780 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores

30532 Ono North Loop West New Construction Home For Sale Ono Island
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 17, 2025

30532 Ono North Loop West New Construction Home For Sale Ono Island

Gulf Coast Market Notes: Contract Assignments, 1031 Tactics, and Local Moves
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 17, 2025

Gulf Coast Market Notes: Contract Assignments, 1031 Tactics, and Local Moves

Signup is free and takes only a few seconds

Ask A Question or Sign Up To See New Real Estate Listings Before Your Competition

When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent

Gulf Coast Home Kitchen Design Home Building



Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on

Tags

Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.