An escape to the Jersey Shore is characterized by that signature calming feeling, in which a person is immersed in the natural elements and often a wave of nostalgia. Whether a property at the Shore is a full-time residence or an occasional one, reflecting coastal themes in the decor never goes out of style. Especially within a kitchen – usually considered the heart of a home – a coastal theme can be incorporated into multiple elements that are both functional and fashionable.

Some of the best inspiration, of course, is derived from nature. Whether it's the sparkling hues of the ocean, the colorful pattern of a sunset, or natural sandy tones accentuated by pops of color, the surrounding scenery can be implemented into a kitchen by focusing on a complementary palette.

"Right now, we're seeing a lot of people are adding the coastal colors, which naturally are going to be your softer or ocean blues. They're also starting to bring in a seafoam green," says Kyle Eisele, owner of Coast Tile & Marble Supply.

Relaxing neutrals also fit the Shore atmosphere in terms of tranquility, as the peaceful tones provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The coastal theme can also be brought out with materials and design for a more subtle approach.

Eisele remarks that homeowners are moving away from exotic modern patterns to more traditional, craftsman-inspired styles, resurrecting their popularity from 15-to-20 years ago. One such popular example is Zellige tiles, a handmade ceramic that has multiple textures and a monochrome color scheme. These are perfect for a backsplash in varying tones of blue or green to capture the multidimensional look of the ocean.

"Homeowners can create a coastal design including a color palette combining white cabinets, a blue or driftwood color accent island and a sandy/taupe wall paint with textured accent dining chairs, natural greenery and weathered wood furniture. Natural stone, river glass, mother of pearl, or ceramic tile – to name only a few – in different installation designs are all nice options for a backsplash in a coastal kitchen," says Jackie Fama, interior design consultant at Oskar Huber Furniture & Design.

Harmonizing textures with colors can maximize a beach effect. This will look amazing whether opting to carry the colors throughout the room, or coordinating them with whites, sandy beiges or stone grays. Natural stone is a consistently popular choice in materials as well, and this effect can be heightened by using materials that originate from the ocean.

"Your backsplash tile does not have to be a wild color to have a coastal effect; for example, the material choice can incorporate a coast theme by using sea glass, abalone shell and even certain textured glass for tile," explains John Wisniewski, president of Daniel Robert Remodeling.

"Even your backsplash tile shape can play an important role: There are unique arched shapes, rounded shapes and mosaics that can harken to a coastal theme without being in-your-face." He also recommends keeping the area open, clear and easy to clean for a serene environment. This can be achieved through less complex detail in cabinetry and flooring that can withstand water, sand and humidity. Wisniewski says a tile floor is best.

"Because of the humidity at the Shore – whether beachside or bayside – many types of flooring will expand and contract, leaving room for warping and gaps," he continues. "Another popular option with our clients is waterproof luxury vinyl plank [LVP]. LVP comes in a variety of options, including waterproof options that require a certain expertise to install them properly to maintain their waterproof quality."

"Because of the humidity at the Shore – whether beachside or bayside – many types of flooring will expand and contract, leaving room for warping and gaps," he continues. "Another popular option with our clients is waterproof luxury vinyl plank [LVP]. LVP comes in a variety of options, including waterproof options that require a certain expertise to install them properly to maintain their waterproof quality."

"People are afraid of things like scratching or water damage and all that, but in most cases you're not going to run into any of those issues with a hardwood material in your beach home. But again, porcelain – we can't beat it," affirms Eisele. "They have a ton of porcelain options that look like wood: every style, color, finish that you can think of to fit the design of your home in a porcelain tile. You're not going to damage that floor."

Details are everything, and they're also a great way to tie everything together for a kitchen that looks like it's straight out of a magazine. Cabinet knobs made out of sea glass or ocean-themed shapes like starfish will add that perfect, final touch. Lighting is an easily altered accessory fixture that can alter the ambiance when positioned, brightened or dimmed in various ways. Wisniewski recommends pendant lighting to incorporate color and to get creative, since it's hardly permanent.

"In a coastal design it's easy to be inspired and get connected to nature by using materials directly from the beach itself. Accessorizing with popular seashells [or] starfish is one direction to go but I like an elevated coastal design using nature's colors," says Fama. "Vintage pieces collected over years from living or visiting the Shore are nice touches to add to your space to bring a personal charm to your décor."

She also recommends coastal-themed artwork that will truly set the scene. After all, allowing your creativity to run wild will most likely pay off. Especially with a thorough, prior plan, and with the help of local suppliers and professionals, any dream kitchen can be a reality. Then, a beach lifestyle will be encapsulated whether you're in the sand or cooking a meal at home.

RESOURCES
Coast Tile & Marble Supply
Egg Harbor Township & Avalon, N.J.
(609) 646-9346
CoastTile.net

Daniel Robert Remodeling
Williamstown, N.J.
(833) 326-4350
DanielRobertRemodeling.com

Oskar Huber Furniture & Design
Southampton, Pa.
(215) 355-4800
Ship Bottom, N.J.
(609) 494-8127
OskarHuber.com

Published (and copyrighted) in Shore Home Special Edition,
published by House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 10 (August 2024)
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