Have you ever dreamed of your house kitchen having a Californian coastal vibe? More so, isn’t it relaxing to see such?
However, one of the most common problems that coastal kitchen enthusiasts like you (who seek DIY inspiration from stunning backsplash tiles) is that mismatched backsplash tiles ruin their kitchen's tantalizing or relaxing beach look.
And yet, worry not! Why?
This guide offers the inspiration you need to get that coastal kitchen backsplash vibe you’ve always wanted.
What is a coastal style in interior design?
Coastal interior design mimics or portrays nature at home, especially the seaside. As such, it contrasts the differences between the nautical and serene styles. According to Katherine McLaughlin, a Coastal space design is more akin to the traditional and refined features, while the “beachy look” has the affinity of being relaxed and breezy.”
In other words, interior designers consider coastal designs classic and elegant, while beachy leans toward casual and laid-back.
Coastal vs Beachy Style: What’s the difference?
While similarities exist, there are nuanced differences between coastal and beach styles. Let's unpack them and understand their unique identities.
A Relaxed and Carefree Beachy Style
For starters, various coastal styles known as "beachy style" focus on the gusty, tropical, and carefree elements of living by the sea.
They possess loud, dazzling, and tantalizing colors—including clean whites, light woods, lush greens, and lively wildlife shades—and are used to create that happy, carefree vibe. With this, you’d surely get that lively look for your kitchen design with these “beachy style” colors or vibes.
And yet, to add a little whimsical charm, “beachy style” also uses interesting features like pineapples, palm trees, shells, starfish, and coral.
Adopting this “beach style” design for your dream coastal kitchen will give you that breeze and tropical vibe and be even more relaxed and carefree upon entering your kitchen.
A Calm and Refined Ambiance of “Coastal Style”
On the other hand, the term coastal style is more general and includes various seaside-inspired design elements. These include modern, cottage, Mediterranean, and marine.
This means that the coastal design creates a calm and refined ambiance—using subdued or matte whites, neutral blues, greys, beiges, dark or worn timbers, and even marine or historical elements.
In short, a coastal style leans towards clean lines, crisp whites, and natural materials like linen and stone. This creates a timeless and calming effect. In contrast, a beachy style embraces a more casual and carefree vibe with its textured finishes, pops of color, and nautical motifs like seashells and starfish.
Essential Characteristics of a Californian Coastal Kitchen
One of the most particular components that makes up a Californian coastal-vibe kitchen is that it has the capacity to integrate modern amenities. This includes adding classic coastal elements such as open shelving, ample natural light, and organic textures.
This means that you can add these components to your coastal-inspired kitchen look without the hassle or distress.
As a coastal kitchen enthusiast, it’s important to note that you obviously need to strike a balance between the practical function of your kitchen and your desired coastal style. This is the case to create a stylish and welcoming area for your space.
To understand this better, imagine your coastal-looking kitchen filled with impractical designs and cooking equipment that destroy your vibe. Do you think that’s welcoming? Obviously not.
Striking a balance may not be easy—but guess what? It all starts with your backsplash. Here’s how.
Top Backsplash Tile Materials for a Coastal Kitchen
We have seen in our previous discussion the essential characteristics of a Californian coastal kitchen. Now, we’ll see how these qualities serve as the basis for choosing your backsplash materials that would work well with your coastal-themed space.
You’ll see then the value of its coherence and continuity in your kitchen design—especially in its parts where elemental harmony is crucial. That’s why it’s important to emphasize that your backsplash tiles must blend in with your kitchen’s existing design elements while still having that unique “beachy style” or “coastal style” look.
Let’s now survey the best backsplash tile options for your coastal-themed kitchen:
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles have different styles and finishes—like matte, glossy, or textured. Considering these options, you can clearly see how versatile coastal-inspired ceramic and porcelain tiles are.
Yet, it is also important to note that these tiles can produce a variety of patterns as well—like subway, herringbone, or chevron patterns, to name a few. They are even available in an extensive array of hues, forms, and sizes. That’s why choosing the right porcelain tiles for you is crucial.
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles can evoke feelings of lightheartedness in terms of your kitchen’s luminosity and spaciousness when installed. Amazingly, they can mimic the hues and light of the sky and the ocean—giving you that perfect beach-side vibe for your kitchen.
So, in dealing with glass tiles, always examine their reflective surfaces, highlighting their contemporary style and how they’d fit your beach-inspired kitchen. These tiles are also available in different shapes and sizes, like solid, ice-covered, or kaleidoscopic designs.
Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles like slate, travertine, and marble have earthy textures and timeless elegance. These tiles also highlight these natural stones' inherent veining or patterns, giving your coastal kitchen depth and a personal vibe.
However, these tiles need more upkeep and sealing to keep them from getting stained or cracked. That’s why large tiles might be of help to you.
Mosaic Tiles
The complex patterns and advantageous features of mosaic tiles are perfect for adding visual and stylish appeal to your coastal-inspired kitchen.
These tiles are even used to create beautiful Mediterranean, Moroccan, or seaside patterns by combining various materials, colors, and shapes.
However, installing these tiles takes longer than usual and is more difficult than installing other types of ceramics. Hence, this is why precise grouting and cutting may be required in installing them—alongside these expert cleaning tips.
Backsplash Tile Design Inspirations for Your Coastal Kitchen
Since we've looked at the materials that demonstrate the overall idea of the Californian coast kitchen, the main question you might ask is: How do we bring these textures now to life in a visually appealing backsplash?
Well, let's explore this vast ocean of creative ideas below.
Color
When selecting the colors for your backsplash tiles, there are three choices:
• Light and airy
• Oceanic accents
• Subtle variations
Accordingly, white tiles can even narrow down your choices.
Light and Airy
Light and airy hues like Statuario Venato, Elegant White, and white porcelain tiles evoke beach scenery and clear skies. Their shade belongs to whites, creams, beiges, light blues, and soft greens.
Oceanic Accents
To evoke the vivid ocean hues, Twilight Blue Straight Joint, Waterfall Arabesque, and blue-colored tiles show seafoam, turquoise, or aqua splashes. Use different shades within the selected palette above to add visual interest without overpowering the room.
Look
In terms of the look of your backsplash tiles, we suggest you go for porcelain tiles for there are plenty to choose from:
• Glass tiles
Stone-look
Feature Beige Rectangle Wave tiles are perfect for your dream coastal-look kitchen for they bring ocean elegance to your kitchen with their calming neutral tone and playful, wave-like texture.
Wood-look
Reclaimed wood accents or paneling like that have been whitewashed or weathered which might also fit in for your coastal-inspired area.
Glass Tiles
For a shimmering backsplash with an oceanic theme, going for light-colored, reflective glass tiles in aqua, seafoam, or white tiles like Blue Lagoon Straight Joint, 12 x 12 White Chevron, and glass-look tiles might be the perfect for your dream kitchen.
Decorative
For a timeless style, going with light-colored subway tiles or investigative patterned tiles—featuring pebble or seashell motifs like Blue Roan Square and Opal Random Linear tiles—might be the decorative tiles you’ve been looking for.
Pattern
Lastly, for the pattern of your own backsplash tiles, there are generally three choices to choose from: 1) classic and simple, 2) organic and playful, and 3) coastal charm.
Classic and Simple
A backsplash tile made of light and airy color like Cerulean Swell Random Straight Stacked and other light-colored tiles are both timeless and sophisticated.
Organic and Simple
Seashell, coral, or pebble-themed mosaic tiles like Waterfall Harlequin tiles offer you a whimsical touch.
Coastal Charm
To add to the laid-back atmosphere, go with delicate geometric patterns like basketweave or herringbone.
Design Your Coastal Kitchen Backsplash with Otile Products
This guide has unveiled the secrets to a dreamy coastal-inspired space, from understanding "Beachy" vs. "Coastal" styles to exploring durable and stylish backsplash tiles like ceramics, porcelains, mosaics, and natural stones.
Remember those calming Feature Beige Rectangle Wave tiles? Their gentle, wave-like texture and soothing neutral tone perfectly embody the ocean's elegance. Now, imagine them on your backsplash, reflecting the sunlight and bringing coastal charm.
Forget simply "making" your dream kitchen – with Otile, you'll actualize it. Start your journey today and discover how our countless tiles options can transform your space into a coastal haven.
Written by:
Ali Eftekhari
Results-driven MBA Professional with 15+ years in the stone, slab, and tile industry.
Expert in strategy, operations, and global relations. Extensive international experience in Brazil, China, India, Turkey, Peru, and the USA.
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