Lauded cabinet-maker Christopher Peacock shares industry tips for designing coastal kitchens.

A kitchen on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

For clients who live on the ocean, what technical considerations must they think about when designing their kitchen? Are there specific paint and hardware selections that better withstand the elements? Absolutely. The salt air and temperature fluctuations wreak havoc with furniture and metal finishes, so we approach the production of cabinetry and related metal finishes differently. It all depends on how close to the ocean the home is and also if the house is usually climate-controlled. We will look for lifetime hardware finishes and avoid woods easily affected by moisture. Similarly, we need to provide regular maintenance to keep the cabinetry in good condition.

How can clients with a big family, children and many visitors to their beach home, design their kitchens to withstand a lot of sandy guests? It’s all about the floor material selections, and we usually suggest a natural stone or ceramic tile floor, which is bulletproof and easily swept. Also, good architecture and thoughtful design will provide for indoor-outdoor transitions that should help with the issue of sand and dirt.

What are some ways that you can bring the feel of a waterfront home to clients who live inland? It’s all about the color, materials and texture. Light colors such as pinks, corals, and periwinkle blue shades always work well, and then we often mix in light countertops and natural lighter wood tones that may be cerused or bleached.

Light colors and natural woods evoke the feel of a waterfront home.

Additionally, there are clients who live on the ocean and eschew the typical trappings of a coastal vibe. What are some projects you’ve designed that showcase a nontraditional coastal aesthetic? Oceanview apartments tend to be less “coastal” and more in tune with comfortable and richer interior design. I think that it depends on the location and the vibe of the home in general.

What would you say are some coastal design trends for 2025? Actually, it’s a move to more color and bold designs. As much as the pale palette works every time, we are seeing a move away from whites and creams and much stronger use of color.