Coastal Chic Makeover

A bright white kitchen with hints of blue set the tone for this beach house remodel.

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November 25, 2014

By: Elizabeth Beeler

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Open and Airy

The homeowners cut an opening into the wall that once divided the kitchen and dining spaces to promote conversation between rooms. An added bonus: an eat-in bar– ideal for families with young children. Dawn sewed together grainsacks and used them to upholster the barstool backs. Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Cooking in Style

Dawn and John ditched the existing wall oven and replaced it with a range and convection oven to allow space above for the cased opening. “The original wall oven and cooktop were peach-colored,” says Dawn. “So, they needed replacement anyway.” Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Lighten Up

An affordable brushed nickel pendant from IKEA affords task lighting over the cast iron sink while offering vintage flair. Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Before: Dated and Faded

The original kitchen overlooked a windowless garage. Lifeless wood cabinets pleaded for a few coats of paint. The home’s original laminate countertops, dated appliances, and faded linoleum floors were all in desperate need of attention. Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Dingy Dining

Before the remodel, the dining area lacked character and charm. “It had zero personality,” says Dawn. “The architecture was pretty much a blank slate and we knew it needed some help.” Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Coastal Dining

In the dining room, heart of pine wood flooring replaced dirty wall-to-wall carpet, while boards placed horizontally onto the walls speaks to the home's cottage history. A rustic metal pendant purchased from a local artist and suspended from rope makes a nautical statement. Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Cottage Nook

In the dining area, a coat closet is transformed into a cozy nook, which easily accommodates shoes, jackets, and scarves. It provides a place to set mail before entering the home. Dawn outfitted the vignette with beach-inspired prints and a classic blue-and-white palette.

Counter Appeal

Dawn and John traded the laminate countertops for Formica edged in metal to add vintage flair and swapped the metal sink for a cast iron original. “In every way, we wanted the kitchen to reflect the way a kitchen would have been built almost a half century ago,” says Dawn. Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Breezy Style

John removed upper kitchen cabinets and built custom wood shelves to display dishware. The upper shelf rests atop a custom bracket, while the lower shelf is installed directly into the wall’s studs for a sleeker look. The shelving puts stoneware and collectables on permanent display. Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Functional and Chic

Dawn and John converted the existing garage into a laundry space just off the kitchen. Dawn coated lower kitchen cabinetry with white paint and replaced existing pulls with polished nickel hardware. Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Saavy Work Station

John reused cabinetry removed from the kitchen and installed it over the existing work station to maximize storage. “I love the idea of a designated home office,” says Dawn. “It works double duty, housing our family computer along with bills and paperwork.” Photography by Richard Leo Johnson

Sliding Style

A handcrafted sliding barn style door operates on a tract, making the most of tight quarters. “Not only does the door save space in the narrow hallway, but it’s fun for the kids,” says John. “We painted it sky blue to set it apart from its surroundings.” Photography by Richard Leo Johnson