I didn’t start watching The Summer I Turned Pretty for home decor inspo, but I couldn’t help but notice how the dreamy, coastal-chic Cousins Beach kitchen kept catching my eye. It’s always full of light from the big bay windows, the colors are soft, and it just looks like a place I would definitely love to spend time in.
Right in the center is this gorgeous two-tier island painted a muted sage green. The top is perfect for prepping food or laying out snacks, and the lower part has plenty of space to slide in stools. It feels just as perfect for chopping vegetables as it does for sitting and catching up with friends.
Past the island, there’s a darker wood dining table surrounded by black spindle-back chairs. It’s perfectly placed for sitting and soaking up all that sunshine streaming in. I can picture slow mornings with a stack of buttery pancakes on the table, or just sipping on a fresh cup of coffee!
The details are simple, but honestly so well-done. Smooth, medium-tone wood floors warm up the space without making it feel dark. The backsplash is light and understated; it blends in instead of taking over. Against one wall, a glass-front cabinet holds a mix of dishes, mugs, and teapots that look collected over time. A few leafy plants sit by the dining area and on the windowsill, and bring in that same fresh green you see through the windows.
Most importantly, the home doesn’t feel overly staged — and you get that same easy, coastal feel at home without living anywhere near the beach. And without a stager of your own!
How to Bring the Beachy Elegant Vibe into Your Home
Make your island the hub.
If you have an island, give it space to be both useful and welcoming. Look for a two-tier style or one with a wood top and pale work surface to mimic the show’s look. The IKEA VADHOLMA Kitchen Island is easy to tweak to fit your style, and the Lark Manor Kitchen Island has a similar silhouette with built-in storage.
Put your table in the light.
Show off your everyday pieces.
Keep the backsplash quiet.
Add a little green.
Plants bring instant life to any space, so put a few on the windowsill or near your table. Costa Farms offers live greenery specifically for rooms with direct sunlight, and Bloomscape and The Sill send them ready to go in decorative pots.
What makes this kitchen so amazing is how naturally it fits into the rest of the house (which is actually shot in Wilmington, North Carolina). It’s bright but not sterile, styled but not stiff. The effortless style works just as well for a quick weekday breakfast as it does for a big summer dinner. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to linger — not just because it’s pretty, but also because it feels like it’s meant to be lived in.
What do you think of the kitchen in The Summer I Turned Pretty? Let us know in the comments below!