A coastal kitchen should feel like a breath of fresh air—light, inviting, and effortlessly connected to nature.
The right cabinet color is what brings that vision to life, setting the tone for a space that feels as calm and refreshing as the ocean itself.
Whether you’re drawn to the crisp brightness of pure white, the soft and soothing hues of seafoam green and light blue, or the natural warmth of wood tones, each color plays a role in capturing that relaxed coastal charm.
Some shades evoke breezy beach cottages, while others lean into a more refined nautical feel, but they all share the same easygoing, sunlit appeal.
If you’re looking to transform your kitchen into a coastal retreat, these cabinet colors will help you get there.
What Makes A Kitchen Look Coastal?
A coastal kitchen captures the relaxed, breezy feel of a beachside retreat, often blending light, airy colors with natural textures and elements inspired by the ocean.
The key to achieving this look lies in a soft, sun-kissed palette—think whites, soft blues, seafoam greens, sandy beiges, and driftwood grays.
Cabinetry often features a slightly weathered or distressed finish, mimicking the effect of salt air on wood.
Open shelving, beadboard paneling, and glass-front cabinets enhance the light and airy feel.
Natural materials like rattan barstools, jute rugs, and wood countertops help ground the space, while touches of navy or deep turquoise add a pop of contrast.
Lastly, coastal kitchens embrace ample natural light, with sheer curtains or no window treatments to let in the sunshine, completing the fresh and inviting ambiance.
Are Coastal Kitchen Cabinets Still In Style?
Absolutely! Coastal kitchen cabinets remain a timeless design choice, evolving with trends while maintaining their classic appeal.
While traditional coastal styles lean toward crisp whites and soft blues, modern coastal kitchens incorporate a broader color palette, including sage greens, grayed-out blues, and warm neutrals.
Textured finishes like white oak and light-stained wood have also gained popularity, adding depth while maintaining an airy aesthetic.
The key to keeping a coastal kitchen current is balancing breezy, beach-inspired elements with modern functionality—think sleek brass or matte black hardware, quartz countertops, and streamlined lighting.
Coastal style continues to be a favorite because it’s both stylish and livable, creating a space that feels bright, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant.
Tips for Choosing The Best Coastal Paint Color for Kitchen Cabinets
When selecting the perfect coastal paint color for kitchen cabinets, start by considering the overall ambiance you want to create.
For a bright and airy feel, classic white shades like Sherwin Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace keep things crisp and timeless.
If you prefer a subtle nod to the sea, soft blues like Sherwin Williams Sea Salt or Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments bring in a hint of coastal charm without overwhelming the space.
Warmer tones, such as sandy beiges and driftwood-inspired grays, offer a more natural and organic take on coastal style.
Pay attention to the undertones—cool hues with a gray base often feel more modern, while warm tones lean toward a classic beach cottage aesthetic.
Lastly, factor in lighting; natural light enhances softer hues, while artificial lighting may deepen certain colors, so always test samples before committing.
What Color Goes Best With Coastal Kitchen Cabinets?
Coastal kitchen cabinets pair beautifully with a variety of complementary colors, depending on the specific shade of the cabinets.
White cabinetry provides a clean slate that works well with soft blues, seafoam greens, sandy beiges, and warm wood tones.
Blue or green cabinets shine when paired with crisp whites, driftwood grays, and deeper navy or teal accents.
If you’re opting for beige or taupe cabinets, incorporate soft blues, creamy whites, and warm wood elements to enhance the coastal feel.
Metallic finishes like brass or brushed nickel add a hint of elegance, while natural textures—such as woven baskets or rattan chairs—help reinforce the breezy aesthetic.
What Color Hardware To Use For Coastal Kitchen Cabinets?
The best hardware color for coastal kitchen cabinets depends on the overall style you’re aiming for.
Polished or brushed nickel remains a classic choice, offering a subtle, ocean-inspired shimmer that pairs well with soft blue and white cabinetry.
For a warmer, slightly vintage look, aged brass or champagne bronze adds an inviting contrast, especially against crisp white or light beige cabinets.
Matte black hardware can add a modern touch to a coastal kitchen, grounding the lighter tones without overpowering them.
For a truly beachy, relaxed feel, consider glass or ceramic knobs, particularly in soft blue or sea glass tones, to add a touch of coastal charm.
What Flooring Goes With Coastal Kitchen Cabinets?
Flooring plays a significant role in completing the coastal kitchen look, as it sets the foundation for the entire space.
Light, natural wood floors—such as white oak or bleached pine—enhance the breezy, sunlit feel and complement both white and colorful cabinetry.
For a more durable option, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in a light, weathered wood finish mimics the look of natural hardwood while being moisture-resistant.
Tile flooring, especially in a soft sand, gray, or subtle blue hue, works beautifully in high-traffic coastal kitchens.
Patterned cement tiles with ocean-inspired designs or classic herringbone layouts can add an extra layer of interest.
Whatever flooring you choose, keeping it light and natural-looking will help maintain the airy, beachy aesthetic.
How To Decorate With Coastal Kitchen Cabinets?
Decorating around coastal kitchen cabinets is all about layering textures, colors, and natural elements to enhance the relaxed, seaside-inspired vibe.
Start with light and breezy window treatments—sheer curtains or bamboo shades work well to let in natural light.
Incorporate open shelving with decor like white ceramic dishes, woven baskets, and glass jars filled with seashells or driftwood pieces.
For seating, rattan or wicker barstools add a laid-back, beachy feel, while pendant lighting in natural materials like seagrass or woven rope ties everything together.
Consider subtle nautical accents, such as navy blue dish towels, striped rugs, or artwork featuring ocean landscapes.
The key is balance—avoid overloading the space with too many overtly “beachy” elements and instead aim for an effortless, collected-over-time look that feels both coastal and timeless.
Top Coastal Kitchen Cabinet Colors
Pure White – The Classic Coastal Staple
Pure white cabinetry is the ultimate coastal foundation. It reflects light beautifully, instantly brightening up the space and making it feel open and airy, much like a sunlit seaside retreat. White cabinets have a crisp and clean appearance, allowing other coastal elements—such as blue accents, woven textures, and natural wood tones—to stand out. They also work well in both modern and traditional coastal designs, making them a timeless choice for any beach-inspired kitchen.
A white kitchen paired with ocean-inspired hues and organic materials evokes a sense of calm and relaxation, reminiscent of a breezy coastal cottage. It also allows for endless versatility. Whether you add soft blue walls, a seafoam green backsplash, or natural wood flooring, white cabinets seamlessly tie everything together. The beauty of pure white is its ability to enhance natural light, making a kitchen feel larger and more inviting. This is especially beneficial in homes near the coast, where open, sun-filled spaces are essential to the overall aesthetic.
Best White Paint Colors:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White – A warm, soft white with a hint of warmth that keeps it from feeling stark. It works beautifully in both modern and traditional coastal kitchens.
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace – A bright, true white that brings a clean and crisp look to cabinets. It pairs well with both cool and warm tones, making it an ultra-versatile coastal shade.
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster – A creamy, slightly warm white that feels inviting and natural, preventing a space from looking too sterile. Perfect for beach cottage-style kitchens.
Soft Blue – The Gentle Touch of the Ocean
Soft blue cabinetry brings an immediate sense of tranquility to a coastal kitchen. It mimics the color of the sky and water, establishing a direct connection to nature and enhancing the peaceful, easygoing feel that coastal interiors are known for. The best thing about soft blue is that it introduces color without overpowering the space. It maintains a light and breezy atmosphere while adding just enough contrast to stand out against white walls, countertops, or backsplashes.
This shade works beautifully in a variety of coastal styles. In a modern beach house, soft blue cabinets paired with white marble countertops and gold hardware create a sophisticated yet relaxed look. In a more rustic coastal cottage, they can be combined with white beadboard walls, open shelving, and natural wood accents for a charming, lived-in feel. Soft blue also plays well with different textures—whether it’s shiplap walls, rattan barstools, or weathered wood floors, it enhances the layered, organic nature of coastal design.
Best Soft Blue Paint Colors:
- Sherwin Williams Sea Salt – A delicate blue-green with gray undertones, this shade shifts beautifully under different lighting, sometimes reading more blue and other times more green.
- Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue – A soft, airy blue with a touch of green that mimics the sky and sea, creating a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere.
- Benjamin Moore Misty Blue – A pale, gray-blue that feels cool and breezy, ideal for kitchens that want a coastal touch without going too bold.
Navy – Bold Yet Sophisticated Coastal Style
While coastal kitchens often embrace soft, airy tones, navy blue cabinetry brings depth and drama while still maintaining a strong connection to the sea. This deep, rich shade adds a level of sophistication to a kitchen, making it feel polished yet relaxed. Navy works particularly well in nautical-inspired designs, especially when paired with crisp white walls, brass hardware, and shiplap detailing. It creates a striking contrast without feeling heavy, thanks to its inherently cool and refreshing undertones.
Navy cabinets work beautifully with a variety of coastal elements. When combined with white quartz countertops and light oak flooring, they create a balanced and timeless look. For those who prefer a slightly moodier coastal aesthetic, pairing navy with deep gray-blue walls and warm wood textures can create a cozy yet stylish atmosphere. The versatility of navy also extends to hardware and fixtures—it pairs equally well with classic polished nickel, warm brass, or even matte black for a more modern take on coastal style.
Best Navy Paint Colors:
- Sherwin Williams Naval – A true deep navy with a classic richness that pairs beautifully with white countertops and brass hardware for a nautical yet modern feel.
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy – A deep, neutral navy with slight gray undertones, making it versatile enough to work in both traditional and contemporary coastal kitchens.
- Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik – A slightly softer navy with a touch of warmth, perfect for a more relaxed beach cottage look.
Seafoam Green – A Refreshing Coastal Breeze
Seafoam green is a natural choice for a coastal kitchen because it embodies the fresh, airy essence of the ocean. It’s a color that feels both invigorating and calming, offering a perfect balance between energy and serenity. This soft, muted green is reminiscent of sea glass, rolling ocean waves, and sun-faded beach cottages, making it an effortless way to bring the beauty of the coast indoors.
This shade works particularly well in kitchens that embrace a laid-back, cottage-like aesthetic. When paired with white walls, open shelving, and warm wood accents, seafoam green cabinets add a subtle pop of color while keeping the space feeling light and airy. It also complements natural materials like rattan, jute, and linen, reinforcing the organic feel that makes coastal interiors so inviting. For a slightly more modern approach, pairing seafoam green with sleek brass fixtures and white subway tile can create a fresh yet sophisticated look.
Best Seafoam Green Paint Colors:
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed – A perfect blend of green and blue with a soft, gray undertone that makes it feel effortlessly coastal.
- Benjamin Moore Beach Glass – A soothing, muted green with a blue-gray base, reminiscent of sea glass found along the shore.
- Benjamin Moore Sea Foam – A classic seafoam shade with a touch of warmth, making it a great choice for those who want a soft, beachy green.
Light Gray – Subtle and Serene Coastal Charm
Light gray cabinetry is perfect for those who want a hint of color without straying too far from a neutral palette. This soft, understated shade captures the tones of weathered driftwood, misty coastal mornings, and sun-bleached stones, making it a natural fit for a beach-inspired kitchen. Unlike deeper grays, which can feel heavy or too modern, light gray maintains a softness that blends seamlessly with classic coastal elements.
The beauty of light gray cabinets is their versatility. They work equally well in cool-toned and warm-toned spaces, making them an ideal choice for both contemporary beach houses and more traditional coastal cottages. Paired with crisp white walls and a blue tile backsplash, light gray cabinetry creates a soft, sophisticated contrast that still feels light and airy. When combined with natural wood finishes and woven textures, it enhances the relaxed, organic feel that defines coastal interiors.
Best Light Gray Paint Colors:
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray – A warm, greige-toned light gray that balances beautifully with blue and green accents.
- Benjamin Moore Classic Gray – A soft, warm gray that can sometimes read as off-white, making it ideal for an understated coastal look.
- Sherwin Williams Silver Strand – A delicate, cool-toned gray with green-blue undertones that reflect natural coastal elements.
Natural Wood – The Warmth of the Coastline
Natural wood cabinetry brings warmth and texture to a coastal kitchen, creating a perfect balance between fresh and organic elements. Light oak, whitewashed pine, or driftwood-inspired finishes reflect the natural beauty of the shoreline, making the space feel effortlessly relaxed and inviting. Unlike darker wood tones, which can feel too heavy for a beachy aesthetic, lighter natural wood maintains the airy, open feel that coastal kitchens are known for.
Wood cabinets work especially well when combined with white and blue accents. A kitchen with light oak cabinetry, white quartz countertops, and a soft blue backsplash captures the casual elegance of a seaside retreat. Whitewashed or weathered wood finishes also enhance the feeling of age and character, making them ideal for coastal cottages and beach houses with a more rustic charm. Paired with woven light fixtures, linen-covered barstools, and brass hardware, natural wood cabinets create a beautifully layered, textural look that feels warm yet refreshing.
Best Natural Wood Finishes:
- White Oak (Natural or Light-Stained) – Offers a soft, sun-bleached look that pairs beautifully with white walls and blue accents.
- Driftwood-Stained Maple or Pine – Mimics the look of weathered beach wood, reinforcing a laid-back, coastal vibe.
- Bleached or Whitewashed Hickory – A perfect way to introduce warmth while keeping things light and airy.