Creating a kitchen that feels like a breezy, seaside escape is a popular design goal for many homeowners. This aesthetic, known as coastal-style, relies on light, airy elements and natural materials to evoke a sense of being near the ocean. Choosing the right cabinets for a coastal-style kitchen sets the tone for the entire space.

What Is a Coastal-Style Kitchen?

A coastal-style kitchen captures the relaxed, serene atmosphere of a beach house through its design choices. It emphasizes natural light, open spaces, and a color palette inspired by sand, sea, and sky. The overall effect is one of effortless comfort, creating a space that feels both welcoming and refreshing.

This design style incorporates durable materials that can withstand the test of time while maintaining a casual, laid-back charm. Ultimately, a coastal kitchen should feel like a personal retreat, a place where you can unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of home.

Selecting the Right Cabinet Color

Color is a critical element in achieving a coastal look, with white being the most classic and popular choice. White cabinets instantly brighten a kitchen, making it feel larger and more open, which mimics the expansive feeling of the coastline. Furthermore, a white backdrop allows other coastal-inspired colors, such as blues and greens, to stand out without overwhelming the space.

Soft, muted tones are also excellent options for a coastal kitchen. Think of light blues, seafoam greens, and sandy beiges, as these colors directly reflect the natural seaside environment. These gentle hues can create a calming atmosphere while adding a touch of personality and warmth to your kitchen design.

Using Complementary Cabinet Colors

When mixing colors in your cabinets, strike a balance that enhances the coastal aesthetic without overpowering the space. Consider pairing crisp white upper cabinets with soft blue or green lower cabinets to add visual interest while maintaining a light, airy feel. You can incorporate accents like a light wood finish or natural textures to introduce warmth and tie the elements together. A harmonious blend of colors reflects the tranquility of the seaside while adding depth and dimension to your kitchen design.

Choosing the Best Cabinet Material

One of the biggest decisions for a coastal-style kitchen is the cabinet material. Wood is prized for its natural warmth and durability. Light-colored woods like maple, birch, or ash are particularly well-suited to this style, as they contribute to a bright, airy feel. Moreover, wood can be painted or stained to match any color palette, offering great versatility.

Achieving a high-end coastal look does not have to come with a high price tag. One of the best strategies is to seek out affordable cabinets that offer a balance of quality and value, such as those found in Legacy Cabinets’ Advantage series. These designs offer stylish, durable options at a reasonable cost. The cabinets are available in a wide array of materials, including oak, maple, and True Touch engineered wood.

True Touch Engineered Wood

Engineered wood, like that used in True Touch Advantage cabinets, offers a stable and durable alternative to traditional hardwoods. These cabinets feature an embossed texture that mimics the beauty of stained wood. Compared to hardwoods, they’re more resistant to expansion and contraction humidity. Additionally, their environmentally safe and low-maintenance components make them a practical choice for busy households.

MDF

MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is an engineered wood product made by compressing wood fibers with resin under high pressure and heat. It offers a smooth, uniform surface that is ideal for painting and creating intricate designs. MDF is also more resistant to warping and cracking compared to solid wood, making it a durable and cost-effective option for kitchen cabinetry.

Cabinet Door Styles to Consider

The style of your cabinet doors defines the overall look of your coastal kitchen. Here are some door styles that work well in a coastal kitchen:

• Shaker-style: Known for its simple, five-piece construction with a recessed center panel.
• Raised panel: Showcases a classic and elegant design with a center panel that is slightly elevated, adding depth.
• Beadboard: Features vertical paneling that adds a charming, cottage-like texture.
• Flat-panel: Offers a sleek, minimalist look that keeps the focus on other design elements.
• Glass-front: Creates an open feel and allows for the display of beautiful dishware.

The Role of Open Shelving

Open shelving is a fantastic way to enhance the airy, uncluttered feel of a coastal kitchen. It breaks up the monotony of solid cabinet doors and provides a perfect spot to display decorative items such as seashell collections, blue and white ceramics, or woven baskets. This feature makes the space feel more personal and lived-in, enhancing the style’s relaxed, welcoming vibe. Open shelves also keep everyday items visible and easily accessible.

Hardware that Complements Coastal Cabinets

The right hardware can perfectly accessorize your coastal cabinets. Polished nickel or chrome pulls and knobs add a touch of modern shine that mimics the glint of sunlight on water. These finishes are versatile and pair beautifully with both white and colored cabinets.

For a more rustic or nautical feel, consider hardware made from oil-rubbed bronze or antiqued brass. These darker finishes provide a striking contrast against light-colored cabinetry and evoke the look of aged ship fittings. On a related note, choosing simple, unadorned shapes, like cup pulls or bar pulls, helps maintain the clean, uncluttered aesthetic of coastal style.

Budget Considerations

By carefully planning your expenses, you can invest in high-quality cabinets and materials that define the space while keeping costs manageable. Budgeting also helps you make smart choices about where to splurge and where to save, ensuring your kitchen is both stylish and functional.

When planning your kitchen, account for these key expenses:

• Cabinets: This will be your largest expense, so research quality and price points.
• Countertops: Materials like quartz or butcher block are popular coastal choices.
• Backsplash: Subway tile or beadboard can provide a classic look without breaking the bank.
• Hardware: New pulls and knobs are a small change that makes a big impact.
• Labor: Factor in the cost of professional installation if you are not doing it yourself.

A coastal kitchen feels personal, down-to-earth, and serene. By focusing on light colors, durable materials, and simple designs, you can craft a beautiful kitchen that serves as a relaxing retreat from the everyday. Thoughtful selections in cabinetry, hardware, and finishes will create an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of the coast. We encourage you to consult with a Legacy Cabinets dealer to find the right cabinetry for your home.