This week’s featured kitchen highlights the breezy, coastal style of New England design. With its white shiplap walls, beadboard ceiling, and pops of navy blue, this space evokes the spirit of seaside living.

Introduction

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Maine, this recently renovated kitchen epitomizes the casual elegance of coastal New England. The homeowners aimed to create a space that felt light and airy, taking inspiration from the harbor views just outside the windows.

To achieve this vision, they implemented several key elements:

• White shiplap walls and wainscoting for a cottage feel
• Tongue-and-groove beadboard ceiling with exposed beams
• Pale blue cabinetry reminiscent of weathered boathouses
• Pops of navy blue in the accessories and open shelving
• Lots of natural light from ample windows

By combining these coastal New England-inspired features with some contemporary conveniences, the homeowners were able to strike the perfect balance between laidback and sophisticated. Read on for an in-depth tour of this breezy retreat of a kitchen!

A Light and Airy Backdrop

One of the top priorities for this kitchen remodel was creating a bright, open atmosphere. The existing space had dated oak cabinets and a dark tile backsplash that made the small kitchen feel cramped.

To visually expand the space, the homeowners installed new white shiplap wainscoting on the lower half of the walls. On the top portion, they added beadboard paneling painted in a pale blue-gray hue called Raindrop.

The light color palette helps reflect natural light coming in from the windows and French doors. For the ceiling, tongue-and-groove beadboard was installed. Exposed wood beams add a traditional New England accent.

Coastal-Inspired Cabinetry

The most striking detail in this kitchen is the cabinetry. Wanting to reinforce the breezy, beach house vibe, the homeowners opted for a pale sea glass blue paint. The color is soft and airy, reminiscent of weathered boathouses along the New England shoreline.

To play up the coastal cottage look, the lower cabinets have a shiplap texture while the uppers feature smooth panel doors. Matte nickel hardware lends an understated finish. Open shelving provides handy display space for pretty teacups and serving pieces.

Inside, the cabinets include roll-out trays, lazy susans, and deep drawers to maximize organization and accessibility. The kitchen also features a spacious walk-in pantry concealed behind a shiplap door.

Pops of Deep Blue

While light, washed-out blues are the predominant palette, several navy accents provide bold contrast. These rich shades evoke the deep blues of the surrounding Maine harbor.

The kitchen island is painted Sherwin Williams Naval for timeless appeal. The range hood is also done in navy for an eye-catching detail. Nautical rope lighting from Rejuvenation circles the island perimeter.

Accessories like the rug, bar stools, and pendant lights incorporate navy color in subtle ways. Vintage-inspired wine crates stacked open-side out provide open shelving while tying in more deep blue.

Natural Textures and Organic Shapes

To balance out all the straight lines and crisp white backdrops, the designers brought in elements with natural shapes and organic textures. These choices help reinforce the laidback charm of coastal living.

The kitchen island has a rounded front edge softened with a baby blue ceramic tile wrap. White quartz countertops have an understated marble-like pattern for subtle movement.

Rattan bar stools, woven shades, and a jute area rug add organic texture and a casual vibe. Round mirrors, circular light fixtures, and a farmhouse sink are additional nods to natural forms.

Traditional Details with Modern Conveniences

While creating a light and breezy coastal kitchen was the main goal, the homeowners also needed to incorporate appliances and amenities for everyday use.

The kitchen features top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a 5-burner gas range, built-in refrigerator, and quiet dishwasher. The deep farmhouse sink makes filling pots and cleaning up easy.

Undercounter refrigeration keeps beverages chilled and frequently used items within arm’s reach. Other contemporary conveniences include soft-closing drawers, undercabinet lighting, and outlets built right into the island and backsplash.

Finishing Touches

Several carefully chosen finishing touches give this kitchen its quintessential New England coastal style. The open shelving displays a rotating selection of vintage-inspired ceramics, including blue and white dinnerware.

Pale blue glass bottles provide an additional coastal element. A chic pearl chandelier and sisal area rug lend a traditional farmhouse accent. Throughout the kitchen, decorative ship wheels, oars, and framed seascapes reinforce the maritime theme.

The Takeaway

Breezy, crisp, and quintessentially coastal, this light-filled New England kitchen fully embraces its seaside surroundings. By combining elements like white shiplap, tongue-and-groove beadboard, pale blue hues, and organic textures, the homeowners created a relaxed yet sophisticated retreat.

Navy accents, nautical accessories, and plenty of natural light complete the harbor view ambiance. Traditional farmhouse details keep the look grounded in New England style. With its fresh feel and timeless coastal aesthetic, this kitchen is truly this week’s crowning example of regional design!

Design Details to Get the Look

If you want to recreate the breezy New England coastal style of this featured kitchen, incorporate the following elements:

Light and Airy Backdrop

• White shiplap wainscoting
• Beadboard walls and ceiling
• Plenty of windows and French doors
• Pale blue-gray walls uppers
• Exposed wood beams

Weathered Coastal Cabinetry

• Matte pale blue lower cabinets
• Shiplap texture on lowers; smooth uppers
• Matte nickel hardware
• Open shelving for display

Pops of Deep Blue

• Island painted rich navy blue
• Navy range hood
• Blue and white accessories
• Vintage-style striped rug with navy accents

Natural Textures and Organic Shapes

• Quartz countertops with subtle pattern
• Rattan bar stools
• Woven window shades
• Round mirrors
• Farmhouse sink
• Jute area rug

Traditional Details

• Pearl chandelier
• Vintage-inspired ceramics
• Framed seascapes
• Nautical accessories like ship wheels

Design Inspo: More Coastal New England Kitchens

Need a bit more inspiration before tackling your own New England-style kitchen refresh? Here are some additional examples of beautiful coastal designs from the Northeast region:

Classic Coastal Farmhouse

This kitchen embraces traditional farmhouse elements like an apron-front sink, beaded board backsplash, and distressed wood island. Pale blue-green cabinets and open shelving lend a beachy vibe.

Relaxed Harbor View

With whitewashed pine ceilings, wainscoting, and trim, this kitchen channels a weathered boathouse look. A harbor view window over the farmhouse sink completes the seaside charm.

Crisp and Classic

Crisp white perimeter cabinetry and open shelves keep this coastal kitchen light and airy. Pale blue-green backsplash tile and an oversized island painted Sherwin Williams Oceanside provide the main pops of color.

Beach House Chic

Cool grays and whites give this kitchen a relaxed, beach house vibe. Tongue and groove paneling on the ceiling reinforces the coastal cottage charm. Open shelves and marble finishes add an elegant touch.

Nautical Inspired

Dark navy lower cabinets grounded in white uppers and open shelving create a nautical-inspired look. Octagon tile backsplash in navy, white, and sea glass blue picks up the color palette.

Shiplap Sophistication

Crisp white shaker cabinets combined with light blue shiplap walls give this kitchen a refined coastal aesthetic. Brass accents and open wood shelving provide warmth to balance the bright white backdrop.

Renovation Tips for Achieving the Look

Transforming a dated or dysfunctional kitchen into a coastal oasis may seem daunting. But you don’t need a huge renovation budget to realize the breezy New England style. Here are some budget-friendly tips:

Brighten with Paint

A fresh coat of paint in light coastal hues can instantly revive tired cabinetry or dingy walls. Opt for soft whites, pale blues, light grays, or subtle green ocean tones. Consider two-toned cabinets as well.

Add Wainscoting

Installing shiplap or beadboard wainscoting along the lower third of walls adds cottage character without replacing all the drywall. Use trim to create a clean delineation between wall treatments.

Switch Up Backsplash

Rather than replacing countertops, consider swapping out just the backsplash. Blue and white ceramic tile or marble subway sheets create an easy coastal update.

Display with Open Shelving

Remove a few upper cabinets to make way for open shelving. This shows off ceramics and glassware while opening up the space. Add nautical-themed accessories.

Update Window Treatments

Swap out dark or dated window treatments with breezy white linen curtains or Roman shades. For privacy, add woven wood blinds. Tie backs or trim provide finished edges.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Bring in jute rugs, rattan bar stools, driftwood accents, woven baskets, and other organic pieces. Round framed mirrors also help soften rigid lines.

A few simple tweaks can make a big visual impact. Focus on opening up the space and letting that natural coastal light pour in. The right accessories will then reinforce the laidback seaside style.

FAQs About Designing Coastal New England Kitchens

What paint colors work best for a coastal New England style kitchen?

• Soft whites, pale blues, light grays, and subtle green-blues are ideal for evoking a breezy, beach-inspired look. Consider colors like Benjamin Moore White Dove, Raindrop, or Hawthorne Blue.

What type of flooring suits a New England coastal kitchen?

• Hardwoods like whitewashed oak or maple have a beachy, weathered vibe. For a lighter look, painted wood floors work too. Tile options include marble, travertine, or ceramic with subtle sea glass hues.

What countertop materials help create this look?

• Quartz in whites or pale patterns resembles marble while being more durable. Soapstone in gray also has coastal charm. Butcher block offers a traditional farmhouse accent. Marble is high maintenance but provides an elegant finish.

Should I use open shelving or closed cabinets?

• The mix of open shelving and closed storage helps balance breezy styling with function. Try doing lower closed cabinets while adding some open shelving up top to display pretty dishware.

What type of island seating works for a coastal kitchen?

• Stools with organic shapes or textures reinforce the relaxed vibe. Woven sea grass or rattan are perfect. Farmhouse stools in washed woods are another comfy option. Avoid sleek metals or plastics.

How do I accessorize my coastal kitchen?

• Incorporate pieces like stoneware pitchers, woven baskets, framed sea captain art, weathered buoys, ceramic coral and shell motifs, driftwood, and other nautical or organic accessories.

Conclusion

This bright and welcoming kitchen offers endlessly inspiring takeaways for designing in the quintessential coastal New England style. By blending elements like beadboard paneling, weathered blues, organic textures, and vintage nautical accents, the homeowners created a space both coastal casual yet sophisticated.

Focusing on a light and airy backdrop opened up the small kitchen while ensuring views of the harbor remained the focus. Pops of deep blue provided just enough contrast, reminiscent of the surrounding sea and sky.

With strategic renovations like fresh paint, new backsplash, updated window treatments, and open shelving, achieving this breezy look is within reach. Just keep the design light and lean into those natural wood and water motifs.

The allure of seaside living shines through in this week’s beautiful featured kitchen. It captures the essence of coastal New England through color, texture, shapes, and accessories. Breezy, timeless, and inviting, this kitchen offers endless inspiration for designers and homeowners looking to create their own beach house oasis.