How To Choose The Right Paint Colors For A Coastal Cottage Kitchen

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Creating a coastal cottage kitchen is all about capturing the essence of a serene, natural environment. The right paint colors can significantly enhance this ambiance, making your kitchen feel light, airy, and connected to the coast. In this article, we will delve into the process of choosing the perfect paint colors for your coastal cottage kitchen, exploring various color palettes and tips to ensure you achieve that perfect coastal look.

Understanding Coastal Colors

Coastal colors are characterized by their soft, calming hues that evoke the peace and simplicity of the ocean and its surroundings. These colors often include shades reminiscent of sand, sea, and sky. When selecting paint colors for your coastal cottage kitchen, it's essential to focus on these soothing shades to create a harmonious and inviting space.

Soft Whites and Sandy Beiges

Soft whites and sandy beiges are excellent choices for creating a light and airy feel in your kitchen. These colors mimic the beachy vibes and make the space feel larger and more open. For example, Sherwin Williams' Accessible Beige is a beautiful neutral that mimics a sandy shore without being too yellow, while Benjamin Moore's Pale Oak adds warmth without closing in the space.

Oceanic Blues

Oceanic blues are another key component of coastal color palettes. These blues range from soft, muted tones to deeper, richer shades. For instance, Sherwin Williams' Krypton offers a subtle pop of color with pretty gray undertones, while Benjamin Moore's Boothbay Gray is reminiscent of beach glass with blue, gray, and green undertones. A blue-gray or navy hue for an island can bring in the tranquility of the sea, creating a beautiful contrast with white perimeter cabinets.

Muted Greens

Muted greens, such as those found in dune grass, can also add a touch of nature to your coastal cottage kitchen. These greens complement the blues and whites, creating a balanced and harmonious color scheme. For example, crisp whites paired with muted dune grass greens can ground the space without weighing it down, hinting at weathered coastal rocks and sandy shores.

Creating a Coastal Color Palette

To create a cohesive coastal color palette for your kitchen, follow these steps:

1. Start with Neutrals: Begin with soft whites or light grays on your walls to mimic the sky. This neutral base will provide a clean canvas for your other colors.
2. Add Warmth with Beiges: Introduce sandy beiges for cabinets or walls to add warmth and depth to your space. These beiges can mimic the beach right outside your window.
3. Bring in Blues: Incorporate oceanic blues for an island or accent walls to bring in the tranquility of the sea. Ensure the undertones are more neutral or gray to avoid overpowering the space.
4. Add Green Accents: Use muted greens for accessories like rugs, pillows, or even a small accent wall to add a touch of nature.

Favorite Beiges for Cabinets

• Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige: This color mimics a sandy shore without being too yellow, making it perfect for creating a warm yet neutral look.
• Benjamin Moore Pale Oak: This richer yet light enough beige keeps the space open and inviting.

Favorite Blues for Cabinets

• Sherwin Williams Krypton: This subtle blue with gray undertones adds a pop of color without overwhelming the space.
• Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray: This color is reminiscent of beach glass with blue, gray, and green undertones, making it versatile for various design elements.
• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy: This navy blue works well with beiges and grays, creating a timeless pairing that adds richness to the space without being overpowering.

Favorite Greens for Accents

• Crisp Whites and Muted Dune Grass Greens: These combinations ground the space without weighing it down, hinting at weathered coastal rocks and sandy shores.

Exterior Paint Colors for a Coastal Home

While this article focuses on interior paint colors, it's essential to consider how your exterior colors will complement your coastal cottage kitchen. Exterior paint colors should honor the natural surroundings while adding personal style. Start with light, breezy hues like soft whites, serene blues, and cool grays. These colors mimic the beachy vibes and open up the space, making your home blend beautifully with the coastal environment.

Tips for Choosing Coastal Paint Colors

1. Observe What You Love: Collect inspiration pictures from Pinterest, magazines, and library books. Analyze these pictures to discover recurring themes, such as watery blues and crisp whites.
2. Take Note of Paint Colors: As you collect inspiration, take note of the paint colors that catch your eye. This will help you identify a direction for your color palette.
3. Dig Deeper: Once you've identified your direction, dig deeper to find specific colors that fit your vision. For example, if you love blue, study different shades to find the perfect one for your space.
4. Relax: Remember that it's just paint, and if you're not satisfied with the color once it's on the wall, you can always change it. This mindset can help alleviate decorating paralysis.

Popular Coastal Paint Colors

Several popular paint colors are often used in coastal cottage kitchens. Here are some of the most recommended colors:

• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace: A crisp white that ties everything together and gives a fresh, clean finish reminiscent of coastal cottages.
• Sherwin Williams Sea Salt: A soft, neutral color that works well in kitchens with plenty of natural light.
• Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge: A blue-gray paint color that is more pigmented than Sea Salt but still neutral enough to work in a living room or kitchen.
• Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue: A popular choice for painting front porch ceilings, especially in the south, due to its light and airy feel.
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter: A neutral coastal paint color that works well in rooms with plenty of natural light but may not be as effective in spaces with less light.

Earthy Coastal Paint Colors

For those who prefer an earthier look, muted greens and blues can create a beautiful palette. For example, Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray paired with muted greens can introduce a natural element to your space without overwhelming it. Earthy coastal colors often include shades like Boothbay Gray and Edgecomb Gray, which add depth and balance to your color scheme.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint colors for your coastal cottage kitchen involves understanding the essence of coastal living and selecting colors that evoke serenity and simplicity. By starting with neutral bases like soft whites or light grays, adding warmth with sandy beiges, bringing in blues for an island or accent walls, and incorporating muted greens for accents, you can create a harmonious and inviting space that feels connected to the coast. Remember to observe what you love, take note of paint colors, dig deeper to find specifics, and relax knowing that it's just paint. With these tips and popular coastal paint colors in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful coastal cottage kitchen that you'll love for years to come.