Part 2: Choosing the Right Door Style & Finish (Coastal Kitchen Series)
[This is Part 2 in a 3-part series - check out Part 1 here!]
Once we’ve established how the kitchen needs to function, the next step is selecting cabinet door styles and finishes that will give the space the right look and feel. In a beach house or second home, I like to keep things clean, timeless, and light-filled - without feeling too formal or too rustic.
Best Cabinet Door Styles for a Coastal Kitchen
The cabinet door style plays a huge role in defining the overall look of the kitchen. Here are the ones I recommend most for a beach house:
Shaker (Classic or Shallow) – A simple, timeless option that works in almost any home. Classic Shaker has a slightly deeper recessed panel, giving it a subtle shadow line and a more traditional look. Shallow Shaker has a shallower panel, making it feel a little more streamlined and modern.
Inset Cabinets – A more tailored and custom look where the cabinet doors sit flush with the frame, rather than on top of it. This style gives the kitchen a refined, high-end feel but does come with a higher price point due to the precision needed for installation.
Slab-Front Cabinetry – A clean, minimalist option that works well when mixed with Shaker-style cabinetry. Often used for island bases or pantry walls to add a modern contrast.
Best Cabinet Colors & Finishes for a Beach House Kitchen
I like to keep kitchen cabinetry light and classic, avoiding anything that can feel dated over time. Here are the finishes I turn to again and again:
Painted Whites & Off-Whites
A bright, white kitchen is a staple in coastal design, but the right shade of white makes all the difference. Some of my go-to choices include:
Classic Whites:
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace – A crisp, clean white with no yellow or blue undertones.
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White – A bright white with a slightly warmer base than Chantilly Lace.
Off-Whites (Soft & Warm):
Benjamin Moore White Dove – A warm white with a hint of cream, perfect for a softer, lived-in look.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster – A warm white that reads as soft and inviting without feeling too creamy.
Stained White Oak
For a more natural, organic feel, I love using stained white oak cabinetry. It brings warmth to the space while still feeling light and airy.
A matte clear stain keeps the oak looking as natural as possible.
A custom whitewashed stain can tone down the yellow undertones while keeping the grain visible.
Best Cabinet Combinations for a Beach House Kitchen
I believe in using more than one finish throughout a kitchen - mixing cabinetry styles and finishes creates a more custom, layered look.
White Oak Lowers + Painted White Uppers – One of my favorite combinations. Stained white oak base cabinets ground the space, while crisp white uppers keep it feeling fresh and bright.
Mixed Cabinetry + Open Shelving – Incorporating a mix of closed cabinetry with open shelving (especially near windows or in corners) keeps the kitchen feeling open and airy, perfect for a beach house.
Slab-Front Pantry Cabinets with Shaker Main Cabinets – Mixing full-height, flat-panel pantry cabinetry with Shaker-style kitchen cabinets creates a beautiful contrast and gives the kitchen more visual interest.
Why it Works
Keeping the palette light and mixing textures—whether through cabinetry finishes, open shelving, or door styles—makes the space feel warm, coastal, and intentionally designed.
Choosing the right cabinetry style and finish is what brings a coastal kitchen to life—but there’s one more key piece to the puzzle. In the final post of this three-part cabinetry series, I’ll be sharing why working with the right cabinetmaker makes all the difference, from precision craftsmanship to small design tweaks that elevate the entire space.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or new build and want expert guidance in creating a home that’s both timeless and tailored to your lifestyle, I’d love to help. Send in an inquiry form to get started!