Blue Cabinets with White Backsplash Bring Coastal Vibes

Blue cabinets paired with a white backsplash can create a light, airy, and beachy vibe in your kitchen. This color combination is a popular choice for evoking relaxed coastal style. Here’s how to use blue cabinets and a white backsplash to bring breezy coastal vibes into your home.

Choosing the Right Shades

When selecting the blue for your cabinets, opt for light and bright rather than dark and dramatic. Soft, pale blues like powder blue, sky blue, or robin’s egg blue will keep things feeling calm and peaceful. For the backsplash, stick with crisp clean white in a matte finish to contrast with the blue cabinets. White will also help reflect light around the room.

Some specific blue and white pairings to consider:

Powder blue cabinets with pure white subway tile backsplash
Pale robin’s egg blue cabinets with white hexagon tile backsplash
Sky blue cabinets with classic white marble slab backsplash

Accent Colors that Enhance the Coastal Look

While blue and white might be the stars of the show, don’t be afraid to incorporate some accent colors to really capture that beachy style.

Sandy beiges and light taupes on the walls will evoke a subtle beach palette.
Touches of coral or salmon will remind you of sea shells washed up on the sand.
Accent with shades of green like sea glass green or aqua to conjure the colors of the ocean.
Bring in weathered woods, rope textures, or rattan for organic coastal elements.

Backsplash Designs for Coastal Style

The design of your white backsplash can also help emphasize the laidback coastal vibe.

Opt for classic subway tiles or a brick pattern. The simplicity evokes old beach cottages.
Go for marble tile or slabs for an elegant beach house look. Carrara marble is a popular choice.
Choose beach glass, sea shell mosaic tiles, or scalloped tiles to mimic the textures of the seashore.
Weathered white wood adds to the coastal charm as well. Shiplap or reclaimed barn wood backsplashes pair nicely with blue cabinets.

Coastal Inspired Hardware and Fixtures

Don’t stop with just the blue cabinets and white backsplash. Complete the look with hardware and fixtures that really capture the essence of the seaside.

Anchor the space with nautical rope handles or knobs on those blue cabinets.
Opt for an oversized pendant light or rattan chandelier to mimic a beach hut vibe.
Incorporate reclaimed wood shelves or open shelving for displaying beach treasures.
Include touches of woven seagrass or wicker baskets for storage.

Tips for Achieving Balance

It’s easy to go overboard with the beachy elements. Be sure to find balance so the space still functions as an elegant kitchen.

Stick with one or two main coastal colors rather than going crazy with lots of competing shades.
Anchor the space with timeless white countertops like marble or quartz.
Use beach-inspired touches in moderation as accents against classic simple cabinetry.
Incorporate modern stainless steel appliances rather than retro pieces that might make the kitchen feel too themed.

Final Thoughts

Blue cabinets and a white backsplash can come together to create a light, watery, and beachy feel. For the most relaxed vibe, stick with soft cool blue tones paired with bright clean white backsplashes. Incorporate natural and ocean-inspired textures and accent colors for a polished coastal kitchen. Just be sure not to overdo it on the beach theme. Keep things crisp and classic by balancing out the breezy elements with simple modern touches. Use these tips to create a coastal kitchen oasis while still maintaining a functional and elegant space.

How do you choose the right blue for coastal-style cabinets?

When selecting a blue for coastal-style cabinets, it’s best to go with soft, light blue hues that evoke the colors of the beach and sky. Some of the best shades to consider are powder blue, icy blue, pale robin’s egg blue, or a muted teal. Deeper blues can come across as nautical rather than beachy. Stay away from bold primary blues and instead pick muted, weathered, or grayish blues for a relaxed vibe.

What type of white backsplash tile works best with blue cabinets?

Crisp, clean white backsplash tiles create the perfect contrast against blue cabinets. Subway tiles, marble, or classic hexagon patterns are ideal. Stay away from heavily veined or off-white tiles, which can look dingy against blue. Shiny glossy tiles also work better than matte when paired with blue cabinets, helping reflect light around the kitchen. A combination of white marble slabs for an upscale look or white penny tiles for vintage charm is lovely with powder blue cabinets.

What are some coastal inspired backsplash ideas to go with blue and white kitchens?

Here are some coastal-inspired backsplash ideas that complement blue and white kitchens beautifully:

Light blue and white moroccan fish scale tiles
White shiplap planks stained in a driftwood gray wash
Weathered white subway tiles for a vintage beach cottage feel
White marble slabs with subtle blue gray veining
White kitchen wall tiles decorated with sparse pale blue sea glass accents
White penny round tiles laid in a herringbone pattern for texture
White beadboard arranged in a geometric design for a beach house look

What color hardware and fixtures work well in coastal kitchens?

For hardware and fixtures in a coastal kitchen, opt for ones that have a weathered, beachy, or nautical vibe:

Rope or jute handles
Aged brass or bronze pulls
Shell or starfish knobs
Reclaimed driftwood shelves
Galvanized metal light pendants
Woven sea grass baskets for storage
Rattan or wicker lampshades
Ceramic pieces glazed in soft beachy hues

The key is to incorporate textures, colors, and materials that reference the sea, sand, and shoreline. Stay away from anything too shiny or polished to keep that relaxed style.

What are some tips for finding the right balance in a coastal blue and white kitchen?

Here are some tips for balancing a coastal blue and white kitchen:

Anchor the space with neutral countertops like white quartz.
Limit beachy accents to one or two statement pieces like a mosaic backsplash or pendant light.
Mix in some sleek modern stainless steel appliances rather than only using vintage elements.
Stick with clean lines for the cabinets rather than overly ornate detailing.
Use white dishes rather than colorful Fiestaware that might make the space overwhelming.
Incorporate non-coastal decor like plants or modern art so the space doesn’t feel one-dimensional.
Choose cozy textured rugs rather than flip flop or coral prints.

The overall effect should feel inspired by the seaside but not overly thematic. Keeping some elements simple, modern, and elegant creates balance.