Paint those cabinets white!! That will really help soften it up and add an airier feel :)

Start with the lighting and update all those ceiling mounted fixtures. Bring in some natural woven shades.

What about some white duck cushions on the chairs and white accessories on the countertops.

Perhaps even matchstick blinds on the windows.

We haven't closed yet, so everything here is his. New stools and window treatments definitely in order! Seems a crime to paint the cabinets, but I think it may have to happen.

Before painting cabinets, I would look at lighter wall color, natural textured blinds, new lighting, possibly new countertops.

Any blue, aqua, teal and blue/green family of colors with white. a few choice accessories. Fabrics of linen, cotton and wovens. Bamboo, rattan. and natural woods. Organic materials.

Sea glass, colored glass, seashells and coral. etc

If you are going to keep the dark cabinets, I think some white bead board would help. I would change out those dark countertops, though.

You've already got a good start. The chairs. and paint seem blue. Just keep building what you like. It will come together. Only repaint the cabinets if need but can work around them. Coastal doesn't always mean white cabinetry.

Add a few black touches to tie in the counters. Use black frames for art. A black vase with seaweed.

Some ideas

a few beach accessories on top of the cabinets with the recommended matchstick blinds, glass back splash, beach color walls and new bar stools will make a big difference. Consider a different ceiling fan and a sea grass rug and your wood tone cabinets may be fine..

If you change the countertops to a light granite, it will brighten up the kitchen. You could also use Pompeii stone (similar product to sile or Caesar stone). They have one with pieces of seashell in it. It's neutral, also and would pop against those cabinets. I attached a picture from a showroom that has dark cabinets with the Pompeii stone.

My Florida neighbor did a West Indies look and it was fabulous! Made me want to redo my place.

Congratulations on the new vacation home! Window treatments are definitely an affordable way to spruce up any room. I would recommend something like a Hunter Douglas Woven Wood Shade. They come in a variety of woven textures. Everything from grassy to bamboo materials and they will definitely give you that tropical feeling.

If you have a good view you might want to keep it on the windows and just use Roman shades in a white; but if not white shutters might help with the look. Love the cabinets.

Another way to get in the mood is by having coastal accessories! I would go to Etsy.com and use their search engine and input "coastal" , "beach", "nautical" and other terms to see what comes up.

Also, try photography to put you in the mood. It is very realistic and uplifting. I cannot tell what part of the country you are located; but, I have a photography shop on Etsy.com, nancyhehmann is the name and work with a nationally recognized photo lab. You can order any image in any size or on Canvas or metal by contacting me. I would determine the cost and do a custom listing for you. I will post some coastal images but have many more.

I have a shore house as well, but not into the "shorey" decor. I think a light countertop would do the trick, along with painting the walls. This is a picture of my kitchen at the shore...

I definitely would keep cabinets as they are. I just painted my cabinets in shore home because cabinets were in desperate need. It is multi steps and a lot of work. White are hard to keep clean. Go with accessories to make coastal feel.

I like the recommendation of painting the kitchen and connected area an aqua. I think you should consider installing a backsplash. Our Pearl Subway tile would be perfect- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/products/mosaic-tiles/colors/subway/

I also think the coral patterned pillows and area rugs would be a great addition. You can play off the coral and starfish with your decorating and accessories.

Consider replacing the white drapes with something coral themed as well. All of these simple updates seem very cost-friendly.

Good luck!

You don't have to change your cabinets if you don't want too, they are very nice.. just add touches or make minor changes to get the feel or the look of a coastal kitchen.

Coastal ideas from Houzz pages:

( decor ideas)

( work on the kitchen Island)

What about looking at our brightly colored GEOS Recycled Glass Surfaces? We even have two colors with shells in them!

The recycled glass above would be so gorgeous. From what I could see in the picture it looks like your countertops are a bit dated anyway.

A few beach glass inspirations...

I would go with sand colored walls and natural linen drapes as well as natural shades. For accent colors, deep corals and blues and greens.

lose those net curtains ..... lighting must go... lighten the cabinets with Annie Sloan paint... and have a good time.

DEAD THREAD - 6/12/13