Trebarwith Beach Style Kitchen, Wiltshire

“The windows were much smaller in the original plans,” Graver says. “We turned the process on its head and planned the fixtures and fittings first, before redesigning the windows around the kitchen, to ensure the room has a sense of symmetry.” Built-in floor-to-ceiling cabinets between the windows conceal a fridge-freezer, as well as storage to ensure clutter is kept out of sight. The burnt-oak flooring — used throughout the house — is another practical solution. It conceals cozy underfloor heating for when the temperature dips.

8. Sky blue is beachy. It doesn’t get much more coastal than a simple blue and white color scheme. For a twist, try using sky blue in a less-expected place — like beneath the kitchen island, as shown here, or on the ceiling. For a budget-friendly beach makeover, collect mismatched wood chairs at yard sales and give them all a coat of white paint; once they’re dry, paint just halfway up the chair legs sky blue.

Sky Blue and WhiteA blue sky with white fluffy clouds is a classically beautiful sight we could stare at all day. One of the reasons sky blue and white are such a powerful pair is that bright blues help white appear extra-white, meaning white cabinetry or porcelain will look simply striking.Another reason is that the combination looks so natural that the blue can almost go unnoticed. The supersaturated sky blue shown here isn’t overbearing, and the room still ultimately feels like a coveted “white kitchen.”Blue paint: Cook’s Blue, Farrow & Ball; cabinet paint: Wimborne White, Farrow & BallSee more eye-catching blue islands

7. Watery Hue Makes a SplashThe sea just beyond the front door inspired designer Stephen Graver to paint the base of this kitchen island. And even though the island is double-width, the color doesn’t overwhelm the room. All that extra space gives the family a ton of storage, as well as space for three barstools and a hidden dishwasher. Island paint: Parma Gray, Farrow & BallSee more of this kitchenYour turn: Do you have a colorful kitchen island? Tell us what color it is and share a photo of it in the Comments.More on Houzz9 Tips for Creating an Inviting White KitchenHouzz TV: Let’s Go Island HoppingFind a kitchen designerShop for kitchen islands

Really like the light blue accents - center island, love the light pendants

Deep window sill allowing for plants

Unexpected peek of blue under bar