How To Make Seafoam Green Cabinets Work In Your Kitchen
With its calming, ocean-inspired hue, it's no wonder seafoam green is having a major moment in kitchen design. This soothing color evokes tranquil vibes of coastal living. It's the perfect way to bring beach house style into your own kitchen!
But successfully incorporating seafoam green cabinetry requires some intentional design choices. The shade can go from serene to overwhelming without the right complementary elements. Follow this guide to ensure your seafoam green kitchen exudes breezy, beautiful style.
Overview of Seafoam Green for Kitchens
Seafoam green has been favored in home decor for decades, but its popularity surged in the 1950s and 60s. During the bohemian and midcentury modern movements, seafoam green hues were widely embraced in textiles, wall paints, and furnishings.
Today, seafoam green is back in a big way. Its soothing psychological effects explain the color’s appeal. Green is known to symbolize renewal and relaxation. Seafoam green adds an airy, oceanic quality. Surrounding yourself with this hue creates feelings of tranquility and balance.
In the kitchen, seafoam green cabinets lend a coastal charm. Especially paired with breezy whites and natural materials, the look is understated yet beachy. Seafoam green provides a more subtle take than bolder turquoise hues.
Design Considerations for Seafoam Green Kitchens
Complementary Colors and Materials
Seafoam green has a versatility that allows it to coordinate with a wide range of materials and finishes. Crisp whites help preserve the peaceful essence of the hue. Soft greys add refined contrast, while oak and other wood tones lend warmth.
For hardware like knobs and pulls, opt for brushed metals like nickel or chrome. These pair better with the vintage vibe than stark stainless steel. Try quartz or marble for countertops to echo the color palette of the shoreline. A white subway tile backsplash keeps the look light and bright.
Lighting for Seafoam Green Kitchens
Abundant natural lighting will make any kitchen feel more open and airy. For fixtures, look for antique nickel or champagne gold finishes rather than cool metals to complement seafoam cabinets.
Coastal and vintage inspired pendants, sconces, and chandeliers enhance the beach house aesthetic. Seek out pieces that incorporate natural materials like woven textures, shells, or driftwood accents.
Flooring Options with Seafoam Green Cabinets
With seafoam green cabinets, you’ll want to keep the floors light to prevent a dark, closed-in feeling. Light hardwoods like oak or birch work nicely, as do painted or whitewashed woods.
For tile, look for neutral tones or patterns that evoke the beach, like shapes mimicking seaglass and shells. Simple porcelain or ceramic tiles also coordinate well. Vinyl plank flooring is a durable and affordable option in coastal-inspired colors.
Furniture and Decor
Incorporate pieces that reinforce the laidback, beachy motif. An island or peninsula with a quartz or butcher block top makes a great gathering spot. Add woven barstools for texture. Open shelving provides breezy storage for decorative beach finds.
Finally, adorn your seafoam green kitchen with accessories like shells, weathered wood signs, potted plants, and ceramic vases. Embrace the colors of the sea and shore to complete the coastal kitchen of your dreams.
Should You Paint or Buy New Seafoam Green Cabinets?
Painting Considerations
One budget-friendly route for achieving the look is painting your existing cabinetry. First, prepare cabinets by cleaning thoroughly, sanding, and priming. Oil-based primers work best on laminates and wood.
When choosing paint, select a high-quality formula made specifically for cabinetry. Oil-based enamels offer a smooth, durable finish. Work in layers using thin coats, sanding lightly between each. Allow proper dry time between coats.
Buying New Seafoam Green Cabinets
For a seamless look, consider new cabinetry in your seafoam green shade. Custom cabinets offer full creative control but have higher costs and longer lead times.
Semi-custom provides flexibility within preset cabinet sizes and configurations. Stock cabinetry is the most budget-friendly option but offers the least customization.
Talk to designers about finishes and wood species. Painted cabinets have a more vintage vibe, while wood stains add organic warmth. Coordinate delivery and installation carefully.
Design Inspiration for Seafoam Green Kitchens
By Kitchen Layout
Seafoam green adapts well to most kitchen configurations. For galley kitchens, use a darker island color to keep the narrow space feeling light and open. In an L-shaped design, try seafoam on bottom cabinets and crisp white uppers.
The beachy hue pairs nicely with stainless appliances in modern designs. You can also give an industrial edge by pairing it with black accents and finishes.
By Decor Style
Of course, seafoam green has a natural coastal appeal. But it also works in vintage kitchens, especially with painted or distressed cabinet finishes. For contemporary spaces, opt for sleeker lines and metallic accents.
The hue can even bring a playful, retro flair to midcentury kitchens. Pair with cork floors and woven textures to complete the look.
Real World Examples
To see how designers have successfully incorporated seafoam green cabinetry, look to sites like Houzz. Browse photos of completed kitchens showcasing the trendy hue across various styles.
Note how they used lighting, counters, hardware, and decor to complement the look. Draw inspiration from your favorite examples as you envision your own space.
FAQ
What colors complement seafoam green cabinets?
Light neutrals like white, light grey, and natural wood tones beautifully accent the peaceful, beachy hue of seafoam. Warm metallics like brushed nickel and chrome also pair nicely.
What kind of paint finish works best?
A high-gloss finish offers a smooth, reflective sheen that highlights the seafoam color. Satin or eggshell finishes provide a bit more muted effect.
Can I mix and match cabinet colors?
Absolutely. Pairing seafoam lowers or bases with crisp white uppers is a great way to break up the color. Or use white perimeter cabinets with a seafoam island.
With its soothing, oceanic vibe, seafoam green is an alluring choice for kitchen cabinetry. By thoughtfully selecting complementary elements like finishes, hardware, lighting, and decor, you can design a space that feels cohesive and beachy.
Keep the overall palette tranquil and natural. Texture and driftwood or shell accents emphasize the coastal motif. With smart planning and design, seafoam green kitchen cabinets can bring you a taste of peaceful, vacation-style living every day.