A Massachusetts seaside home provided the perfect canvas for a kitchen that combines glamour with coastal inspiration. Designed by PKsurroundings and crafted by Kountry Kraft Custom Cabinetry, this space balances elegance, functionality, and ocean-inspired details. The result is a kitchen that delights homeowners who love to entertain, offering both timeless appeal and thoughtful innovations.

The project began with the homeowner’s vision: an elegant, light-filled kitchen inspired by the beach just beyond her door. She asked for cabinetry that captured the softness of ocean colors while integrating shiny, glamorous details. The design team carefully translated these ideas into a kitchen that serves as both the heart of daily living and the centerpiece of social gatherings.

A Coastal Palette with Custom Cabinetry

The foundation of this seaside kitchen is its cabinetry — Penn Line style crafted in hard maple with Amesbury Hybrid inset doors. These doors feature precise joinery and refined edges, ensuring a timeless look that is both traditional and fresh. Inset cabinetry requires skilled craftsmanship, as every door must sit perfectly flush with the frame, and Kountry Kraft’s artisans are known for delivering this precision.

The perimeter is painted in Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist, a soft gray that provides warmth without heaviness. This shade keeps the kitchen bright and inviting, complementing natural light throughout the day. The island contrasts with Benjamin Moore Greyhound, a muted teal with sea-glass undertones. The Greyhound finish ties the cabinetry to the surrounding coastal landscape, recalling ocean waves and the muted greens of seagrass.

This combination of pale gray and muted teal cabinetry establishes the mood of the entire kitchen: tranquil, glamorous, and deeply connected to its seaside setting.

Hardware That Elevates the Design

While paint establishes the color palette, the hardware adds sparkle. The design incorporates two finishes deliberately chosen for contrast and balance.

• Perimeter Hardware: Polished nickel pulls with soft curves mirror the arched lines in the backsplash and hood. Their reflective surface enhances the cool tones of Balboa Mist cabinetry, bringing light and clarity to the perimeter.
• Island Hardware: Rose-gold pulls highlight the Greyhound finish, creating a bold statement. Rose gold has become a hallmark of glamorous kitchens, offering warmth without overpowering other design elements.

By mixing metals, the design achieves a layered look. Polished nickel reflects the crispness of the sea breeze, while rose gold evokes the glow of sunset on the horizon. Together, they infuse the kitchen with subtle luxury.

A Pantry That Becomes a Showpiece

One of the standout features is the pantry. Large double doors fitted with rose-gold mesh inserts immediately draw the eye, transforming what could have been a hidden utility into a design highlight. The mesh offers texture and shimmer, while the rose-gold tone links the pantry to the island hardware and wet bar.

Inside, shimmering teal wall tile and gray-stained oak shelving create an unexpected moment of beauty. The pantry provides ample storage, but it also enhances the overall aesthetic. Every time the doors open, the homeowner is greeted with an interior that feels as curated as the rest of the kitchen.

To the right, a fully integrated refrigerator blends into the perimeter cabinetry. Its seamless design allows the pantry doors to remain the focal point, proving that functional elements need not disrupt the elegance of the space.

Marble Countertops and a Curved Backsplash

The countertops are Bianco Neve polished marble, chosen for their sparkle and light-catching qualities. Marble has long been associated with timeless luxury, and here it provides a soft reflective surface that enhances the coastal palette. Each slab was selected for its veining and subtle shimmer, ensuring that the counters remain a focal point without overwhelming the cabinetry finishes.

The backsplash is equally distinctive. Crafted from white marble tiles with sea-hued glass inlays, it forms a delicate quatrefoil pattern. The curves of this pattern echo throughout the kitchen — in the custom hood, the polished nickel pulls, and even the pendant lighting. By repeating this motif, the design achieves harmony, guiding the eye across the space in a gentle rhythm.

The backsplash also bridges function and artistry. It protects the wall from cooking splatters while serving as a decorative canvas that enhances the homeowner’s love of ocean-inspired details.

A Multifunctional Island Anchored in Style

The kitchen’s island is both a workhorse and a showpiece. Painted in Greyhound and accented with rose-gold hardware, it commands attention without overwhelming the room. Its Bianco Neve marble top provides generous workspace for food preparation, serving, and casual dining.

A structural column once threatened to interrupt the island’s design. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, the design team transformed it into an opportunity. The column was concealed within a whitewashed, wood-textured surround, which now anchors a polished nickel and glass shelving unit. This shelving serves as both function and décor, displaying glassware and collectibles while reinforcing the kitchen’s elegant atmosphere.

The island also includes ample storage, with deep drawers and cabinets that keep cooking tools within easy reach. Its layout supports both everyday cooking and larger gatherings, making it essential to the flow of the kitchen.

Lighting That Complements the Setting

Lighting was chosen with equal care. Above the island, two oversized teardrop glass pendants provide sparkle while maintaining openness. Their polished nickel mounts echo the perimeter hardware, reinforcing cohesion.

Recessed ceiling lights provide even illumination across work areas, ensuring that tasks can be completed with ease regardless of the time of day. Natural light streams through windows dressed with subtle Roman shades, further enhancing the room’s seaside character.

Together, the lighting plan ensures that the kitchen feels bright, airy, and welcoming — day or night.

Flooring and Finishing Touches

Underfoot, light-toned natural wood flooring anchors the kitchen, complementing the cabinetry finishes and reflecting the coastal location. The soft grain of the wood adds warmth, preventing the marble and metallic finishes from feeling too formal.

Accessories tie the design together. Aqua-tinted glassware sits atop the island, catching the light like sea glass. Fresh flowers introduce seasonal color. Decorative accents such as coral and ceramic bowls nod to the ocean beyond the walls. Every detail reinforces the homeowner’s request for a space that feels both glamorous and inspired by its setting.

The Design Process Behind the Glamour

The success of this kitchen lies in the collaboration between the homeowner, PKsurroundings, and Kountry Kraft. The homeowner expressed her desire for elegance, sparkle, and a coastal connection. PKsurroundings translated this vision into architectural drawings and material selections, while Kountry Kraft executed the cabinetry with exacting precision.

The process included detailed color matching to ensure that Balboa Mist and Greyhound created the right balance. Hardware samples were evaluated under natural and artificial light to confirm their reflective qualities. The pantry interior was carefully designed to delight, offering a surprise element that elevates daily use.

By combining vision, design expertise, and craftsmanship, the team delivered a kitchen that exceeded expectations.

Functionality in Everyday Living

While glamorous, the kitchen is also practical. The inset cabinetry provides maximum storage efficiency, with carefully planned drawers and pullouts. The island’s layout supports multiple users, making it easy for family members to cook, serve, and gather simultaneously.

The pantry ensures that bulk goods and small appliances are stored neatly, reducing clutter in the main kitchen. Meanwhile, the wet bar keeps drinks and glassware separate, allowing the main counters to remain available for cooking and serving.

This thoughtful distribution of function allows the homeowner to transition effortlessly from quiet mornings to bustling evening gatherings.

Coastal Kitchen Trends in Massachusetts

This project reflects larger design trends in Massachusetts and other coastal areas. Homeowners are increasingly seeking kitchens that combine custom cabinetry with coastal palettes. Muted greens, grays, and teals are popular, as they echo the colors of the shoreline. At the same time, glamorous metallics such as rose gold and polished nickel are being used to elevate coastal kitchens beyond the casual cottage look.

Custom cabinets in Massachusetts homes also reflect a preference for maximizing space. Pantries, multifunctional islands, and secondary wet bars are becoming common features. These elements not only add convenience but also create focal points that increase a home’s value.

By embracing these trends, this seaside kitchen demonstrates how design can balance practicality with artistry.

Related Inspiration and Cabinetry Projects

This project demonstrates how Kountry Kraft’s custom cabinetry can bring a homeowner’s vision to life, no matter the style or location. For additional inspiration, explore this custom walnut bathroom vanity in Exeter, NH or discover Custom Kitchen Remodel in Edgewater Maryland. Each project reflects the versatility of Kountry Kraft cabinetry across different spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of custom cabinets in Massachusetts coastal homes?

Custom cabinets withstand local conditions like humidity and salt air better than stock cabinetry. Kountry Kraft’s use of premium hardwoods and durable finishes ensures longevity. In this kitchen, the Balboa Mist and Greyhound paints were applied in a controlled environment, allowing the finishes to resist chipping, fading, and warping even in a seaside climate. Incorporating ocean-inspired palettes blend the local landscapes, ensuring longevity and aesthetic harmony in high-moisture areas like Cape Cod or Nantucket.

How do inset cabinets differ from overlay cabinets?

Inset cabinets sit flush with the frame, creating a seamless, furniture-like appearance. Overlay cabinets, by contrast, sit on top of the frame. Inset requires more precision and results in a clean, high-end aesthetic. The Amesbury Hybrid doors used here combine traditional style with a fresh edge, proving that inset cabinetry can be both classic and contemporary.

Why were Balboa Mist and Greyhound chosen for this kitchen?

The homeowner wanted colors inspired by the ocean. Balboa Mist provides a versatile neutral that reflects light without looking stark, while Greyhound introduces muted teal tones that connect the home to its coastal location. These choices also coordinate beautifully with rose-gold and polished nickel hardware.

What countertop material works best for a glamorous yet functional kitchen?

Bianco Neve polished marble offers elegance and sparkle while the veining echoes ocean waves. Though it requires maintenance, such as sealing and gentle cleaning, its reflective qualities cannot be matched by engineered alternatives. In this project, marble enhances both the glamorous and coastal aspects of the design.

How can hardware finishes transform a kitchen design?

Hardware is often called the “jewelry” of the kitchen. By combining polished nickel and rose gold, the designers added depth and interest. Each finish highlights different cabinetry tones, and together they ensure the kitchen avoids a flat or monochromatic appearance. Mix metals for depth, testing samples under varying lights to ensure they complement coastal tones without clashing, as seen in this project’s balanced sparkle.

What role did the pantry play in this design?

The pantry became a focal point rather than just a utility. The rose-gold mesh inserts introduced glamour, while the teal interior created a hidden surprise by reducing main kitchen clutter. Beyond storage, it serves as a design element that wows both the homeowner and her guests.

How was a structural post integrated into the island design?

The post was enclosed in a whitewashed surround, then used as a support for polished nickel and glass shelving. This solution turned a functional necessity into an opportunity to showcase creativity. It also added visual height and display space without overwhelming the island’s footprint.

How to incorporate coastal trends into custom kitchen cabinets?

Incorporate coastal trends into custom kitchen cabinets by using muted teals and grays for tranquility, adding curved backsplashes with quatrefoil patterns for rhythmic flow, and multifunctional islands with concealed columns. This balances glamour with practicality, reflecting shoreline influences like seagrass greens.

Why choose custom cabinets in Massachusetts instead of stock cabinetry?

Stock cabinetry comes in fixed sizes and limited finishes. Custom cabinets, like those from Kountry Kraft, are tailored to the exact dimensions and style preferences of the home. For coastal homes with unique layouts or specific environmental challenges, custom cabinetry ensures both durability and design flexibility.

How do I maintain the polished marble countertops?

Seal marble surfaces regularly to protect against staining. For daily care, use a pH-neutral cleaner and soft cloth. Avoid acidic substances such as lemon juice or vinegar, as these can etch the stone. With proper care, marble maintains its beauty for decades.

About the Designer: PKsurroundings

PKsurroundings, based in Exeter, New Hampshire, designed this Massachusetts seaside kitchen. Known for blending timeless craftsmanship with modern functionality, the firm creates kitchens that reflect each client’s lifestyle and home architecture. Their portfolio includes projects across New England, with a reputation for elegance and attention to detail. Visit their website to see more of their work, or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.

About Kountry Kraft

Founded in 1959, Kountry Kraft Custom Cabinetry has grown from a small family workshop into a nationally recognized manufacturer. Every cabinet is built to order in Newmanstown, Pennsylvania, by skilled craftsmen who combine traditional techniques with modern technology. Kountry Kraft distributes cabinetry through a network of authorized designers across the United States.

Discover how Kountry Kraft can bring your dream kitchen to life. Contact us through our online form or call our team at (610) 589-4575 to begin your project.