Over the past few years, we’ve seen a shift away from the cool blue gray shades that defined the 2010s, as homeowners started leaning into warmer tones. But recently, something interesting has been happening. Some of our past coastal kitchens featuring those same blue gray shades are starting to feel fresh again, especially when paired with today’s more natural finishes.
A big reason for this shift is the rise of beige colors. These warmer neutrals bring a softer, more lived-in feel to a space and help balance out cooler tones. When combined with calming blues and subtle greens, they create a beachy aesthetic that feels both relaxed and timeless.
Even though our projects are based in Massachusetts, you don’t need to live in a coastal home to achieve this look. With the right mix of tones, including some of our favorite Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint colors, you can create a space that feels light, inviting, and effortlessly coastal.
1.) Revere Pewter HC-172
The perfect greige, Revere Pewter bridges warm beige colors and soft gray tones. It’s a very versatile choice for coastal kitchens and pairs beautifully with both warm blues and cooler tones.
2.) Escape Gray SW 6185
Escape Gray by Sherwin Williams is a soft gray with a subtle green undertone that has just enough color to stand out.
This color pairs beautifully with light countertops and natural finishes. Below, see how we used it on the cabinets in this kitchen pantry.
See more of this project: New Home for a New Generation
3.) Oystershell 864
Oystershell is the perfect light beige color, adding warmth without taking away from all the natural light.
We chose this color for the walls in a dining room shown below. It pairs beautifully with the crisp white wainscoting and statement chandelier, giving the space that soft, elevated coastal aesthetic that feels calm and elegant.
4.) Quiet Moments 1563
Quiet Moments is one of the most calming blue colors, blending soft green and blue gray shades. It’s perfect for bathrooms or bedrooms where you want a peaceful coastal aesthetic.
5.) Palladian Blue HC-144
Palladian Blue is a very popular shade with sea green undertones that feels fresh, airy, and timeless.
We used this color in a laundry room renovation for the sink cabinets to bring in a soft pop of color without overpowering the space. I absolutely love how it looks paired with the hammered copper sink.
See more of this project: Old Charm Laundry Room Remodel
6.) Beach Glass 1564
This paint color is a dustier version of Palladian Blue, making it a more neutral option. Beach Glass is a calming color that resembles exactly it’s name, beach glass! I’d say it’d be the perfect choice for a kitchen or bathroom.
7.) Kentucky Haze AC-16
This soft, muted blue green tone feels calm and coastal without being too bold.
Shown below, we used Kentucky Haze on the wainscoting in this bathroom paired with a textured grasscloth wallpaper. It adds just enough contrast and dimension to elevate the space.
See more of this project: The Morrison Project
8.) Rain SW 6219
Rain is a muted, chalky blue paint with a soft, airy quality that works beautifully in a coastal home. It’s one of our favorite Sherwin Williams paint colors for creating a beautiful beachy aesthetic.
9.) Colorado Gray 2136-50
Colorado Gray is a close Benjamin Moore color match to Sherwin Williams Rain. It’s a medium-toned blue gray with a soft, chalky, and dusty blue hue. This is another timeless choice that would look great in any room.
10.) Britannia Blue 1623
This deep paint color is a rich, dramatic choice that works beautifully for a navy blue kitchen wall or bold built-ins. It’s one of the most striking blue gray color names for adding depth to a coastal home. This looks absolutely gorgeous in contrast with white countertops and trim.
See how we used it for the kitchen island cabinets in a project below, with quartz counters, matte black hardware, and clear glass pendant lights.
See more of this project: Addition by Subtraction
If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your space, this is your sign to lean into it in 2026!
Mixing blue gray shades with warm beige colors is one of the easiest ways to create that beachy aesthetic that feels current, but still timeless. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’re always here to help guide you through it.
