Your cabinets are actually rather cottage-y with the beadboard look. I think you could change the look of the room dramatically but replacing the brick backsplash and the ultra-modern ceiling light fixture. Cup-style cabinet hardware would also give that cottage look... You could try the cabinet painting on just the open shelving unit..

You could change the back splash to a lighter color and like others have said a large centrally placed rug. Also, you could change the cabinet handles to something more suited to the beachy home you invisioned.

Changing the wall color definately was a start. Bring that color into the artwork, floor coverings, vases and shells on the cabinets for splashes. Please post after pictures, would love to see the end result.

Very Nice Kitchen. I also live at the beach but I am not into the bright pastel colors. I would paint the wall a nice light sand brown. Then I would decorate with items that have a fishing lodge feel to them. Fish made out of iron or wood, cream colored shells, colored glass bottles,and things of that nature.

I can see why you are so frustrated. But beachy doesn't always have to be sand and blue sky.The tone of these cabinets reminds me of classic mohogany wooden boats.It seems if you could find an interesting large rug in that color you could work with it. I envision working with that color-there are lots of tropical fish in all colors- and lots ot sea shells , Your room could be very stunning keeping with those 2 tones .. This is the right time of year to buy beach related items. I see them in all the stores. One other thing. The blinds on the window seems to fight the vertical lines od f the cupboard doors. Maybe a curtain would work better.

I can see why you are so frustrated. But beachy doesn't always have to be sand and blue sky.The tone of these cabinets reminds me of classic mohogany wooden boats.It seems if you could find an interesting large rug in that color you could work with it. I envision working with that color-there are lots of tropical fish in all colors- and lots ot sea shells , that your room could be very stunning. This is the right time of year to buy beach related items. I see them in all the stores.

I can see why you are so frustrated. But beachy doesn't always have to be sand and blue sky.The tone of these cabinets reminds me of classic mohogany wooden boats.It seems if you could find an interesting large rug in that color you could work with it. I envision working with that color-there are lots of tropical fish in all colors- and lots ot sea shells , that your room could be very stunning. This is the right time of year to buy beach related items. I see them in all the stores.

it's a great space, just feels like it needs to be lightened up. must change your husband's mind and have those cabinets professionally painted!