9 Maine Kitchens That Capture Coastal Charm
Maine kitchens have a special way of bringing the ocean’s magic indoors. With their weathered woods, bright spaces, and nautical touches, these cooking spaces feel like a breath of salty sea air. Whether whipping up a simple breakfast or hosting a seaside feast, each kitchen tells its own story of Maine’s relaxed, coastal lifestyle. Let’s explore nine beautiful Maine kitchens that perfectly capture that coastal charm we all love.
1. Lobster Trap Island
An actual vintage lobster trap serves as the base for this kitchen island! Topped with reclaimed dock wood, this conversation starter brings authentic fishing heritage right into the heart of the home.
The weathered patina tells stories of days spent on choppy waters. Paired with navy blue cabinets and brass hardware that mimics ship fittings, this kitchen feels like stepping aboard a classic Maine fishing vessel.
2. Porthole Windows & Ocean Views
Morning light streams through actual ship portholes repurposed as kitchen windows. The round brass frames contrast beautifully against white shiplap walls, creating perfect frames for ocean glimpses.
Below the windows, a farmhouse sink offers plenty of space for cleaning the day’s catch. The homeowners found the portholes at a maritime salvage yard in Portland, giving this kitchen authentic seafaring character.
3. Driftwood Open Shelving
Forget standard cabinetry! This kitchen showcases open shelving crafted from driftwood collected along Maine’s rocky shores. Each piece bears unique patterns carved by years in the salt water.
White dishes and clear glassware pop against the silvery-gray wood tones. The homeowner spent three summers gathering just the right pieces, creating shelves that bring the beach right into their cooking space.
4. Buoy Color Explosion
Who says coastal kitchens must be all white and blue? This playful space takes inspiration from colorful fishing buoys with cabinet doors painted in vibrant reds, yellows, and greens.
A collection of authentic lobster buoys hangs from exposed ceiling beams, adding whimsy overhead. The color scheme might seem bold, but against crisp white walls and countertops, it creates the perfect balance of fun and function.
5. Captain’s Galley Charm
Stepping into this narrow but efficient kitchen feels like entering a ship’s galley! Compact by design, every inch serves a purpose with built-in storage reminiscent of boat cabinetry.
A ship’s wheel clock hangs above a small porthole window. The brass drawer pulls came from an actual decommissioned fishing vessel, adding authentic maritime history to this functional space that proves coastal charm works in small kitchens too.
6. Lighthouse Keeper’s Kitchen
Inspired by Maine’s iconic lighthouses, this kitchen features a striking black and white color scheme. Crisp white cabinets contrast with matte black countertops and hardware, mimicking lighthouse exteriors.
The real showstopper? A custom pendant light modeled after a lighthouse beacon hangs above the island. Red accents appear sparingly throughout, just like the warning touches on a real lighthouse, creating a space that’s both functional and historically inspired.
7. Sailcloth Ceiling Treatment
Look up in this innovative kitchen to discover actual sailcloth stretched across the ceiling! The material’s gentle billowing adds movement and texture while diffusing the overhead lighting into a soft, warm glow.
Canvas ties and brass grommets secure the fabric, adding authentic sailing details. During summer months, the homeowners swap in different colored sails, bringing the changing moods of Maine’s harbors right into their cooking space.
8. Fisherman’s Net Display Wall
An entire kitchen wall covered in authentic fishing net creates a stunning textural backdrop for this coastal cooking space. Copper pots, wooden spoons, and dried herbs hang from the netting, turning everyday kitchen tools into artistic displays.
The net came from a retiring lobsterman in Bar Harbor. Sand dollars and starfish are woven throughout, adding beachy elements that catch the eye. It’s both practical storage and a celebration of Maine’s fishing heritage.
9. Sea Glass Backsplash Wonder
Years of collecting sea glass from Maine’s shores culminated in this stunning kitchen backsplash. Hundreds of frosted blue, green, and white pieces create a mosaic that catches light like the ocean’s surface.
Each piece was personally collected by the family during beach walks. The varying blues and greens shift throughout the day as natural light changes, mimicking the way Maine’s coastal waters transform from dawn to dusk.
