Keep the palette from becoming too stereotypically nautical by reaching for blue-grays over heavy-handed aqua or bright cerulean. “It’s perfect for the Hamptons—a soft, soothing shade that echoes the sky,” says designer Scott Sanders. Here, the kitchen island is painted Benjamin Moore’s Gray Timber Wolf, which has just a tinge of blue. The cool-toned paint plays well against the warm wire-brushed oak floor: “It’s all about balance,” explains designer Tracie West Irving.

“The look is organic and relaxed but still sophisticated. Nothing too staged or precious.” —Darsi Floersch

SMART HOME WISH LIST

1. Get WiFi that actually works with the Eero wireless router. $399, EERO.COM.
2. Our Editor-in-Chief’s favorite, the Click and Grow Smartpot is lIke Nespresso for your herbs. Order the pods, fill with water, and voilà! The right amount of everything to give you a bountiful harvest anywhere. $59, AMAZON.COM.
3. Scan a bar code or talk into the mouthpiece and Hiku updates the grocery list on your phone app. It even sticks conveniently to the fridge! Kids love it. $49, HIKU.US.
4. Finally, a projector that works well and is a breeze to set up. Full walls, covered in your favorite family movies. RIF6 Cube Pico, $250, AMAZON.COM.

“Choose durable materials for high-usage spaces. I like using Cambria on countertops for its beauty and strength, and on cabinetry, I use water-based lacquer—which has an intrinsic hardener—so paint won't yellow over time.” —Scott Busyn

“It’s okay to have all-white walls. It provides continuity. Then you can start layering in the details: fun patterned wallpaper, an usual tile.” —Tracie West Irving

“For many, the Kitchen is the heart of the modern day home and this was no exception. The island serves as the nucleus, where food prep, clean up, and morning breakfast are to be enjoyed.” —Andrea Swan

Paint Picks