Grounded Coastal Blue with Refined Depth
Sherwin-Williams® Mediterranean (SW 7617) delivers a rich blue cabinet color softened by gray undertones. It offers noticeable depth without reaching the dramatic intensity of navy, making it a versatile mid-dark choice for kitchens seeking color with restraint.
Undertones & Lighting Behavior
Mediterranean carries a cool blue base balanced by gray influence. It is less saturated than bold navies and more grounded than brighter mid-tone blues.
If your kitchen is north-facing or lit with cool lighting, Mediterranean will appear slightly deeper and more gray-forward.
If your kitchen receives strong southern exposure or warm lighting, the blue becomes more pronounced and vibrant.
With an LRV of 22, it absorbs a moderate amount of light, creating visual depth without overwhelming a space.
Technical Details
LRV: 22 — A mid-dark placement that balances richness with usability.
Coordinating Colors for Kitchen Design
Warm Whites
Alabaster (SW 7008)
adds warmth that softens Mediterranean’s cool base. This pairing keeps the kitchen feeling balanced rather than stark.
Creamy (SW 7012)
introduces a slightly richer warmth that complements Mediterranean’s depth in transitional and Mediterranean-style kitchens.
Grounding Neutrals
Dorian Gray (SW 7017)
reinforces the gray undertone and keeps the palette modern and cohesive.
Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)
adds dramatic contrast while maintaining earthy balance.
Metallics & Hardware
Best With: Brushed brass, aged brass, matte black.
Avoid / Clashes With: Yellow-heavy polished gold that exaggerates cool undertones.
Countertop Pairings
Best With: Marble, white quartz, light neutral stone.
Avoid / Clashes With: Beige-dominant surfaces with strong yellow undertones.
Flooring Recommendations
Best With: Warm oak, neutral hardwood, soft stone-look tile.
Avoid / Clashes With: Red-orange woods that intensify contrast.
Wall Paint Guidance
Best With: Alabaster (SW 7008) or Snowbound (SW 7004).
Avoid / Clashes With: Stark cool grays that compete with its blue base.
Applications in Cabinetry
Mediterranean works beautifully on full kitchen cabinetry when paired with warm whites and layered lighting. It also performs well on islands in two-tone kitchens.
Kitchen Style Applications
Ideal for coastal kitchens, modern Mediterranean interiors, and transitional spaces that want depth without heavy drama.
Recommended Cabinet Door Styles
Shaker and Slim Shaker doors highlight its timeless appeal, while Slab doors emphasize a contemporary aesthetic.
Other Spaces & Design Applications
Mediterranean transitions well into bathrooms, home offices, and built-in cabinetry where rich color is desired without overwhelming a room.
Lighting Considerations
Layered lighting is recommended to prevent the color from appearing overly deep in dim spaces.
Design Tip
Choose Mediterranean when you want a blue cabinet color that feels grounded, refined, and less saturated than navy.
