Staring at paint swatches on the counter and cabinet samples against the wall, you’re probably thinking: “How do I get this right?” We totally get it – picking the perfect color for your kitchen can be tricky, and you want to choose something that will not only be stylish and attractive to visitors but also something that you’ll love for years to come.
The choice of color for a kitchen is influenced by many elements and can often feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With a bit of planning – and some expert advice on kitchen design – you can create a space that not only looks stunning but also feels like home.
Start With Your Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets cover a large portion of your kitchen’s visible surface, so they need careful consideration. They’re also the biggest investment in your kitchen remodel, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
White cabinets are popular for a good reason – they’re adaptable, and enduring, and make any space feel larger and brighter. But don’t feel bound by convention – you can opt for slightly warmer off-white or cream colors as well.
If you want something a little more unique, blues, brown, and dark grays are sophisticated and work well as neutral bases for your overall design. For instance, a dark gray hue can beautifully complement gold-toned fixtures like door handles, faucets, and kitchen accessories.
Warm wood tones are another option that bring an organic and natural beauty to modern kitchens. They can also enhance the inviting colors of a space, as well as look great in a room with ample natural light.
Think about your home’s style and your long-term plans. A historic craftsman home might look great with white oak cabinets, while a contemporary space might call for painted finishes. If you’re selling in a few years, stick to more universal choices. If you’re in your forever home, go for it.
→ Discover White Oak Kitchen Cabinets: The Trending Choice for Stylish Spaces
Walls & Floors
Think of your walls and floors as the background that sets off your cabinet choice.
When choosing wall colors, consider the natural light in your space. North-facing kitchens can use warmer wall tones to counteract the cool light, while south-facing kitchens can handle cooler tones without feeling cold.
Remember that flooring needs to work with the adjacent rooms as well as your kitchen. Wood and wood-look materials are still popular choices and bring continuity throughout the home. If you’ve chosen bold cabinet colors, consider more neutral flooring to balance the space. If you’ve chosen neutral cabinets, patterned tile floors can add personality and visual interest.
Appliances & Hardware
Modern appliances come with more color options than ever. While stainless steel is still popular, black stainless, matte black, and even colorful statement pieces are gaining ground.
Think about how your appliance will work with your cabinet color – contrast can be great, but too much contrast can feel jarring in a smaller space.
Hardware is the jewelry of your kitchen – it can make the whole design. Brass and gold tones warm up cool-colored cabinets, while matte black hardware grounds lighter finishes. Don’t be afraid to mix metals, just keep the overall finish style consistent (all matte or all polished for example).
Lighting
Test your colors in different lighting conditions and consider how you use your kitchen. If you’re an early morning baker, make sure you love how everything looks during those hours.
Under-cabinet lighting isn’t just functional – it can also change the look of your backsplash and counters. Warm LED strips add a soft glow to whites, while cool LEDs lend a crisper, more defined look. Consider adjustable temperature lighting to give you more control over the ambiance.
FAQs
What is the best color for small kitchens?
While light colors make spaces feel larger, don’t feel limited to white. Light to medium-toned greens, wood tones, or light grays can create depth while still feeling open. Just make sure to keep things consistent and avoid sharp color contrasts that can break up the space. Consider using the same color on walls and cabinets to create a continuous look that makes the space feel larger.
What color kitchen cabinets are in style?
Nature-inspired colors and bold statements are in style. Two-tone kitchens are also popular, often with darker base cabinets and lighter uppers to create visual interest while at the same time, feeling open. But remember, trends should inform, not dictate your choices.
What color kitchen cabinets are timeless?
White, gray and natural wood tones have been around for decades and will continue to be. These classics work because they can be updated with new hardware, lighting, and accessories. If you like color but want longevity, consider using it on changeable elements like wall paint or a tile backsplash.
What color kitchen cabinets go with gray walls?
Gray walls are a neutral backdrop that works with almost any cabinet color. White cabinets look fresh and modern, and dark wood looks warm and sophisticated. For a monochromatic look that’s not boring, try cabinets in a different shade of gray. Even bold colors like green can work with gray walls.
→ Discover What Color Walls Work Best With Grey Kitchen Cabinets?
What color kitchen walls with white cabinets?
White cabinets are so versatile that they can open up a world of wall color that includes almost any option one can think of. Light grays look sophisticated and modern, while creamy white looks cozy. For more personality, try sage green for a natural look, navy for a touch of drama, or even terracotta to bring in Mediterranean vibes. Choose a color that reflects your style while maintaining the bright, clean look that makes white cabinets so appealing.
What color kitchen cabinets go with stainless steel appliances?
Stainless steel is neutral, so it goes with almost any cabinet color. White, off-white, or light gray cabinets look clean and modern, and wood tones balance out the cool metal finishes. For a bold choice that still works, try greens, blues, or even dark gray cabinets – however, make certain your cabinet finish complements the sophistication of stainless steel.
→ Discover Stunning White Kitchen Cabinets with Stainless Steel Appliances
Choosing The Right Color For Your Kitchen
While design principles and trends can guide you, the most important thing is how your kitchen makes you feel. As you start looking for the best color for your space, don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and styles. You may find that a particular option catches your eye more than others and actually fits your home better than expected.
After all, the best kitchen is one that makes you smile every time you walk in whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or cooking a family feast.
