Paint Color Combinations for Kitchens with Wood Cabinets
Choosing a paint color scheme for your kitchen can feel like a daunting task. With so many options and factors to consider, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But when done right, your color palette can take your kitchen's style to the next level.
Kitchens with wood cabinets offer versatility when selecting colors. Both light and dark wood cabinets pair beautifully with a wide range of hues. The key is finding a balanced combination that enhances your cabinetry while creating the mood you want.
Factor in Your Wood Cabinets
Before deciding on paint colors, examine your existing wood cabinets closely. Pay attention to the exact stain, whether they have warm reddish undertones like cherry or cool golden hues like oak. The cabinet color will impact the shades that complement or contrast best.
Also think about whether you want your wall color to blend in or stand out from the woodwork. Lighter white or beige walls create cohesion with light cabinets, while bold navy blue contrasts dramatically against dark espresso cabinetry.
Consider the Lighting
The natural and artificial lighting in your kitchen will affect how paint colors appear. North-facing rooms with minimal sunlight take on a cooler tone, while southern exposures feel vibrant and warm. Factor in windows, overhead lighting, and bulbs when deciding on palette.
Mind the Room Size & Layout
A compact galley kitchen can feel cramped with very dark colors but expansive with airy pastels. Conversely, a large open kitchen has room for bold, saturated shades. The layout also impacts the palette--an organized kitchen benefits from a soothing coordinated scheme.
Personal Color Preferences
While trends come and go, your color choices should reflect personal taste. A cheery lemon yellow kitchen boosts your mood each morning, while an elegant navy dining nook feels sophisticated. Select shades that make you feel happy and inspired.
Popular Color Combinations for Kitchens with Wood Cabinets
Clean White or Off-White Walls
An easy go-to scheme, white or off-white like almond cream, works with any cabinet stain from light birch to dark walnut. It creates an open, airy look. For depth, choose white with a subtle undertone like ivory instead of stark bright white.
Soothing Beiges and Tans
Warm neutral beige or tan walls blend seamlessly with medium wood cabinets in oak or rustic styles. The harmonious tones feel calm and welcoming. Go for shades with yellow undertones like buff or tan versus cool stony beiges.
Timeless Gray
On-trend gray nicely complements rich reddish cabinets made of cherry or mahogany wood. Choose a gray with a pinkish or purple undertone so it doesn't clash with the warmth of the wood. Light dove grays work well.
Nature-Inspired Greens and Blues
Earthy sage green brings out the golden tones of natural wood cabinets. For bolder contrast, go for emerald or forest green. Soft sky blue also freshens up a kitchen and pairs attractively with dark espresso cabinets.
Creative Color Combinations to Consider
Looking to get more creative with your kitchen colors? Some unexpected yet stunning schemes include:
- Black walls with antique white cabinets create striking drama and contrast.
- Navy blue cabinets with butcher block counters and pale yellow walls evoke a coastal vibe.
- Sage green lower cabinets with white uppers and brick red accent wall for an eclectic feel.
Choosing the Right Sheens and Finishes
Beyond just the colors, sheens like gloss, satin, matte, or eggshell finishes also influence the look. Glossy paint reflects light and adds vibrancy while matte mutes colors for a subtle effect. Satin or eggshell offer balanced options. Distressed paint techniques can provide depth on accent walls.
Accent Colors and Details
Don't overlook accent details to make your kitchen colors pop. Paint the ceiling, trim, or an island a contrasting color. Add colorful mosaic backsplash tiles, bar stools, or window treatments. Vibrant kitchen accessories like mixers, utensils, and appliances also enliven the space.
Avoiding Common Paint Color Mistakes
When selecting your palette, sidestep these all-too-common pitfalls:
- Overly bold walls that overwhelm instead of accentuating wood cabinets.
- Clashing undertones like cool grays with warm wood cabinets.
- Forgetting to factor in countertops and floors so everything clashes.
- Not sampling - be sure to test colors before committing.
Tips for Choosing Kitchen Colors
Gather Inspiration
Look at kitchen photos online and in magazines. Note colors that appeal to you and make you feel happy. Decor shows like HGTV offer great inspiration too. This helps narrow your preferences.
Choose a Leading Color
Select one dominating color for your walls or cabinets. This leading color sets the tone for the whole space. Then choose accent colors that complement it. The accent shades enliven the room.
View Paint Chip Samples
Never select paint without looking at actual large samples chips or swatches. Colors appear different on computer screens and on tiny paint strips. Compare samples to your cabinets in both natural and artificial light.
Test Paint Samples
Paint large swatches directly onto your wall. Live with them for several days, studying at different times of day. You may be surprised at how a color changes.
Consult Design Experts
If struggling to decide, seek advice from kitchen designers or interior decorators. Many paint brands like Benjamin Moore also offer free color consulting services.
Selecting the perfect paint colors to match your beautiful wood cabinets can be fun, not stressful. Focus on colors that delight you while taking the kitchen's lighting and layout into account. Be bold or understated with your palette to create your dream kitchen that gracefully showcases your wood cabinetry.