Small Kitchen Cabinet Color Schemes
Choosing cabinet colors for a small kitchen can be tricky. With limited space, every design decision is amplified, so making the right color choice is key to creating a kitchen that looks pulled together rather than cluttered. The good news is that small kitchens offer plenty of possibilities to infuse positivity, warmth and your unique style into the space through thoughtful use of color.
Whether you prefer a bright, airy look or moody saturated tones, this guide will walk you through expert tips for selecting a cohesive yet unique color palette for your compact kitchen. We'll also explore creative small kitchen storage solutions to maximize functionality within confined dimensions.
Choose Cabinet Colors That Optically Expand Small Kitchens
Color can work visual magic in small kitchens. Lighter tones inherently create an airier, more expansive look, while bolder colors make a vibrant style statement. Here are fail-proof cabinet color ideas for tiny kitchens:
- Soft green blues: A subtle, elegant alternative to basic white that adds depth. Layer in contrasting metals and textures for interest.
- Pastel yellow: Cheerful without overwhelming the compact space. Accent with natural wood elements to prevent an overly saccharine look.
- Glossy white: Reflects light beautifully to optically enlarge the room. Include darker lowers or an accent wall to ground the bright scheme.
Additional colors that work well include pastel green, bright glossy blues, gray, and wood stains. Always pair bold cabbage colors with plenty of neutral space to prevent a cluttered, vibrant look.
Avoid Common Small Kitchen Cabinet Paint Pitfalls
Just as cabinet colors can elevate a tiny kitchen, the wrong color choices can make rooms feel smaller or overly busy. Steer clear of these missteps:
- Skipping proper preparation: Properly clean and sand cabinets so fresh paint adheres smoothly.
- Choosing temporary trends: While pops of millennial pink or limelight yellow seem fun, opt for more flexible classics as your base.
- Disregarding lighting: Test sample colors at different times of day. Lighting shifts colors significantly.
Creative Ways to Visually Expand a Small Kitchen
Outside of cabernet color, several design techniques can sculpt a cramped kitchen into a more expansive, light-filled space. Consider these architectural illusions:
- Mirrored backsplash: Reflects light to fake more depth and height.
- Glass cabinet doors: Transparent doors prevent bulky, closed-in look.
- Two-toned cabinets: Lighter uppers expand walls while lowers ground space.
- Vertical backsplash: Draws the eye up to create false height.
Proper lighting also opens up small kitchens. Use varied light sources at multiple elevations for a balanced, expansive glow.
Best Small Kitchen Colorful Cabinet Ideas
Once you've selected a versatile base cabinet color, infuse personality into your petite kitchen with colorful accents. Vibrant touches prevent boring spaces without overwhelming. Think pops of brightness rather than everywhere color.
Paint the Walls, Not Just Cabinets
Beyond painting cabinets, don't underestimate the power of wall color. While light, neutral walls open up tight footprints, don't be afraid to cover a single accent wall in a saturated green or bright blue. This creates a focal point amidst quieter cabinet colors without intense clashes.
Add Colorful Open Shelving
Incorporate floating shelves or open plate racks painted in glossy reds, sunny yellows or deep blues. Open shelves prevent bulky-feeling upper cabinets while allowing you to infuse pops of personal color.
Vintage Details
Retro mint green cabinets, buttercream stainless steel, or pink refrigerator finishes channel 1950s novelty with a modern twist. Search for vintage accents that speak to you.
Change Up Countertops
Rather than defaulting to white or gray countertops, make a design statement with emerald green quartz, deep blue recycled glass surfaces, or colorful porcelain tile designs. This allows you to anchor cabinets in neutral tones while the counter becomes the colorful focal point.
Avoid Common Small Kitchen Cabinet Paint Mistakes
Color selection for tiny kitchens goes beyond personal preference. You'll want to consider existing architecture, storage needs, lighting and long-term goals. Here are tips for picking timeless, functional colors for compact rooms:
Sample Paint Directly On Cabinets
Never decide color from tiny manufacturer samples. Purchase sample sizes and paint 2x2 swatches directly onto cabinet doors and sides. This shows real tone and texture.
Visualize With Apps
Unsure where to start? Snap photos of your current kitchen and use visualizer apps to trial run colors and materials. This allows you to experiment before committing.
Lighting Greatly Impacts Color
Preview top contenders at different times of day and with various light sources on. Yellow-based lights shift tones warmer at night. Natural sunlight may drain vibrance.
Coordinate With Backsplashes and Counters
Avoid clashing materials. A vibrant mosaic clashes with bold cabinet color. Opt for neutral counters and simple backsplash with colorful cabinets.
Accent Small Kitchens With Hardware
Beyond wall and cabinet color, don't underestimate the power of hardware to elevate a small kitchen. Eye-catching knobs, pulls, handles and hinges shine as metallic punctuation marks.
Opt For Gold Or Brushed Nickel
Warm metal finishes like antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel add an inviting, timeworn elegance. Contrast cool grays and blues with warm metals.
Mix Modern And Vintage Hardware
Create visual interest by pairing industrial elements like stainless steel pulls with vintage glass knobs. The mix of old and new prevents a flat, monotonous look.
Pick A Unique Shape
Rounded pulls offer soft contrast to rigid cabinet materials. Hammered copper bars make a textural statement. Have fun sourcing hardware that speaks to you.
Don't Forget Hinges!
Exposed hinges become part of the visible design. Black iron offers classic appeal while satin brass and aged nickel channel vintage charm.
Creative Storage Solutions For Tiny Kitchens
Outside of optimizing color palette, organization is essential for preventing chaotic, cluttered small kitchens. Clever storage solutions tucked into tight footprints include:
- Vertical corner shelves
- Wall-mounted pot racks
- Drawer dividers and inserts
- Pull-out cabinet risers
- Under-cabinet knife blocks
Don't underestimate vertical real estate. Install hanging racks and shelving that climbs from counters to ceilings to double usable space. Prioritize organization that maximizes every inch without sacrificing essential countertops.
Choosing cabinet colors for a small kitchen demands thoughtfulness to prevent chaotic, overwhelming spaces. Spend time considering lighting, existing architecture, long-term goals and other elements that impact color perception before committing to a scheme.
While white and gray serve as safe, neutral bases, don't shy from infusing brand pops of color that channel your personality. Just remember to balance vibrant colors with plenty of breathing room. This allows brightly colored cabinets or architectural accents to shine as jewels rather than overwhelm the compact kitchen.