Most new homes have matching kitchen, bathroom and laundry room cabinets mainly because making all of the cabinets the same is the most cost effective method. Each time materials, finish and paint colors are changed, it adds complexity and time to the job which also increases costs. The fact that most homes have matching cabinets throughout does not mean this is the most appealing or best method. Professional designers regularly mix both cabinet materials and colors. This is really a matter of personal taste.
Changing materials and colors can create a custom, high-end look if done right and the colors and styles compliment each other. You do need to be careful not to create a cluttered, mismatched or half finished look, especially where baseboards and crown molding meet cabinets, and in transitional areas where you can see cabinets from more than one room. The same design guidelines that are true for wall colors, furnishings, accessories and flooring are true for cabinets. You don’t need to match every piece of wood furniture in your home or make every wall the same color and you don’t need to do so for cabinets. However there should be some elements of color and style that tie everything together.
One way to add variety to a home’s cabinets while tying everything together is to use a different material, style or paint color on the kitchen island and use that same material, door style or paint color in the bathroom or other rooms. It is common for the kitchen island to be different color from the surrounding cabinets and for the kitchen to have a custom, built in hutch made by the cabinetmaker that is a different color than the rest of the kitchen cabinets.
Another option is to use the same cabinet or door style throughout the home and change the paint or stain color, or use the same wood species throughout the home and change up the door styles. We also have customers who use knotty alder material in one room and select alder material in others to add variety.
As far as door style goes, many customers create variety by using raised panel doors on lower cabinets and flat panel doors on uppers or raised panels in the kitchen and flat panel in the rest of the home.
Homeowners want their home to be a representation of their taste and personality and changing cabinet designs and colors is a great way to express personal style. Here are a few more examples of rooms with cabinets by Burrows Cabinets, that use different colors and materials in close proximity for design inspiration:
FAQs
You don't need to match every piece of wood furniture in your home or make every wall the same color and you don't need to do so for cabinets. However there should be some elements of color and style that tie everything together.
Do cabinets need to match throughout the house? ›
Keep in mind your cabinets should complement each other and flow well with the rest of the decor throughout your home. However, they do not need to match exactly in color or style.
Do built ins need to match kitchen cabinets? ›
The short answer to if all your cabinets need to match is a simple no, but they should serve their purpose regardless of what material or color is used. Unless your laundry room is located in the kitchen, cabinet colors or materials do not need to be exactly the same.
Do all the kitchen cabinets have to be the same color? ›
The Verdict on Kitchen Cabinets
What it all comes down to is this: whether or not you want your kitchen cabinets to be the same style and color is entirely up to you.
Do top and bottom kitchen cabinets have to match? ›
Don't try to match the lower widths with the upper widths. It is best to create a nice balanced arrangement on the upper, independent of the lower. Think about a typical lower run, which might include a 33" sink base, an 18" trash pullout and a 24" DW. The upper would look a mess if you matched these varying widths.
Should cabinet hardware be the same throughout the house? ›
Matching hardware isn't necessary. In fact, I wouldn't argue against it — a home with all the same hardware finishes will look basic and maybe even boring. However, it is essential to have a plan that ensures commonality throughout the house.
Should built in cabinets be the same color as walls? ›
'Painting your kitchen walls and cupboards in the same color is a true commitment and will reward you with a cohesive and always impressive look. The all-encompassing color creates an atmosphere of calm where nothing is fighting for dominance,' explains Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL.
Should kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets be the same color? ›
Our recommendation is to have them either match or compliment one another in style or finish. Read on for our explanation. First, using the same cabinetry in your kitchen and bathrooms creates a sense of flow and style cohesiveness to your home.
Can you have two different cabinet styles in a kitchen? ›
If you have beautiful wood or tile flooring in your kitchen, two-toned cabinets are a way to highlight your flooring and make colors pop. Keep the room and elements connected by matching your kitchen island to your cabinets. Mixing and matching cabinets can also help a smaller kitchen feel more spacious.
What color cabinets never go out of style? ›
Timeless cabinet colors include neutral shades like white, cream, beige, taupe, gray, or greige. Navy, black, and forest green cabinets can look timeless when paired with classic finishes and fixtures.
A common question most homeowners ask is, “Should countertops be lighter or darker than cabinets?” Well, it depends on the look that you choose for your kitchen. Classically, one could use darker countertops than cabinets. Today, the trend is using lighter countertops than cabinets to improve the kitchen's appeal.
What is the most versatile color for kitchen cabinets? ›
A mashup and gray and beige, greige is a versatile color that pairs with a variety of countertop and backsplash materials. "This cabinetry color also complements any metal finishes, so hardware, appliances, and fixtures can be changed as the homeowner desires," says Alexandra Peck, owner of Alexandra Peck Design.
Are 2 color kitchen cabinets still in style? ›
Two-toned cabinets are timeless and will not likely go out of style in the new year.
What makes kitchen cabinets look dated? ›
Outdated Cabinetry
Granite countertops typically pair with natural wood cabinets, but pine or hickory cabinetry can date your kitchen's style back a few decades. Additionally, cabinetry with gold or brass fixtures shows that the kitchen hasn't had an update for a while.
Do cabinets have to match in bathroom? ›
A question you may have is whether or not you should match your cabinets. Do you need your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to match? The answer to this question will usually depend on several factors, including your home's layout. However, generally speaking, it isn't necessary to match the cabinets in each room.
Can you have different color cabinets in different rooms? ›
The same design guidelines that are true for wall colors, furnishings, accessories and flooring are true for cabinets and countertops. You don't need to match every piece of wood furniture in your home or make every wall the same color, and you don't need to do so for your cabinets either.
Is it OK to mix cabinet styles? ›
If you have beautiful wood or tile flooring in your kitchen, two-toned cabinets are a way to highlight your flooring and make colors pop. Keep the room and elements connected by matching your kitchen island to your cabinets. Mixing and matching cabinets can also help a smaller kitchen feel more spacious.
Is it okay to paint kitchen cabinets the same color as walls? ›
Matching the paints on your kitchen cabinets and walls can create a really cohesive and unified look, helping to create a sense of space and continuity. This approach works particularly well in small kitchens as it helps to create a seamless and uncluttered look, making the room feel larger.
