Creating a sense of harmony through color is one of the many important design decisions in the kitchen. This space has several elements like the backsplash, countertop, flooring, walls, and cabinetry, and balancing and creating the right mixture of complementary and contrasting colors and textures is essential.
For now, let's focus on the harmony between the cabinetry color and the walls. To understand whether the kitchen cabinets should be light or dark, we sought the help of experts. Here's what they had to say.
Should kitchen cabinets be lighter or darker than walls?
Experts are of the opinion that both options have their advantages and disadvantages. While lighter kitchen cabinet colors reflect more light, giving the illusion of a larger space; darker ones give the space some depth.
'I prefer darker-colored cabinets against lighter walls in a kitchen as it adds depth and grounds the kitchen in the space,' says Kashi Shikunova, director at Yam Studios. 'This contrast creates a bold feature, lending a sense of luxury and higher quality to the overall ambience making the smaller space feel more special.'
'Instead of a contrast, you could also consider the kitchen cabinets and walls to be the same color,' says Grey Joyner, founder of Grey Joyner Interiors. 'This can help the room seem bigger.'
What color should I paint my walls if my cabinets are dark?
(Image credit: Sarah Strunk. Studio credit Micah&Co)
'If the kitchen cabinet color is dark and the kitchen is small, consider painting the walls a few shades lighter to provide contrast,' says Grey. 'Say the cabinets are black, I would do the walls in grey. This adds light to the room and makes it feel larger. If the cabinets in a kitchen are dark and the kitchen is large, I select a color that is lighter but complementary to create a dramatic effect.'
Also, along with dark cabinets, consider pairing them with light-colored countertops and a backsplash to open up the room. Using statement lighting fixtures and bold accessories can enhance the overall design aesthetic.
What color should I paint my walls if my cabinets are light?
(Image credit: Lance Gerber. Design by Joshua Smith Inc.)
With lighter cabinets, you have plenty of choices for wall colors. For a striking two tone kitchen, consider a darker wall color — perhaps a few shades darker than the cabinets. You could even experiment with other darker tones like navy blue, teal, or burgundy. This scheme would work best in larger kitchens where the wall colors don't make the space feel too caved in. In smaller kitchens, you could go for more earthy tones like taupe, mid-tone grey, or olive green.
'It’s important to consider the orientation of a kitchen when considering cabinet colors with the walls; if it faces north, cool blues can add to the chilly feeling,' says Saskia Howard, creative director at Howark Design. 'Warmer tones such as yellow are preferable to brighten up spaces with a northerly aspect.'
Should you match the kitchen cabinets with the island?
(Image credit: Fiona Susanto. Studio credit the Stylesmiths)
While deciding on colors for the kitchen cabinets and walls, do remember to take note of the island too, as it is among the larger surfaces in the room and immediately visible.
If you want to play safe, you could consider a kitchen island color along with complementary tones as that of the walls and storage.
'I love to do the island in another color as it adds another layer of color to the space,' says Grey. 'I also love to pick an island material like marble that has an interesting pattern with colors that complement or even match the kitchen cabinets. Darker islands look great in a small to mid-size kitchen as it grounds the whole room.'
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Experts are of the opinion that both options have their advantages and disadvantages. While lighter kitchen cabinet colors reflect more light, giving the illusion of a larger space; darker ones give the space some depth.
There are no strict rules as to whether painted kitchen cabinets should be lighter or darker than the walls, essentially it comes down to personal preference and the look you're trying to achieve.
In areas that are small or do not get a lot of natural light, dark cabinets can make the room feel smaller. Light cabinets, alternatively, can help to open up a room and make it feel bigger.
'Opting for the contrast between your cabinets and walls can be a strategic design choice. Introducing complementary colors or contrasting hues can add depth, visual interest and really let your personality shine through.
Embracing nature-inspired colors has been a prevailing trend in interior design, and kitchens are no exception. Warm and earthy tones such as terracotta, caramel, and clay are gaining popularity for kitchen cabinets.
Dark cabinets have been used for centuries to create beautiful and timeless designs in not only single-family homes but also multifamily units. And dark brown cabinetry is making its way back into our lives!
In short, no! If you keep a timeless aesthetic in mind while choosing the colors and finishes for your kitchen, the two-tone look can move beyond a current trend and remain a classic.
In 2023 we will see a return to dark-stained wood cabinetry in the kitchen. In recent years, lighter tones like birch and white oak have been in vogue, but homeowners are now trending to deeper wood stains to lend a cozy, traditional vibe to their homes.
Whites and neutrals are the way to go when you're getting your house ready to sell. Also, paint jobs that are sloppy or use inferior-quality materials can lower the resale value of your home.
If your kitchen is small, dark cabinets are probably not a great idea. Any dark fixtures in the kitchen will make the room look smaller. Furthermore, if your room is devoid of natural light, dark cabinets will make the room even darker so you'll need to compensate with some very bright artificial lighting.
You can opt for lighter cabinets with a slightly darker backsplash and countertop or vice versa. You can pick kitchen decor items in bright shades so that they pop next to the backdrop of the neutral kitchen. Go with whites, beiges, soft grey, light blues, or even a mellow yellow.
Should kitchen island be darker than cabinets? The quick answer is no, the kitchen island doesn't need to be darker than the cabinets; nor does it need to be lighter. It all depends on the style, dimensions, and the amount of light your kitchen receives.
The best colour combination for a kitchen is often a combination of whites and neutrals, such as white cabinets, light grey walls, and a neutral countertop. Additionally, you can add natural elements, such as wood floors and accents, to bring warmth to the space.
In 2024, popular kitchen cabinet colors include black, green, gray, and blue. They offer a range of styles and can complement various design styles and personal preferences.
Many design experts swear that Simply White by Benjamin Moore is their go-to paint color for kitchen cabinetry. And we don't disagree, as this warm white can cozy up even the most sterile, cold kitchen layouts.
Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles. Brilliant whites work to give kitchens a light and airy feel, and off-white options, like the White Dove shade, provides warmth.
Should kitchen cabinets be lighter or darker than walls? Experts are of the opinion that both options have their advantages and disadvantages. While lighter kitchen cabinet colors reflect more light, giving the illusion of a larger space; darker ones give the space some depth.
Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy. Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
Light greens, yellows, blues and even greys can work well too. Whatever colour you choose, try to make the cabinet doors and walls one consistent colour. This removes any visual barriers that cause the eye to stop short, thus making the room appear much larger than it actually is.
Consider a shade of blue, lavender-gray, blue-gray, gray-beige, sage, or a cool white to match the undertones of your dark cabinets. Once you've chosen a lighter shade of cool neutral tone that fits with your cabinets, your entire kitchen will feel brighter and more open.
Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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