Boost Your Kitchen Style with the Right Cabinet and Floor Color Mix
Choosing the perfect cabinet and floor color combination can elevate your kitchen from drab to fab. Whether you want to create a sleek, modern look or a cozy cottage feel, the right colors can bring your design vision to life.
But with so many options to consider, from materials to color schemes, settling on the ideal palette can be tricky. Follow this guide to learn expert tips for selecting cabinet and floor colors that will make your kitchen shine.
Choosing Color Combinations
Complementary Colors
One approach is selecting complementary colors - those opposite each other on the color wheel. Blue and orange, purple and yellow, red and green - these vivid color pairs create visual contrast and interest. To avoid a jarring look in your kitchen, opt for a lighter shade of one color paired with a deeper shade of its complement. Soft blue cabinets with terra-cotta floors, for example, make a soothing statement.
Monochromatic Colors
For a clean, spacious look, consider a monochromatic scheme of all one color. Varying only in shades and tones, this uniform approach can make a small kitchen appear larger. All-white kitchens are popular, but grays, blues and greens also work well. For variety, choose a mix of finishes like high-gloss cabinets with a matte floor.
Contrasting Colors
Feeling bold? Contrasting colors from opposite sides of the color wheel, like navy blue cabinets with bright yellow floors, make a dramatic statement. Balance the vibrant look by keeping countertops and backsplashes neutral. A glossy white quartz counterbalances the intensity, letting each color shine.
Balancing Light and Dark
Create depth by mixing light and dark shades of one hue. White uppers with charcoal lowers and amedium-toned floor strike a sophisticated tone. Or pair glossy dark wood flooring with soft gray cabinets. Varying the shades adds nuance while the color connection maintains harmony.
Coordinating Colors
For a unified palette, select colors beside each other on the wheel. Green and blue, yellow and green, red and orange - these pairings allow each element to stand out while remaining cohesive. For a fresh look, paint sage green cabinets and pair with slate blue floors.
Factors to Consider
Materials
The materials you choose for cabinets and flooring will impact the colors available. For example, solid oak cabinets come in warm wood tones from light tan to deep brown. Meanwhile, painted cabinets offer a rainbow of color options. Stone, wood and laminate floors each lend themselves to certain palettes as well.
Design Style
Your kitchen's overall design style should guide your color selection. Contemporary spaces shine with bold, saturated colors and sleek materials. Traditional kitchens feature warm neutrals and natural materials like wood floors. Cottage kitchens embrace painted cabinets in soft hues like sage, sky blue or buttery yellow.
Lighting
The room's lighting affects how colors appear. North-facing rooms with cool natural light may drain warm tones, while artificial lighting can lend a yellow cast at night. View samples in both day and evening light to understand how the colors truly look.
Room Size and Layout
In a small kitchen, bright white paired with neutral floors reflects light, making the room feel open and airy. Darker colors can feel oppressive. For spacious kitchens, embrace deeper shades like navy or forest green for drama. Open concept kitchens also handle bolder colors, as adjoining rooms provide balance.
When ready to choose your cabinet and floor colors, visit showrooms to view samples. Many retailers also provide online visualization tools to preview colors. And don't be afraid to seek help from a kitchen designer. An expert can identify the best color combinations to suit your taste and space.
You can feel confident in selecting the right color. Before you know it, you'll be whipping up meals in a stunning new kitchen!