Does Your Kitchen Wall Color Have to Match Your Cabinets?
When designing a kitchen, one of the biggest decisions is what color to paint the walls. Should you match the wall color to the cabinets for a cohesive look? Or would contrasting shades be more striking? While the “right” approach depends on your personal taste, there are some useful guidelines to consider.
Matching kitchen wall and cabinet colors is the more traditional route. It creates a uniform, streamlined aesthetic that makes a small kitchen appear larger. All-white kitchens remain popular for this reason. The white walls, cabinets, and trim blend seamlessly together. This neutral backdrop also lets decor accents like artwork or appliances pop.
Reasons to Mix and Match Wall and Cabinet Colors
Although matching cabinet and wall color is safe, don't be afraid to get creative with contrasting shades. The key is picking complementary hues that play off each other instead of clashing. Here are some reasons to use different wall and cabinet colors:
- Adds visual interest and dimension.
- Highlights beautiful cabinetry like natural wood tones.
- Defines separate spaces or accents an island.
- Warms up stark white cabinets or lightens dark cabinetry.
For example, deep blue walls make white cabinetry really pop. Or, sage green walls offset white upper cabinets and rich wood lowers. The mix of wall and cabinet colors creates depth.
Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors
White remains the most popular cabinet color by far. The clean, bright look acts as a blank canvas and pairs well with nearly any wall color. But white kitchens are far from the only option. Here are some other trending cabinet shades:
- Grays - Classic, neutral and versatile for contemporary or farmhouse styles.
- Blues - From light powder to navy, blue evokes tranquil coastal vibes.
- Wood tones - Stained oak, cherry or maple have a warm, organic feel.
Darker cabinet colors like espresso are waning in popularity for their heavy, imposing look. Instead, expect to see more muted approaches. Soft pastels or earthy greens reflect the rise in biophilic design.
Best Wall Colors for White Cabinets
All-white kitchens are a go-to, but white cabinets still pair beautifully with many wall colors. Try these pleasing combinations:
- Light grey - A subtly sophisticated neutral.
- Blue - Any tone from sky to navy complements white.
- Sage green - A trendy yet timeless earthy accent.
- Buttery yellow - Crisp yet warm and cheerful.
- Rich shades like burgundy - A striking pop of drama.
Wall Colors for Dark Cabinets
To keep a dark-cabinet kitchen feeling bright instead of closed-off, lighter wall colors work best. Consider these pleasing combinations:
- Soft greens or blues - Accent the cabinets without matching.
- Crisp white - Timeless contrast and brightness.
- Warm metallics like bronze or gold - Reflect light and complement wood tones.
- Vibrant shades like red - Make dark cabinets pop.
Tips for Picking Complementary Colors
Beyond basic color preferences, consider these tips for choosing cabinet and wall shades that work in harmony:
- Determine undertones so colors don't clash. Cool undertones (blue/green) pair best with warm overtones (red/yellow) and vice versa.
- Mix sheens like glossy cabinets with flat matte walls to add dimension.
- Follow the 60-30-10 rule - 60% dominant color, 30% secondary, 10% accent.
- Add warmth with reds, oranges and yellows. Cool things down with blues and greens.
- Consult a color wheel for pairings like analogous, complementary, triadic, etc.
Should Upper and Lower Cabinets Be Different Colors?
Two-toned kitchen cabinets make a statement. Sticking with complementary colors from the same palette prevents things from looking disjointed. Try:
- White uppers, deep blue lowers
- Wood uppers, crisp white lowers
- Glossy gray uppers, matte navy lowers
Different cabinet colors define workspaces, showcase beautiful wood grains, and add visual interest.
2023 Kitchen Color Trends
In 2023, expect to see:
- A move away from stark black and white to warmer neutrals
- Natural wood tones and earthy greens
- A mix of matte and high-gloss finishes
- Unique colors like forest green, burnt orange, and terracotta
While matching cabinet and wall colors is a safe choice, don't be afraid to get creative with bold, contrasting color combinations.
Choosing kitchen wall and cabinet colors requires consideration of your overall design vision, decor accents, and personal style. Matching shades provides a streamlined look but contrasting colors make cabinets pop. Study color theory principles and always sample hues in your space before fully committing to a palette.
With the right approach, your kitchen colors can come together in beautiful harmony while showcasing your personal flair.