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Kitchen Colors Complementing Cherry Cabinetry

cherry cabinets are a great addition to a kitchen. However, choosing complementary wall colors for cherry cabinets requires care and planning to create a cohesive, inviting space.

We'll also detail common pitfalls and their remedies when coordinating cabinet and wall colors.

kitchen wall color with cherry cabinets

Contrasting vs. Complementary Color Schemes

Contrasting Color Schemes

Contrasting color schemes use wall colors that make cherry cabinets "pop" instead of blend in. Greens, blues, yellows and even deeper shades of red or orange contrast beautifully against the reddish-brown wood tones.

For example, sage green adds vibrancy while navy blue amplifies the warmth and richness of the cabinets. The bold colors spotlight these showstopping focal points.

Complementary Color Schemes

Complementary schemes rely on wall colors in similar or neutral tones that integrate fluidly with cherry pieces. Soft greens, light blues, tans, taupes and warm grays blend pleasingly without competing.

These harmonious colors allow elements like backsplashes and hardware to stand out while preventing clashing undertones.

Factors Influencing Paint Color Selection

Lighting and Natural Light

A kitchen's natural and artificial lighting impacts paint perception--the same blue looks navy in sunlight but almost black in dim evening light. When possible, evaluate paint swatches at various times of day.

Strategic lighting also brightens up darker paint shades. Windows, skylights and bulbs around cherry cabinetry banish shadowy corners. Mirrors and glass tile backsplashes reflect light as well.

Kitchen Size and Layout

Bigger rooms better tolerate bold, saturated paints that overwhelm compact kitchens. Dark accent walls behind banks of cherry cabinets create stunning drama in spacious kitchens.

Compact galley layouts, however, benefit from lighter neutrals making the space appear larger. Closed kitchens also require coordinating wall paint to any abutting rooms.

Design Elements and Finishes

Countertops, backsplashes, floors and other finishes interplay with wall color. Granite, quartz or marble whose swirls match the cherry wood's grain unite the scheme. Avoid discordant black countertops.

Metallic finishes like nickel or bronze faucets and handles shine against some paint colors but fade against others. Seeing all elements together previews the complete picture.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Failing to Coordinate All Elements

Finalizing wall paint before other items results in mismatched kitsch. Clashing backsplashes overwhelm instead of accenting. Planning all finishes creates a holistic, designer look.

Similarly, vary textures thoughtfully--sleek cabinets alongside rough stone floors jar visually. Blend materials seamlessly like wood floors and counters.

Choosing Unsuitable Undertones

Every color possesses warm, cool or neutral undertones that respectively intensify, moderate or complement cherry cabinetry's warmth. Certain undertones complement while others clash.

Cool blue-green teals emphasize reddish tones beautifully without competing. Pure whites seem dingy against rich wood while creams feel stately and elegant.

Dark Colors in Small Spaces

In expansive kitchens, bold navy walls create drama against amber cabinetry. But in tiny rooms, those same blues overwhelm and shrink already limited space. Instead, pale shades open up cramped kitchens.

Brighter paint also reflects more light. Gloss or semi-gloss sheens illuminate small areas better than matte or flat as well.

Tips and Inspiration for Color Pairings

Soothing and Airy

Cool pastel greens, sky blues and soft grays temper cherry cabinetry's warm richness for tranquil kitchens. Crisp whites and antique mirror backsplashes aid the peaceful atmosphere.

This scheme accents function over drama. It complements bustling family life rather than spotlighting design.

Warm and Welcoming

Here, nature-inspired paints in clay, brown, tan and greige tones blend seamlessly with cherry's natural beauty. Golden granite countertops bridge cabinetry and walls.

Rich wood floors ground the space--the continuous tones feel enveloping like an embrace from the room itself.

When selecting a wall color for cherry cabinet kitchens, considering the interplay of lighting, layout, finishes and proportions prevents clashing schemes. Build holistic rooms not displays.

Remember, the myriad details combining into singular beauty remains paramount. A perfectly composed kitchen isn't about the cabinets or paint alone but rather their wondrous combination.