The Best Kitchen Cabinet & Wall Color Combos for Maximizing Space
When planning a kitchen remodel or redesign, choosing the right cabinet and wall colors is a key decision that can make a major impact on the aesthetic and functionality of the space. Carefully selecting paint and stain tones allows you to enhance the dimensions of your kitchen visually to feel more open and expansive.
Especially in a small or awkwardly laid out kitchen, thoughtful color pairing can work magic. By embracing light, reflective hues on the walls and perimeter, it’s possible to counterbalance limited square footage for a roomier vibe. Conversely, glossy dark cabinets or statement accent walls done right can anchor a sprawling kitchen.
Light Colors Open Up Small Kitchens
When working with a compact kitchen footprint, the top tip from designers is to opt for pale neutral wall and cabinet colors. Soft whites, off-whites, light beige and gray tones reflect sunlight and bounce light around, creating an airier atmosphere.
Stark bright white can feel sterile and flat if overdone, so aim for a warm creamy white or light gray with subtle undertones. The perimeter of a kitchen tends to recede visually, so painting these secondary surfaces in a very light shade makes the whole room appear bigger.
Soft Pastels Expand Small Spaces
In addition to white and light gray, soft pastel hues like barely-there yellow, green, blue and lavender open up small kitchens in a soothing way. Just take care not to choose colors that skew too cold or clinical. The most inviting kitchen color palettes combine a pale main hue with warm metallic or wood accents.
Muted aqua blue-green on the walls allows you to add interest without overwhelming a tiny kitchen. Pair it with butcher block counters and nickel hardware for contrast.
Where Darker Colors Can Work
While predominantly dark color schemes are risky propositions in petite kitchens, you can incorporate moody hues strategically. Deep charcoal or navy used only on lower cabinets grounds the space without closing it in. Or paint a single accent wall in a saturated shade.
Small galley kitchens benefit from a uniform lightness but breaking up wall expanses with contrasting tile backsplashes and deep open shelving adds character without shrinkage.
Darker Cabinets Make a Statement
For more spacious kitchens with room to spare, don’t be afraid to embrace luxurious dark cabinetry and statement colors. Deeper wood stains, black, navy and charcoal kitchen cabinets convey drama and sophistication.
Dark lower cabinets also create the illusion of being anchored to the floor for a grounded look. Pairing inky cabinets with light walls prevents the space from feeling too somber. Crisp white upper cabinets also lend balance.
Aside from square footage, many variables influence kitchen color choices. Assess these considerations carefully in your space before deciding on paint chips:
- Amount of natural lighting - go darker in bright rooms
- Number of windows and skylights
- Kitchen layout - long galleys need lightness
- Countertop and flooring materials
- Adjoining rooms' color schemes
Incorporating both light and dark elements is possible in most kitchens. Just carefully consider how paint colors work together based on your goals, be it illuminating a small space or adding intimate ambiance.