The How-To Guide for Styling Burnt Orange Kitchen Cabinets

With their bold, contemporary flair, burnt orange kitchen cabinets make a design statement like no other. The rich, rustic hue brings an instant warmth and vibrance to any kitchen. From sleek modern spaces to cozy farmhouse kitchens, burnt orange cabinetry sparks visual interest and personality.

If you’re considering burnt orange for your next kitchen revamp, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know. We’ll walk through choosing the perfect burnt orange paint color, selecting complementary materials and finishes, and pulling off stylish burnt orange cabinetry with finesse.

Choosing the Perfect Burnt Orange Paint Color

When painting kitchen cabinets burnt orange, the specific hue you choose makes all the difference. While bright pumpkin orange risks feeling dated, the trendy burnt orange kitchen leans deeper into rusty red-oranges and earthy terracottas.

To find the perfect tone, test out paint swatches directly on cabinet samples and view the true color in different lighting. Vibrant options like Behr's Moroccan Spice, Sherwin-Williams' Fireweed, and Benjamin Moore's Caliente are spot-on burnt orange paint colors for cabinets.

Avoiding Pitfalls

Steer clear of hues that skewer too bright or neon, as these will likely feel jarring. Muted clay tones can also appear bland paired with most kitchen designs. Landing the ideal burnt orange means finding a bold, saturated median between these extremes.

Also, note that paint samples on white paper strips don't showcase how the color will look on wood cabinets. The richness of burnt orange hues come alive most stunningly on stained or grained wood.

Cabinet Materials for Burnt Orange Kitchens

Playing Up Wood Cabinets

For wooden cabinetry, medium woods like oak or maple stained in burnt sienna, chestnut, or ebony-colored tones make an elegant base for burnt orange paint. Walnut stains also pair beautifully.

Consider gently distressing wooden cabinets for extra character. Using a gel stain will ensure the intense burnt orange color applies evenly across the wood grain without blotchiness.

Consistency With Laminate and MDF

While laminate and MDF do not boast the same rich patina, the smooth surfaces provide a more consistent burnt orange painted finish. These cabinet materials present a cost-effective option for achieving a trendy burnt orange look.

Use very high-quality cabinet paint in a satin or semi-gloss sheen for smooth application and a subtle sheen. The intense orange hue will really make the smooth finish pop.

Countertops That Complement Burnt Orange Cabinets

White & Light Neutrals

For countertops, clean and light neutrals beautifully complement burnt orange's dramatic impact. Options like white marble, quartz, concrete, and even butcher block offer an elegant counterbalance.

Any variegated, heavily veined, or patterned surface risks competing visually and diminishes the vibrance of burnt orange cabinets. Aim for a smooth, uniform appearance.

Natural Stone

Honed natural stone surfaces in soft hues also harmonize seamlessly with burnt orange cabinetry. White Carrara, sandstone, limestone, and concrete in matte or subtle finishes let the warm orange pop.

Backsplash Ideas for Burnt Orange Kitchens

White Subway Tile

For backsplashes, clean white subway tile or stacked marble mosaic offer a classic and light complement to burnt orange cabinets. Their neutrality creates the perfect backdrop.

Consider white subway tile with interesting details - brass inserts, varying sizes, or herringbone orientation - to make this basic backsplash feel fresh beside vibrant cabinet color.

Bold Patterns & Colors

On the flipside, burnt orange kitchen cabinets provide ample contrast for graphic patterned or colorful backsplash tile. Moroccan fish scale motifs, navy or sage glass subway tiles, and handmade artisan tiles make a lively pairing.

Hardware & Fixtures

Brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze hardware and lighting fixtures enrich the style of burnt orange cabinets. Their worn, textured metal finishes play up the rustic warmth of burnt orange.

Polished chrome or other glossy metallic finishes risk feeling too stark and modern for the earthy burnt orange color scheme. Vintage wrought iron handles and country-inspired lighting enhance the vintage vibe.

Floors That Work With Burnt Orange Cabinets

To integrate burnt orange cabinets, medium-toned wood plank flooring complements beautifully. Oak or walnut stains coordinate in step with cabinet tones without matching exactly.

Concrete in natural gray and stone or tile in creamy neutrals also provide subtle contrast beside burnt orange. For variation, rich wood-look porcelain tile harmonizes in hue while breaking up cabinetry repetition.

Design Styles for Burnt Orange Kitchens

Contemporary & Modern

With their bold presence, burnt orange cabinets feel right at home in sleek contemporary kitchens. Their rich color pops against streamlined cabinetry, stainless steel, and minimalist hardware.

Rustic & Farmhouse

In cozy rustic spaces, burnt orange offers vintage character. Unfinished wood accents, exposed beams, and vintage lighting fixtures play up the earthy charm.

For those desiring a mix of modern and traditional, burnt orange cabinetry brings together the best of both worlds. Glass-front cabinet doors, marble counters, and paneled appliances mesh seamlessly beside the daring burnt orange color.

With the right complementary materials and finishes, burnt orange kitchen cabinets make a statement that manages to be contemporary yet timeless. By thoughtfully honing the details, you can craft a stylishly curated kitchen that highlights this dramatic on-trend hue.