Wood kitchen cabinets are always in style. The versatility of wood also allows it to pair beautifully with a wide range of colors and materials. Whether your aesthetic leans traditional or modern, the right colors can enhance the beauty of your wood cabinets.
From crisp whites to warm neutrals to daring brights, there’s an inspiring color scheme for every taste. Read on for ideas to make your wood cabinetry the focal point it deserves to be!
All-White Kitchens
An all-white or mostly white color scheme allows wood cabinets to take center stage. The clean, bright backdrop lets the wood tones command attention. All-white kitchens have a classic elegance about them, yet they can still feel fresh and contemporary.
The Classic White Kitchen
A crisp white scheme pairs elegantly with wood cabinets of all shades and styles. Golden oak cabinets, for instance, glow against bright white walls and backsplashes. The contrast showcases the dynamic grain and knots. Meanwhile, the whiteprovides a soothing counterbalance to darker woods with bold grain patterns.
Options for white materials abound. Matte subway tiles, polished quartz countertops, and lacquered cabinetry all fit the aesthetic. For an ultra-sleek look, choose glossy surfaces and metals throughout.
Though white kitchens may skew neutral, well-placed accent colors in accessories bring them to life. Pops of green, yellow or blue enliven the space. For accent colors drawn straight from nature, add indoor plants or fresh flowers.
Softening an All-White Scheme
Stark white isn’t for everyone. Soften the look with off-white wall colors like cream, ivory or soft linen. The subtle beige undertone warms up the space while keeping things bright. Natural wood accents also introduce organic warmth.
Butcher block countertops made from maple or oak inject lovely texture. Mixing natural stone backsplashes with white cabinetry and metals ties everything together harmoniously. Copper or bronze hardware warms up the look.
High-Contrast White for Drama
Take the white kitchen up another dramatic notch with high-contrast elements. Pair matte white cabinets with a bold glossy tile backsplash in navy blue, charcoal or black. Use the same dark color on kitchen island bases for maximum impact. Top islands with white marbling for subtle unity.
Industrial metal pendant lights also vibe well with the look. Wrought iron brackets and silver hardware draws out the tones within the wood grain itself. The overall aesthetic walks between rustic and modern for endless styling possibilities.
Using Neutral Tones
While white may be the most popular neutral for wood cabinets, other subdued hues also complement. Soft taupes, earthy browns, natural grays and sophisticated black-and-white schemes all work beautifully.
Warm and Inviting Browns
Welcome guests with warm, earthy brown walls and accessories. Subtle tans and biscuit colors flatter golden oak cabinets especially well. Match wall paint to lighter streaks within the woodgrain. Then tie in darker steel or iron fixtures to pick up the wood’s rich accents.
Chocolate leather barstools make another inviting accent against mid-tone woods. Or integrate natural greenery for an organic look. For countertops, choose granite, butcher block, concrete, or oak. The natural textures unite everything seamlessly.
Wrought iron light fixtures work better than cool metals here, as do oil-rubbed bronze cabinet pulls. Go for a cozy charm made modern through minimalist shapes.
Timeless Gray Scale
Shades of gray beautifully bridge warm wood cabinets and crisp white surfaces. Whether you stick to a single soft gray wall color or incorporate multiple tones for dimensions, grays work wonders.
Cool-toned grays offset golden wood hues in an elegant color scheme. Charcoal cabinet hardware makes wood islands stand out when set against pale gray walls. Adding metallic pewter accents enhances the sophisticated mood.
To harmonize everything, look to natural textures like quartz countertops with gray veining. Or choose granite slabs combining gray minerals and warm tans that reflect the wood tones. A gray-toned herringbone backsplash tile pattern adds nice visual weight and contrast.
Sophisticated Black and White
Nothing complements rich wood tones better than crisp black and white. The compelling high-contrast combination works well balanced throughout a space or by making wood cabinets the black element against a white backdrop.
Black stained oak island bases establish sleek focal points, especially when topped with white herringbone marble. Paint upper cabinets a glossy black and pair with frosted glass fronts for a touch of elegance. Black open shelves become chic display spaces against white walls.
For lots of contrast and personality, paint a black stripe pattern across ivory cabinet fronts. Then accessorize with black window frames, lighting or hardware against a bright white scheme.
Making Color the Star
While neutral kitchen colors underscore wood’s beauty, vibrant paint colors take things up a creative notch. The key lies in selecting colors that ultimately enhance, rather than compete with, the rich wood tones.
Vibrant Blues
From navy blue to sky blue, bright shades make wood cabinets shine. A dark navy blue backsplash tile pops against golden oak, matching the deeper streaks in the woodgrain. Or make an oak kitchen island the anchor against Robin’s egg blue walls and accessories.
Tie blue kitchen colors to accent walls in adjacent living rooms or dining rooms. Use a shared color palette throughout for a cohesive feel. Blue also appeals to coastal aesthetics with natural woods and beachy ceramics.
Nature-Inspired Greens
Verdant shades of green connect kitchen spaces to nature, balancing beautifully with wood’s organic warmth. Soft sage green paint on walls and ceilings soothes the senses, letting wood cabinets make an impression.
Deeper forest greens and olive tones in tiles or textiles contrast gorgeously with light oak cabinetry in Craftsman-style kitchens. Match the wall and tile green to lighter jade minerals found in natural stone slab counters. Green glass backsplashes fuse everything ingeniously.
For a contemporary look, paint upper cabinets a glossy kelly green and pair with rough-cut oak base cabinet fronts. The eclectic mix feels fun and elegant.
Warm Terracotta Tones
If you want to coax out the fiery warmth of wood cabinets, glaze walls or backsplashes in rich terracotta. The vibrant, earthy tones complement oak wonderfully in Tuscan-inspired spaces. Use a vibrant terracotta backsplash to inject color behind golden oak cabinets topped with darker granite.
Handmade mission clay tiles in warmer red-orange hues also introduce captivating textures. Coordinating tiles for walls and backsplashes create seamless beauty. Wrought iron brackets, copper pans and distressed cabinet fronts lean rustic.
Pairing terracotta tones with knotty alder or hickory cabinetry makes country kitchens extra inviting. For contemporary allure, paint just thekitchen island base cabinet terracotta and contrast it with walnut uppers.
Whether you love all-white elegance or colorful whimsy, the right kitchen color scheme can let your wood cabinets shine. Harmonize additional materials like backsplashes, countertops and metals to unify everything aesthetically. Most importantly, choose colors and textures you connect with. Let your beautiful wood cabinetry anchor everything seamlessly while you accent with personal touches.
Warm Neutrals
Opt for a cozy and inviting kitchen color scheme by pairing wood cabinets with warm neutrals such as beige, taupe, or cream. These colors create a harmonious and timeless look that complements the natural wood tones.
Bold Reds
For a dramatic and daring kitchen color scheme, consider pairing wood cabinets with bold red hues. This color can add energy and passion to the space, making it perfect for those who love a pop of color.
Earthy Greens
Create a serene and calming atmosphere by pairing wood cabinets with earthy green tones. From olive green to forest green, these colors can evoke a natural and organic feel that balances well with wood.
Rich Browns
For a classic and elegant kitchen color scheme, pair wood cabinets with rich browns. These colors can create a sophisticated and grounded look that enhances the natural wood tones.
Fresh Greens
If you prefer a fresh and vibrant kitchen color scheme, consider pairing wood cabinets with lime green or seafoam green. These colors can bring a breath of fresh air and a touch of playfulness to the space.
Deep Blues
For a sophisticated and modern kitchen color scheme, consider pairing wood cabinets with deep blues. These colors can create a tranquil and soothing atmosphere that complements the natural wood tones.
Warm Yellows
If you love sunshine and warmth, consider pairing wood cabinets with warm yellows. These colors can create a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere that enhances the natural wood tones.
Rustic Oranges
For a cozy and rustic kitchen color scheme, consider pairing wood cabinets with rustic oranges. These colors can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the natural wood tones.
Soft Pinks
If you prefer a soft and romantic kitchen color scheme, consider pairing wood cabinets with soft pink hues. These colors can create a gentle and feminine atmosphere that balances well with wood.
For a dramatic and luxurious kitchen color scheme, consider pairing wood cabinets with rich purples. These colors can create a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere that enhances the natural wood tones.
