Forest green kitchen cabinets are having a major moment right now. The rich, earthy tone is popping up in kitchen remodels across the country. And for good reason – forest green is a versatile neutral that pairs beautifully with different styles. It also has a calming, renewing effect. Read on to discover why forest green cabinets are so popular and get inspired to use this dramatic shade in your own kitchen!
Why Forest Green Kitchen Cabinets Are Trending
Forest green has been growing in popularity over the last few years. While white and grey kitchens are still common, many homeowners are looking to infuse more color into their cooking spaces. Forest green is an unexpected choice that instantly transforms the room. The allure lies in its connection to nature – the deep green conjures up images of lush forests and trees.
As a versatile neutral, forest green cabinets work with a variety of materials and finishes. The shade pairs nicely with wood tones, black, brass, and even pops against white. Forest green kitchens have an earthy, yet refined look. The rich color is bold but still livable since green is associated with renewal and harmony.
The Different Shades of Green for Your Kitchen
Light Greens
If you want just a touch of green, consider a soft sage or sea glass shade. These muted greens have a gentle presence and leave room for other colorful accents in your kitchen. Light green cabinets suit coastal or vintage kitchens.
Mid-Tone Greens
For something bolder than a pastel, mid-tone greens like emerald or jewel-toned shades make a statement. Dark jade green with wood counters would make an elegant, luxurious statement in a more formal kitchen.
Dark & Moody Greens
Deep forest, hunter, and evergreen greens have an exotic, moody presence that is very on-trend right now. Matte black fixtures would intensify the dramatic look. We recommend dark green cabinets as part of a full kitchen remodel rather than just a refresh.
Which Green Goes Well With Your Kitchen Style?
Modern Kitchens
The contrast of a vibrant green against brilliant white quartz countertops and modern brass hardware is striking and contemporary. For green modern kitchens, mix high gloss cabinetry and polished concrete worktops.
Farmhouse Kitchens
Play up the woodsy appeal of forest green in a farmhouse kitchen with reclaimed wood open shelving, antique-inspired hardware, and butcher block countertops. Softer sage greens also suit the rustic farmhouse aesthetic.
Coastal Kitchens
Pair a cool sea glass green with weathered wood counters and creamy subway tiles for a breezy, beach house vibe. Contrast is key, so avoid matching the cabinets exactly to the counters or floors.
Cabinet & Hardware Combinations
Types of Cabinets
Stained wood cabinets allow the warm undertones of forest green paint to shine through. The natural grain pairs beautifully with the earthy color. For lighter greens, painted cabinets ensure the color pops. High gloss lacquered cabinets intensify deep emerald and jadeite greens.
Hardware & Fixtures
For traditional appeal, warm brass or gold hardware matches nicely with green cabinets. Oil rubbed bronze hardware would suit darker forest and hunter green kitchens. Matte black is the perfect bold counterpart to lighter green shades.
Countertops That Complement Green Cabinets
Quartz
With green cabinets, crisp white quartz countertops create vivid contrast. For a more subtle pairing, quartz with subtle grey veining or small brown/black flecks blend nicely. Concrete-style quartz counters reinforce the earthy feel.
Granite & Marble
Soapstone, grey marble, and white marbles offer lighter neutrals to balance deep green cabinets. Stay away from very bold granites as they might overpower the green color.
Wood Surfaces
Warmer wood countertops like oak and darker walnut colors match seamlessly with forest green cabinets. Butcher block style wood counters are very on-trend and complement the nature-inspired color scheme.
Backsplashes & Accents
Subway tiles in creamy neutrals like warm white and light grey beautifully complement forest green cabinets without being too matchy-matchy. Warm metallics like antique copper and brass round penny tile offer eye-catching contrast. Green glass or handmade ceramic tile used sparingly as an accent ties the whole palette together.
Using forest green only on the lower cabinets keeps the moody color in check. Open shelving on upper cabinets breaks up the blocks of green for a lighter, airier look.
Paint Brands With Stunning Greens
Here are our top green cabinet paint color recommendations from leading brands:
- Benjamin Moore – Jewel Green (2064-10)
- Sherwin Williams – Verdigris (SW 7606)
- Valspar – Forest Floor (6007-11A)
- General Finishes – Foxglove (SP-101)
Seeing forest green cabinets used in real home kitchens lets you observe how the color works with different styles. Here are a few stunning examples:
[Showcase 2-3 photos of forest green kitchen cabinets in different settings]
This glam kitchen features emerald colored lacquered cabinets with bold brass hardware and dramatic black countertops. The combination is rich and striking.
“I wanted to create an elegant, jewel box kitchen,” says the homeowner. “The green cabinets make such a statement against the concrete floors.”
[Showcase 2-3 more photos of real kitchens with forest green cabinets]
By showcasing diverse, beautiful forest green kitchen cabinet makeovers in different kitchen styles, paired with homeowner’s own words, readers can find tangible inspiration for adding this popular color into their own homes.
