If your kitchen is feeling tired and dated, a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. Sage green is a versatile grayish-green hue that’s subtle yet statement-making–the perfect way to give your kitchen an affordable makeover.
In this post, we’ll explore why sage green cabinets are having a major moment, how to paint your existing cabinets like a pro, and plenty of sage green kitchen design ideas to inspire your remodel. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Sage Green for Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Sage green may seem unexpected for kitchen cabinets, but this blend of gray and green has become increasingly popular. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:
- It’s a current color trend that looks fresh and modern
- The soft tone pairs well with almost any kitchen style from modern to cottage
- It has a calming, natural vibe perfect for the heart of your home
- Warmer and more inviting than many light greens
- Strikes an optimal balance between neutral and bold
With both gray and green undertones, sage green is versatile enough to fit any aesthetic. It provides a soothing ambiance without feeling too cool or minty. Sage green adds warmth without the yellow undertones of greige or olive green.
Whether your style is modern farmhouse or contemporary, sage green cabinets can work. The key is choosing the right accents and finishes to complement this adaptable grayish-green hue.
Painting Your Existing Cabinets Sage Green
Got oak cabinets that are feeling dated? Or maybe plain white cabinets you want to spice up? Painting them sage green is much more affordable than a full replacement.
Follow these tips to prep, prime, and paint your cabinets like a pro:
Prep Work
Prepping your cabinets thoroughly will ensure the paint adheres and lasts. Here are the key steps:
- Empty cabinets and remove doors/drawers
- Clean surfaces with TSP substitute to degrease
- Sand lightly to rough up the finish
- Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler
- Wipe again with a tack cloth to remove dust
Choosing a Sage Green Paint
High-quality cabinet paint is crucial for a smooth, durable finish. We recommend Jolie Paint, which comes in a wide selection of sage greens and adheres well with minimal prep needed. Other top options include Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams.
Painting Process
Follow these steps when painting your cabinets:
- Apply primer if staining or bare wood
- Paint backs first, then the cabinet frames
- Apply two finish coats for full coverage
- Let paint fully cure for several days before reinstalling
- Consider a clear topcoat for added protection
Avoid drips by keeping a “wet edge” and maintaining a steady brush stroke. Allow at least 24 hours of dry time between coats. The end result will be stunning cabinets with a subtle sage green hue!
Design Inspiration for Sage Green Kitchens
Ready to design your dream sage green kitchen? From modern to cottagecore, here are some gorgeous ways to implement this color trend:
Modern and Sleek
For contemporary styling, pair sage cabinets with these sleek elements:
- Brass or black metal fixtures and hardware
- Marble, quartz, or concrete countertops
- Glass-front upper cabinets
- Stainless steel or black kitchen appliances
- Herringbone tile or geometric patterns
This creates a chic, on-trend sage green kitchen with hints of glam and industrial vibes.
Rustic Cottagecore
Channel cozy cottagecore style with these accents:
- White subway tile backsplash
- Butcher block or wood countertops
- Exposed wood beams on the ceiling
- Vintage-inspired bronze hardware
- Apron-front farmhouse sink
Together with sage green cabinets, it’s a light and airy farmhouse kitchen aesthetic.
Two-Toned Cabinets
For a subtler take, opt for sage green on just the lower cabinets. Try it with:
- Neutral white or light gray uppers
- Crisp white backsplash and ceiling
- Warm wood flooring to complement
The sage green pops against the white, while the wood flooring ties everything together beautifully.
Accessories to Complete Your Sage Green Kitchen
Finish off your gorgeous new sage green kitchen with these harmonious accents:
Countertops
Quartz, marble, or butcher block counters pair attractively with sage cabinets. Granite can work too if it has grayish-green veining.
Backsplash
Try a backsplash in natural stone marble, white subway tile, sage glass tiles, or rustic brick. Anything from sleek to vintage can complement sage cabinets.
Hardware
Brass, bronze, nickel, and black hardware finishes all pop nicely against the greenish-gray backdrop.
Appliances
Stainless steel, black, or white appliances fit well into sage green kitchens. You can also mix metals for an eclectic vibe.
Styling
Incorporate natural elements like fresh flowers, herbs, fruit bowls, and live edge wood accents. Bold patterned rugs, curtains, and artwork also enliven the space.
A sage green kitchen cabinet makeover can entirely transform an outdated space into a stylish, inspiring showpiece. This versatile color works with modern to cottage aesthetics and brings a relaxing, organic feel.
Prep properly and use a high-quality cabinet paint to ensure your new sage green cabinets stand the test of time. Pair them thoughtfully with countertops, hardware, and accents that enhance the muted greenish-gray tone.
In just a weekend, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look with a coat of invigorating sage green paint! Breathe new life into your heart-of-the-home with this calming, nature-inspired color trend.
1. Over time, sage green kitchen cabinets tend to hold their color quite well if using a high-quality cabinet paint. To promote longevity, allow for proper cure time before use, and apply a clear protective topcoat. Avoid direct harsh sunlight which can cause fading. Touch up paint yearly as needed.
2. Sage green appeals to a wide range of home buyers and is considered a safe, attractive color for resale. It offers an update over traditional white or oak cabinets but isn’t too polarizing. The calming, versatile tone allows buyers to envision complementing with their own style.
3. Many cabinet paint brands now offer low-VOC and eco-friendly options. Milk paint is a non-toxic alternative, though less durable for cabinets. Choose sustainably sourced painting materials and tools when possible.
4. The key to a professional, long-lasting painted finish is proper surface prep, high-quality paint, using a fine-bristle brush, and applying multiple thin coats. Allowing proper dry time between coats prevents drips and imperfections in the paint job.
5. Pairing sage green cabinets with warm metals, natural wood and stone textures, crisp white, black accents, or navy creates a harmonious, inviting space. Consider open shelving, glass cabinet doors, and creative backsplashes.
6. The natural, subtle sage green shade provides an inherently peaceful ambiance in this high-traffic area of the home. Paired with houseplants, natural light and calming decor, it creates a soothing kitchen oasis.
7. At around $100-$300 for cabinet paint and supplies, repainting existing cabinets with sage green paint is significantly more affordable than installing all new cabinets, which can cost $5,000-$15,000 or more.
