Hunter green kitchen cabinets make a dramatic style statement in any kitchen. The deep, saturated hue brings luxury and vintage charm to your space. While white and gray cabinets may be popular, hunter green is a sophisticated alternative that really stands out.
From ideal color pairings to styles that complement this hue, read on for pro tips that will help you incorporate hunter green cabinetry into your home.
What Exactly Is Hunter Green?
Before diving into hunter green kitchen inspiration, let’s look at what exactly defines this dark, luxurious color.
Hunter green sits between forest green and olive on the color wheel. It’s a deep shade with hints of blue that give it richness. The first recorded use of “hunter green” as a color name in English was in 1892.
Historically, hunter green was associated with nature, vigor, and the rugged outdoors. It was a popular wall color in Victorian homes. In the 1970s and 80s, hunter green kitchen cabinets came into vogue and were a staple of retro kitchen design.
Today, hunter green is making a comeback in kitchens, thanks to the renewed popularity of earthy vintage style. The color brings depth and saturation without going too dark. And it serves as a striking alternative to standard white or wood cabinets.
Hunter Green Cabinet Styles & Configurations
Hunter green kitchen cabinets make themselves right at home in a range of styles.
For a more traditional look, shaker cabinets with a hunter green stain have clean lines and timeless appeal. Inset cabinetry with rounded edges and molded details also complement hunter green’s old-world vibe.
Modern sleek cabinets in a hunter green laminate or thermofoil fit right into contemporary kitchens. The bold color paired with minimalist hardware makes a sophisticated style statement.
Hunter green cabinets also look stunning when mixed and matched. Try combining glass-front upper cabinets to lighten the look with solid wood lowers for warmth. Or install hunter green open shelving on just one kitchen wall as an accent.
Configurations & Layouts
When planning your kitchen layout, think about how you can maximize the drama of hunter green cabinets.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry coated in hunter green makes the biggest impact for an immersive, luxe look. For smaller kitchens, mounting cabinets on the wall leaves the eye to sweep upward and creates the illusion of more space.
Whether you choose lower cabinets, uppers or both, be sure to incorporate interesting design details like glass fronts, open shelving or mesh cabinet inserts to complement the dark color.
Perfect Material & Hardware Pairings
The materials you choose for countertops, hardware and backsplashes will make all the difference in your hunter green kitchen.
Brushed brass hardware pops against the dark green providing the perfect metallic contrast. Matte black pulls offer a more modern feel.
For countertops, marble’s white veining or soapstone’s gray tones beautifully offset hunter green cabinets. Butcher block adds warmth while concrete gives an industrial edge.
Crisp white subway tiles always look elegant behind a rich, jewel-toned cabinet. Or pick out a shade of green wallpaper as a fun complementary backsplash.
Finishes & Textures
Hunter green kitchen cabinets come in a variety of wood stains, laminates, and thermofoil wraps. Matte, satin and high gloss finishes each give a slightly different effect.
Opt for oak or maple cabinets stained in hunter green for a traditional wood look. Or try a hunter green laminate for an affordable pop of color.
Combine wood closed cabinet fronts with thermofoil open shelving for the best of both worlds. The key is pairing hunter green with natural wood tones and plenty of texture.
Spaces That Shine With Hunter Green Cabinets
While they’re perfect for kitchens, hunter green cabinets deserve a spot in other rooms, too.
In a rustic farmhouse mudroom, hunter green lockers provide vintage character. Or use the color in a butler’s pantry for striking storage.
Open shelving lined in this dramatic hue makes a statement anywhere from an entryway to a laundry room. No space is off limits for this daring yet versatile color.
Big and Small Kitchens
Hunter green works beautifully in both small and large kitchens–it’s all about choosing the right layout.
In a smaller kitchen, opt for wall-mounted cabinets to give the illusion of more space. Add mirrors or reflective surfaces to bounce light around.
In larger kitchens, create an intimate dining nook wrapped in hunter green cabinets. Or install a floor-to-ceiling built-in pantry dressed in this dark, moody hue.
Design Styles That Complement Hunter Green
Hunter green kitchen cabinets infuse spaces with vintage charm and a moody vibe. Here are some of the top design aesthetics that pair perfectly with this rich color.
Sleek modern kitchens get a dose of drama from hunter green cabinets mixed with stainless steel appliances. The bold color pops against neutral walls.
In cozy traditional kitchens, hunter green add vintage character. Opt for inset doors, brass hardware and porcelain knobs for old-world appeal.
Cottage and farmhouse spaces feel simultaneously homey and sophisticated with distressed hunter green cabinets. Whitewashed brick backsplashes complete the look.
Go for eclectic styling by pairing retro hunter green cabinets with a mix of wood counters, terra cotta floor tiles and unique patterned wallpaper.
The Pros of Choosing Hunter Green Cabinets
What makes hunter green cabinets so covetable? Here are some of the top benefits of bringing this moody hue into your home.
First, hunter green makes a striking style statement. It provides drama, saturation and visual interest that you can’t get from basic white or wood cabinetry. The color is universally flattering in any style of kitchen.
Hunter green also has a cozy vintage vibe that brings warmth and character into a space. The earthy color has rustic charm reminiscent of craftsman style.
While certainly bold, hunter green isn’t so dark that it would make a room feel closed in or dismal. The blue undertones give it dimension without going too far into black tones.
Finally, hunter green provides a unique alternative to standard kitchen cabinet colors. It lets you stand out from the sea of white and gray kitchens in a sophisticated, luxurious way.
Tips for Decorating With Hunter Green Cabinets
Ready to bring hunter green cabinets into your home? Keep these pro decorating tips in mind.
Paint your kitchen walls a deeper green or soft neutral like warm white, beige or slate gray. This allows the cabinets to take center stage.
Incorporate natural wood elements like butcher block counters, open shelving or a wooden table. Wood’s warmth balances the cool hue.
Layer in metal accents and hardware in brass, chrome or black iron. Shiny metals make hunter green cabinets pop.
Echo green in kitchen textiles like window treatments, rugs and barstools for a harmonious look. Just stick to lighter greens as accents.
Add pops of contrasting color through accessories like turquoise vases or sunshine yellow dishware. A little contrast keeps the mood upbeat.
Extra Tips for Small Kitchens
To keep a small kitchen feeling airy and open with hunter green cabinets, try these extra tips:
- Opt for wall-mounted cabinets rather than bulky base cabinets.
- Include glass-front cabinet doors and open shelving.
- Paint the ceiling, trim and walls light, neutral colors.
- Add mirrors and pendant lighting to reflect light around.
Hunter green cabinets make a stunning addition to any style of kitchen. The dramatic color provides a luxe, moody feel that also warms up a space with vintage character. When paired thoughtfully with metals, natural materials and pops of contrast, hunter green cabinets become the focal point of your kitchen in the best way.
If you’re looking to give your kitchen a sophisticated style boost, hunter green cabinetry is an on-trend choice that delivers drama and depth. Use this guide to start planning your own kitchen refreshed with rich, jewel-toned cabinets.
