When embarking on a kitchen remodel or refresh, one of the most impactful decisions is choosing the colors for your cabinetry and flooring. Coordinating these elements strategically can completely transform the aesthetic and functionality of your space. The right color combinations can make a small kitchen appear more spacious, highlight architectural details, and either energize or relax those who use it.
You’ll discover factors to consider when selecting your palette and learn color psychology principles. We’ll also cover mistakes to avoid and provide actionable tips for planning your own kitchen cabinet and floor color combos that wow.
Evaluate Your Existing Kitchen and Style
Before picking any colors, take stock of your current kitchen. Make note of your existing cabinetry, floors, countertops, backsplash, and appliances. Identify the architectural details, focal points, and areas needing improvement. This inventory allows you to build a color scheme that plays up strengths and conceals flaws.
Additionally, reflect on your personal style and color preferences. Are you drawn to modern, farmhouse or traditional looks? Do you prefer high contrast or complementary hues? Decide if you want to make a bold statement or design a relaxing oasis. Whether you love rich tones or clean, bright whites, your color combo should align with the feel you want.
Decide on a Color Palette and Contrasts
Using your style guide, select a color palette for your kitchen revamp. When deciding on hues for cabinets and floors specifically, you generally have two options:
- Complementary colors: Different hues that look pleasing together (e.g. blue and orange)
- Contrasting colors: Very different shades, like light and dark (e.g. white and black)
If opting for strong contrasts, choose a lighter floor color and darker cabinet color to ground the space. This helps walls appear taller. Monochromatic schemes (different shades of one color) also create a cohesive, soothing look.
Choose Complementary Cabinet & Floor Colors
With your palette and contrasts decided, explore specific coordinating options. Useful considerations include:
- Lighting: Will the space feature warm natural light or cool, fluorescent lighting? Choose hues to enhance the lighting warmth.
- Size: Bold or dark colors in smaller kitchens could feel closed in. Brighter tones give the illusion of more space.
- Focal points: Draw the eye to elements like statement islands or appliances.
The Psychology and Impacts of Color
Remember that different colors evoke different psychological responses. So if opting for bold cabinets in a shade like red, balance it with a soothing neutral floor. Here are some examples of color impacts:
- White: Cleanliness, openness
- Gray: Balance, sophistication
- Black: Strength, boldness
Popular Cabinet & Floor Color Combination Ideas
Some universally pleasing pairings include:
- Crisp white cabinets + natural wood or tile floors
- Gray painted cabinets + light oak or bamboo floors
- Bright blue cabinets + oak hardwood floors
personal preferences and kitchen size allow for even more creativity!
Mix and Match Different Cabinet & Floor Colors
While some home chefs prefer a soothing, cohesive look from tones that match or complement, others opt for more striking contrasts through mixed colors:
Play Up Contrasts with Opposing Cabinets and Flooring
Thinking high contrast with both lighter and darker elements instantly modernizes a space and makes it more dynamic. Paint the upper cabinets a deep navy and pair with a light whitewashed wood floor for drama.
Pro Tip: Add dimension by selecting cabinet and floor finishes in varying textures–for example, flat painted cabinets and textured tile floors.
Consider Coordinating Monochromatic Schemes
On the more subtle end of the palette spectrum, sticking to different shades of one hue (a monochromatic scheme) provides harmony. Try soft gray cabinets paired with floors in a lighter ethereal gray wood grain. Then layer in metal accents for sheen.
Benefits of a coordinated monochrome kitchen include:
- Visually expansive
- Looks polished
- Easy to accessorize
Create Visual Interest with Eclectic Mixing
For the daring designer, mixing cabinet, floor and accent elements in a variety of colors and textures prevents boring spaces. Opt for a retro diner feel with glossy mint green cabinets, classic checkerboard vinyl floors and brushed chrome hardware.
Accent with Countertops, Backsplashes & More
Once your cabinet and floor colors are decided, don’t forget about accent elements that impact the room’s palette too. For example:
- Countertops: Granite, marble, quartz in coordinating or contrasting tones
- Backsplashes: Creative use of metal, glass or ceramic tile
- Accent walls: Paint one wall a bold accent color
When enhancing with accents, stick to the 60 (cabinets): 30 (floors): 10 (accents) rule for pulling a color scheme together. This means the bolder color combos for cabinets and floors should take up more surface area than sparse bright accents.
Enhance with Lighting and Accessories
Details like lighting and decor accessories tie everything together beautifully. Remember to:
- Install fixtures that accentuate cabinet and floor hues
- Choose paint colors for walls that coordinate with cabinetry
- Incorporate area rugs in aligning palette tones
- Display art, plants and ornate objects in complementary colors
This finishing touch elevates your kitchen from bland to bold.
Avoid Clashing Color Combinations
When attempting ambitious eclectic designs with tons of colors, be wary about crossing into clashing, disjointed territory. Stick to one of two bold hues maximum, balanced with enough neutral shades to prevent chaos.
If your current kitchen cabinet and floor combo seems mismatched and disjointed, a few fixes include:
- Painting walls and cabinets a coordinating neutral
- Staining or painting floors to complement existing cabinet color
- Adding rug and decor in color palette tones
At a certain point, those unwilling to replace cabinetry or flooring altogether should accept the need for a neutral, versatile scheme.
By thoughtfully analyzing your existing kitchen and preferred design aesthetic, you can choose stunning cabinet and floor combinations that make your space shine.
Remember to review the complete color scheme holistically once the cabinetry, floors and accent decor are selected. Coordinate countertop, appliances and hardware finishes accordingly too.
When installation day arrives, apply our tips for refreshing and renewing with colorful cabinet and floor combos. Then stand back and admire your brilliant, brand new kitchen!
