America loves a white kitchen. White's clean, simple, orderly—and, even devotees have to agree, a bit of a no-brainer. But we're here to tell you that color can be a kitchen's best friend, cleverly highlighting architectural details or transforming dated cabinetry. It can change the whole feeling of the room. Even brightening up just one area—an island, say—with a refreshing hue can be a real mood-booster. Combine two colors on your cabinets, and you're on your way to a truly personal look.
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So break out of the white-and-wood zone and let color work the room. We've pulled together a dozen kitchen color combos to get you going. America loves a white kitchen. White's clean, simple, orderly—and, even devotees have to agree, a bit of a no-brainer. But we're here to tell you that color can be a kitchen's best friend, cleverly highlighting architectural details or transforming dated cabinetry.
It can change the whole feeling of the room. Even brightening up just one area—an island, say—with a refreshing hue can be a real mood-booster. Combine two colors on your cabinets, and you're on your way to a truly personal look. So break out of the white-and-wood zone and let color work the room. We've pulled together a dozen kitchen color combos to get you going.
Soothing the Sous ChefBeige walls and white cabinets are a restful combination, both light and expansive. The calming colors are a visual antidote in a high-energy, high-production kitchen that hums with three meals a day, snack prep and party catering. Honey-colored glazed ceramic floor tile or light maple floors extend the simplicity of the palette; add sisal mats in front of the sink and stove to cushion the cook's feet. Pale or tortoise bamboo window shades help define the space, as do birch or burnt rattan stools at a white kitchen island topped by salmon, light-sienna or white marble.
A row of clear glass pendants over the island and task lighting under the cabinets illuminate the daily fare. Fluid BackdropWhite cabinets, trim and appliances are crisp and clean in a kitchen, and beige walls enhance wood decor features and help pull the space together. When you have wood floors and butcher-block counters, beige walls echo the brown tones without being heavy.
In an open-plan kitchen, the pale colors blend with decor in a dining and living space, creating an open feeling while leaving room for accents in bright colors or strong patterns. Collectible furnishings work well against the invisible backdrop; Mid-Century Modern tables, chairs and lamps in wood, plastic and natural-fiber upholstery stand out. The clean lines of Shaker furnishings are conspicuous. Signs of age in primitive antiques are noticeable in all their cracked and crazed charm. Hang a giant artisanal wood cutting board in the kitchen as wall art.
Make a rag that picks up the color of the living room sofa, to place in front of the sink. Coffee Bar ColorsThere are many permutations of beige and an expansive view includes latte and cappuccino shades.
Coffee and cream are appealing colors for a kitchen. Cover the walls with rich, pale mocha or linen paint against white cabinets, and stain terra-cotta floor tiles coffee-bean brown.
Replace standard cabinet hardware with oiled bronze knobs and pulls, and decorate walls with reproduction aged black-and-white menus or vintage metal cafe signs. Oversize cafe au lait cups displayed on open shelves and a restaurant-caliber cappuccino machine on the counter signal this kitchen may look elegant but the barista means business where caffeine is concerned.
All the Rage With GreigeThe hybrid of gray and beige known as 'greige' is a solution to wall paint for a kitchen with white cabinets. Eggshell-finish greige on the walls helps brushed stainless appliances blend with plank floors, an old oak kitchen table in the breakfast nook or the storm-cloud walls of the dining room. Consider edging paneled white cabinets in thin lines of black to emphasize detail. Use black-and-white harlequin accessories such as area rugs, pot holders and dishtowels. Paint a chalkboard panel for family notes on one wall and surround it with a skinny natural-wood frame.