Guide
Choosing a color for painted kitchen cabinets
· By GK Painting & Remodeling
Most of a kitchen stays put when the cabinets are refinished: the counters, the backsplash, the floor, the appliances, and the light from the windows. The new cabinet color has to work with all of it, which is why the best place to start is with what isn't changing.
Below are five of our jobs, each a different kind of color change, and what each one shows. Every before and after is the same room photographed twice.
Dark wood to white
The biggest change a cabinet finish can make. Going from a dark stain to white brightens the whole room and makes the cabinets read as part of the walls instead of a block of wood.
It's also the change that depends most on preparation. The doors and drawer fronts are degreased, sanded, and primed before any color goes on, so the white has a sound base and the dark stain stays covered. This kitchen also got new counters, a new backsplash, and black pulls, so compare the doors and drawer fronts to see the refinishing itself.
Wood to a soft neutral
When the counters, backsplash, and appliances are staying, a soft neutral is the quiet option. In this kitchen the cherry went to a light gray that sits easily with the existing counters and stainless steel, and the glass-front uppers kept their glass.
If you like most of your kitchen and only the wood tone feels dated, this is the direction to look at first.
Wood to a deep color
Deep colors are worth a look when the room already has a lot of wood. Here natural maple cabinets sat under a pine ceiling, and the two warm tones ran together. In forest green, the cabinets give the ceiling something to sit against, and the granite counters stayed as they were.
Painted white to a color
Cabinets don't have to be old to be refinished. This kitchen was newly built in builder white, and repainting it in deep olive green gave it color without replacing cabinetry that was brand new.
Previously painted cabinets get the same cleaning, sanding, and priming as stained ones, so the new finish holds to the old one instead of sitting on top of it.
More than one color
One color isn't the only option. These red built-ins were refinished in two shades of green, with the French doors beside them painted black.
Two tones can set open shelving apart from closed cabinets, or the lower cabinets apart from the uppers. We paint wall and base cabinets in one color or in more than one.
How to narrow it down
- Start from what stays. Hold samples against the counter, the backsplash, and the floor, not against the old cabinet door.
- Look at samples in your own kitchen in the morning and again in the evening. Window light and bulbs change a color more than most people expect.
- Plan pulls and knobs at the same time. Hardware is part of the finished look.
- Ask for help. Help choosing the color and finish is part of every cabinet job we quote.
See how our kitchen cabinet painting works or browse every before and after.
Thinking about your own cabinets?
Send a few details. George will call to talk it through, visit if he needs to see the space, and send a free written quote.
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