The color you choose for your kitchen cabinets is essential since it can significantly impact the overall appearance and feel of the area. While personal taste plays an important role, certain colors can make the kitchen appear drab or outdated. We’ve highlighted some colors that are not recommended to use as they could make your kitchen appear more shabby. If your kitchen’s color is one of the ones we’ve mentioned, and you want to alter its color.
Dark brown
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Although dark brown is a great choice to add an element of class and class, it could make a kitchen seem tiny and dark. This is particularly the case when your kitchen isn’t flooded with sunlight. Dark cabinets in brown absorb light rather than reflect light, and could make a crowded and uncomfortable space. Additionally, dark brown cabinets can easily reveal fingerprints, dust, and smudges, which require regular cleaning to keep an elegant appearance.
Alternatives:
Consider medium-toned woods like walnut or lighter shades like oak and maple, which provide warmth without overwhelming the space.
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Black
Black kitchen cabinets can be stunning in modern and industrial designs but can also be overpowering. Like dark brown, black absorbs light, making the room feel smaller and more enclosed. Black cabinets can also easily show dust, scratches, and fingerprints, demanding constant upkeep.
Alternatives:
For a sleek, modern look, try dark charcoal gray or navy blue. These colors offer a similar depth but with a slightly softer touch.
Bright red
A bold, bright red color is a great option that can bring energy to the kitchen, however, this color could also become overwhelming, and even a bit stressful. Red is a strong color that can take over the space and be in conflict with other elements of your kitchen. It’s also a hue that can quickly fall out of fashion, making your kitchen look outdated earlier and not later.
Alternatives:
Option for softer shades of red like terracotta or burgundy. These hues are less jarring and more versatile, allowing for a wider range of complementary colors in your kitchen design.
Lime green
Lime green is a different vibrant hue that could be too stimulating for the kitchen. Although it may appear to be an appealing and exciting option, it could quickly turn overwhelming and make your kitchen look less welcoming. Lime green is also difficult to coordinate with other colors and décor elements.
Alternatives:
Consider more muted greens like sage, olive, or mint. These shades provide a calming and refreshing atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
Pastels
Pastel shades, such as pastel pink, baby blue, and soft lavender may seem appealing and fun but they can make your kitchen appear outdated and too sweet. Pastels are typically used in nursery spaces or old-fashioned decor that could not work with contemporary or modern kitchen styles.
Alternatives:
Instead of pastels, choose more subdued shades like dusty rose, powder blue, or soft gray. These colors maintain a gentle aesthetic without veering into overly saccharine territory.
Bright yellow
A bright yellow hue is a great way to bring sunlight into your kitchen. However, it could be too strong and create a disturbing impact. Yellow is a reflective hue and could cause eyestrain in areas that receive many natural or artificial lighting. In addition, bright yellow cabinets can be difficult to match with other colors. They may quickly become the main center of the kitchen dominating other elements of design.
Alternatives:
Option for warmer, more subdued yellows like mustard or goldenrod. These tones add warmth and cheerfulness without being too overpowering.
Orange
Orange is a lively color that can stimulate appetite, which is why it’s popular in dining spaces. However, in the kitchen, it can be overwhelming and too vibrant, making it difficult to relax. Orange cabinets can also be tricky to decorate around, as they don’t easily blend with other colors.
Alternatives:
Terracotta or rust hues are excellent choices for adding warmth and energy to your kitchen without the intensity of bright orange.
White
While white cabinets are timeless and popular, they can also present some challenges. White can create a sterile and cold atmosphere if not balanced with warmer accents. White cabinets also show dirt, and stains, and wear more easily than other colors, necessitating frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Alternatives:
Consider off-white or creamy shades. These still provide a clean, bright look but with a touch of warmth that makes the kitchen feel more inviting.
Purple
Purple is a hue that can bring a sense of sophistication and luxury However, it’s tough to find the right color for the kitchen. The darker shades could make the space appear too heavy, whereas lighter purples could be perceived as being too sexy or youthful. Purple isn’t a color that is typically associated with kitchens, which makes it a risky color choice for resale.
Alternatives:
Try using purple as an accent color rather than the main cabinet color. Deep plum or lavender can work well in small doses, providing a unique touch without dominating the room.
Pink
Pink is a color that can easily make your kitchen look dated and overly sweet. It’s often associated with a retro or kitschy look, which might not fit with a modern or sophisticated kitchen design. Pink cabinets can also be difficult to match with other colors and styles.
Alternatives:
If you like the idea of using pink, consider blush or peach tones. These colors are more subtle and can be incorporated in a way that adds warmth and personality without being too dominant.
Tips for choosing the right cabinet color
Now that we’ve covered the colors to avoid, here are some tips to help you choose the right color for your kitchen cabinets:
- Consider the size of your kitchen: Light colors can make a small kitchen feel more spacious, while darker colors can add depth to a larger kitchen.
- Think about lighting: Natural and artificial lighting can greatly affect how a color looks in your kitchen. Test paint samples under different lighting conditions to see how they appear throughout the day.
- Coordinate with existing elements: Take into account your kitchen’s countertops, backsplash, flooring, and appliances. Choose a cabinet color that complements these elements for a cohesive look.
- Reflect on your style: Your kitchen should reflect your style and preferences. Consider whether you prefer a modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic look, and choose colors that align with that style.
- Test Before committing: Before painting or purchasing cabinets, get samples and test them in your kitchen. This will give you a better idea of how the color looks in the actual space.
- Seek professional advice: If you’re unsure about color choices, consult a professional designer. They can provide valuable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Conclusion:
Selecting the appropriate color for the cabinets in your kitchen is a crucial choice that will greatly impact the overall appearance and overall feel. By staying clear of colors such as darker browns and blacks vibrant lime green, pastels, vibrant yellow-purple, white, orange, and pink, you’ll be able to make your kitchen a more welcoming and timeless area. Think about different shades and follow the guidelines offered to make a well-informed choice that will enhance your kitchen’s style and beauty.