Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style in your kitchen. Luckily, it's relatively easy to create a space that's both functional and stylish — no renovations required.
Take your kitchen cabinets, for example. There are many different styles and hardware accessories to choose from, but a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. But where do you start? To get some inspiration, we asked three interior designers about their go-to kitchen cabinet paint colors. While their choices varied by tone and saturation, they all settled on timeless colors. Surprising? Well, not really.
“In general, white or neutral kitchens have a classic feel, especially when you make traditional choices in cabinetry, hardware and layout,” explains designer Colleen Simmons. “The kitchen is a big investment, and I think most people view color as a risk if they ever need to sell their home.” Read on to find out the top three cabinet colors that pros call “chef's kiss.”
If you're looking for a paint color that will stand the test of time, look no further than neutrals. Simmons' top pick is Farrow & Ball's Raillings, a deep navy that offers a soft alternative to jet black. Sure, it's definitely atmospheric, but Simmons insists it's a “classic” shade. “It's not a trendy color, but it's not white, so maybe that's what you'd expect,” explains the Pittsburgh-based designer. “I think it works as a neutral and goes with pretty much anything.”
Simmons says that while a banister might be too dramatic for a light and airy beach house, for example, the shades in this blue kitchen are a perfect match. teeth It's versatile enough to work in both traditional and contemporary spaces: “The hardware can be nickel, chrome, brass, black or copper,” she explains. “I think it can be paired with a variety of different colored tiles, wood stains and countertops.”
For Chicago-based designer Joy Williams, the choice is simple: Pick a hue that's always pleasing to the eye. Of course, it's different for everyone, but Williams says you can't go wrong with white cabinets. “I especially love a fun, atmospheric kitchen, but some people might be surprised by my practical enjoyment of having an open, airy white kitchen in a small space,” she adds.
Williams recommends Sherwin-Williams Pure White, which she says can help make a small kitchen look bigger. “It creates a clean space that allows your other accessories and foods to stand out,” she explains. But opting for a white kitchen doesn't have to mean it has to feel boring; in fact, this paint is perfect for adding more personality. “Even if you combine it with a lot of darker, more muted colors as an island accent color, Sherwin-Williams Pure White still gives off an inviting, 'happy' vibe,” Williams adds.
Looking for the perfect neutral between bright white and almost black? Designer Ashley Ferguson is a big fan of Cromartie by Farrow & Ball. She says the color's appeal isn't obvious at first glance. “At first glance, you might think it's just a neutral, but this muted gray-green has so much versatility and depth,” explains the Austin-based pro. “The color is super warm and inviting, yet airy and bright, with muted brown undertones.”
As the ultimate “non-neutral” neutral, Chromati is a color chameleon that suits traditional, modern and rustic homes, says Ferguson. “Chromati can be paired with smoky charcoals or deep earthy browns for an atmospheric feel, whether that's a wall color, stone color or secondary cabinet color,” she says, adding that this design scheme works especially well with unlacquered brass hardware. “You can also create a totally different look by pairing Chromati with bright white and polished nickel hardware for a cleaner, more classic look.”
