Consider the other hard surfaces in your kitchen when deciding on paint colors. Do they have cool or warm undertones? Consider re-staining your cabinets instead if you want to be mesmerized daily by the natural wood grain. If you plan on selling your home, buyers will prefer neutral stains.
Color Theory
Choosing the right color for your cabinets is one of the most important decisions you can make during your cabinet refinishing St. Louis project. It impacts the overall aesthetic of your kitchen and can affect your mood every time you enter the room. Contrasting colors can stand out and are great for larger kitchens or those with lots of natural light, but they can clash with your fixtures, appliances, and floors if you don’t choose the right shade. So, when picking your new cabinet paint color, always pick a neutral one that will blend in with the elements you plan on keeping in your space, like wood tones or a soft gray. If you want to make a statement, consider bold colors, like navy blue or emerald green, that can add vibrancy and excitement to your kitchen. Make sure you’re willing to commit to a trendy color for a while since it may be harder to live with long-term than a classic neutral.
Natural Light
The natural light your kitchen receives is a significant factor in selecting a cabinet color. Lighter shades are often best in smaller or poorly lit spaces, as they brighten up the room and make it feel larger. Darker colors, on the other hand, create a dramatic effect and are ideal for spacious, well-lit areas. Depending on your style preferences and the ambiance you want to create, cabinets have a wide range of potential paint colors. Classic neutrals such as white or gray offer timeless appeal and can complement various design styles. For those looking to make a bolder statement, colors like navy blue or emerald green can add an element of drama. Green cabinet colors, which fall in the middle of cool and warm hues on the color wheel, are perfect for creating a cozy kitchen atmosphere. However, you’ll need to consider your kitchen’s orientation because sunny rooms can quickly become overpowering with these deep tones.
Visualization
Cabinet refinishing projects are typically labor intensive, so you want to choose the right color for your project that will look good for a long time. Oil-based paints have the best durability but can be challenging to clean up and require more drying time than water-based options. To make the job go more smoothly, sand the cabinets lightly with a foam sanding block before priming and painting. If you have a backsplash or countertops, consider how they will look with the colors of your walls and cabinets before choosing a color for your kitchen. Ideally, the cabinets will contrast the counters and backsplash rather than match them exactly. If you plan on selling your home within a few years, it is best to stick with neutrals and natural wood stains for the cabinets. Buyers will be more likely to appreciate a clean, classic look over a customized palette that may be harder to match to their style.
Samples
A cabinet refinishing expert can help you narrow your choices and create a custom color palette for your space. They’ll consider the colors of hard surfaces in your kitchen, like countertops and backsplash, as well as wall and floor tones. These elements will guide you toward colors that complement and enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. They can also help you select the right sheen for your cabinets. For example, satin or eggshell finishes are more durable and can hide minor scratches better than glossy paints. They’re also easier to clean than glossier finishes, which show off surface imperfections more clearly.
