Introduction
Choosing a color scheme for your kitchen can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when working with existing oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The right colors can make your kitchen feel cohesive, stylish and inviting, while the wrong colors can make it feel disjointed and cold.
When it comes to what colrs look good in kichen with oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. The natural tan and brown hues of oak cabinets pair well with both warm neutrals like beige, cream and taupe as well as bolder saturated colors like navy blue, forest green and burgundy. Meanwhile, the sleek metallic finish of stainless steel appliances adds a modern, industrial vibe and allows for color flexibility.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the process of selecting a color scheme for your oak and stainless kitchen, from determining your style to choosing paint colors. We’ll provide color combination inspiration to help you create a beautiful, functional kitchen you’ll love coming home to. Let’s get started!
Determining Your Style
Before choosing any colors, it’s important to determine the overall style or aesthetic you want for your kitchen. This will inform not just your color scheme but other design choices like lighting, hardware and decorative accents. Here are some popular kitchen styles to consider:
Traditional
A traditional kitchen features elements like raised panel cabinets, crown molding and glass-front uppers. Earth tones like sage green, warm terracotta and buttery yellow work well. Add pops of red or blue for an all-American feel.
Contemporary
Contemporary kitchens have a sleek, pared-down look. Gray, white and black make a striking combo. Consider glossy cabinets and stainless or nickel hardware. Pops of citrus colors add flair.
Rustic
Rustic kitchens are cozy and inviting with visible wood grains and textured finishes. Soothing blue-grays and deep reds complement the warmth of oak. Open shelving and ceramic accents enhance the handcrafted vibe.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse style is casual and charming. Painted oak cabinets in white or light gray look crisp. Add accents in forest green, navy and red for a nod to the classics. Buttery yellows and sky blues keep it cheerful.
Transitional
Transitional kitchens blend traditional and contemporary elements for a timeless, collected look. Creamy whites and beiges allow oak tones to shine. Sage greens, corals and taupes bridge old and new.
Industrial
The industrial look highlights exposed ductwork, steel and concrete. Go bold with navy blue, charcoal gray and inky black. Pops of tomato red or sunflower yellow provide contrast.
Once you’ve settled on a style, keep it in mind as you make decisions about color schemes and accents. A cohesive look aligns with your overall vision for the kitchen’s aesthetic.
Factors to Consider
There are several factors to think about as you evaluate color options for your oak and stainless kitchen:
Oak Cabinet Finish
Oak cabinets come in a variety of stained or painted finishes that alter their base color. If your cabinets have warm honey tones, cool grays and blues complement nicely. For medium or darker-stained cabinets, look to beiges and earth tones. With painted oak cabinets, opt for colors that pop against white or gray backgrounds.
Lighting
Abundant natural light allows you to use deeper, bolder paint colors that would feel dreary in a darker space. North-facing rooms may require lighter colors to brighten up. Yellow undertones help reflect light.
Room Size & Layout
Smaller kitchens feel open with light, airy colors like sky blue, peach or sage green. Larger kitchens can handle deeper shades of navy, eggplant and forest green without feeling too overwhelming.
Personal Taste
At the end of the day, choose colors you find uplifting and enjoyable. Your color scheme should reflect your personality and style preferences to create a space you love.
Resale Value
If you may sell your home in the near future, popular neutral paint colors like gray, beige and white have the broadest appeal to potential buyers. Bolder accent walls can add personality without decreasing resale value.
Color Combination Inspiration
Now let’s explore some winning color combinations for kitchens with oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances!
Creamy White & Navy Blue
A creamy white like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove has universal appeal and acts as a neutral backdrop that allows oak grain to shine through. Pair with a rich navy like Hale Navy for contrast on the island, lower cabinets or an accent wall. The crisp white and bold blue play beautifully with polished stainless appliances.
Photo: HGTV Canada
Light Gray & Slate Blue
For a slightly cooler yet still neutral scheme, try a pale gray like Agreat Gray by Benjamin Moore on the uppers and a blue-gray slate shade like Ocean Air on the lowers. Stainless appliances pop against this sophisticated color palette.
Photo: Lindye Galloway Interiors via Pinterest
Buttermilk & Sage Green
Warm up a grayish buttermilk paint like Kilim Beige with earthy sage green lowers or an island. This natural yet cheerful color pairing complements oak’s organic hues. Matte black hardware would contrast nicely with the stainless steel.
Photo: Jennifer Greenberg Design via Pinterest
Toasted Almond & Terracotta
Almond paint has beige undertones that highlight oak’s natural warmth. Pair with a peppery terracotta like Firenze Red on an accent wall or island for a double dose of rich earthiness. The red-orange hue energizes the space.
Photo: HGTV
Cream & Forest Green
For traditional charm, combine creamy white uppers with classic forest green lowers. The oak cabinetry paired with stainless appliances strikes the perfect balance between modern and timeless. Accent with oil-rubbed bronze hardware.
Photo: Christine London Interiors via Houzz
Gray, White & Walnut Stain
Update the look of your existing oak cabinets without replacing them. Stain or glaze them a rich walnut color that works with gray uppers and crisp white lowers or an accent wall. The contrast of finishes adds visual interest.
Photo: Heather Goerzen for HGTV
Beige & Brick Red
Warm beige cabinetry paired with a bold brick red island makes a lively statement. The red energizes all that wood while tying into the warmth of the oak. Let your stainless steel appliances shine against these rich neutrals and saturated accent.
Photo: REAL GOOD DESIGN via Houzz
Paint Color Suggestions
Here are some specific paint color recommendations to get you started in choosing the perfect palette:
Whites/Creams/Beiges
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Behr Marshmallow White
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Behr Buttercream
- Benjamin Moore Creamy
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
- Benjamin Moore Clay Beige
Grays
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Behr Silver Drop
- Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
- Behr Dark Cavern
- Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
Blues
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Behr Deepest Navy
- Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
- Behr Blue Note
Greens
- Benjamin Moore Sage Green
- Behr Celery Stem
- Sherwin Williams Guacamole
- Benjamin Moore Oceanaire
- Behr Quiet Moments
- Sherwin Williams Greenblack
Reds/Oranges
- Benjamin Moore Terracotta
- Behr Canyon Echo
- Sherwin Williams Brilliant Red
- Benjamin Moore Chili Pepper
- Behr Fiery Chili
- Sherwin Williams Outrageous Orange
Visit your local paint store to get color cards of these hues. Test swatches on the wall and view at different times of day before making final color selections.
Tips for Painting Oak Cabinets
If your heart is set on a color that’s dramatically different from your existing oak cabinet stain, painting them is a cost-effective way to transform the look. Here are tips for success:
- Thoroughly clean cabinets of any grease or residue first
- Sand to rough up the finish and ensure paint adhesion
- Prime with a bonding primer meant for slick surfaces
- Opt for cabinet paint in a satin, eggshell or semi-gloss sheen
- Use high-quality applicator brushes and mini foam rollers
- Apply multiple thin coats allowing proper dry time between
- Finish with a protective polyurethane top coat
- Hire a professional if you don’t feel up for a DIY paint job
With proper prep and products, freshly painted cabinets can look brand new. Add your choice of modern hardware for the finishing touch.
Additional Color Combination Ideas
For more inspiration, here are additional recommended color schemes that would look stunning with oak cabinets and stainless steel:
- Black lower cabinets with white or beige uppers
- Dark charcoal lower cabinets with light gray uppers
- Yellow lower cabinets or accent wall with white uppers
- Robin’s egg blue lowers with creamy white uppers
- Bright red island with light beige cabinets
- Espresso-stained oak lowers with cream uppers
- Cherry-stained oak lowers with slate blue uppers
- Weathered gray-blue lowers with cloud white uppers
- Deep purple island with light gray cabinets
Think about colors you’re intuitively drawn to and don’t be afraid to get creative with bold contrasts! The key is choosing a complementary mix that suits your personal taste.
Design Details to Pull It All Together
To create a cohesive, polished look, pay attention to the finer design details like these:
Hardware: Black, nickel or oil-rubbed bronze hardware suits most color schemes. Match finishes for a coordinated look.
Backsplash: Use backsplash tile or color to complement your cabinet colors. Accent with metallic glass or stone.
Countertops: White, beige and gray countertops are versatile. Butcher block also pairs nicely with oak. Quartz and solid surface materials are budget-friendly options.
Lighting: Incorporate lighting layers like pendants, under-cabinet lights and accent lighting for a well-illuminated workspace.
Window Treatments: Frame windows with wood blinds, textured shades or simple curtain panels.
Rugs: Natural fiber rugs like jute and sisal work well in kitchens. Choose a muted color and texture.
Accessories: Tie in your color scheme with accent pieces like throw pillows, ceramic vessels, tea kettles and framed art.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing a kitchen color scheme you love brings so much life and personality into the space. Keep the style, size and lighting of the room in mind as you explore paint possibilities. Sample paint cards and study the colors at varying times of day before fully committing.
When working with oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances, you have lots of versatility in terms of colors. Play up or complement the warmth of the oak while allowing the sleek stainless finish to shine as a contemporary accent.
Follow the color combination ideas and trends outlined here, but ultimately select hues that make you smile. Your kitchen should be a reflection of your own personal taste. The right colors can make cooking and spending time in this space an absolute joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about choosing color schemes for kitchens with oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances:
What colors make oak cabinets look good?
Oak cabinets pair beautifully with both warm neutrals like cream, beige and almond as well as bolder saturated hues like navy, emerald and charcoal. Grays and whites also look crisp and sophisticated.
What color cabinets go with stainless steel appliances?
Stainless appliances complement most cabinet colors from bright whites to bold blacks. Popular choices include shades of gray, navy, green, red and wood stains ranging from light to dark.
Should you match stainless steel appliances to cabinets?
It’s not necessary to match cabinet and appliance finishes. Many designers opt to contrast stainless appliances with painted cabinets in lighter neutrals. The mix of finishes can add appealing visual texture.
What backsplash looks good with oak cabinets?
Natural stone, porcelain and glass tile backsplashes often suit oak cabinets best. Earth tones like tan, brown and terracotta are classic. Opt for a cool-toned backsplash like white marble if your cabinet stain is on the warmer side.
What countertop colors look best with oak cabinets?
Light granite, quartz and solid surface countertops tend to complement oak cabinets nicely. Gray, cream and beige counters create a seamless look. Butcher block also works well for an organic vibe. Dark countertops can be too overpowering.
Should I change the color of my oak cabinets?
If your oak cabinets are in good condition but you’re just tired of the color, consider refinishing or painting them first before incurring the cost of brand new cabinets. Staining, glazing or opaque painting can update the look.
What sheen should I use on painted oak cabinets?
A satin, eggshell or semi-gloss sheen on painted oak cabinets will hold up best to cleaning and wear and tear. Flat paint could show scratches over time. Higher sheens add subtle luster.
Conclusion
The process of selecting colors for your kitchen should be fun and inspiring. Define the look you’re after, consider the existing elements like your oak cabinets and stainless appliances, and explore the many gorgeous color combinations until you land on the perfect scheme.
With a thoughtfully appointed palette, your kitchen will feel cohesive, stylish and uniquely you. Your oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances will look their best in a color scheme that highlights their inherent beauty while adding personality with your choice of paint colors.
Use this guide to get ideas flowing and determine a color combination that you just can’t wait to see come to life in your kitchen. Soon you’ll have a welcoming, beautiful space to gather with loved ones and make memories. Enjoy the process!