Cabinet Color vs. Trim: Should They Match or Contrast?

I’ve got an 80s oak kitchen that’s in pretty good shape, so I’m not ready to rip it out. But I hate the look of the oak. I’d like to paint the cabinets and the trim in the kitchen to update it. My question is: should the cabinet color match the trim in the kitchen? Or can the cabinets be a different color? I’m thinking about going with a medium-toned gray for the cabinets and maybe white trim.

Should Cabinet Color Match Trim?

Your cabinets and trim should either match completely or contrast starkly. In other words, if you’re going for a complementary look, you can’t have a situation where the cabinets and trim are slightly different shades of white. And if you’re going for a matching look, you can’t have two different tones of wood, for example.

Those are the two extremes. So what do we mean by a slight variation in color?

If you’re keeping your existing trim and just replacing your cabinets, there’s a good chance your trim is a different shade of white than your new cabinets. Unless you’re willing to paint your trim, you’ll probably need to choose a cabinet color that matches the trim as much as possible.

Here’s an example. The trim in this kitchen is a very light gray, while the cabinets are a warm, off-white. These colors don’t match exactly, but they’re very close.

And here’s another example. The trim in this kitchen is a cool white, while the cabinets are a slightly warmer white. These colors match almost perfectly.

If you’re replacing both your cabinets and your trim, you have a lot more freedom when it comes to choosing colors. You can choose to match your cabinet and trim colors, or you can choose to contrast them.

Here’s an example of a kitchen where the cabinets and trim match. The cabinets are a light blue, while the trim is a slightly darker blue.

And here’s an example of a kitchen where the cabinets and trim contrast. The cabinets are a dark green, while the trim is a light green.

So, should your cabinet color match your trim color? It depends.

What Are Some Popular Cabinet Colors That People Choose To Match Their Trim?

• It is a popular choice to paint cabinets white, which can brighten up a space and make it feel more open and airy. This can be a great option for smaller kitchens or bathrooms, or for those who want to create a more modern look.
• Another popular choice is to paint cabinets a light gray, which can give a space a more sophisticated and elegant look. This can be a great option for larger kitchens or for those who want to create a more traditional look.
• Some people also choose to paint their cabinets a darker color, such as navy or black, which can give a space a more dramatic and chic look. This can be a great option for those who want to create a more modern or contemporary look.
• Some people also choose to paint their cabinets a bold color, such as red or green, which can add a pop of color to a space and make it more vibrant and exciting.

What Are Some Cabinet Colors That People Choose To Contrast With Their Trim?

If you’re looking to add a touch of contrast to your home’s trim, there are a few cabinet colors that can help you achieve the look you want. Here are a few popular options:

White: White cabinets are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a clean, modern look to their home. They can also help to brighten up a space, making it feel more open and airy.

Black: Black cabinets can add a touch of drama and sophistication to a space. They can also help to anchor a room, making it feel more grounded and purposeful.

Gray: Gray cabinets are a great option for homeowners who want to add a touch of contrast to their trim without going too bold. They can also help to create a more modern look, as gray is a popular color for contemporary design.

Beige: Beige cabinets are a good choice for homeowners who want to add a touch of warmth and comfort to their home. They can also help to create a more traditional look, as beige is a popular color for classic design.

Brown: Brown cabinets can add a touch of nature and earthiness to a space. They can also help to create a more organic look, as brown is a color often associated with natural materials.

What Are Some Things To Consider When Choosing A Cabinet Color?

Cabinets are a significant investment, and the color you choose will have a major impact on the overall look of your kitchen. Here are some things to consider when choosing a cabinet color:

1. The style of your kitchen: The color of your cabinets should complement the overall style of your kitchen. If you have a modern kitchen, you might want to choose a sleek, contemporary color, while a traditional kitchen might be better suited to a more classic color.

2. The size of your kitchen: In a small kitchen, a light color can make the space feel more open and airy, while a dark color can make it feel more intimate and cozy. In a large kitchen, you have more flexibility to choose a color that you love, regardless of its effect on the space.

3. The function of your kitchen: If you use your kitchen mainly for cooking, you might want to choose a color that is easy to clean and maintain, such as a light or neutral color.

What Are Some Tips For Matching Cabinet Color To Trim?

If you’re looking to give your home a more cohesive and pulled-together look, one of the simplest ways to do it is to match your cabinet color to your trim. It can be a challenging task, though, especially if you have a lot of cabinets and trim to paint. Here are some tips to help you get the job done right.

1. Start with a color that’s similar to your trim. If you’re not sure what color to choose, start with a color that’s similar to your trim. You can always change it later if you don’t like it.

2. Use a color that’s a few shades lighter or darker than your trim. This will create a subtle contrast that will make your cabinets stand out without being too noticeable.

3. Use a color that’s a different shade of the same color. For example, if your trim is white, you could use a slightly off-white color for your cabinets.

What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Matching Cabinet Color To Trim?

You have several options when it comes to choosing a cabinet color. You can choose a color that complements your existing trim, or you can choose a color that contrasts with your trim. You can also choose a color that is completely different from your trim.

No matter what color you choose, it’s important to avoid common mistakes when matching your cabinet color to your trim. Here are a few examples:

1. Not considering the undertones of your paint color.

2. Choosing a color that is too dark or too light.

3. Not taking into account the size of your room.

4. Choosing a color that is too trendy.

5. Not testing the paint color before you commit.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a color that you love and that makes you feel happy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors until you find the perfect one.

Summary

So, should cabinet color match trim? The answer is it depends. It depends on the look you’re going for, and the overall style of your home. If you want a more modern look, then yes, the cabinet color should match the trim. If you’re going for a more traditional look, then the cabinet color should be a different color than the trim. But, whatever you decide, make sure you take into account the other colors in your home, and how they will all work together.