Kitchen cabinets needn’t be bland colors, designers say

Conventional wisdom says to use neutral colors or simple wood stains for anything as permanent as kitchen cabinets. Homeowners craving a burst of color have generally been advised to bring it in through easily changeable items like curtains or seat cushions.

But home-design TV shows and blogs are changing that calculus by showing colorful, painted kitchen cabinets that look like a worthy commitment.

Lately, “the natural materials are just not satisfying people,” said designer and apartmenttherapy.com founder Maxwell Ryan. “People are loving contrast right now,” including kitchens with bold colors or black and white.

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn recently filled the kitchen of HGTV’s new “Urban Oasis” giveaway house with bright blue cabinets and a blue island. This cheerful color fills the room with energy in a way that traditional stained-wood cabinets couldn’t.

“It’s a great way to really add tons of personality to a space that’s more about task than it is decoration,” Flynn said.

Massachusettsbased designer Kristina Crestin said homeowners who are drawn to bolder colors and use them thoughtfully often end up happy.

Sometimes, the answer is putting color on only half the cabinets.

“Since I’m a fan of going big, I can go with fire-engine red cabinets all over and never flinch,” Flynn said. “However, if a client is hesitant about that much color in the kitchen, I’m a fan of doing the lower cabinets or just the island cabinets in a color, then going white or gray with the others.”

This approach, he said, “will balance out the intensity of the cabinets and also make sure there is some visual breathing room so the eye can rest.”

Pairing bold cabinets with slate or stone floors and counters can make this look easier to live with long-term, Crestin said.

When choosing a color, “stick with those that have gray, white or black undertones, versus those with yellow or yellow-beige undertones,” Flynn said. “Once the sun goes down and you use your interior lights, the color will probably read somewhat true to its values.

“Those with beige undertones when mixed with artificial light will instantly read way more muddy.”