Updating a wooden kitchen cabinet island with paint can be a cost-effective way to refresh the space. The choice between warm and cool wood hues can significantly influence the harmony of the paint colors. Selecting the right accent colors on your countertop can further streamline your paint color choices.
Should your kitchen predominantly feature brown tones but you wish to avoid repainting the stained wood cabinetry, consider simply painting the island for an immediate, vibrant change. This approach will lend a personalized touch and breathe new life into the area without the expense of a full renovation.
“Painting an island can instantly add depth and a sense of collection to a kitchen,” says interior designer Sara Malek Barney from BANDD/DESIGN, who chose Farrow & Ball De Nimes for her painted island and lower cabinets.
This is a strategy that Stephanie Pierce, Director of Design and Trends at MasterBrand Cabinets, considers a reliable approach. She observes in a recent trend report that two-tone kitchens are now widely embraced. “Homeowners are treating the island as a design canvas,” Pierce explains. “Combining a painted island with stained wood cabinets creates a striking focal point without overwhelming the room.” She adds, “It’s a method to play with color and character while keeping the kitchen anchored in classic, neutral wood shades.”
“The kitchen is a intricate mix of walls, floors, cabinets, countertops, and decorative accents,” Pierce points out. Choosing the perfect paint color for your island requires considering these various elements.
“Start by identifying your wood’s undertones—it’s your guide,” Barney advises. The simplest method is to determine if your cabinets have warm (red, yellow, or orange) or cool (gray) undertones.
Select a paint color that complements these tones. “Consistency in warm or cool tones throughout your cabinetry can help to create a cohesive and harmonious space,” says kitchen designer Caren Rideau of Kitchen Design Group.
This doesn’t mean you can’t pair warm wood cabinets with a contrasting blue island, though. Opt for a warm blue, such as teal, rather than a cool one, to ensure the contrast is pleasing.
“The countertop acts as a mediator, tying the island and perimeter cabinets together,” Barney says. If your countertop stone has veining, Barney suggests using one of those soft colors for the island’s hue, “to make the entire color scheme feel intentional.”
Bre Bertolini of Brepurposed painted her 9-foot kitchen island in Sherwin-Williams Balanced Beige, bridging the white maple plywood cabinets (stained dark walnut) and the Sea Pearl quartzite countertops. “The Balanced Beige paint color really brightens the space and makes it feel more open,” Bertolini writes in a blog post about the renovation.
Imagine the color wheel as your personal stylist. Locate your wood’s undertone on it and look across for its opposite; that’s the color you should choose for a harmonious contrast. Then, decide how light or dark, subtle or bold, you want the color shift to be. For Pierce, soft contrasts and tonal echoes create a timeless look that is often the most enduring. Consider these color combinations:
“Warm wood tones pair nicely with deep greens, rich navy, or soft neutrals,” Barney says. Consider Dunn-Edwards Greener Pastures, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, or Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin.
Mid-tone browns are highly adaptable. “If the wood tones are natural, with taupes or nutty browns, most colors will complement well,” notes Pierce. Try Sherwin-Williams Contented, Farrow & Ball Parma Gray, or Dunn-Edwards Sky Glass.
“Cooler woods are best paired with slate blues, charcoals, or crisp whites,” Barney adds. Explore Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray, Valspar Almost Charcoal, or Behr Polar Bear.
