Who doesn't want to create a kitchen where you can gather and have conversations? You may have considered having a kitchen island not only as a place of gathering but to make a design statement. Yet you wonder what island color will complement your oak cabinets' warm and soft tones.
Well, we did in-depth research to help you out with the best answer.
Most colors go well with the warm tones of oak cabinets. But these specific kitchen island colors stand out from the rest:
- Soft gray
- Off-white
- Sage green
- Vivid red
- Black
- Cool blue
Keep reading as we delve into the colors complementing your oak cabinets. Whether you are refurbishing your outdated kitchen island or painting afresh to contemporize your kitchen, it's all up to you. We're here to help you conceptualize your choices so let's get started!
Understanding Your Colors
You can never underestimate the usefulness of colors, as they will make or break your kitchen. Some would say that honey oak cabinetry doesn't complement well with any furniture.
On the other hand, oak wood has soft and subdued orange and yellow tones that work well with any color as long as it does not clash with the wood.
The natural characteristic of oak wood is it has different temperaments of shade.
Depending on the style and concept, your kitchen island color should depend on the shade of your oak shade choice. Your cabinet may have a natural yellow-orange tone and a varying shade of natural white oak or red oak.
Redesigning your kitchen island can be a coordinate-or-contrast task to pair off an oak kitchen. You can match your cabinets with your island if that is your preferred choice. If it suits your taste, remember your kitchen will still look as it is.
Soft Grays
Whether you go for an industrialized and modern style or a cozy, homey vibe, you can never go wrong with choosing a soft gray color.
It is a lovely combination between the warm tones of oak and the cool hues of gray. The neutrality of gray islands can completely transform your kitchen.
Off-white
Being tagged as the most versatile color, white has a unique ability to create anything extraordinary out of a simple canvas.
Since white is a rudimentary color, the vantage point of the kitchen area is the oak cabinetry, making it stand out among the rest. It not only creates space but also balances the contrasting colors of your kitchen.
Sage Green
Professionals would suggest green as a kitchen island color for any wood cabinetry it complements.
If your focal point is your kitchen island, it's best to match your oak cabinets with the ideal sage green island. Its naturally earthy hue matches the already woody shades of oak.
Vivid Red
Red has the intensity to overpower anything it matches. However, applying the color to a kitchen island creates a contemporary, upbeat kitchen. It beautifully harmonizes with the wooden tones of oak while creating a strong visual impression.
Black
If you want to create drama in your kitchen, you are in the right color. This bold and dark color revives the wooden nature of your cabinetry to modernity and exclusiveness.
This bit of spectacle in your kitchen is a breath of fresh air from the usual neutrals and whites.
Cool Blue
If you want to make your space feel rustic, the cool tones of blue are the answer. The cheerful hues of blue make any kitchen island look time-worn and primitive yet liven up the space into the desired kitchen of your dreams.
Achieving an ingenious impact is possible by refurbishing your salvaged wood and antique pieces of furniture into a rough-hewn kitchen island.
How Can You Make A Kitchen Island Stand Out?
The goal is to make the kitchen island your main star and the focal point. The center of attraction has to have a different appeal than the rest of the furniture. Whether custom-made or bought, kitchen islands, like any area, create exclusivity.
Here are kitchen island ideas to emphasize your kitchen island's character:
Go Big With Your Colors
While choosing neutrals, whites, and grays is a safe option, going bold on colors is a great idea. You can choose to have it in cool or vivid tones, whichever is the case, as long as it makes your kitchen island stand out.
Use An Eye-Catching Centerpiece
Get creative with your kitchen island. Even when on a tight budget, unleashing a beautiful kitchen island is not a difficult job. Simply put, employ a centerpiece that makes your kitchen island pop.
You could go for a bowl of fresh fruits or a vase of handpicked flowers. Whatever works for you, go for it!
Get this lovely flower vase from Amazon.
A Little Corbel Won't Hurt
Transform the kitchen island into an excellent piece of furniture by adding a beautifully embellished kitchen corbel. A little spiral design adds a dramatic flair to your exquisite kitchen island.
It makes your island stand out with personality.
Check out this corbel from Amazon.
Choose Antique Decor
A time-worn kitchen island that creates a fresh look in your kitchen space is not a bad idea. A rough-hewn kitchen island with a rustic appeal is another alternative to an unconventional kitchen design.
Make The Island A Focal Point
The goal of having a kitchen island is not just to have a set of other storage but to make it the center stage of your kitchen. All other furniture may look excellent with their specifications, but a kitchen island is another thing.
Create A Seating Area
At present, kitchen islands are used as working stations. While that may be true, a little room for small gatherings is formed here on the island. Give it some legs and spare a bit of space.
It does not only expand your countertop but creates rapport and space for your family and friends in one sitting.
Check out these bar stools from Amazon.
Choose A Waterfall Countertop Design
Kitchen islands are designed to be the center of attraction to any kitchen space. Add to its already excellent appeal is the addition of a waterfall countertop on top of your island cabinet down to the floor.
It's all up to your chosen preference. You can top it with granite, tile, or whatever works for you.
Should A Kitchen Island Be Lighter Or Darker Than The Cabinets?
The color you choose for your kitchen island should maintain the warmth, enhance the feel and not compromise the overall concept of the kitchen space.
The safest pick doesn't always guarantee your kitchen to achieve your dream concept. The wisest decision is to pick a color that adds value to your home and makes the kitchen space more prominent and valued.
Light colors, versatile colors, complement well with dark furniture shades. It creates space and doesn't overpower your other furniture pieces. Its design is specifically for smaller areas to make a spacious room.
The dark tones add drama to a contemporary concept. Pairing it with warm and lighter shades of cabinetry would give an edgy yet elegant look.
Whatever you decide on the color of your kitchen island, you should come up with a contrast with your chosen colors and styles.
Can You Use Regular Kitchen Cabinets As An Island?
The answer is an absolute yes! You can use base cabinets or a kitchen cabinet. You can add butcher blocks, granite, or tile to complete the look.
Why Are Kitchen Islands So Popular?
It's a work of art that is efficient and aesthetic. A drab kitchen can look sophisticated with the addition of kitchen islands. It is more than what meets the eye.
Homeowners put up kitchen islands for social benefits. It is conveniently useful for brunches, work station, or small family gatherings. Its addition to the kitchen creates a sense of privacy for everyone.
To Finish Up
The color choice for your kitchen islands can create symmetry and balance in your kitchen space. Its contrasting colors make a bold statement of character and integrity in the overall vision of your home.
Choosing the right color is not hard as long as you know your preferences.
Light shades match well with dark tones, as dark tones compliment lighter ones. The only complicated part is picking the right colors to marry off the island to the cabinetry. The rest goes down smoothly.
For more inspiration, check out these related articles:
What Color Floor Goes With Oak Cabinets?