Colors to Use in a Kitchen With Knotted Pine Cabinets

White

• Knotty pine cabinets, whether in light or dark hues, work well with white and its derivatives. These tones, including cream, eggshell and off-white, are ideal for use in the kitchen and will make small dark rooms feel more open. These shades reflect light and can be accented with other tones for added visual interest. White is a good contrast to both light and dark woods and, as a neutral tone, is flattering in most spaces, blending well with most decorating styles, including a rustic look. White paints will have a variety of undertones, including blue, yellow and pink, each of which will give a different look to the space and will work with different wood tones.

Neutral

• Neutral tones include shades of beige, taupe, gray and a few blues and greens. These hues are among the most soothing in the color wheel and are a choice selection for knotted pine cabinets no matter the specific shade. Unlike with whites, undertones aren’t an issue with most neutrals as neutrals work well with any shade of wood, meaning when multiple shades are used in the same space, clashing isn’t an issue.

Bright Colors

• Bright and bold colors, including vibrant tones of red, yellow, green and blue, are widely used in modern decor. Adding these shades to the walls, either by themselves or as an accent to a neutral shade, serves as a nice contrast to the more rustic look of knotted pine. Bright colors are energetic and work well with either light or dark colors. They are an ideal choice for the kitchen; since the majority of wall space is covered by cabinets and appliances, the color won’t feel overwhelming. If it does, restrict it to use as an accent wall and cover the majority of the room in something more neutral.

Deep Tones

• Deep tones, including shades of hunter green, navy, burgundy and gold, are used for formal spaces and are just right for creating a cabin-like feel in the kitchen. These colors work well with both light- and dark-colored knotty cabinets, though combining a dark red or green with dark cabinets works best in a kitchen with lots of natural light. Adding some bright-colored accents will add visual interest to the space. If lighting is sparse, track lighting or another source of bright light in the design will help liven up the kitchen and make it feel more open.