Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Color: My Paint Store Saga
After five trips to the paint store and testing 10 different color samples, I finally found the perfect shade for my kitchen makeover. I’m Lena Taylor from Flipping Gorgeous, and today I’m walking you through my journey of choosing the right paint color for my cabinets, complete with tips and lessons learned along the way.
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The Challenge Begins
When we added our brand-new island with a natural wood tone, I noticed it clashed with the existing Thomasville cabinets. Though they’re high-quality, solid wood with a glaze finish, something just felt off—especially after installing our new range hood and tile. It came down to this: should I paint or try staining the cabinets to match?
Testing Paint and Stain Options
After some research and hands-on testing, I realized staining was out—the cabinet frames were pressed wood, not solid oak. So I tested various paint colors instead. Starting with Sherwin-Williams’ Elusive Green, which pairs well with our Greek Villa walls, I quickly realized it might make the space feel shorter because our cabinets don’t extend to the ceiling.
White vs. Off-White Dilemma
I pivoted to softer whites and beiges, looking at samples like Pale Oak and Swiss Coffee. I tested these shades on cabinet trim pieces using my go-to BIN primer to ensure true color visibility. Spoiler: colors that look nearly identical in swatches can appear drastically different once painted and dried.
The Final Four & Paint Testing
I narrowed it down to White Dove, Creamy White, Edgecomb Gray, and Revere Pewter. After priming and painting sample cabinets, Revere Pewter emerged as the clear winner. It’s warm, neutral, and enhances the space without clashing or making the kitchen feel closed in.
Lessons Learned & Pro Tips
– Always test paint in your actual space under your lighting conditions
– Use real painted samples instead of relying solely on swatches
– Consider your ceiling height when choosing darker shades
– Don’t rush—test as many options as you need to get it right
– Warmer whites and taupes can make a kitchen feel taller and cozier
Let’s Chat!
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to picking paint colors? Drop your questions below or reach out through my Hot Mess Hotline—I’d love to help you figure it out. Stay tuned for the next video where I start prepping the kitchen for painting. And remember: you are flipping gorgeous, my friend. 💖
