Ask The Designer!

Last Updated on September 9, 2011

Q: Help! I am “oaked out”!  My kitchen cabinets and island are a medium honey oak, my hardwood floor is a darker (almost walnut colored) oak. Countertops are a Formica pattern that I like, and the island top, including new black Blanco sink, was done by Granite Transformations in black a few years ago.  I would like to have the island refinished, or painted, to contrast with the current cabinets. What color and process would you suggest?  In many model homes I have seen that woods are now mixed and look great. My kitchen is part of an open concept living area with vaulted ceiling, and the walls in the entire area are painted Sherwin Williams “Nomadic Desert”.

A: Contrasting wood tones is definitely the way I would go! You have to consider that cabinets count as furniture, so if your floor is a dark walnut and the current cabinets are a medium honey, you already have two tones, so I would reface your island one shade lighter than your walnut floors. This will bring everything together by creating some continuity between the floor and the cabinets, but still providing the edge of contrast. Nomadic Desert is an excellent paint choice when creating a neutral warm environment. The tones of wood will blend organically with this inviting color. Good Luck!

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