When designing a kitchen, one of the most important decisions is determining what color palette will complement the stainless steel appliances. Stainless steel appliances provide a modern, sleek look that pairs well with many different cabinetry and countertop choices. However, the wrong color choices can make the stainless steel look dated or clash with the finishes. There are several factors to consider when selecting colors that will beautifully accentuate stainless steel appliances.
Factors to Consider
There are a few key considerations when choosing colors for a kitchen with stainless steel appliances:
- Cabinetry color – This will likely take up the most visual space, so you want to select a tone that complements the stainless finish.
- Countertop material and color – Countertops also require a significant visual presence, so make sure the color plays well with the cabinets and appliances.
- Backsplash tile – The backsplash is a great opportunity to incorporate some color and pattern that looks attractive next to the stainless steel.
- Wall color – Don’t forget about paint! Selecting a wall color that enhances the rest of the scheme pulls everything together.
- Flooring – Hardwood, tile, or other flooring choices should work with the cabinetry, countertops, and stainless steel rather than compete.
Keeping these elements in mind will help narrow down the colors that work best for an integrated, cohesive look.
Best Color Choices
When working with stainless steel appliances, there are several go-to color options that almost always complement the finish beautifully:
White
A white kitchen is a timeless pairing with stainless steel. White cabinetry helps reflect light and keep the space feeling bright and airy. White countertops like quartz further accentuate the light, open look. Add a backsplash in a material like marble or white subway tile to tie in soft veining and patterns. Crisp white walls serve as the perfect neutral backdrop for the stainless to take center stage. White kitchens with stainless appliances exude a clean, classic esthetic.
Gray
For a slightly edgier but still elegant vibe, various shades of gray are an excellent match with stainless appliances. Cool-toned grays like fog, ash, or slate bring out the sleek metallic notes in the stainless steel. Matte finishes on both the cabinetry and countertops prevent glare. Backsplashes in materials like marble, glass, or metal tile complement the sophisticated look. Sophisticated grays allow the stainless finish to stand out while still feeling enveloped in a chic, cohesive scheme.
Black
A black and stainless kitchen makes a dramatic statement by playing up the contrast between the two finishes. Glossy black cabinetry and leathered black countertops like granite or soapstone provide rich depth. Backsplashes in graphic materials like black and white tile or colored glass add eye-catching allure. Black kitchens feel strikingly modern and industrial when combined with stainless appliances.
Navy Blue
For a twist on classic black and white, navy blue is an alternative dark shade that feels fresh with stainless steel. Navy cabinetry in a matte finish and countertops in blues like soapstone create a moody but vibrant space. Add pops of brightness with a backsplash in Moroccan-inspired tile. Navy blue makes stainless feel current and energizing.
Green
Emerald greens or organic sage tones provide an unexpected but beautiful pairing with stainless steel appliances. The high-gloss sheen of the stainless plays perfectly against the matte finish of green-stained wood cabinetry and countertops like granite or quartzite. Lively green glass or handmade ceramic tile backsplashes with metallic shimmer add a dose of personality. Greens give a stainless kitchen a breath of fresh air.
Avoid Clashing Colors
Some color combinations can make stainless steel look dull or dated. Avoid pairing it with the following:
- Orange – Vibrant orange can overpower stainless steel’s sleekness.
- Yellow – Although cheery, bright yellow often feels too playful for sophisticated stainless.
- Red – An overload of red can feel boisterous and compete with the appliances.
- Brown – Earth tones like brown tend to mute and overwhelm the stainless finish.
While small doses may work as an accent, keeping these colors minimal will help the stainless stand out.
Tips for Pulling Off Stainless and Color
Using color in a stainless kitchen successfully just takes a few design tricks:
- Repeat colors in multiple areas like cabinetry, backsplash, and flooring so the scheme feels cohesive and connected.
- Incorporate texture through materials like wood, glass tile, or metal for visual interest.
- Layer lighter and darker tones of the same hue for depth and dimension.
- Add metallic accents like brass hardware for a luxe touch.
- Play up the industrial edge of stainless with concrete-look choices like leathered granite.
With strategic color and material choices, you can easily achieve a showstopping stainless and color kitchen combination.
Color Combination Ideas
Here are some stunning color schemes to inspire your stainless steel kitchen design:
| Cabinetry | Countertops | Backsplash | Accents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crisp white | White quartz | White marble subway tile | Brass hardware |
| Dove gray | Soapstone | Gray marble hexagon tile | Black hardware |
| Matte black | Black granite | Black and white geometric tile | Gold hardware |
| Navy blue | White quartz | Moroccan-style blue and white tile | Aged bronze hardware |
| Emerald green | Green quartzite | Green glass subway tile | Satin nickel hardware |
With limitless possibilities, you can create a showstopping stainless and color kitchen that reflects your unique style.
Conclusion
Stainless steel appliances offer a contemporary, elegant look in any kitchen. Selecting complementary colors for the cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, and accents is key to making the stainless steal the show. Crisp hues like white, chic grays and blacks, and even vibrant shades like navy and green can provide the perfect accent to stainless finishes. With strategic design choices, you can easily achieve a kitchen that feels cohesive, polished, and uniquely you. Trust your instincts and have fun pairing mixes and textures that highlight your stunning stainless appliances.
