Life, Styled
Considering a kitchen remodel but feeling uninspired by the usual neutrals? While classic stained wood tones and the ever-popular white and gray palette have their place, they’re not the only options available. For those looking to make a bold, personal statement with color, exploring less conventional combinations can bring fresh energy to the space.
To help spark ideas, we’ve curated a selection of unique color pairings that go beyond the standard choices. Browse these inspiring combinations before finalizing your palette—they may help you discover the perfect balance of personality and style for your new kitchen.
This kitchen showcases a beautifully stained wood perimeter paired with a uniquely toned island in a subtle blend of gray, blue, and green hues. The island is finished in Rialto, accented with a delicate chocolate brown glaze, creating a soft, inviting look that stands apart from more traditional palettes.
What makes this color choice especially versatile is its range of undertones, which can be enhanced depending on the materials it’s paired with. Countertops, tile, flooring, and hardware all contribute to drawing out the warmer or cooler aspects of the finish, allowing the space to feel both cohesive and cozy. This type of color flexibility makes it an excellent option for those looking to incorporate personality without overwhelming the overall design.
This transitional mountain kitchen showcases a painted perimeter in a non-traditional color, yet the color is still neutral enough to blend with the darker stained island. The paint color used here is Feather Gray with a thin silver glaze. We also incorporated a dry brushing technique over the base color, adding depth to the door and drawer front molding. This taupe hue is becoming one of our popular colors since it can be paired with other natural tones, or even a stand out louder tone if needed.
There’s nothing subtle about the striking blue island featured in this inviting kitchen. The client, in collaboration with the designer, chose Colonial Blue 1677 by Benjamin Moore—a bold yet timeless hue. Our team matched the color in-house using the exact formula to ensure a seamless finish.
Complemented by softer blue accents and grounded by carefully selected neutral finishes, the overall palette brings both personality and balance to the space. While the island color makes a confident statement, it harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding elements, adding charm without overpowering. The result is a vibrant yet welcoming kitchen that feels right at home in this cozy Carolina setting.
This elegant, traditional home in South Charlotte features many timeless design elements commonly found in stately kitchens: raised panel doors and drawer fronts, inset cabinetry, integrated appliance panels, seeded glass accents, and intricate moldings. These details contribute to a sophisticated and cohesive aesthetic.
What truly sets this space apart is the unexpected yet stunning use of color. The clients and their designer selected Chappell Green from the Farrow & Ball palette, applied with a matte topcoat for a soft, understated finish. This distinctive hue is paired with one of our signature stained finishes—Cinnamon on Select Cherry—which adds depth and warmth to the overall design.
To maintain the focus on the cabinetry, neutral tones were selected for the backsplash and countertops, resulting in a balanced and visually appealing composition. The combination of muted green and rich cherry wood offers a refined yet distinctive look, giving this classic kitchen a fresh and memorable personality.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Walker Woodworking