How to Match Cabinets and Appliances in Your Kitchen

Lightly stained wood cabinets paired with a stainless steel refrigerator and oven, hardwood floors, and wood table for a farmhouse look.

Are you preparing to remodel your kitchen? It’s easy to get swept up in choosing backsplashes, countertops, and flooring, but you must remember that two essential aspects of your kitchen design often tie everything together: your cabinets and your appliances.

These two key components must complement each other to create a cohesive, stylish, and functional kitchen. This guide will walk you through the best ways to coordinate your kitchen cabinets and appliances based on your preferred aesthetic, helping you make choices you’ll love for years to come.

Classic White Cabinets and Stainless Steel Appliances

White painted cabinets with stainless steel handles set next to a stainless steel oven.

If a timeless and versatile design is your goal, classic white cabinets and stainless steel appliances are a match made in heaven. White cabinets create a clean and bright atmosphere, making them perfect for smaller kitchens with limited natural light. When paired with a stainless steel refrigerator, oven, and microwave, the cabinetry pops without the whole kitchen design looking too busy or clashing.

To complete the look, consider pairing your white cabinets and stainless steel appliances with:

  • Brushed nickel or chrome cabinet hardware to tie in the metallic tones of your appliances.

  • Neutral quartz countertops or subway tile backsplashes.

  • Light-colored hardwood or neutral tiles to enhance the airy vibe.

Wood-Toned Kitchen Cabinets and Black Appliances

Dark wood cabinets in a home bar matched with a black refrigerator and dark stone countertop.

For a warm and inviting kitchen, wood-toned cabinets paired with black appliances are the perfect choice. Rich cherry, walnut, or even lighter oak cabinets create a grounded and cozy aesthetic, while black appliances provide a sleek, understated contrast. This combination works beautifully in traditional, rustic, or farmhouse-style kitchens. If you choose dark-stained cabinetry along with black appliances, just be sure to include plenty of natural and ambient lighting so the atmosphere doesn’t become too depressing.

When pairing wood kitchen cabinets with dark appliances, keep these other styling tips in mind:

  • Matte black or oil-rubbed bronze cabinet door handles and knobs complement the appliances nicely.

  • Countertops and backsplashes with earthy tones can add depth.

  • Warm, ambient lighting will enhance the cozy atmosphere of the kitchen.

White Cabinets and White Kitchen Appliances

A modern kitchen designed with white cabinets and a white refrigerator. The oven, dishwasher, and handles on the cabinets are stainless steel to add depth and dimension to the design.

It’s important to note that white appliances work best when matched with white cabinets. Without this pairing, white refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and even your coffee maker can appear dated and out of place. Since the white cabinets paired with white kitchen appliances create an understated design, it’s helpful to add pops of color and contrast elsewhere. For example, you can install gold or brushed nickel hardware to the cabinets, add speckled quartz countertops, and decorate with plants, rugs, dishware, or wall art.

If you have white cabinets and do not wish to install a white refrigerator, oven, and microwave, you can choose stainless steel or black appliances. In fact, matte black appliances combined with white kitchen cabinets create a softer look and provide a striking contrast without overwhelming the brightness of the white cabinetry.

Dark Cabinets and Stainless Steel Appliances

Dark, wood-grained cabinets with chrome handles set in contrast against the stainless steel drink fridge and light wood floors.

Dark cabinets — think deep espresso or matte black — paired with stainless steel appliances create a dramatic and sophisticated look. This pairing is perfect for a large kitchen space where darker tones won’t become overwhelming. It's also a great way to finish the design of a contemporary, industrial, or high-end kitchen. You can even create a more modern appearance by adding chrome or stainless steel handles to the cabinets and balancing the space with light-colored countertops, such as white quartz or marble.

Colorful Cabinets and Neutral Appliances

A kitchen island with seafoam green cabinets, paired with a stainless steel microwave oven.

If you’re someone who loves making a statement, kitchen cabinets with a pop of color could be exactly what you’re looking for. Choose from various shades of blue, greens, reds, yellows, or anything in between. Of course, if you decide to go with painted cabinets, you will want to tame the design with black or stainless steel appliances.

Transform Your Kitchen With Custom Cabinets

Matching kitchen cabinets and appliances is an art form that requires careful consideration of color, finish, texture, and overall aesthetics. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, turn to the design experts at Sean’s Cabinetry. We will help you craft custom kitchen cabinetry that fits seamlessly with your personal style and appliance choices. Contact us today to put the finishing touches on your dream kitchen.

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