What Color To Paint Kitchen With Maple Cabinets and Granite Counter Tops

We renovated our Colonial in 2006. We updated the kitchen with maple toffee cabinets and Dakota mahogany granite countertops. It is currently painted a spiced pumpkin color. We would like to sell the house this spring. We are not planning on changing the counters or cabinets, but I would like to brighten and neutralize the kitchen and do a backsplash to help it sell.

What color and materials do you suggest?

By Jenny from Springfield, MA

Answers:

What Color To Paint Kitchen With Maple Cabinets and Granite Counter Tops

To make your kitchen look larger and updated, pick out a light shade of one of the colors in your countertop. If the countertop is all dark, pick a light color from the cabinets. If everything is dark, pick a color that matches one of those colors then go with a lighter shade of that color. Many paint sample strips have shades from dark to light of the same color family on the same strip. That makes it easier to pick a light shade. Otherwise, get a knowledgeable clerk from a good paint store to help you do the matching and to advise you as to which type of paint will work best.

Be sure to match the color you choose to your own kitchen and not to something that looks good in the store. A good idea (after you have looked at the samples in your kitchen) is to buy a quart of the color you think you want and paint sample spots in a couple of places. Then look at it at different times of day so you can get a good idea of what it looks like at different times of day.

Avoid *any* yellow if you are going to sell the house since many people don't like yellow (some shades can make them feel sick to their stomach). Earth tones are very good right now so that may be a place to start.

I am a decorator and have updated many, many kitchens and always start this way to be sure we have found the best color. Good luck! (02/02/2011)

By Paula

What Color To Paint Kitchen With Maple Cabinets and Granite Counter Tops

You're so right! Prospective home buyers often like neutral walls since your colors may not match their things. I'd go with a cream-colored wall. (02/02/2011)

By stephanie

What Color To Paint Kitchen With Maple Cabinets and Granite Counter Tops

Almost any light color will work, shades of beige, taupes. Ask for ideas at your home improvement store. (02/03/2011)

By Joan

What Color To Paint Kitchen With Maple Cabinets and Granite Counter Tops

I just read an article about grey being the new white and becoming a favorite for designer kitchens. When I recently redid my bathroom grey (with pewter towels and polished nickel accessories). I discovered there are tons of shades and the lighter colors pick up hints from surroundings; it might work well for your kitchen. (02/05/2011)

By Kay