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Small kitchen in a shotgun home-- what should I paint the walls?

13 years ago

I just moved in and the walls are painted *bright* glossy red, which the previous owner didn't even finish painting. So, I def need a fresh coat.

What color walls would look good with these cabinets? I've thought about several shades of green or blue. I love turquoise, but feel it will be too dark. The cabinet stain has a yellowish tint. I thought about painting them, but think I want to try to make them work first. I feel like anything too dark will close the space in, especially since this room lacks windows. My kitchen dining table is heirloom. I wish it were white, but it's not and I don't want to paint an antique. I should also note my appliances are black. Any help is greatly appreciated :)

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Comments (3)

lazydaisynot
13 years ago
I was looking at this link to paint colors earlier today. Though its title suggests they're shades of gray, most are soft blues and greens. Maybe one of them would give you the color you want without being too dark. Other pale blues I've noticed recently are Sherwin William's Rainwashed and Benjamin Moore's Beach Glass. By googling paint names you can sometimes find photos of rooms painted in those colors, which I've found helpful.

Here is a link that might be useful: some soft blues, greens and grays
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herbflavor
13 years ago
In truth, what shows the most is the doors-closet and entry-all white....if you have no plans to change those or paint them, then I'd do an off white background.I'd put any color you might like in a runner on the floor-perhaps bold! I saw "tangerine" shades in some 2012 kitchen trend pics-looked really fresh.
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You might want to go to houzz.com and search for kitchens with similar cabinetry. You might also want to post on the home decor forum....lots of helpful people there who love to suggest color schemes.... I would suggest that what you have now is very neutral and that you look for an inspiration piece....a piece of art, a plate, a fabric, whatever....that you like and around which you can build a scheme.
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Kiimela, it just depends on how white you want the white. Alabaster and greek villa are warmer whites that lean a little yellow. make sure to get some samples and bring them home. I did these three on my home, with the Swiss Coffee (Behr) on my stucco. See how dull the swiss coffee looks against a bright white? But,,, this is how bright the white turned out on the stucco! Also have a rental house w/Swiss Coffee and black trim. (Behr colors) It's a nice combo. consider getting a new front door though. if you must keep yours, paint the entire door and side lites black or red. I'd prob just go w/Pure White if you're picking SW colors, for your place. Paired here w/Hale Navy, both of those would look nice. Or do the charcoal. just do a dark color for the trim against the white
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Just sharing some inspiration (I hope). These first two links are red brick examples, but I think can still apply to orange tones: https://thecolorconcierge.com/color-palettes-red-brick/ https://thecolorconcierge.com/best-exterior-paint-colors-red-brick-homes/ Color ideas: https://www.younghouselove.com/frans-color-conundrum/ A nice green: Darker: There are so many options that could look great. I’m not a fan of painted or limewashed brick except in rare cases, but if you go that route I’d hire a pro for it.
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LottieS
13 years ago
Just be sure to use a really good primer before you paint anything. You could also bring these pics to a Benjamin Moore store that has a color consultant. I found that to be very helpful. A soft gray may help the cabinets appear more white which you indicated you'd like.
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