skip to main content

Should wet bar match kitchen cabinetry?

8 years ago

We are installing a basement wet bar in our new home and I'm torn between having it match the white kitchen cabinetry (marble-like quartz countertops) or doing a dark espresso cabinetry (which matches bathroom vanities and also the furniture we plan, at least temporarily, to have in the basement).

I like white and bright but in doing some searches for wet bars it seems that most of them are dark cabinetry.

What would you choose?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

just_janni
8 years ago
What is your overall style / aesthetic? If it's clean modern - then white. If it's more traditional, then I would say the dark.

Without having SEEN anything about the space, of course... but that is my gut.
Fori
8 years ago
It needs to go with whatever is in the basement, regardless of what you have the kitchen. No need to match. Have a little fun with it! (Dark cabinets, copper countertop?)
Related Discussions
Wet bar near kitchen with pass through stuck in 80's
Q
Comments (2)
While my kitchen is not yet remodeled, I had a similar wet bar in my family room. The room had a pass through window and bar top which opened into the family room. I closed off the window completely and have turned the room into a large pantry/storage room. I re-routed the plumbing to make a wet bar on the outside, though we have not yet built the wet bar. (We want to do it with the kitchen to have matching cabinetry.) I am much happier with the function of the room as I found the wet bar room essentially useless. At this time, I have an antique sideboard against the wall where a wet bar will eventually go, and we use it for glass and liquor storage. I look forward to putting in a wine/beverage fridge. Here is an old thread where I received some advice on getting rid of the wet bar room. I realize you are initially thinking just about updating the room, but for me, the whole concept of a wet bar room with a pass through window was outdated and not so useful with contemporary lifestyles. I would recommend at least considering re-doing and repurposing the room to work for you.
...See More
What color Kitchen Cabinets and should they match bathroom?
Q
Comments (2)
Seconding function, the kitchen and bathroom cabinets don't need to match, in color or style, and generally do not. It can be difficult making any changes to a late parent's home -- give yourself some time and don't worry about it. I can't recommend any shades of white paint, but you might find it helpful to pop into the Kitchen forum and read through the archives or ask for suggestions there.
...See More
Should kitchen cabinet color match wood flooring?
Q
Comments (17)
Your kitchen sounds lovely! I am using quartersawn white oak on my cabinets and I think you will love the rift sawn (I was torn between QS and rift sawn, both are beautiful and so different from the oak cabs I took out). With your floors being red oak, they are trying to pull warmer/redder. Are your cabinets red or white oak? I lean toward weathered oak stain because I like the warmth it gives. Your floors are likely plain sawn and just the cabs are rift sawn? That will impact how the stain looks as well. Maybe a 90% weathered with 10% gray would be a good mix? https://www.houzz.com/discussions/duraseal-weathered-oak-and-classic-gray-dsvw-vd~2374805
...See More
Coffee bar area to match the rest of the cabinets or not to match
Q
Comments (12)
cant see the details of the existing island. can you show it? soon you will have a 10 yr old kitchen. Its not done...lighting needs improvement...get your backsplash in....coffee bar is an extra. If island is willingly removed then what do you want to do? it is an opportunity for drawers which you lack....but I wouldnt dismantle island unless you favour a change for the sake of the island usage...not to pay for the work just to move it into coffee bar slot. You can certainly get a new better island w drawers/better lighting over the island/ better overhang/ if you need these things.....coffee bar is being used it appears . something on the wall there / an area rug for table/ a light fixture over table would be things I'd be willing to do along w finishing up the kitchen w island options as mentionned.
...See More
maven19
Original Author
8 years ago
It is definitely clean and modern. Our kitchen has white cabinetry, white countertops, marble herringbone backsplash and more modern light fixtures. Most of our home is painted a very light grey (with a few rooms painted a soft aqua color).

Our basement is on the smaller side and fairly dark as the only natural light is from a guest bedroom. I don't want it to feel cave like, which I'm afraid it might feel like with the dark espresso furniture that we'll be putting in it (it worked in our old home which had a walk-out basement and lots of natural light) .
ck_squared
8 years ago
Sounds like a home I know. White kitchen with light counters. They went dark cabinet with dark counter in their basement bar area. Looks great! I would not go white down there.
johnsoro25
8 years ago
My wet bar is off the den, and my cabinets and granite (stained cabs, cream granite) coordinate with that color scheme rather than the kitchen (white cabs, white granite) around the corner. I would consider it as a separate room and use what would work best in that space.
Karen Small
2 years ago
Im having a sunroom built off my kitchen with a wet bar & cabinets. In my kitchen I have dark cherry cabinets & beigh painted walls. Should the sunroom cabinets match the color of my kitchen cabinets or can I go a lighter cabinet color like off white?
Sharon Fullen
2 years ago
Bars are like little rooms and often have a fun, unique and bold style. Like powder rooms, this is your chance to go outside of your comfort zone with wallpaper, glass shelves, metallic and moody colors. Try a spin on white cabinets with lots of gold, industrial materials with bronze accents, black cabinets with red walls or retro laminate cabinets with a space-age pendant light.

That being said! Do what makes you feel relaxed and joyful. Guests will appreciate the drinks, too.
Karen Small
2 years ago
My home & style is traditional. I might just do what you suggested & go more contemporary.

Thank you!

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Countertop and Backsplash: Making the Perfect Match

By Jennifer Ott Design

Zero in on a kitchen combo you'll love with these strategies and great countertop-backsplash mixes for inspiration

WORKING WITH PROS Inside Houzz: An Interior Design Match Made Right Here

See a redesign that started on Houzz — and learn how to find your own designer, architect or other home pro on the site

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Molding Types to Raise the Bar on Your Kitchen Cabinetry

By The Inman Company

Customize your kitchen cabinets the affordable way with crown, edge or other kinds of molding

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Confidential: 7 Ways to Mix and Match Cabinet Colors

Can't decide on a specific color or stain for your kitchen cabinets? You don't have to choose just one

KITCHEN DESIGN Mix and Match Kitchen Materials for a Knockout Design

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Give your kitchen unexpected flavor by combining wood, stone, glass and more. Here’s how to get the mix right

KITCHEN DESIGN Mastering the Wet Bar

How to Mix a Little Style Into Your Beverage-Prep Area

WORKING WITH PROS How to Find Your Renovation Team

By Erin Carlyle

Take the first steps toward making your remodeling dreams a reality with this guide

KITCHEN DESIGN Smart Investments in Kitchen Cabinetry — a Realtor's Advice

By Tiffany Carboni

Get expert info on what cabinet features are worth the money, for both you and potential buyers of your home

KITCHEN CABINETS 8 Cabinetry Details to Create Custom Kitchen Style

By The Inman Company

Take a basic kitchen up a notch with decorative add-ons that give cabinets a high-end look

KITCHEN DESIGN Your Kitchen: Spot the Refrigerator

By Natalie Myers

Celebrate your beautiful new cabinetry with a matching finish for the fridge

Sponsored

More Discussions

Kitchen remodel in my future

9

contractor chooses kitchen

13

Matt tiles - quality issues out of the box

12

Removing Kitchen Backsplash

5

Kitchen Undermount Sink

6