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Kitchen 101: How to Pair Flooring Species with Cabinet Colors


Choosing the right flooring species sets the tone for your kitchen. Pair it with the perfect cabinet color, and you’ll create a space that feels both cohesive and personalized. At Benchmark Kitchen & Bath, we guide you through popular flooring options and matching cabinet hues—then invite you to see and feel everything in our Concord showroom.


White Oak: Warmth with Versatility Floor Characteristics: Light to medium brown with golden hues Subtle grain pattern Durable and easy to refinish Cabinet Color Pairings: Crisp White: Brightens the room and highlights the wood’s warmth. Soft Gray: Balances warmth with a cool, modern edge. Navy Blue: Creates contrast and adds depth.

1. White Oak: Warmth with Versatility

Floor Characteristics:

  • Light to medium brown with golden hues

  • Subtle grain pattern

  • Durable and easy to refinish


Cabinet Color Pairings:

  • Crisp White: Brightens the room and highlights the wood’s warmth.

  • Soft Gray: Balances warmth with a cool, modern edge.

  • Navy Blue: Creates contrast and adds depth.


2. Maple: Clean and Contemporary

Floor Characteristics:

  • Pale, uniform color

  • Fine grain

  • Smooth finish


Cabinet Color Pairings:

  • Charcoal Gray: Offers modern contrast without overpowering.

  • Sage Green: Brings a touch of nature indoors.

  • Blush or Dusty Pink: Adds a subtle, unexpected accent.


3. Hickory: Character and Contrast

Floor Characteristics:

  • Rich variation in tone—from creamy white to deep brown

  • Prominent grain and knots

  • Outstanding hardness


Cabinet Color Pairings:

  • Muted Black: Grounds the room and highlights the wood’s character.

  • Creamy Beige: Softens the bold patterns in the floor.

  • Earthy Taupe: Bridges warm and cool tones seamlessly.


. Walnut: Luxurious and Rich Floor Characteristics: Deep chocolate brown, sometimes with violet undertones Straight, fine grain Smooth, luxe surface Cabinet Color Pairings: Pure White: Creates a crisp, high-contrast look. Forest Green: Feels sophisticated and organic. Metallic Accents (Gold or Brass): On hardware or trim, these pop against dark wood.

4. Walnut: Luxurious and Rich

Floor Characteristics:

  • Deep chocolate brown, sometimes with violet undertones

  • Straight, fine grain

  • Smooth, luxe surface


Cabinet Color Pairings:

  • Pure White: Creates a crisp, high-contrast look.

  • Forest Green: Feels sophisticated and organic.

  • Metallic Accents (Gold or Brass): On hardware or trim, these pop against dark wood.


5. Engineered Hardwood & Wide-Plank Options

Floor Characteristics:

  • Stable in variable humidity

  • Available in a wide range of finishes

  • Often sold in wider boards for a spacious feel


Cabinet Color Pairings:

  • Two-Tone Schemes: Upper cabinets in white or light gray, lower cabinets in charcoal or navy.

  • Monochromatic Palette: Floor and cabinet in similar tones for a seamless, minimalist look.


Floor Characteristics: Water-resistant, great for busy kitchens Available in hyper-realistic wood patterns Low maintenance Cabinet Color Pairings: Graphite Gray: Complements the industrial vibe of tile. Warm Taupe: Mimics natural wood warmth without matching literally. Bright Primary (Blue or Red): For a playful pop that stands out.

6. Porcelain or Luxury Vinyl Tile (Wood-Look)

Floor Characteristics:

  • Water-resistant, great for busy kitchens

  • Available in hyper-realistic wood patterns

  • Low maintenance


Cabinet Color Pairings:

  • Graphite Gray: Complements the industrial vibe of tile.

  • Warm Taupe: Mimics natural wood warmth without matching literally.

  • Bright Primary (Blue or Red): For a playful pop that stands out.


Bringing It All Together

  • Sample and Compare: Bring home flooring and cabinet door samples to see how they look in your space.

  • Consider Lighting: Natural and artificial light can change how colors read—test samples at different times of day.

  • Balance Bold and Neutral: If you choose a dramatic floor, opt for neutral cabinets—or vice versa.

  • Add Texture: Open shelving, glass-front cabinets, or mixed materials break up large color fields and add interest.


Experience the Difference at Benchmark Kitchen & Bath

Ready to explore textures, finishes, and colors in person? Visit our showroom. Walk our floor displays, open cabinet doors, and see the Benchmark between . Our experts stand by to answer questions and offer design tips!


Your kitchen deserves the best fit. Drop by Benchmark Kitchen & Bath, and let’s make your vision real!

 
 
 

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