Choosing new floors for your home is an exciting process, but it can also bring up questions about how to coordinate the other elements in your space. One of the most common questions we hear at Action Carpet and Floor Decor is, “How do I match my cabinets to my new floors?” With showrooms in Carlsbad and Oceanside, CA, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate the design process, and we’re here to guide you through the steps of pairing your cabinets with your flooring for a cohesive look.
1. Consider Your Style and Theme
Before you start thinking about colors, it’s important to define your overall design style. Are you going for a modern, minimalist look? Or do you prefer something more traditional or rustic? The style of your home will influence both your flooring and cabinet choices. For example, sleek hardwood or luxury vinyl plank flooring pairs beautifully with flat-front cabinets in contemporary spaces, while distressed wood flooring might be the perfect match for shaker-style cabinets in a farmhouse-inspired kitchen.
Pro Tip: Create a mood board with your favorite styles, incorporating both cabinet and flooring options to visualize how they work together.
2. Complement or Contrast?
When it comes to matching cabinets and floors, you have two primary options: you can choose to complement or contrast the two.
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Complementary colors involve selecting similar tones between your cabinets and floors. For example, if you’ve chosen a medium-toned hardwood floor, you might select cabinets in a slightly lighter or darker wood finish to keep the space feeling cohesive. This option creates a harmonious look, ideal for homeowners who prefer a more uniform aesthetic.
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Contrasting colors can make a bold statement. Dark cabinets can look stunning against light floors, creating a dramatic and modern feel. On the flip side, light cabinets with dark floors offer a bright, open atmosphere that works well in smaller spaces.
Remember, contrasting doesn’t mean clashing. Stick to colors that balance each other out, rather than choosing shades that feel too harsh together. If your floors have cool undertones, opt for cabinets in a similar cool tone, even if they are a different color.
3. Take Your Material into Account
Different flooring materials will affect how you match them with your cabinets. Wood, tile, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) all create different visuals, textures, and moods.
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Wood and wood-look floors: If you’ve selected wood or wood-look floors, such as LVP, consider the grain and tone. Avoid picking cabinets that match the flooring exactly, as this can make your space look monotonous. Instead, choose a cabinet wood with a different finish or grain direction. For example, if your flooring has a wide, bold grain, opt for cabinets with a finer grain or vice versa.
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Tile floors: Tile can be more neutral, so this option gives you a little more freedom when matching cabinets. If your tile has a pattern, pick up subtle colors from the tile to use in your cabinet finish.
4. Consider the Room Size and Lighting
Room size and lighting are essential factors in your design decisions. In a smaller kitchen or bathroom, dark floors paired with dark cabinets may make the room feel smaller and more enclosed. If your goal is to make the space appear more open, consider choosing lighter cabinets to balance darker flooring, or vice versa.
Lighting also plays a huge role. Natural light can highlight the beauty of your flooring and cabinets, so make sure you view your selections under similar lighting conditions to what you have at home. This will help you avoid surprises when everything is installed.
5. Create a Focal Point
Finally, decide if you want your cabinets or your floors to be the star of the room. If you choose statement flooring, such as patterned tile or richly stained hardwood, opt for more neutral, understated cabinets to let the floors shine. If your cabinets are the focal point with bold colors or intricate details, select simpler flooring that won’t compete for attention.
Visit Our Showrooms for Expert Advice
At Action Carpet and Floor Decor in Carlsbad and Oceanside, CA, we’re here to help you make your flooring and cabinet dreams a reality. Visit our showrooms to explore a wide range of flooring options and get expert guidance on matching your floors with your cabinets. Our team is ready to assist you with creating a balanced, beautiful space you’ll love for years to come!
