Balancing Burnt Orange Kitchen Cabinets with Color and Pattern
Burnt orange kitchen cabinets can lend a stylish, retro flair to your kitchen design. The rich, earthy hue brings warmth and vibrance when used right. But incorporating this daring shade can also quickly overwhelm a space if you don't balance it properly with other elements. Using strategic colors, patterns, textures, lighting, and materials alongside burnt orange cabinets is key to creating a cohesive, eye-catching kitchen.
In this blog post, we'll explore expert tips for harmonizing burnt orange cabinets through intentional color and pattern pairings. Read on to learn how to keep your burnt orange kitchen from feeling too bold or dated.
Choosing a Flattering Burnt Orange Shade
While burnt orange kitchen cabinets are having a major moment, realize that not all shades of orange are created equal. The wrong tone can clash with your design scheme instead of blending seamlessly.
When selecting a burnt orange paint or stain, look for warmer, brick-inspired versions with strong red-orange undertones. Shades like terra cotta, paprika, or pumpkin tend to complement most color schemes best. If you choose a shade that's too bright, neon, or leans too yellow/peach, it likely won't mesh with the rest of your kitchen.
The Importance of Undertones
Pay attention to undertones when finalizing your burnt orange cabinet color. Warm, fiery undertones tend to suit traditional and rustic kitchens well. Meanwhile, shades with subtle cool undertones can allow burnt orange to work in more contemporary, relaxed spaces.
Test out a few burnt orange paint swatches on your wall before fully committing. Look at samples during both day and night to see how lighting affects the shade.
Factor in Surrounding Materials
The way burnt orange shows up against other materials is also essential. For example, rubberwood cabinets in burnt orange stain may read darker and woodier than painted MDF doors. Consider your cabinet materials, floors, lighting, and more when deciding whether to stain or paint.
Incorporating Pops of Black and Grey
One easy yet effective way to balance bold burnt orange cabinets is by incorporating plenty of black and grey elements throughout the kitchen.
| Matte black hardware | Anchors burnt orange without competing |
| Charcoal kitchen island | Visually separates the orange |
| Dark metal pendants | Introduces contrast |
Crisp white and soft greys also establish useful breathing room from intense burnt orange. Consider a classic checkerboard backsplash in muted black and white. Or opt for an island in darkened granite for solidity.
How to Add Black and Grey Elements
Black and grey can enter your burnt orange kitchen in nearly endless forms--light fixtures, bar stools, shelving, electrical appliances, sinks and faucets, floor tiles, and more. Generally, aim to incorporate these deeper hues through at least three separate features.
Appliances and hardware in matte black or oil-rubbed bronze allow burnt orange cabinetry to claim its bold due without disappearing. Meanwhile, grey-veined carrara marble countertops and backsplashes temper the look. It's all about achieving visual balance.
Patterns to Pair With Burnt Orange Cabinets
Just like black and grey, intentionallly chosen patterns keep burnt orange cabinets looking current rather than dated. Clever patterns introduce movement and vitality alongside burnt orange's static vibrance.
Backsplashes
Backsplashes establish the perfect opportunity to incorporate exterior patterns with burnt orange cabinetry. For contemporary spaces, graphic cement tiles in contrasting hues create visual tension. Or lean into Mediterranean inspiration with hand-painted tiles in softer secondary colors.
Mosaic backsplashes also marry seamlessly with burnt orange cabinets. Opt for tiny tiles or medallions in turquoise and navy for a playful pop. Moroccan-inspired mosaics with hints of eggplant and gold strike a more exotic balance.
Countertops
Engineered quartz countertops now offer pattern options ranging from subtle streaking to bold agglomerates that resemble natural stone or concrete. Pair burnt orange cabinets with quartz featuring wisps of blue, terrazzo-like flecks, or even metallic mica flakes.
If choosing real stone slabs, travertine introduces earthy striations in tan and ivory that complement burnt orange's natural look. Or select sandstone with striking black veining and fossil detailing.
Floors
Even flooring presents opportunities to harmonize burnt orange cabinetry through reliable patterns. For a dynamic foundation, go for checkerboard vinyl plank flooring in contrasting orange, black and white. Or opt for rectangular porcelain tiles with Moroccan shape inspirations.
Natural stone tile flooring also balances a vibrant burnt orange kitchen beautifully. Think intruguing terrazzo patterns, subtly blended travertine, or textured slate arrangements.
Accent Colors that Work With Burnt Orange
While black, white and gray act as burnt orange cabinet neutrals, don't shy away from thoughtful color accents throughout the kitchen as well. Pops of blue, green, eggplant, yellow and even metallics introduce depth and dimension.
| Navy blue kitchen islands | Cool counterpoint |
| Antique brass hardware | Warm metallic sparkle |
| Sage green barstools | Earthy, relaxing balance |
Generally, accent burnt orange with colors sitting adjacent on the color wheel for harmonious combinations. However, don't overlook complementary pairings across the wheel either.
Color Psychology
Also consider the psychological effects of accent colors in kitchens. For example, yellow brings joy and uplifts moods. So shiny chrome light fixtures and lemon barstools inject cheer alongside burnt orange's welcoming glow. Or eggplant exudes an exotic, quirky vibe for eclectic spaces.
Personal Preference
Remember that much color pairing ultimately comes down to personal preference as well. If you connect with robin's egg blue, then it will likely accent your burnt orange beautifully. Design confidence matters.
While burnt orange kitchen cabinets command attention, they also require thoughtful counterbalances to avoid overwhelming a space. Clever use of black, white grey, patterns, and accent colors allows burnt orange to feel perfectly at home.
Keep these color and pattern pairing tips in mind when designing your vibrant burnt orange kitchen. And don't shy away from drawing inspiration from eras like the 70s or from regions like the Mediterranean that use burnt orange liberally and with stunning panache.