How To Make Rust Colored Cabinets Work In Your Kitchen

Rust colored kitchen cabinets can infuse warmth, texture, and character into any kitchen design. The rich, earthy hue evokes a cozy and charming farmhouse aesthetic. But working with such a bold color palette requires some strategy and design savvy. Rust cabinets demand attention, so they need to be balanced out properly. Use rust as an accent or neutral--not dominating the whole space. We'll explore tips for successfully incorporating rust cabinets into your kitchen remodel or redesign.

Why Choose Rust Colored Cabinets?

Before jumping on the rust cabinet trend, consider what draws you to this color in the first place. Rust embodies a vintage, timeworn spirit. The reddish-brown shade brings to mind sun-faded barn wood, weathered terra cotta, and antique artifacts. If you love Fixer Upper style rustic decor, then a dash of rust cabinets will help you channel that cozy farmhouse vibe. Rust's uniqueness can also make it a striking style statement. Tired of all-white or gray kitchens? Rust offers an unexpected pop of color.

In addition to its charm and character, rust satisfies a hunger for warmth. The hue envelops your kitchen in coziness and comfort. Compared to sterile white and stainless steel finishes, rust feels organic and inviting. It reminds you of hearth and home. For these reasons, rust cabinets appeal in kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms and nurseries. The color promotes an intimate, livable ambiance.

Tips for Incorporating Rust Cabinets

Now that you appreciate rust's allure, let's explore smart ways to work it into your kitchen or open concept living space:

Use Rust as an Accent Color

One caution with rust--a little goes a long way. Limit rust to accent areas to avoid sensory overload. Ideal spots include:

• Island cabinetry or base cabinets
• Open shelving
• Glass cabinet doors
• Hardware and trim

Painting lower cabinets rust while keeping uppers crisp white maintains balance. Or make a rust island the focal point, framed by neutral cabinetry. Open shelving shows off rust's richness. For subtler pops of color, try rust on glass cabinet fronts, knobs or pulls. Copper hardware also complements the tone beautifully.

Pair Rust Cabinets with Neutrals

To keep rust cabinets looking current, pair them with light neutrals like white, beige or gray. Contrast is key--too much rust can feel heavy. White uppers keep the look airy and bright. A neutral quartz or marble countertop also relieves visual weight. Crisp white subway tile, shiplap or paneled walls work nicely too. But feel free to add warmth with natural wood accents and butcher block surfaces.

Incorporate Earthy Accent Colors

While neutrals balance rust cabinets, small doses of green, blue or yellow provide a pleasing accent pop. Earthy sage greens complement rust perfectly. The two colors share vintage, nature-inspired vibes. Mossy, muted greens please the eye. If you want more color contrast, try sky blue or buttery yellow backsplashes and textiles. Just take care not to overwhelm the rust. Use these accents judiciously.

Use Rust Cabinets in Moderation

Bear in mind that rust cabinets command attention. Limit their footprint so they don't dominate the kitchen. All rust cabinetry can feel oppressive or closing in. We recommend a 60/40 balance--60% light and neutral, 40% rust. Paint most cabinets in a soft white or greige. Then apply rust selectively on an island or base cabinets. This approach keeps the rust feeling special yet liveable.

Rust Color Combinations

Now that we've covered general tips, let's explore full rust cabinet palettes for popular kitchen aesthetics:

Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen

A farmhouse kitchen comes to life with rustic details like:

• Whitewashed wood island and open shelves
• Butcher block countertops
• Exposed brick backsplash
• Vintage-inspired hardware
• Unpainted ceiling beams
• Gauzy curtains

Accentuate the rust cabinets with aged brass pulls, antique pendants and a slate sink. Natural textures like jute rugs and linen cafe curtains enhance the cozy ambiance. For a more modern but still rustic vibe, pair the rust with matte black hardware and polished concrete counters.

Cottage Style Kitchen

For a soft, romantic cottage kitchen, balance rust cabinets with details like:

• Robin's egg blue or pale yellow uppers
• Floral tile, wallpaper or fabric backsplash
• Ruffled curtains
• White quartz waterfall countertop
• Vintage glass knobs

Add charming character with a farm sink, woven shades and decorative painted tiles. A rustic wood dining table and mismatched chairs complete the look. For a more modern cottage vibe, pair the rust with sleek white marble counters, brass accents and pendant lighting.

Modern Kitchen

Rust cabinets also feel right at home in contemporary spaces. Integrate them with:

• Glossy white or gray uppers
• Matte black hardware
• Marble slab backsplash
• Sleek metal barstools
• Track lighting

The rust offers warmth against the slick surfaces. Modern textiles like faux fur rugs and patterned fabric roman shades soften the space visually. Copper or brass hardware and fixtures lend an elegant touch. For a ultra-contemporary vibe, opt for a polished concrete island and angular pendant lights.

Traditional Kitchen

Incorporate rust in a classic kitchen with:

• Glass front uppers
• Neutral granite counters
• White subway tile backsplash
• Pretty pendant lighting
• Cafe curtains

For timeless appeal, add beadboard wainscoting, crown molding and ceramic knobs. The rust island injects liveliness into the understated design. A crystal chandelier makes the space feel gracious but inviting. Tailor this traditional palette to feel more contemporary by selecting streamlined shaker cabinets and polished quartz counters.

Tips for Pulling Off Bold Rust Cabinets

While rust cabinets promise big design impact, they require careful implementation. Follow these tips when going for bold rust statement pieces:

Stick to Solid Cabinet Fronts

Fully rust painted cabinets have the most cohesive effect. If your budget only allows rust on lower doors, choose solid cabinet fronts rather than glass. This creates balance against lighter uppers. Bold color on lower solid doors also grounds the kitchen.

Incorporate Plenty of Lighting

Rust tones can absorb light, making kitchens feel dark. Compensate with ample lighting, especially up high. Pendant clusters, track lights and recessed cans ensure the space stays bright and airy. Light countertops also keep things fresh.

Add Large Windows

Abundant natural light prevents rust from feeling too saturated. Big picture windows are ideal, but even smaller windows boost illumination. You can also mirror walls to reflect light if windows are limited.

Use Light Wall Colors

Lighten and brighten the backdrop with neutral wall colors. Soft whites, grays or beiges keep the space feeling open rather than claustrophobic. Avoid dark accent walls, which compound the bold rust color.

Repeat Rust in Textiles

Don't forget about fabrics when designing around bold rust cabinets. Repeating the hue through textiles ties everything together. Try rust color window treatments, seat cushions, area rugs and other removable accents.

Add Warm Metal and Wood Textures

Warm metals like antiqued bronze, brushed brass and textured copper provide nice contrast to rust cabinets. Natural wood finishes also complement without competing. Think oak shelves, butcher block and rattan light fixtures.

Using Rust Cabinets Beyond the Kitchen

While we've focused on kitchens, don't limit rust cabinets to cooking spaces. Here are more rooms that benefit from this welcoming hue:

Cozy Rust Accent in Living Rooms

Add a rust cabinet to your living room as a TV console or shelving unit. The color injects farmhouse personality without overwhelming the space. Pair with linen couches, reclaimed wood coffee tables and neutral rugs.

Warmth for the Bedroom

Rust cabinetry also works in bedrooms seeking a peaceful, grounded atmosphere. Try rust nightstands or dressers with white bedding and soothing sage accents. The hue evokes relaxation.

Rust for a Nursery

In a nursery, rust cabinets provide a comforting, nurturing feel. Use rust open shelving or dresser drawers for an inviting space. Pair with floral bedding, rattan touches and bright artwork.

Rustic Dining Room Accent

For dining rooms, a rustic buffet console or hutch makes a characterful statement. Contrast it with a weathered wood table and antique chandelier. Add simple cafe curtains for cottage charm.

Rust cabinetry deserves consideration beyond just kitchen spaces. The color brings warmth and vintage farmhouse personality to any room.

Rust kitchen cabinets present an alluring design opportunity. The earthy hue blends beautifully into rustic, cottage, modern and traditional aesthetics. Just take care to incorporate rust cabinets thoughtfully. Use them in moderation, illuminated sufficiently and grounded with neutral accents and textures. Thoughtful rust cabinet implementation results in a cozy, lively and colorful kitchen full of character and charm.