The Perfect Sage Green for a Kitchen Cabinet Makeover
If your kitchen is feeling tired and outdated, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference. And one of the most popular current paint colors for sprucing up dreary kitchen cabinets is sage green.
The perfect blend of natural, earthy, and sophisticated, sage green is endlessly versatile and pairs beautifully with various cabinet materials, countertops, floors, and other fixtures. Sage green cabinets inject personality and color into your cooking space without going too bold. Plus, it remains a timeless, classic choice that won't soon go out of style.
Why Choose Sage Green for Kitchen Cabinets
One of the key benefits of sage green kitchen cabinets is flexibility. Sage green is versatile enough to work in almost any style of kitchen - from modern and minimalist to cozy cottage or traditional. It feels right at home in laidback informal spaces but can also provide an elegant touch in more formal kitchens.
The muted, earthy hue and natural vibe also mean sage green complements lots of other kitchen finishes. It pairs nicely with tiles, granite, marble, or quartz countertops as well as stainless steel, black, or white accents. Sage green also looks wonderful with wood cabinetry and exposed brick accents.
Sage green is an ideal way to add personality into a previously all-white or nondescript kitchen. It has much more character than basic white or cream cabinets but avoids being too overpowering. The green makes a statement without completely dominating the entire aesthetic.
Ability to Pair Well With Other Kitchen Colors and Materials
One of the best qualities of sage green is its flexibility to work alongside other materials and finishes. From a visual perspective, sage green has a balancing effect. It sits in harmony with both warm and cool tones.
Sage pairs beautifully with creams, beiges and whites - allowing lighter walls, countertops or backsplashes to provide a crisp, fresh contrast. However it also complements deeper wood cabinetry, black stainless steel appliances or charcoal quartz counters. Sage green cabinets allow you to test out two-tone kitchen arrangements in a less expected way.
Provides Personality Without Going Too Bold
For homeowners who find stark white kitchens uninspiring but don't want to commit to a dramatic dark color palette, sage green occupies the perfect middle ground. Sage delivers personality and sophistication without veering too far into bold territory.
Lighter sage greens in particular provide gentle pops of color that liven up an all-neutral kitchen without overpowering it. They allow plenty of flexibility for additional colorful accents like light blue subway tiles or marigold window valances.
Determining If Your Kitchen Is Right for Sage Green Cabinets
While versatile, sage green cabinets do have some considerations in terms of what works best. Before committing to a sage green paint job, assess your current kitchen scheme and layout to determine if the color is a good fit.
Assessing Current Color Scheme, Materials
Take a look at your existing kitchen backsplash, floors, countertops and paint colors on walls. Cool-toned grays and blues as well as warm wood tones tend to suit sage cabinets nicely. If your kitchen currently has a vibrant palette - like cherry red appliances or citrus yellow walls - a brand new sage green may feel jarring.
Also make note of the type of cabinetry you currently have. The muted nature of sage green paint helps highlight unique cabinet door styles and hardware. Sage green would pair nicely with exposed hinges, textured surfaces or glass-front cabinet doors for plenty of visual interest.
Considering Amount of Natural Light
The amount of natural sunlight your kitchen receives should factor into a sage green cabinet decision. Sage can appear brighter and more vibrant in sun-drenched rooms but may read darker and moodier in low light. If your kitchen is already quite dim, opt for a lighter sage green with energetic undertones.
Envisioning How Sage Green Will Look
If possible, grab some sage green paint swatches from your local hardware store. Tape or pin them to cabinet doors to envision how the color will look in your existing kitchen. You can also use digital visualization tools that allow you to upload a photo of your kitchen and test out new paint colors.
Seeing sage green cabinets in the context of your space will confirm if it's the right look before pulling the trigger on a major paint job.
Selecting the Best Shade of Sage Green Paint
Once you decide sage green is the right cabinet color for your kitchen, selecting the perfect shade of green paint is key. There are many options - ranging from soft, dusty greens to bold vibrant emerald tones. Consider factors like color family, depth, undertones and accent shades.
Overview of Different Sage Green Color Families
Decide first if you want your sage cabinets sitting in more of a grayish-green space or vibrant green zone. Gray-tinged sage greens include mineral and lichen colors. These muted options deliver sophistication. Vibrant sage greens pull from emerald and forest families and make bolder statements.
Comparing Light, Medium and Dark Sage Greens
The depth of your sage green can dramatically impact its look. Soft whitened sages keep things light and airy. Mid-tone natural greens strike an versatile balance - easily dressed up with gloss or down with matte finishes.
Deeper emerald green kitchen cabinets make the biggest impact for spaces you want to feel lush and moody. However, too dark a shade can overwhelm in a small kitchen with limited natural light.
Important Factors Like Undertones and Color Depth
Study how different sage green paint swatches change in various lighting. Colors with yellow, blue or grey undertones all read differently. Also pay attention to sheen - lighter sage greens often look best in a soft matte or eggshell. Darker shades can handle semi-gloss or satin.
Accenting with Darker or Lighter Shade Cabinets
Consider pairing your sage green cabinets with slightly lighter or darker shade accents. Lighter sage cabinets with deep green island bases or butcher block counters make fun statements. Or go bold with deep green cabinets and soft mint green open shelving.
The Best Sage Green Paint Brands for Kitchen Cabinets
Ready to commit to sage green kitchen cabinets? These three popular paint brands offer stunning sage greens perfect for upgrading your kitchen.
Top Sage Green Cabinet Paint Colors
- Behr Nature's Gift: A soothing gray-based sage with tranquility
- Benjamin Moore High Park: Crisp green with versatility
- Farrow & Ball Lichen: Deep green with earthy elegance
Paint Finish Options for Kitchen Cabinets
Once selecting the ideal sage green shade, consider sheen. Satin or semi-gloss add nice subtle shine, protect cabinets, and allow wiping down.
However, matte sage green cabinets can feel a bit more relaxed for country kitchens. Determine the aesthetic you want before deciding on finish.
Preparing Kitchen Cabinets for a Sage Green Paint Job
Like any paint job, properly preparing your cabinets will ensure the best results. Take time to clean surfaces thoroughly, sand down glossy areas, fill holes and repair any damages before painting.
Ensuring Surfaces Are Clean and In Good Condition
Begin by removing cabinet doors and clearing out contents. Use TSP substitute cleaner to remove any grease or grime. Then sand down surfaces to improve paint adhesion - focusing on any shiny or glossy areas.
Check for loose hinges, damages, chips or scratches and complete any repairs needed. Use wood filler to patch holes. Replace any missing hardware or hinges.
Steps for Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Once prepped, apply your sage green paint with angled brush for frames and mini foam rollers on door surfaces. Use painter's tape for clean lines and avoid drips. Allow proper drying time between coats.
Seal painted surfaces with water-based polyurethane for added protection and subtle sheen. For an ultra smooth finish, sand lightly between topcoat layers.
Hiring a Professional vs DIY Painting
Painting cabinets yourself saves money but requires time and patience. Professionals have the right tools and experience for a flawless, efficient paint job. Evaluate your budget, skills and schedule.
Design Ideas for Sage Green Kitchen Cabinets
Once your new sage green cabinets are installed, pull together a cohesive kitchen design highlighting your statement color. Choose complementary materials, finishes, and accessories.
Styles That Work Well with Sage Green Cabinets
Farmhouse kitchens beautifully embrace sage green's earthy vibe. Classic subway tiles, exposed brick and butcher block pair nicely.
For contemporary charm, sage green cabinets feel fresh alongside polished quartz counters, brass fixtures and marble herringbone backsplash.
Pairing with Countertop and Backsplash Materials
Crisp white countertops let sage cabinets pop. But don't overlook the warmth of wood counters or the vibrancy of patterned ceramic tile. Stick to neutrals or echo the green with glass, marble or travertine backsplashes.
Incorporating Wood, Black or White Accents
Keep your sage green kitchen feeling current with on-trend black stainless appliances and modern matte black hardware. Or showcase the green against a light wood dining set and antique brass fixtures.
Ideas for Hardware and Fixtures
Allow sage cabinets to shine by keeping hardware minimalist and handles matte black iron or unlacquered brass. For country charm, bronze cup pulls warm up the look.
Seeing Sage Green Cabinets in Real Kitchens
Still deciding if sage green cabinets are for you? Browse these stunning kitchen images featuring the hue. Note how the cabinets pair with various materials like marble, wood floors, patterned tile and more.
Photos of Sage Green Cabinets in Various Kitchen Designs
Showcasing Color Paired with Tiles, Granite, Stainless Steel
See how crisp white subway backsplash allows sage cabinets to take center stage. Granite counters inject flecks of color. While dark grout adds contrast.
Note how vibrant sage islands command focus, as lighter cabinetry fades to background. Creative asymmetric designs prevent predictability.
Hopefully the advice above has shown how sage green can inject personality into tired kitchen cabinets or complement newer contemporary designs. Versatile, sophisticated and timeless - sage green truly satisfies as the perfect color for kitchen cabinet makeovers.