It’s been almost two years since we finished installing and painting our kitchen cabinets. When I first painted them, I considered choosing a different color for the island.
But I didn’t want to do something I’d regret and I wanted the room to feel cohesive. Plus, everyone recommended sticking with white since we had the wood panels and countertop on the island already.
But it was time for a little change. The island gets a TON of use and the drawers starting to look worn in spots – especially around the slide-out garbage can. I thought a darker color would mask some of that wear over time. And since I had to do some touch ups anyhow, I figured now was as good of a time as any.
I waffled between a few colors but finally settled on Behr Seared Grey, which is the same shade I painted the kitchen built-ins. I already knew I loved it, and I figured there was a good chance it would pull the space together. Plus, I already had the paint, so it didn’t mean I had to go to the store. (Bonus for a lazy girl like me.)
I was able to finish this in a day with two coats of paint. We removed all the drawers and painted the frame first. Then, I painted each of the drawer fronts. It went fairly fast and the paint color covered well.
I love how the color draws attention to the island, where before it all just blended together in a sea of white. The blue is so rich in person.
And that walnut top still gives me all the heart eyes.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see how well the color contrasts with the drawer pulls. The stainless looks lovely with white or blue.
While the color feels cohesive with the open shelves, the lighting in the kitchen makes the color stand on its own.
I didn’t use a specific cabinet paint, so time will tell whether it will hold up well. However, I tend to regularly touch up paint on cabinetry and trim so I think it will be okay. If not, we can always paint again.
For now, I’m enjoying the new color. It’s a small change that feels like a big change in our kitchen.
Do you like this pop of color?
Did you like this post?
We'd love to send you more inspiration and encouragement for your home. When you sign up below, we'll send you our free guide to save thousands on your next home project. Because your home shouldn't own you.
Gretchen says
ooh–love it! I keep wanting to paint my kitchen island, too, but something always seems more urgent. I need to get on that!
Kayla aka Kilo Bravo says
Love this change! We did something similar in our kitchen a few years back – white surround cabinets and more of a green/blue on our island. It was my husband’s idea and dare I say it ended up being one of my favorite decisions! You get the contrast without the 2014 trend of white uppers and a colored lower cabinet.
God I wish I had your enthusiasm (<- willpower?) to actually regularly touch up anything. We need to do that around our house (we are getting ready to sell it – long story) and I'm so afraid my touch ups are going to stand out if we don't remix the paint well enough! Has that every happened to you?? Any tips on touching up specifically??
Kelsey says
It looks amazing! I love that color. I’m going to have to steal it to use in our new house!
Coco says
I <3 it. Looks great. Really stands out but doesn't take away from the beauty of the other parts of the kitchen.
Ellen from Ask Away Blog says
Oh my gosh that blue looks amazing!
Donna B says
And …💜 the family picture with the babies 😚
Donna B says
WOW – I LOVE it 💜 Great job!
Anne says
This looks amazing! Your creativity and attention to detail is amazing. I want to paint our bedroom and closet a lighter color. The current color is too dark because we don’t get a lot of light there. Any ideas for a very light neutral color? I would love it if we could send you photos and you would give us ideas as context for blog posts. Thank you!!
Karen says
I love a white kitchen…but… that really gave it a WOW !! Added so much character and posh.
cassie bustamante says
looks perfect! love the new color!
Susan A says
LOVE the new color on the island!!! Great choice.
deb says
Great color.