14 Cabinet Colors That Go With Stainless Steel Appliances

While appliance colors have expanded to include sleek black, bright white, cobalt blue, and vibrant orange, stainless steel is still a timeless option that fairs well in any kitchen. The easy-to-clean metallic finish makes removing fingerprints and smudges a breeze, not to mention, it pairs well with just about any design aesthetic — it's no wonder stainless steel appliances are here to stay. But if you want to spruce things up a little, consider changing up the color of your cabinets.

"Stainless steel appliances can go with pretty much any color," says Jessica Nelson, of Jessica Nelson Design. "There isn't anything that clashes with it. I feel confident that stainless steel is not going anywhere anytime soon."

From classic white to bold purple, stainless steel appliances will work beautifully with any color you choose. However, if you are having a little trouble narrowing down your choice, here are a handful of our favorite color combinations.

1. Dark Wood

Going all-natural when it comes to your cabinetry is always a good choice. Whether you opt for a dark oak or a slightly lighter walnut, there's no denying the power of pairing natural wood with shimmering stainless steel. The two very different finishes add beautiful contrast and texture, as well as impart midcentury modern flair, as proven by this cozy kitchen. The patterned backsplash completes the retro scene.

Carina Skrobecki for Jessica Nelson Design

While glass open shelving dominates the upper half of this kitchen by Jessica Nelson Design, a cool navy blue hue blankets the bottom half. The dark color pairs well with the metallic sheen of the stainless steel appliances and anchors the otherwise light and airy cook space.

"I will also always love deep blue hues with stainless steel appliances," Nelson says. "They feel super fresh and are extremely versatile and timeless."

Sanford Creative

You can't go wrong with the classic combo of stainless steel appliances and white cabinets. There's something so timeless and clean feeling about an all-white kitchen, but if you want to add a bit more color you can opt for a speckled granite countertop or go for a pink subway tile backsplash. Changing the hardware is also an easy way to add some contrast between the cabinets and appliances.

Sanford Creative

The warm and earthy finishes used throughout this desert-inspired kitchen temper the sterile effect of stainless steel appliances. Here, cream-colored cabinets and a matching zellige tile backsplash are paired with a light wood island and a terra cotta pendant light, resulting in a cozy and cohesive design. White accents, such as the Smëg fridge and farmhouse sink, tie the neutral color palette together seamlessly.

reDesign Home

For stark contrast consider pairing stainless steel appliances with all-black cabinetry. The combination gives this kitchen by reDesign Home a bit of edge and industrial flair. White walls and countertops further the statement-making scheme and balance the dark hue. But to ensure the overall result is light and airy, brass pendants, light hardwood floors, open shelving, and a large window are added to the mix. Glass cabinet doors keep the upper bank of cabinets from feeling too heavy.

Kirk Riley Design

Gray cabinets echo the metallic finish of stainless steel and offers a tonal approach which makes it a great option for a kitchen design — just be mindful of the undertones. In this culinary space by Kirk Riley Design, black hardware and faucets punctuate the cool color scheme, while dark wood accents add just enough warmth.

Taconic Builders

When paired with the vintage stainless steel range hood, the turquoise cabinetry in this kitchen designed by Taconic Builders provides a colorful pop and additional retro charm. Octagonal Saltillo floor tile and a butcher block island countertop add beautiful contrast and warmth. Glass cabinet doors and cream-colored backsplash tile round out this cozy and inviting cook space.

Lewis Alderson & Co.

The dark eggplant shade showcased in this kitchen designed by Lewis Alderson & Co. adds some serious drama, especially when paired with black flooring. The white window trim, dishware, and farmhouse sink offer contrast and help to lighten up the moody scene. Additionally, the stainless steel fridge and faucet add a hint of sparkle and reflect the natural light pouring through the window.

Elizabeth Roberts

There's no denying the power of dark forest green cabinets, as proven by this kitchen from Elizabeth Roberts. However, when using such a decadent hue, your space can get extra moody in a hurry unless you create balance with lighter and/or reflective finishes. For example, in this setup, stainless steel appliances plus stunning white marble countertops and backsplash provide the perfect dose of contrast.

Stephen Paul for Hunker

Don't be afraid to take a risk when it comes to the color of your kitchen cabinets. This bold space flaunts a bright shade of green, which looks positively radiant alongside the stainless steel refrigerator and light wood accents.

Kitchen & Beyond

An all-yellow kitchen might not be at the top of your color ideas list, however, with one look at this charming cook space from Kitchen & Beyond you might reconsider. Plus, the muted mustard shade looks gorgeous alongside a blackened-stainless steel stove with brass trim. The black countertops and cabinet hardware are a nice touch and add to the drama of this country kitchen.

Young House Love

Follow the lead of John and Sherry from Young House Love and paint your shaker cabinetry a light shade of blue. Not only will the cool color complement your stainless steel appliances but it will also transform your space. And we love the mix of metal finishes in the form of stainless steel and brass — the combination feels purposeful and adds loads of visual interest.

Christopher Peters

All you really need to spruce up an all-white culinary space with stainless appliances is a small pop of color à la this setup by Christopher Peters. Here, a lavender kitchen island adds a modern touch and visual interest to an otherwise minimal kitchen design. The mismatched dining chairs provide additional color and a bit of personality.

Stefan Suchanec for Rory Creative

Sometimes less is more as evidenced by this bright modern kitchen design. The light wood cabinets offer subtle contrast and a hint of warmth alongside stainless steel appliances and crisp white walls. The lack of home decor and the seamless waterfall countertops allow the industrial stainless elements and the black cage-light pendants to take center stage.

Whether you prefer neutral hues (such as white, black, and gray), natural wood finishes, or bolder shades (such as Kelly green, purple, or yellow), stainless steel appliances provide a neutral base that allows you to take more risk when it comes to the color of your cabinets. Luckily, stainless steel goes with pretty much every color in the rainbow, so whether you are replacing your cabinets or simply painting them, you really can't go wrong. "Stainless steel is incredibly neutral, so it really goes with anything," says Mary Patton, of Mary Patton Design. Not to mention, stainless is a classic choice that will outlast color trends and never go out of style.

Just be sure to factor in the other colors and finishes that are used in your space such as the walls, countertops, and flooring. The amount of available lighting (both natural and artificial) will ultimately affect your overall kitchen color scheme, too. Your best bet: Get samples of your favorite paint colors and live with them in your space for a while so you can see how they change throughout the day.

Now that you are ready to finalize your palette, here is a recap of some of the best color combos to consider:

• Dark wood
• Navy blue
• White
• Cream
• Black
• Gray
• Turquoise
• Purple
• Forest green
• Yellow
• Kelly green
• Light blue
• Lavender
• Light wood