A well-harmonised colour palette is one of the key ingredients in beautiful kitchen design. Whether you have already bought one of our stunning oak kitchens or are still in the planning stages, you might be interested to hear what we have to say about fail-safe colour choices to combine with our wonderful wooden worktops.

Whether you are pondering hues for your solid wood cabinets or debating tempting tones for kitchen walls, we have put together a collection of perfect paint palettes from Farrow & Ball to help create the look you are lusting after.

OAK WORKTOPS

Farrow and Ball’s Cook’s Blue and Yeabridge Green are both excellent choices for oak worktops. They contrast wonderfully with the warm hue of the timber, whilst remaining soft and inviting.

IROKO WORKTOPS

The rich, chestnut tones of iroko worktops make a bold statement all on their own, and need not be rivalled in intensity by accompanying paint palettes. Therefore, we recommend soft tones such as Mizzle or Great White. The former contains hints of green that balance iroko’s reddish hues perfectly, whilst the latter remains understated and contains complementary red undertones.

Our Camden showroom features a kitchen set with walnut worktops paired with Shaker cabinet frontals in Mizzle. This set was discussed in our shabby chic styling guide, which shows how well the colour works with darker work surfaces.

WENGE WORKTOPS

Dark and exotic wenge worktops create most impact when paired with colours of a paler ilk. For instance, Farrow & Ball’s Calluna is a gentle lilac-grey shade that looks fabulous alongside very dark timbers, simultaneously appearing both elegant and dramatic. Similarly, Lime White is a timeless chalky hue that can soften the striking effect of this opulent timber.

The colour scheme we have selected lends itself perfectly to the popular Scandinavian lifestyle looks lagom and hygge, making it a perfect choice if you are looking to create an aesthetic that is modern yet classic.

BEECH WORKTOPS

Beech worktops have a warm, pink hue that makes them perfect for pairing with either pastels or bolder accent colours. Dix Blue contains a good measure of green tones that add warmth, and make for an inviting, slightly vintage appeal. This Farrow & Ball colour has enough strength to not look washed out against beech, whilst being understated enough not to draw too much attention away from the beautifully distinctive grain pattern of the timber. Alternatively, Picture Gallery Red is a bolder colour choice that rivals the blushing tones of beech for a more contemporary kitchen colour scheme.

MAPLE WORKTOPS

Perfectly pale maple worktops are a sophisticated worktop choice. These timber tops are effortlessly refined, and can be complemented by deep crimson colours like Incarnadine, which radiates a certain degree of European elegance. Conversely, you could opt for Pitch Blue to cool down a hot kitchen, or generate a trendy nautical aesthetic.

CHERRY WORKTOPS

Cheerful cherry worktops possess caramel tones that make for a warm, inviting and welcoming kitchen aesthetic. With a distinctive figuring that features both straight and curly grain patterns, understated colours are ideal for accompanying solid oak cabinets and walls. For this reason we suggest Wevet – a paint with gossamer qualities and contemporary charm. For a little more colour, we recommend Farrow & Ball’s Dead Salmon – a warm fawn shade that harmonises splendidly with the tones of cherry.

WALNUT WORKTOPS

Our eye-catching walnut worktops have a varied appearance, featuring lighter honey-coloured sapwood, and the darker chocolate shades of the heartwood. Because of this distinctive mixture of tones, walnut is a versatile choice for colour-matching. For the brave, flamboyant Babouche takes inspiration from Morocco and is a bright and brilliant choice for wooden cabinets. For a more classically British feel, Farrow & Ball’s Clunch is a bestseller that looks fresh on woodwork and lets statement walnut worktops do all the talking.

ZEBRANO WORKTOPS

One of our most dashing and daring surfaces, our zebrano worktops have a bit of a wild side! To do this fabulous timber justice, bold colour choices are ideal. Farrow & Ball’s Tanner’s Brown highlights the gorgeous, dark ‘zebra stripes’ of the unique grain pattern. With red undertones, the paint’s hues are perfect partners for this rich golden wood. Statement zebrano worktops offers a wonderfully contemporary look whilst radiating personality. To achieve a modern appearance whilst matching the organic nature of wood, we suggest a shade such as Calke Green. This verdant shade is rich and botanical, and is at its best when used on woodwork.

With our perfect palettes for wooden worktops in mind, it is also worth considering contrasting colours for statement kitchen islands. Complementary colour choices can give kitchens added depth, and accent colours help to draw attention to your favourite features. If you would like to find out more, take a look at our helpful ‘How to Create a Kitchen Island with Solid Oak Kitchen Cabinets’ information guide.

We are continually posting kitchen design tips to provide you with inspiration for the heart of your home, so do check back every week to stay up to date on the latest styles and trends.

Styling Solid Wood Kitchens

Choosing the Right Colour for your Solid Oak Kitchen

Our Top Colour Picks for Oak Kitchens

Bespoke Colours for Our Solid Oak Cabinets

Please note: This guide was originally posted on 15th April 2016 but has been republished on 14^th March 2018 to include additional information.