A kitchen with red cabinets is a great way to bring personality into your home and create a natural talking point for guests. There’s a wide variety of shades to choose from and endless options for where to use them.

From a two-toned look to all-over red and even a red island as a statement piece, there’s sure to be the perfect combination of just the right shade for your kitchen. Below, you’ll find the most inspiring red kitchen ideas to help you transform the appearance of your existing kitchen or inspire a total remodel.

Pair Bold, Orange-Red Cabinets With Light Colored Walls and Floors and a Touch of Visual Texture

This stunning red island serves as the visual anchor for this kitchen, standing dramatically apart from the white walls and floor. Boldly veined marble countertops bring additional personality, especially when paired with the framed artwork on the wall.

The painted ceiling is the ideal counterbalance to the deep red cabinets, allowing the shade to feel even more at home. Brass or stainless steel appliances would pair wonderfully with this color palette, though white appliances aren’t out of the question either.

via Reform CPH

Muted Brick Kitchen Cabinets and White Countertops in a Historic Space

The beautiful historic space with rounded windows that let in an abundance of daylight is enhanced with a gorgeous shaker kitchen with muted brick red cabinets placed on the lower section only. The upper part of the wall is painted in an off-white paint color, complementing the white countertops, gold hardware, and white hood.

The warm wood kitchen island and the stainless steel appliances bring a lovely variety to the color and material palette used in the design.

via Artilleriet Kitchen Studio

Use Brick-Red Cabinets in a Cozy, Traditional Kitchen to Embrace a Farmhouse Style

If you prefer a more natural tone as opposed to a bright red, brick-red cabinets are the answer. This traditional L-shaped kitchen is full of warm wood tones, creating a cozy and inviting environment.

Light wood shelves and grey walls add a lovely contrast to the rich tones found in the lower cabinets, floor, and dining table. The vintage glass and bronze chandelier provides a certain level of charm to the kitchen that is unmatched by modern lighting fixtures.

Styled by Asa Copparstad, photographed by Therese Jahnson for Historiska Hem

Set Dramatic Red-Brown Cabinets Against a Historic Floor and Antique Accents

Similar to the previous example, this red kitchen is bursting with rustic appeal. However, instead of a simple farmhouse design, this kitchen embraces a more historic, almost colonial, aesthetic. Deep brown-red cabinets and white countertops create an eye-catching contrast, and antique decor cements the 1800s inspiration.

This kitchen is sure to be a fun talking point for guests and will delight everyone who enters it by subverting their expectations. The traditional square tile floor completes this look, tying everything together in a way that another material wouldn’t be able to.

via DeVol Kitchens

Combine Vibrant Pink-Red Cabinets, Retro Appliances, and Granite Countertops for a Funky Kitchen Design

These dark salmon cabinets paired with granite countertops create a modern look that’s balanced beautifully with the retro-style refrigerator and light fixture. This combination results in an exciting room that’s cheery and free-spirited.

The pop of blue in the artwork on the counter draws the eye in, providing a starting point for it to travel through the space. Recessed shelves serve as the perfect location for decorative touches, and the natural wood floor creates a more relaxed air.

via Plum Living

A Natural Light Wood Floor and Pale Red Cabinets for an Earthy, Relaxing Kitchen Space

A new kitchen with red cabinets doesn’t have to be busy and dramatic. This kitchen uses worn, pale red-brown paint on the cabinets, paired with gray countertops, for a subdued appearance. Stainless steel appliances and an L-shaped design support the easy-going feel of the room, while durable wood flooring stands ready to endure the tests of time.

An abundance of natural light pouring in through the window and door of the kitchen brightens the space and allows for minimal, unintrusive light fixtures to be added where needed.

via &Schufl

Pair Rich Red Cabinets With a Blend of Materials and Textures for a Kitchen That’s Unique

For a kitchen that’s completely unique to your home, try a creative mix of materials not often seen in interiors. Burgundy wood cabinets, concrete, and scalloped tiles make up the majority of this kitchen’s stunning visuals.

This wealth of textures delight the senses and showcases the bold personality of the homeowner. Old-school appliances and bare lightbulbs reinforce the hand-built and designed aesthetic of the kitchen, making for an appealing space.

Styled by Åsa Copparstad, photographed by Fredric Boukari for Historiska Hem

Use Red Kitchen Cabinets as a Transition Piece Between Light Colored Walls and Dark Flooring

Smooth beige walls and a black herringbone floor are practically opposites and can make for a jarring experience when initially entering a room if not handled correctly. However, dark red kitchen cabinets can act as the perfect stepping point between these two extremes.

This example kitchen uses a dramatic color palette and traditional design ideals to make an exciting space packed with various dark shades. The farmhouse sink further expands on the old-world feel of this kitchen and provides a touch of brightness to the cabinets.

via DeVol Kitchens

Enhance a Mid-Century Modern Style With Soft Red-Orange Paint and Pops of Color

A mixture of solid surface countertops and two different cabinet colors can transform your contemporary kitchen into a mid-century modern wonder.

By having the island be a different color and its countertop a different material, there’s a sense of depth created that highlights the square footage of this kitchen. A couple of pops of blue and yellow draw the eye, keeping it moving through the space.

via Himlekok

Allow a Traditional, Rustic Kitchen to Thrive With Dark Cherry Cabinets and Lots of Natural Wood

Maintain the heritage of your traditional kitchen by adding minimal updates, such as stainless steel appliances, and allowing all the natural wood to shine.

These dark cherry cabinets are timeless, perfectly suiting the historic features of the room. Glass front cabinets could be used in place of the wall-mounted dish rack for an additional modern touch, though that relies on personal preference.

via DeVol Kitchens

Highlight a Bold Color Choice by Using Contrasting Red Cabinets and a Dramatic Marble Floor

Flat panel cabinets, sometimes called shaker cabinets, look incredible in every shade, though they stand out particularly well when built in a deep red-toned finish and paired with a mustard wall and dark marble floor.

Brass or copper cabinet hardware and pans will pair well with this palette, as will worn clays and solid blacks. White grout surrounding the large marble slabs provides much-needed contrast to the floor.

via DeVol Kitchens

Bring Depth to Bright and Airy Kitchen Designs With Complementary Red Cabinets

A high-ceiling kitchen with loads of natural light is the ideal backdrop to dark-colored cabinets. Light tan tones fill the space, creating an airy, natural feel that’s like a breath of fresh air.

In a similarly refreshing take on the common white subway tile backsplash, this kitchen takes the tiles and turns them vertically before running them up the wall. All of this comes together to result in a kitchen that won’t soon go out of style.

Styled by Clindholm Design, photographed by Therese Jahnson for Historiska Hem

Deep, Rich Red Kitchen Cabinets for an Effective Focal Point

The red kitchen cabinets in the example below act as a visual anchor to this light-toned kitchen space. This styling results in a kitchen that feels grounded and planned by an experienced designer.

This design can be easily mimicked with little to no changes, though the small back lip of the countertop could be replaced with a taller white backsplash for a similar look that offers more protection for your walls.

via Entrance Makleri

Terracotta Flat Panel Cabinets in a Kitchen space with a Painted Ceiling

These elegant wood cabinets are painted with a beautiful terracotta tone rather than a bright red for a subtle and warm effect in the space, contrasting with the sky-blue ceiling color. The beautiful veining in the marble countertop and the simple yet modern wall lamps finish off this contemporary cooking space nicely.

via Stillark

Each year, dark kitchen cabinetry grows in popularity when compared to traditional light tones and standard white cabinets. These dark elements and design styles can produce a dramatic effect with a modern look that’s sure to impress.

To help you design your dream kitchen and flip traditional kitchens on their head, take a look at the most inspiring dark kitchen cabinet ideas below.

Pair Dark Wood Flooring With Dark Cabinets and Matching Walls Against White Countertops

If you’re looking to fully embrace the dark side, this kitchen design is for you. Dark wood flooring and matching dark cabinetry and walls come together to create a dramatic space. Open shelves flank a black stove and the white countertops add depth, providing contrast to the darkness.

All of the hardware is in matching polished gold, the perfect combination for these dark cabinets.

Photographed by Ozolappa, styled by Yngfalk for Historiska Hem

Fill the Kitchen With Dark Brown Tones By Pairing Wood Cabinets and Flooring With Two-Tone Walls

Anyone who would prefer that their darker cabinets have a bit of texture is sure to love this next idea. Warm tones and a white backsplash result in timeless elegance and an inviting atmosphere in this kitchen design.

Two-tone walls and light wood flooring beautifully complement the dark cabinetry, while the black finish of the appliances helps them discretely fade into the backdrop.

Styling by Grey Deco, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem

Make a Bold Statement With Black Cabinets in a Light-Toned Kitchen

Matte black kitchen cabinets set against lighter tones and a blend of visual textures create a breathtaking impression upon entering the space. The black cabinet hardware helps to create a seamless look, solidly positioning the marble island as the focal point of the room.

Brown bar stools echo the brown tones of the hardwood floor which, alongside the gray walls, acts as a stepping stone between the bright white island and ceiling and the stark black cabinetry.

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem

Combine Dark Brown Wood Cabinets and Dark Gray Paint With a Much Lighter Shade of Wood Flooring

Installing two-tone cabinets is yet another way to make the trend of using darker colors more personalized to your home and personality.

The wood grain on the base cabinets and decorative items situated throughout the mixed shelving unit on the wall provide a lot of visual interest to this space. The lighter flooring continuing through the doorway into the next room also helps to tie the rest of the home together.

via Nordiska Kök

Create a Truly Dramatic Kitchen With All-Over Black Cabinets, Shelves, Countertops, and Appliances

Matte black cabinets paired with black countertops are among the boldest dark kitchen cabinet ideas. The resulting kitchen design is an edgy showstopper perfect for those with a flair for the dramatic.

A black, geometric open shelving unit is the best fit for this blank wall space, and the black range hood and faucet keep the theme going. Overall, this kitchen is one of the moodiest examples we’ve seen and is truly stunning.

Styled by Nouvel Interior, photographed by Alen Cordic, for sale via Entrance Makleri

Use Dark Kitchen Cabinets in an Open-Plan Space to Better Divide the Kitchen and Living Room

Open-plan homes can pose a unique challenge when it comes to the color palette and decor. Oftentimes, these layouts need a visual division of space, but that can be difficult in itself in a compact setting.

These dark gray cabinets with a navy undertone are an excellent example of how you can make this type of area work well together. The bold color makes it clear that the kitchen is a separate space, but the similar tones in the furniture and artwork of the living and dining spaces tie the entire room together.

via Historiska Hem

Paint Your Cabinets With a Vibrant Blue Hue in an All-White Kitchen for a Sleek, Stunning Appearance

If you’re in search of a striking contrast, go for light-colored countertops, walls, and floors paired with a bold pop of color on the cabinets.

Where many dark kitchen cabinet ideas focus on creating a fully dark space, this styling is a breath of fresh air. The white throughout the space reflects the natural light pouring through the window, allowing the coloring of the dark kitchen cabinets to truly shine.

via Nordiska Kök

Pair Dark Cabinets With Sandy Brown Tones and White Countertops for an Old World Traditional Feel

As mentioned before, lower and upper cabinets in complementary paint colors can be a fun and visually appealing way to experiment with dark kitchen cabinets. Additionally, glass front cabinets can also bring an extra element of personality to the space.

This kitchen in particular blends all of these touches together into a unique design that just screams vintage class and elegance. The warm coppery tones specifically create a very inviting and welcoming air.

via DeVol kitchens

Use Dark Wood Cabinets in a Kitchen With Dramatic Textured Walls and Patterned Flooring

Another way that you can play with blending dark cabinets with other deep colors is to pair natural wood cabinetry and striking textured black walls. The lower cabinets provide the space with a rustic feel, especially when set against the hardwood floor.

Where other cabinet ideas pair them with smooth-finished walls, this example takes the counter material and continues it to the ceiling for a dramatic effect.

via Nordiska Kök

Combine Black Cabinets, White Marble Countertops, and Gold Hardware for Timeless Appeal

As we’ve seen, dark kitchen cabinets come in a wide variety of materials, finishes, and designs. One easy DIY way of transforming your cabinets into a darker and more bold version of themselves is by applying wood stain.

Stained cabinets can provide any kitchen with a one-of-a-kind appearance without requiring a whole kitchen remodel. These black kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and gold hardware all work together to create a sophisticated kitchen that’s still down-to-earth.

via Historiska Hem

Use Muted Brown Cabinets in a Galley-Style Kitchen With Unique Wallpaper and Painted Shiplap

A kitchen with earthy tones and loads of natural light is the perfect environment for dark kitchen cabinets. This kitchen pairs them with intricate wallpaper, light brown shiplap, and bronze hardware.

With just a few minor adjustments to the styling, you could also use a muted green backsplash or exposed brick for a more vintage design.

photographed by Henrik Linden, for sale via Alvhem

Create the Ultimate Industrial-Style Modern Kitchen With Dark Kitchen Cabinets and Stainless Steel Countertops

Dark cabinets are an excellent choice for those looking for a more industrial touch to their kitchen. These modern, smooth-faced kitchen cabinets are a great match for the stainless steel counters and backsplash.

A discrete row of under-cabinet lighting helps to bring additional lighting into the sink area, while small, sleek pendant lights do the same over the cooktop. This futuristic kitchen is ideal for those who like to stay on the cutting edge of interior design.

via Himlekök

Offset Neutrals With Deep Blue Paint Set Against Bright White Walls

A subway tile backsplash and dark cabinets are a tried and true kitchen design. Subway tiles are a versatile and trendy, yet classic, material that won’t soon go out of style, meaning your kitchen is sure to stand the test of time.

The dark blue cabinets here are balanced well by the light wood tones and white backsplash and walls. This helps keep the space from feeling too dim, which is an excellent compromise for those who want color but are concerned about lighting.

Photography by Andres Bergstedt for Entrance Makleri

Make Your Cabinets the Center of Attention With Dark Green Paint in a Beige Kitchen

Dark green cabinets in a kitchen filled with off-white and beige tones are the perfect color palette for wowing guesting and placing your kitchen center stage. Emerald, forest green, dark olive green, and hunter green, as seen below, are all fantastic choices for this approach.

The lighter elements paired with the large window add brightness to the room, highlighting the dark green cabinets even more.

via Stadshem

Paint Smooth-Faced Cabinets With Dark Gray to Complement a Gray Backsplash and Black Appliances

For a more modern kitchen style, choose dark cabinets with a flat panel for the front instead of a designed door. Both the lower and upper cabinets here feature the same smooth face and are separated by a gray tile backsplash, resulting in a chic kitchen that’s complemented by the chosen decor.

via Ballingslōv

Use Dramatic Navy Paint in a White Kitchen With Open Shelving and a Wood Floor

These dark cabinets combine a lot of the design ideas we’ve seen before into a fresh and exciting kitchen. The dark blue, nearly black, kitchen cabinets are paired with white walls, open shelving, and a wood herringbone floor. White marble counters and natural decor complete the look.

via Alvhem

Make the Most Out of a Compact Kitchen By Pairing Dark Kitchen Cabinets With Visually Textured Finishes

For the last entry in our list of dark kitchen cabinet ideas, black cabinetry is used in a setting we haven’t seen before. A kitchen with a sloped ceiling can pose unique design challenges, all of which this example kitchen handles well.

Small black light fixtures are mounted right above the cooking area to ensure adequate lighting and the visual textures of the painted walls and backsplash create a welcome contrast to the dark lower cabinets.

Photographed by Axelsson for Historiska Hem