
freshhome.com
One question I seem to be asked frequently from readers is “What color works best in a kitchen that has oak cabinets? I cannot/do not want to change my cabinets at this time.” Which color would you suggest?”
All woods have undertones. Oak has yellow undertones that we need to be aware of. If you want your cabinets to ‘pop’ off the wall, then I would suggest a blue or violet color which is the complimentary (across the color wheel) color of yellow. But most people do not want their cabinets as the main focus of the kitchen.

susanjablon.com
I also feel blue in a kitchen gives you more of a country look:

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As I posted in my blog Best Wall Colors for Stained Trim , I typically do not like to suggest using a white paint with lighter wood cabinets for a few reasons. One-white has different undertones that do not always work with the yellow wood. Secondly, I personally do not like the look with no contrast since it looks a little too pale for me.

David Easton
Yellow seem to be the color of choice for many people that have lighter wood cabinets. Yellow might work but my but only concern with yellow is that this color doesn’t really create any personality in the room. Without any contrast, the room tends to look a bit too boring for my taste.

So, what is my suggestion for a wall color when you have oak/light cabinets?

hillcrestestategreenwich.com
Green!

kitchenclarity.com
I am not talking about the hunter green color or a light mint green. My suggestion would be to look at the mid-range color greens, especially the yellow-greens such as Ben Moore Agave AF-420, Anjou Pear AF-425 and Wasabi AF-430:

Another green I like to suggest working with oak wood is Ben Moore Hillside Green 495. I really love the look together:

So green is my first choice when looking for a great color to work with oak or light wood cabinets. My color advice is based on working with oak cabinets. The floors or countertops were not taken into consideration for this example.
Do you agree green is the best color for kitchens with oak cabinets? I also like a few terra cotta colors but that is for another day! Comments?
If you need help choosing the perfect paint color for your home, contact me today.
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