Tips for Designing Contemporary Kitchens with Red Cabinets

Red cabinets can add vibrant, modern style to contemporary kitchen designs. The bold color makes a dramatic statement and serves as an eye-catching focal point. However, incorporating red cabinets requires careful planning to create a cohesive, balanced look. Follow these essential tips when using red cabinets to achieve a sleek, contemporary kitchen.

First, select the ideal shade of red for your design goals. Deeper pillar-box reds make the boldest declarations. Warm reds with orange undertones bring energy and warmth, while cooler reds with blue undertones have a more sophisticated style. Choose a red hue that aligns with your overall aesthetic and complements other finishes.

Use Red Cabinets as a Striking Focal Point

One of the most effective ways to use red cabinets is to make them the star--a striking focal point that commands attention. Paint an entire bank of cabinets or just the island red to define that space as the heart of the kitchen. When red cabinets are the highlight, you can build the rest of the decor around them. The red pops against more neutral backdrops.

Strategic Red Cabinet Placement

Consider making the following areas bright red to maximize visual impact:

• Main kitchen island
• Base cabinets beneath a neutral wall of uppers
• An entire wall of floor-to-ceiling cabinets

Painting these large swaths red makes them focal points. Arrange the rest of the kitchen around the vibrant red.

Balance Out the Bold Red Cabinets

The key to successfully using red cabinets in contemporary kitchens is balance. Red makes a bold statement, so you need to offset it with neutral or complementary colors. Here are some ideas:

• Pair red base cabinets with crisp white uppers.
• Choose white, black, or gray countertops.
• Use a neutral tile or gray wood flooring.
• Paint the walls white or soft gray for contrast.

Balancing materials and colors prevents the red cabinets from appearing overwhelming. The red pops but doesn't dominate.

Mix Finishes and Textures

Don't be afraid to play with different finishes and textures on red cabinets. Mixing things up adds visual depth and interest.

Finishes

Try combining:

• Matte red cabinets with a glossy red island
• Red cabinets with glass doors on upper wall cabinets
• Bright red lowers with natural wood uppers

Textures

Consider adding:

• Distressed wood cabinets for texture
• Open shelves for an industrial vibe
• Hardware with metallic finishes

This prevents the red from feeling flat and one-dimensional. The eye has more to explore.

Use Red Cabinets as a Bold Accent

Red doesn't have to dominate to make an impact. Use it strategically as an accent. A bright red island or accent wall still draws the eye while preventing visual overload. Other accent ideas include:

• Floating red open shelves on a wall of white cabinets
• Base cabinets or window frames painted red
• Red open shelving flanking the range

Pops of red grab attention without going overboard. Keep accents balanced with plenty of neutral space.

Complement Red with Other Colors

Color theory reveals which hues pair best with red. Complementary colors are directly across from each other on the color wheel. Blue and red have a vibrant, striking partnership. Green also complements red beautifully.

Weave blue and green throughout the kitchen to enhance the red cabinets:

• Blue mosaic tile backsplash
• Green accents like plants, art, appliances
• Deep blue or green quartz countertops

These energetic color combinations are perfect for contemporary spaces.

Consider Lighting

The lighting you choose can impact how red cabinets look and feel in a space:

• Natural Light: Prevent red from feeling dark and dramatic.
• Warm Lighting: Enhance and amplify the red tones.
• Cool Lighting: Mute and soften the vibrancy of red.

For example, dramatic recessed lighting shifts red to feel bold and moody. Meanwhile, pendant lights cast a warm glow that highlights red's energy. Choose lighting that matches your goals.

Incorporate Metallic Finishes

Metallic finishes like stainless steel, chrome, and bronze complement red cabinets beautifully in contemporary kitchens. Try pairing red with:

• Stainless steel appliances
• Metal mosaic tile backsplash
• Bronze hardware and fixtures
• A chrome sink or faucet

Matching metals throughout the kitchen creates a polished, coordinated look. The sheen of metals plays nicely against matte red cabinets.

Red cabinets make a dramatic style statement in contemporary kitchens. However, balance is key. Use red as a bold focal point, then temper it with neutral colors and complementary blue and green accents. Mixing textures and metallic finishes prevents red from feeling flat. With strategic red placement and the right supporting elements, you can design a showstopping contemporary kitchen.