Oak cabinetry is beautiful, durable and versatile, and although it always has a honey glow to it, it can range from light to dark. Basically, oak cabinetry is primarily a shade of brown – and brown is neutral, meaning it works great with just about any other color. Since most colors will work with your oak cabinetry, the question becomes, what mood are you trying to create in your kitchen? We’ll explain how you can complement your cabinetry – all while maintaining your individual style.

Warm it Up: If your goal is to create a warm, cozy look and feel to your kitchen, you’ll want to choose tiles in shades like red, orange and yellow. The bolder the color, the more “energy” it brings to your space, so you can spice things up with a deeper brick or terra-cotta, or mellow things out a bit with a creamier yellow. Either way, warm colors will enhance the golden warmth of the wood, and create a space that’s friendly and inviting.

Keep it Cool: Are you hoping to create a calm, low-key kitchen space where friends and family can relax and feel at peace? Then you’ll want to consider tile colors like blue, green and lilac. These colors are thought to promote calm and tranquility. Very light blues and greens are perfect if you have a nice view of woodlands or water from your kitchen, while lilac is currently a very fashionable, contemporary color people are choosing. These colors will also help lighten up your room, which is great if your space is small.

Play it Safe: If you want to ensure that your choice in tile color is mistake-proof when working with your oak cabinetry, then opt for neutral shades. Any shade of brown, from light café-au-lait shades to richer espressos, will help to bring out he varying brown shades of your cabinetry. Another reason to choose neutrals is because you’re more likely to change your wall color than you are to change wall tiles, and you might want to be sure your tiles will complement any future paint jobs.

When it comes time to design your dream kitchen, turn to the experts at Fahy Kitchens & Baths – we can help you select the cabinets and tile that will best work together to complement each other – and your style. Please feel free to contact us at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.