Green is a versatile and refreshing color choice for kitchen islands and cabinets. From light minty greens to deep emerald tones, green paint can add a dose of vibrancy and nature to your kitchen decor. Considering going green for your next kitchen refresh? Here are 10 gorgeous green paint colors to inspire your kitchen island or cabinet makeover.
Why Choose Green Paint for Kitchen Islands and Cabinets
Green is having a major moment in home decor and kitchen design. Here are some of the reasons green paint is a smart choice for kitchen islands and cabinets:
- Brings the Outdoors In – Green is inherently associated with nature, so it’s a great way to evoke a sense of the outdoors and organic elements in your kitchen. Green paint tones lend a peaceful, relaxing vibe.
- Provides Contrast – Green is a lively accent color that contrasts nicely against white, beige, or wood kitchen cabinetry. Painting just the island green can make it pop.
- Complements Natural Finishes – Green pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, marble, and tile. It brings out the organic textures and patterns in these finishes.
- Variety of Shades – From sage to lime, emerald to chartreuse, there is a huge range of green paint options. Find a shade that fits your style.
- Adds Warmth – While greens with blue undertones read cooler, green paint colors with yellow, gold, or olive undertones have a cozy, welcoming warmth about them.
- Fits Any Style – Whether your kitchen is modern, farmhouse, cottage, or traditional, green is versatile enough to enhance any style.
Now let’s look at 10 specific green paint colors that are gorgeous options for kitchen islands, cabinets, and other built-ins.
1. Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Clove
Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Clove is a rich, warm green that leans more towards the yellow-green spectrum. This soft, inviting shade has golden undertones that give it a cozy cottage feel. It’s ideal for creating a focal point island in a white or neutral kitchen. The hint of gold in this green adds warmth and pairs nicely with wood cabinets.
The Look: Earthy, organic, welcoming
Works With: White, cream, neutral, wood tones
Undertones: Yellow, gold
Try pairing Woodlawn Clove with brass hardware, travertine tile, and butcher block countertops to enhance its natural vibe. It will give your kitchen a relaxed sophistication perfect for everyday life.
2. Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Naval is a rich teal green with blue undertones. This striking shade stands out beautifully against white cabinets while also pairing nicely with wood tones. The bold color choice makes a dramatic style statement.
The Look: Jewel-toned, elegant, stylish
Works With: White, cream, blue, wood tones
Undertones: Blue
Naval has an upscale, sophisticated look but also a hint of earthiness. For a contemporary ensemble, pair it with marble countertops, black hardware, and pendant lighting. Or keep it casual with a farmhouse vibe. However you use it, Naval is sure to anchor your kitchen with drama and flair.
3. Behr Guacamole
Behr Guacamole is a lighter, greener shade of avocado. With soft yellow undertones, it’s earthy and organic without being too dark. It’s a great choice for adding a pop of color without overpowering a space.
The Look: Fresh, casual, upbeat
Works With: White, blue, gray, wood
Undertones: Yellow
Guacamole creates a fun, playful vibe in a kitchen. Pair it with painted wood cabinets for some contrast. Or use it on just the island to make it a focal point. Add some botanical accents and painted tiles, and your kitchen will feel like a relaxing garden oasis. The lively spirit of Guacamole is perfect for cottage kitchen designs.
4. PPG Timeless Sage
PPG Timeless Sage is a pale, silvery sage green with faint gray undertones. It’s subtle, almost ethereal, lending an airy quality perfect for small kitchens.
The Look: Ethereal, peaceful, minimalist
Works With: White, gray, wood, black accents
Undertones: Gray
Timeless Sage has a calming zen feel that helps create a relaxing cooking space. Use it on cabinets, walls, or an accent island to inject a hint of soft color without overwhelming. Keep surrounding materials light and airy to complement its quiet simplicity. The undertones in Timeless Sage give it a magical, timeworn appearance.
5. Valspar Harp
Valspar Harp is a crisp, vibrant emerald green from Valspar’s Signature Colors Collection. With striking saturation, it makes a bold color choice for kitchen cabinets or an accent wall.
The Look: Jewel-toned, dramatic, exotic
Works With: White, black, wood, metallics
Undertones: Blue
The rich emerald tone of Harp is associated with wealth, luxury, and sophistication. It pairs nicely with gold and brass accents. Use Harp when you want to create an upscale elegant kitchen. Deep green cabinets or a backsplash provide richness and dimension. For a contemporary vibe add in sleek surfaces like marble or concrete.
6. HGTV Home Riverway
HGTV Home Riverway is a gray-green that beautifully bridges the gap between cool and warm tones. With subtle gray undertones, it maintains vibrancy without going too jewel-toned.
The Look: Transitional, serene, naturally beautiful
Works With: Cream, gray, wood, white
Undertones: Gray
Riverway feels both soothing and lively at the same time. Use it on an accent wall or island to add an earthy yet refined element. Pair with pastoral design features like woven baskets, potted herbs, and butcher block. The versatility of Riverway makes it one of the most appealing greens for today’s transitional kitchens.
7. Dunn Edwards Cut Grass
Dunn Edwards Cut Grass DE6211 is a vivid bright green that evokes the hues of freshly mown lawn. Energizing and fun, it instantly wakes up any space.
The Look: Vibrant, playful, cheerful
Works With: White, wood tones, metallics
Undertones: Yellow
If you want your kitchen to feel bright and lively, consider Cut Grass for an accent wall or island. It looks spectacular paired with marble countertops. For a whimsical cottage or farmhouse feel, use it on shaker style cabinets. Just note that this bold green reads especially vibrant on larger surfaces. So use it strategically unless you really aim to make a statement.
8. Benjamin Moore padaro green
Benjamin Moore Padaro Green 2142-40 is a deep emerald green with blue undertones. Sleek and sophisticated, it adds a pop of jewel tone to upscale modern kitchens.
The Look: Refined, sumptuous, stylish
Works With: White, gold, black, gray
Undertones: Blue
Padaro Green has an elegant, almost mysterious personality. Use it on lower cabinets to ground a two-toned kitchen. Or paint an accent wall in a posh kitchen nook area, and accompany with sculptural pendants. For contemporary edge, pair with a high-gloss lacquer island in jet black. Sophisticated metals like unlacquered brass also accent Padaro Green nicely.
9. Farrow & Ball Vert de Terre
Vert de Terre by Farrow & Ball is a rich, organic green inspired by lichen and moss. With inherent gray tones, it’s an ideal neutral green shade.
The Look: Earthy, grounded, welcoming
Works With: Cream, wood tones, terra cotta
Undertones: Gray
Vert de Terre is the perfect foundational color choice for a chic farmhouse kitchen. Use it on your lower cabinets or large island to evoke the colors of nature. Pair with oak flooring, leathered granite, and a large apron front sink for organic appeal. The weathered look of Vert de Terre helps create a cozy vintage kitchen aesthetic.
10. Clare Warm Shadow
Clare Warm Shadow N220-6 by Clare Paint is a muted olive green with gray-brown undertones. It’s a great neutral green option with inherent vintage appeal.
The Look: Weathered, retro, cozy
Works With: Antiques, worn woods, terra cotta
Undertones: Gray, brown
Warm Shadow has a timeworn look, like an heirloom handed down through generations. Use it on kitchen cabinets and walls for an aged appearance that feels collected over time. Pair with antique brass hardware, ceramic tiles, and farmhouse accents to enhance its old world charm and organic vibe.
How to Use Green Paint in Your Kitchen
Now that you’ve seen 10 gorgeous green paint options for kitchen islands and cabinets, how do you put this color to work in your space? Here are some tips:
- For a subtle touch, use green on an accent wall or just the island. This prevents it from feeling overwhelming.
- Make it a statement by painting lower cabinets green and uppers a light neutral shade.
- Use green on inner backs of open shelving or display cabinets for a fun surprise pop of color.
- Or go bold with green on the lower half of walls, binding it off above counters or range.
- Pair green cabinets with materials like marble, wood, and metallics to enhance its vibrancy.
- Anchor the green with lots of natural light and potted greenery for an organic look.
- Change up your look seasonally by swapping green and white dishes/decor.
Design Ideas for Green Kitchen Islands and Cabinets
Green kitchen islands and cabinets lend themselves beautifully to certain design aesthetics. Here are some central themes that harmonize wonderfully with green:
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen
Capture a fresh take on modern farmhouse style with light wood flooring, subway tile, and vintage accents paired with sage green cabinets.
Cottage Kitchen
Embrace cottage charm with painted shaker cabinets in a lively hue like Guacamole green. Add an apron front sink window box herb garden.
Eclectic Boho Kitchen
Create a vibe of eclectic sophistication with lower emerald cabinets, marble countertops, woven pendant lights, and antique brass accents.
Serene Spa Kitchen
Promote tranquility with dusty blue-green upper cabinets, crisp white quartz countertops, and decorative floating shelves for displaying ceramics and greenery.
Organic Minimalist Kitchen
Take a pared down approach to organic minimalism with matte black island paired with Timeless Sage green cabinets and walls. Incorporate woven textures and raw wood elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular green paint colors for kitchens?
Some of today’s most popular greens for kitchen designs include:
- Sage – Timeless, soothing green with gray undertones
- Avocado – Rich green with yellow/gold base, inspired by retro era
- Emerald – Jewel-toned green like Padaro or Harp
- Olive/Moss – Earthy neutral green like Vert de Terre
- Seafoam – Soft, airy blue-green tones
What color cabinets go well with green walls?
The best cabinet colors to pair with green walls include:
- White
- Light gray
- Cream
- Wood tones like oak or walnut
- Black for dramatic contrast
- Navy blue for a bold complementary palette
Should you paint upper or lower cabinets green?
It often works best to paint lower cabinets green and uppers a neutral white or light wood tone. The darker color grounds the kitchen, while lighter uppers keep the space feeling open and airy.
What kind of countertops work with green cabinets?
Great countertop options for green cabinets include:
- White or neutral quartz
- Marble
- Soapstone
- Butcher block
- Concrete
- Tile
Is green outdated for kitchens?
Green is a timeless, classic color choice for kitchens. The latest trend is toward earthy sage and mossy olive greens, which feel grounded, organic, and highly livable. Vibrant greens in moderation add a fun retro touch.
Bring Nature In With Gorgeous Green Kitchen Paint
Green is truly a standout color for kitchen islands, cabinets, and accents. From retro avocado to sophisticated emerald tones, green paint brings vitality, harmony with nature, and a sense of the outdoors into your cooking space.
The key is finding the right green hue that fits your kitchen style. Then use it in ways that enhance your design vision, whether making a bold statement with lower cabinets or just adding a subtle pop on an island or accent wall.
So explore the possibilities with green! With so many gorgeous options, like the 10 featured here, you can easily find a green paint that brings the perfect ambiance into your kitchen.
