What stain color would complement espresso cabinets?

15 years ago

After much debate, DH and I have decided to put espresso cabinets in the kitchen of our new build. We have an open floor plan and need to choose a stain for the fireplace mantle and the railing in the living room. We'll likely use the same stain color for the bar in the basement.

Although we really like the espresso, we don't want to repeat the color everywhere since it's very dramatic. What color would coordinate with the espresso without being too matchy-matchy?

We're considering hickory floors in the kitchen -- so maybe we should match the mantle/railing with that? My other ideas are brazilnut, weathered teak and pecan. Would any of these work? Or am I missing something else really obvious?

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Comments (4)

kitchenaddict
15 years ago
hi blue...

I'm with you...don't like being matchy matchy!

It's funny that you said hickory, because I have some hickory cabinets in my family room which is right next to my dark kitchen and I think they compliment nicely...

I don't have a picture of them but they are similar in color to my Pergo flooring that is also in my kitchen. I like the way my Pergo looks with my cabinets..

My Pergo Select is Red Prairie Pine..

and here it is next to the cabinets

Looking forward to seeing your kitchen!

KA:)
megradek
15 years ago
hi bluekitten. I really, truly believe you can't pick the wrong stain! Espresso is like the little black dress that can go with anything :) what wood species are you using for the kitchen cabs? are you thinking of continuing with the same species for the mantel, railing, downstairs bar? We used walnut for our cabs and stained them "java". our floors are Cumaru(brazilian teak) as is our railing/stair treads. HTH
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formerlyflorantha
15 years ago
How about something very white-ish, the lightest non-orange color you can manage? Birch, for example.
BlueKitten
Original Author
15 years ago
Florantha, birch is a definite possibility. Would you use a natural clear stain instead of a color?

Mairin, your kitchen is gorgeous. Love it!

Kitchenaddict, your kitchen continues to be an inspiration. DH really likes it, too.