If you’re stuck staring at your kitchen or bathroom, wondering whether your freshly painted cabinets should match your floor—or go in a completely different direction—you’re not alone. This is a common crossroads for Omaha homeowners, especially those who are remodeling or giving their cabinets a new life with paint. It can feel like every choice leads to more questions, and before you know it, you’re second-guessing everything from your flooring to your trim color.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners refresh their spaces since 1996. One of the most common questions we hear when painting cabinets is, “Should I try to match my cabinets to my floors, or go with something totally different?” It’s a good question, and the answer depends on a lot of little details that most people don’t think about until they’re deep into the renovation process.
We’ve helped thousands of homeowners figure this out—and while we’re experts in painting, we know this decision isn’t just about color. It’s about how your whole space feels when it’s put together. That’s why we’re writing this article: not to push you one way or another, but to help you feel confident about whatever you choose.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of:
This guide is here to help you slow down, look at the big picture, and make a choice you won’t regret.
Some homeowners choose to match their cabinets and floors for a unified look. This approach can feel clean, calming, and easy on the eyes—especially in open floor plans or small kitchens where too much contrast might feel busy.
But matching doesn’t mean exact sameness. Think of it more like harmony. If your floors are a warm medium brown, your cabinets don’t need to be the exact shade—they just need to be in the same neighborhood. This kind of “tonal match” keeps things coordinated without feeling flat.
If your goal is a peaceful, neutral kitchen where everything flows, matching might be the way to go. But keep reading—there are other options to think about.
Choosing contrast doesn’t mean chaos. In fact, it can bring a lot of life and interest into your kitchen or bathroom. Think of a crisp white cabinet against a warm wood floor or a deep navy cabinet paired with a light, neutral tile floor. The trick is getting the balance right.
Contrasting works especially well when your floors or cabinets have a distinct personality. If you love your floor color and want to highlight it, contrast can help it shine. On the other hand, if you’re repainting your cabinets and want them to be the star of the room, contrast gives them that spotlight.
If you’re leaning toward contrast but not sure how to make it work, keep reading—we’ll walk through what to think about.
Now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons of matching and contrasting, let’s dig into the real-life stuff that can influence your decision.
This is a big one. If your floors are staying, ask yourself honestly—do you really like the color? If not, there’s no reason to match your cabinets to it. On the other hand, if you love your floors, echoing their tone in your cabinet color can make your whole space feel intentional.
If you’re doing a full renovation, you’ve got more freedom. You can look at samples side-by-side, choose colors that play well together, and coordinate everything from the start. In this case, it’s not just about floors and cabinets—think about how wall color, trim, and even hardware will all work together.
Trim is often overlooked, but it’s what connects your cabinets and floors to the rest of the room. If you’ve got bright white trim, darker cabinets will pop more. If your trim is off-white or cream, warmer tones might look more natural.
Dark floors and dark cabinets can feel heavy in a space that doesn’t get much light. If your room is on the smaller side or lacks windows, you might want at least one lighter element—either floors or cabinets—to keep the space feeling open.
Think about how you’ll feel about your choices five or ten years from now. Classic combinations tend to age better, while trendy looks may need updating sooner. That doesn’t mean you should avoid personality—just think about how you’ll live with it over time.
Here are some tips to help you pull the look together, whether you’re matching or contrasting:
And remember: there’s no perfect formula. Your home is yours. Trust your gut, and if something feels right, it probably is.
You started this article wondering whether your cabinets should match your floors—and hopefully, now you have a much clearer sense of what works best for your home.
We’ve walked through the pros and cons of both matching and contrasting and shared real-world things to consider, like floor color, trim, light, and long-term style. You now know how to compare your options side-by-side, think through what fits your space, and make confident decisions that reflect your taste, not just what’s trendy right now.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners bring their homes to life since 1996. We’ve seen all kinds of combinations, color choices, and design styles. While we won’t tell you what to choose, we’re always here to help guide the process, answer your questions, and give you honest feedback—without the pressure.
To do this, we offer every one of our customers an hour-free color consultation to help them pick the right colors for their home.
If you're ready to take the next step in your cabinet painting project, click the button below to get a quote, and let us help you make your space one you’ll love for years to come.
Still not sure where to start with cabinet colors or how to make everything in your space work together? Our free Paint Color & Design Guide is here to help. Inside, you’ll find 7 practical tips that make choosing the right paint colors easier and less overwhelming. Whether you're matching your floors or going for contrast, this guide will walk you through key decisions and help you avoid common mistakes.