How to Update Cherry Cabinets (Without Painting!)

Who says Cherrywood cabinets are destined for a life of gray and beige paint companions or getting painted over with white?

Not on my watch! Today I’m sharing how to update cherry cabinets without painting them, along with some of my favorite kitchen color schemes with cherry wood cabinets.

It’s time to debunk that myth and embrace the rich, luscious tones of cherrywood with a pallet that enhances their natural beauty.

It’s also time to stop thinking you must paint your cherrywood cabinets.  It’s not always possible to paint the cabinets because it is not an easy task to undertake for everyone and out of the budget to have them professionally done. 

Are Cherry Wood Kitchen Cabinets Still in Style?

Cherrywood cabinets are a beautiful finish and are making a comeback so I believe that cleaning them up with a non-abrasive and non-wax cleaner, I prefer just dawn dish soap and warm water, and painting the walls around them and adding in decor and upholstery in the fresh new color palette will make you feel like you have a brand new kitchen!  

How do you make cherry cabinets look modern?

By cleaning up your cherry cabinets, adding some new hardware, and painting and updating the surfaces and walls around them, you can make them look like they just arrived!

Kitchen Color Schemes with Cherry Cabinets

Here’s my unconventional, yet undeniably harmonious color pairing for those timeless cherrywood cabinets …

Adding these colors in with paint or with accessories and upholstery is the idea. This is the whole room color palette so bookmark this post to take with you when you are shopping for your cherrywood kitchen makeover.

This is how you brighten a kitchen with cherry cabinets!

Benjamin Moore Sweet Cream with Cherry Cabinets

Let’s start with Benjamin Moore’s sweet cream, a warm, inviting hue with a soft yellow tone that plays up the warmth in cherrywood.

This color on your walls will create a cozy, vibrant canvas that becomes a seamless couple like Fred and Ginger!

Benjamin Moore Palace Green with Cherry Cabinets

Next, Palace green is a deep, refined shade that complements the depth of the cherrywood and offers a sophisticated contrast. That’s both bold and grounding. It’s a classic color for a classic wood finish. Painting a piece of furniture like a hutch or some rush dining room chairs in this beautiful green color will add a pop of color that will freshen up the dullness!

Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue with Cherry Cabinets

Wythe Blue will bring in the tranquil, feeling like fresh air beside a streaming brook in the mountains.

Sherwin Williams Venetian Yellow

Bringing in a bright pale yellow will soften the dark cherrywood and brighten the kitchen.

Sherwin Williams Reseda Green

I classify this as a happy green and love the brightness yet still has a deep hue without being dark. I would love to see a hutch painted in this color or a piece of furniture.

Sherwin Williams Secret Cove

This green-blue shade is one that I would bring in in small ways like in fabric and accessories.

The Best Colors with Cherry Cabinets

The best colors with cherry cabinets are going to be the opposite of red, orange and purple on the color wheel. So basically yellows, blues, and greens. Try to stay with these undertones as well. Do not choose colors with red or purple undertones.

This will help your cherry cabinets look their best!

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Do you have to use Agreeable Gray with Cherrywood Cabinets?

No, you DO NOT have to use Agreeable Gray with Cherrywood cabinets. I know that is the popular opinion, but it’s just not true. Agreeable gray has it’s place but it is not the only choice you have to pair with your cabinets. I would argue that it makes them look even more dated and dull. Don’t be afraid of adding some color. Please.

Other Tips to Update Cherry Cabinets Without Painting

Incorporate Natural Elements

By incorporating elements from the great outdoors, like a delicate birds nest and a dash of joy with bright sunny yellow dishes and displaying them openly and infuse the space with a burst of energy that compliments, the cherry woods, rich tones! Don’t forget some fun light and airy floral curtains too!

Best Countertops with Cherry Wood Cabinets

Cherrywood cabinets with white countertops are ideal, but not stark white.

I would stay with a light neutral base of granite or quartz. Nothing too busy or with a lot of dark colors in it either. Some taupes or greiges would work but try to keep them on the lighter side. Having a dark vein or a color in the countertops equal to or darker than the cabinets will compete for the eye’s attention. We want the eyes to rest on the beautiful colors we have incorporated with paint and decor.

Having said that, cherrywood cabinets with granite countertops, try to keep the same idea and go as creamy neutral as possible.

Quartz is always a great option as well because you have control over the color more.

Best Appliance Color with Cherry Cabinets

The good news is that stainless steel is going to pair fine with your cherrywood. Our affordable options are stainless, white or black so definitely I choose stainless. If you’re brave though you could cover your fridge in peel and stick wallpaper. Just sayin!

Best Backsplash with Cherry Wood Kitchen Cabinets

I would keep your backsplash pretty neutral. I opt for a creamy color rather than white. Add interest with a textured tile in a simple color. My favorite backsplash tile is a creamy/bone colored subway with beveled edges and a crackle finish. It’s chef’s kiss good!

Updating Cherrywood Cabinets

Cherrywood doesn’t have to be a design challenge, it’s an opportunity to create a space that’s both classic and full of character. With vibrant paint colors and nature-inspired decor, your Cherrywood cabinets will be anything but boring.

Your kitchen will be the heart of the home that’s as lively and inviting as it is timeless.

My advice is, don’t shy away from color because of the cherrywood just embrace it!

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