Our Green Kitchen Island Transformation + Design Ideas
Why Green Kitchens Are Both Timeless and Trending
Green kitchens are definitely having their moment, and honestly, I get it. This color has the perfect mix of nature’s calm vibes and that polished, modern look we all crave. You can create a cozy, traditional kitchen or go for a bold, eclectic vibe, and green works beautifully—on your walls, cabinets, or as an accent.
When we decided to refresh our kitchen, we wanted something that would catch the eye but still feel timeless. Sage green was the perfect choice—soft, neutral, and just vibrant enough to be the ideal pop for our kitchen island. I’m so excited to share all the juicy details of how we painted our island, the paint colors we considered (and ditched), plus a few tips on how to bring green into your own kitchen.
Related: Kitchen Remodel Ideas on a Budget + 13 Best Benjamin Moore Green Paint Colors
Why Green is the Perfect Color for Kitchens
Green is hands down one of the best colors for creating a kitchen that feels warm, inviting, and completely put-together. There’s something about its natural, calming vibe that makes it perfect for the kitchen—arguably the heart of your home.
When we decided to go green in our kitchen, we knew sage green would be the perfect choice to pair with our existing white cabinets and countertops. It stands out as a gorgeous focal point without overwhelming the space. The soft, earthy tone of sage brings a cozy feel to the kitchen, while still managing to bridge the gap between modern and traditional design. It’s no wonder interior designers love it—it pairs beautifully with everything, from bright accents to warm wood tones like oak or walnut.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Green Paint for Your Kitchen
When we started picking out the perfect green for our kitchen island, it quickly became clear just how much lighting, room size, and finishes could totally change the vibe of each shade. Here’s what we learned along the way:
Lighting is Key: Greens can look totally different depending on how much natural light or artificial light you’ve got going on. Our kitchen dining nook, just to the right of the island, has tons of windows, so the bright sunlight really made the green look fresh and vibrant. Plus, painting the nook the same green as the island created a seamless flow.
Room Size Matters: If you’re working with a smaller kitchen or dining area, light greens like sage or mossy green create a more open, airy vibe. But for larger kitchens with vaulted ceilings or an open floor plan, deeper greens really add that nice, cozy depth. Our kitchen has a bright, airy feel, thanks to the natural light that pours in.
Pairing with Finishes: We chose to pair our green island with existing white cabinets and Calico White quartz countertops to really let the island shine. To top it off, we swapped the cabinet hardware for sleek gold pulls, giving the whole space a modern touch. The warm wood tones from our hardwood floors and natural oak accents added the perfect balance to the mix.
Colors We Tested for Our Green Kitchen Island
Let’s talk about the green shades we tried before landing on the one that truly stole our hearts—Lush Green. It wasn’t an easy decision, but here’s a peek at the options we tested:
Kennebunkport Green HC-123: Too light. We wanted something bolder.
Aganthus Green: A soft green, but it didn’t have the pop we were looking for.
Louisberg Green: Well, this one turned minty! Definitely not the vibe we were going for.
Caldwell Green: Gorgeous, but way too dark for our medium-sized space.
After all that testing, Lush Green was the one. It struck the perfect balance—bold enough to give our kitchen island a stunning pop of color, but timeless enough to fit right into our space. I love how it contrasts against the natural oak wood floors and other wooden elements, bringing warmth and a cozy vibe.
Styling Our Green Kitchen Island
Painting our kitchen island green gave the entire room a fresh, vibrant feel, but let’s be honest—the real magic happened when we styled it. It’s the little touches that took it from “just painted” to “stunning focal point.” Here’s how we pulled it all together:
Cabinet Hardware: We swapped out the old handles for brass pulls, and wow—what a difference! The warmth and sophistication they bring really elevate the whole look.
Countertops: Our calico white quartz countertops were the perfect choice to brighten up the space and make the green center island truly stand out.
Back Stools: We went with light wood stools to complement the hardwood floors, creating a cohesive flow throughout the room.
Light Fixtures: Brass pendant lights now hang above the island, adding a polished, modern vibe that ties everything together beautifully.
And because we love a good design flow, we painted the kitchen dining nook the same lush green. With all the natural light streaming in, the continuity between the spaces feels effortless and oh-so-pretty. It’s safe to say this island makeover gave our kitchen a whole new personality—and we’re obsessed!
Gorgeous Green Kitchen Island and Cabinet Ideas
Ready to add a touch of green to your kitchen? You're in for a treat! Whether you want a bold statement piece or a subtle, calming vibe, green is the color that can completely transform your space. Here are some stunning green kitchen island and cabinet ideas that’ll inspire you to bring this versatile color into your home.
Recommended Green Paint Colors for Kitchens
If you’re ready to add some green goodness to your kitchen, here’s a roundup of stunning paint colors to help you nail the look:
For the walls:
Benjamin Moore Soft Fern: This fresh, airy green brings a light and breezy vibe—perfect for brightening up smaller spaces.
Sherwin-Williams Clary Sage: Earthy, calming, and just the right amount of cozy.
Behr Nature’s Gift: A bold, vibrant green that’s ideal for a striking accent wall or a backdrop that pops.
For the cabinets:
Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage: The definition of timeless elegance in a soft, refined sage.
Farrow & Ball Lichen: Rich, warm, and a dream for traditional kitchens with character.
Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog: A muted, modern green that’s on-trend and effortlessly chic.
Benjamin Moore October Mist: This soft sage is practically made for colorful kitchen islands and adds just the right touch of sophistication.
Here are some inspiration pics to get you started!
Photo credit: Armac Martin
Photo credit: @emonenegro.arq
Photo credit: Lighthouse Cabinetry
Photo credit: Karrbick Design
Photo credit: The While Laurel
Photo credit: Wind The Key
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Soft greens like sage, mossy green, or Benjamin Moore Soft Fern are perfect for making a smaller kitchen feel airy and open. They bring just the right amount of color without overwhelming the space.
-
Why not both? But if you’re easing into the trend, a green kitchen island or an accent wall is a great place to start. It’s an easy way to test the waters while still making a stylish statement.
-
Absolutely, they can! Pair sage green cabinets with sleek white countertops, a matte black faucet, and brass hardware for a modern kitchen that feels chic and timeless.
-
Natural wood tones, metallic finishes, and neutral accents like cozy tea towels or a vase of fresh flowers can tie everything together beautifully. It’s all about layering textures and colors to create a warm, inviting space.
When we decided to paint our kitchen island green, it completely transformed the space—and honestly, it might just be my favorite part of the renovation. The rich green became a stunning focal point while still blending beautifully with our existing white cabinets and those gorgeous brass pendants. Adding sage green kitchen cabinets and carrying the color into the dining nook created such a cohesive and inviting vibe, with just the right pop of color to bring the whole kitchen to life.
If you’re toying with the idea of a green kitchen design, I say go for it! Don’t be afraid to play around with different shades and finishes. Start small—maybe with an island or a storage cabinet—and see where it takes you. With a little effort and the perfect sage green kitchen cabinets, you can create a space that feels cozy, timeless, and totally you.
Thinking of making the leap? I’d love to hear your green kitchen ideas—let’s swap inspiration! And don’t forget to check out my paint tips to help bring your vision to life.
