9 Stylish Kitchen Color Combos That Work Beautifully With Stainless Steel Countertops

Picking the perfect countertop material for your kitchen is no small feat, as your choice should strike a balance between visuals and functionality. Wood, granite, or marble countertops can make your kitchen look stunning, but if you cook on a daily basis, stainless steel sweeps the competition.

Stainless steel counters are sleek-looking, easy to install and clean, resistant to blemishes from everyday use. You can even put hot pans or dishes on them with no worries. They're perfect for avid home chefs, as well as anyone who doesn't want to be overly precious about their counters. The caveat is that some people find the material too sterile or industrial. However, that can be fixed with contrasting cabinets, walls, and accessories. A great color scheme can make steel counters work for almost any kitchen aesthetic.

Stainless steel surfaces don't all look the same. You can choose from shiny, brushed, or matte finishes, as well as colored steels including black, bronze, and copper hues. Whether you want to embrace the inherently minimalist quality of steel or balance it out with bright and cozy vibes, we've selected nine colors that will make your counters look amazing.

For lovers of chic, monochrome aesthetics, white kitchen designs make for a timeless space and enhance the clean appearance of stainless steel counters. Pure or cool white walls reflect off the shiny surface to make it stand out, while matte eggshell and ivory shades warm up the metal slightly. Opt for white cabinets without handles to lean into the ultra-minimalist look, or try a black and white tile backsplash for an artistic touch.

Black is another obvious partner for stainless steel. However, home designers say your black cabinets are dating themselves, so embrace a chic new color: charcoal gray. A slightly lighter "off-black" looks less harsh when splashed around your kitchen, and provides a sophisticated contrast to the countertop without drowning it out. Put dark gray on the walls or cabinets only for a striking effect that doesn't feel dim.

Classy shades of blue add boldness to steel surfaces and instantly make your kitchen look high-end. Deep blue-gray or navy walls and cabinetry play up the cool, modern side of the metal. Add plenty of white furniture and accents (especially stripes) or use a green-leaning ocean blue, and you have an airy coastal kitchen instead. The darker the blue, the more natural light you want in the room to prevent a dank atmosphere.

Stainless steel counters can work in a natural-leaning kitchen when offset with a light, yellow-toned sage green or more vibrant forest shade. These hues freshen up the room, especially when matched with wooden elements – think floors, cabinets, framed photos, plant pots, and even hanging utensils. To push the room into even cozier territory, follow tips for designing a rustic-style kitchen, like adding layered lighting and extra textures wherever you can.

Simple light-colored woods are as versatile as stainless steel itself, making them another great neutral complement. Wooden borders on cabinets or wood open shelving would warm up a minimalist white and steel kitchen. Pale woods without any reddish undertones go surprisingly well with cool, dark steel, creating a super chic contrast. If you want a kitchen island, consider a steel top and light wooden base, and pair with chairs that also mix these materials.

Dark wood is as versatile as light, but makes a bolder statement that can lean rustic or refined. Stainless steel counters and appliances, a gray and brown tile backsplash, and dark wood cabinets are a minimalist match made in heaven. Woods with reddish stains, like dark cherry, would go brilliantly with steel countertops that have a brassy or bronze finish. Accessorize with copper cookware and terra cotta accessories for a stunning old-world effect.

Blush hues bring out the softer side of stainless steel, and in turn, the metal makes a pink kitchen look more professional and grown-up. A mid-toned pinky-brown on your walls or cabinets, plus steel counters and cooking accessories, looks fresh yet vintage. Meanwhile, pastel pink walls coupled with a silver or black steel countertop evokes a 1950s diner aesthetic — talk about designing the retro kitchen of your dreams.

Greige — a midpoint between gray and beige — offers your steel countertop the best of both worlds. It's cool enough to avoid clashing with silver finishes, yet warm enough to avoid that sterile vibe that scares some people away from stainless steel. The combo of greige and steel also goes well with many brighter colors, so if you love a sassy accent wall, rainbow backsplash, or colorful fridge, this is the duo to work with.

Mustard yellow is the unlikely color that's making its way onto kitchen cabinets for a trendy look, and its sunny aura contrasts with stainless steel beautifully. Go for a matte yellow, which balances out shiny counters better. White walls will further tone things down if you want a more subdued look. To get in touch with your eclectic side instead, add light teal or bold red decorations to wow your house guests.