Perfect Countertops & Backsplashes for Benjamin Moore Pale Oak Cabinets

Perfect Countertops & Backsplashes for Benjamin Moore Pale Oak Cabinets

Posted by Kirsten Sharp on Nov 22nd 2024

If you're dreaming of a kitchen that's elegant, timeless, and oh-so-versatile, Benjamin Moore Pale Oak is a color you need on your radar. With kitchens trending warmer, I’m seeing lots of interest in taupe, warm gray, and, dare I say, BEIGE kitchen cabinets. Pale Oak seems to be one that I’m often asked about, so I thought it was about time I put a blog post together!

Is Pale Oak a good color for kitchen cabinets?

Yes, absolutely. This warm, light greige (a magical blend of gray and beige) has just enough warmth to make your space feel inviting, yet it's neutral enough to work with almost any design style. It’s also light enough that your kitchen will still feel bright and airy.

What pairs well with Benjamin Moore Pale Oak?

Pale Oak goes well with soft, slightly warmer whites- you can introduce this in your countertops and/or your backsplash. It also looks amazing with brass cabinet hardware.

To give you some ideas, I came up with three combinations featuring Pale Oak below:

1. Taj Mahal Quartzite + Glossy White Damask Tile

If you're craving timeless sophistication, this combo delivers! Taj Mahal Quartzite has soft veining with warm undertones that pair beautifully with Pale Oak cabinets. The Glossy White Damask Tile adds texture without being overpowering. I added Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for the wall color -If that feels too warm, try Benjamin Moore’s Simply White instead.

I also just got this brass Vernon hardware in from Rejuvenation and I’m in love! It adds the perfect pop of warmth and looks so pretty with Pale Oak. I actually have the same exact knob in my kitchen but in the “Brushed Nickel” color. These knobs are heavy and sturdy and I’m so glad I splurged a little on these rather than getting a cheaper version.

2. Pental Quartz Misterio + Bedrosians Marin Tile in Pearl White & Sand Dollar

For those who love a subtle look, this pairing is one to consider. Pental Quartz Misterio has a marble-like look with soft gray veining. It’s actually one of my favorites because the veining is subtle and not overly dramatic which to me looks the most like actual marble. Plus, a friend of mine has had this countertop in her kitchen for several years now and has been really pleased with how durable it is!

I also included our Pearl Liner trim – We don’t have any subway tile in stock so I’ve been actively searching for something similar on the interwebs – As you know I’m a big tile nerd and even I was impressed with the Bedrosians Marin tiles when they arrived. I love that the edges of the tile aren’t perfectly straight, much like the subway tile we produced. Either the Pearl White or Sand Dollar would work well with our Pearl Liner trim so I showed them both to give you some options.

3. Cambria Ironsbridge + Cobham Handmade Tile Combo

Cambria Ironsbridge quartz features subtle movement with a mix of warm and cool tones, making it the perfect match for Pale Oak. Pairing the Sand Dollar tiles with glossy white Cobham handmade tiles creates just the right amount of contrast and texture. You could do the entire backsplash in the Glossy White Cobham or just do a decorative feature over the stove and use the Sand Dollar for the rest of the backsplash (with or without the Pearl Liners). The aged brass hardware adds a touch of vintage charm to complete the look.

Why Pale Oak Works So Well

Pale Oak is a crowd-pleaser because it adapts to its surroundings. It looks beige in some lights, gray in others, but never feels too heavy or cold. This chameleon quality makes it easy to pair with various materials, from rich quartzite to delicate subway tiles. It's also a great choice if you're blending different metals or mixing warm and cool tones in your kitchen.

In my humble opinion, Benjamin Moore Pale Oak kitchen cabinets offer a beautiful, neutral base to create your dream kitchen. Let me know if you end up trying it!

One Final Note

If you'd like to learn how to put together kitchen color schemes like I did above, I'm working on something new - our Timeless Kitchen Masterclass. You'll learn how to create a well-designed kitchen, including coordinating your color palette, which finishes are timeless, plus all my best styling secrets.

Interested? Join our waitlist for exclusive discounts and be the first to know when it launches!

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What Exactly Is A Timeless Kitchen & Why Does Everyone Seem To Want One?

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