• Blue open-face cabinets pair well with blue and white ceramics.assiettes image by Christophe Fouquin from Fotolia.com
  
  Old or unattractive kitchen cabinets don't necessarily need to be replaced. A new coat of paint can make a significant difference in the look and feel of kitchen cabinets without the expense of a major remodel. Plus, repainting doesn't require hiring a contractor or specialist. Just make sure to choose complementary paint colors for the space as the right tones can make a large kitchen feel welcoming and a small kitchen look bright and spacious.
  
  

Light Colors

• Light neutral colors such as white and gray are traditional cabinet colors, and make kitchen spaces feel open and airy. Light tones of other colors work well, too; pale yellows, blues, pinks and greens are excellent choices for country-style kitchens, shabby chic styles and similar decorating schemes. Just remember to use a high-quality, opaque paint and primer underneath light colors, especially if your original cabinets were dark. Otherwise, the original color may show through.
  
  

Warm Tones

• Bright yellows, reds and oranges can make a strong statement in a kitchen, but if overdone, they may seem oppressive. Choose bright, warm colors for cabinets in a kitchen with white or light-colored walls and an open floor plan. Yellow works well in rooms with little natural light, such as kitchens on the north side of the home. According to HGTV, the color yellow can brighten kitchens with neutral walls and counters. Red feels exciting as a cabinet color, and pairs well with golds, oranges and even greens.
  
  

Cool Tones

• Cool colors, such as blue, purple and green, can also work well in a kitchen. In many kitchens, they're used to create a restful, peaceful feeling. Like strong warm tones, bold cool colors can seem overwhelming in a very small space. Balance them with lighter tones, or use bold shades only for the cabinet trim. Light greens feel cheerful and blend well with many other colors, such as cream. Darker greens may create a forest-like feel. Better Homes and Gardens notes that deep olive cabinets provide a masculine feel to a kitchen. Deep blues work well in Mediterranean-style kitchens, while lighter tones provide a soft effect. Consider purple for a fresh, floral-themed kitchen.
  
  

Dark Colors

• Very dark tones, such as black, dark blue and gray, can be successful cabinet colors, but they need to be chosen with care. Black cabinets with white walls look sophisticated, but can overwhelm a kitchen. Choose gray for a softer version of the same style, but pair it with a little bit of color elsewhere in the kitchen to avoid a cavelike effect. Consider applying dark-toned paint thinly to wooden cabinets to allow the wood's natural grain to show through and provide more interest.