Colors That Bring Out the Best in Your Kitchen

Pair the Best Colors With Cork Floors

Cork flooring is eco-friendly, contemporary and easily coordinated with other kitchen elements. Our experts tell how to design kitchen colors around cork flooring.

Today's floors are going "green" with eco-friendly cork gaining popularity, according to Jennifer E. Wilson, a spokesperson for Lowe's. And in addition to being great for the environment, cork is the perfect backdrop for almost any paint color.

"You can go real contemporary and crisp with a cork floor," says Sara Ann Busby, Certified Kitchen Designer, the 2007 president-elect of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, "or create a spa look with softer, warmer tones."

For a modern look, Busby likes a warm brick red like Benjamin Moore's Tucson Red (1300), pictured above. For a more serene feeling, she says, try a sand color with more pink to it, such as Benjamin Moore's Cinnamon 'N Spice (1215) and paint the trim in a similar color, rather than going for high contrast with white trim.