Bold Yellow-Green with Artistic Energy
Sherwin-Williams® Chartreuse (SW 0073) kitchen cabinets are unapologetically bold. This color delivers instant personality and works best when treated as a design feature rather than a background neutral. It feels confident, creative, and intentionally expressive.
The Undertones of Chartreuse
Chartreuse is a yellow-green with strong citrus warmth. In bright natural light, it appears lively and fresh, almost glowing against white surfaces. In lower light, the yellow base becomes more pronounced, making the color feel warmer and richer.
Coordinating Colors for Kitchen Design
Crisp Whites & Clean Neutrals
Extra White (SW 7006) creates sharp contrast that keeps Chartreuse from overwhelming the space. This pairing feels modern and intentional, especially in contemporary kitchens.
Pure White (SW 7005) softens Chartreuse slightly while maintaining brightness. It works well when the goal is a clean, gallery-like backdrop.
Grounding Accents
Iron Ore (SW 7069) grounds Chartreuse with depth and contrast, helping the color feel sophisticated rather than playful. This pairing works especially well for islands or lower cabinetry.
Black Fox (SW 7020) adds warmth and richness, creating a moody counterbalance to Chartreuse’s brightness.
Metallics & Hardware
Matte black hardware provides crisp contrast and keeps Chartreuse feeling modern and graphic. This is the most common choice for contemporary applications.
Brushed brass hardware leans into the color’s warmth and works well in mid-century or eclectic kitchens when used sparingly.
Countertop Pairings
White quartz or solid-surface countertops keep the palette clean and allow Chartreuse to stand out without visual clutter.
Concrete or light gray surfaces create a modern, urban contrast that tones down the color’s intensity.
Flooring Recommendations
Walnut or medium-tone hardwood flooring grounds Chartreuse and adds warmth that balances its brightness.
Neutral tile flooring works best when subtle and understated, allowing cabinetry to remain the focal point.
Applications in Cabinetry
Accent cabinetry such as islands, bars, or specialty storage is the most popular use for Chartreuse. It adds personality without overwhelming the entire kitchen.
Full cabinetry can work in bold, design-forward homes when paired with restrained finishes and ample natural light.
Kitchen Style Applications
Modern kitchens use Chartreuse as a graphic statement against clean lines and minimal detailing.
Mid-century inspired kitchens pair Chartreuse with warm woods and brass accents for a retro-modern feel.
Eclectic kitchens embrace Chartreuse as a creative anchor that allows for layered textures and mixed materials.
Recommended Cabinet Door Styles by Kitchen Style
Shaker doors provide enough structure to balance Chartreuse’s energy without competing visually.
Slim Shaker doors keep the look lighter and more modern, ideal for contemporary applications.
Slab doors push Chartreuse fully into modern territory, emphasizing color over detail.
Other Spaces & Design Applications
Butler’s pantries, bars, and built-ins are excellent places to use Chartreuse for a bold design moment.
Bathrooms and powder rooms can also benefit from Chartreuse when paired with simple finishes and strong lighting.
Lighting Considerations
Chartreuse responds dramatically to light. Bright daylight enhances its fresh, citrus character, while warm artificial lighting intensifies its yellow base. Always evaluate the color in the intended lighting conditions.
Technical Details
Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 59
An LRV of 59 places Chartreuse in the mid-range, allowing it to feel bright while still maintaining saturation.
Design Tip
Use Chartreuse kitchen cabinets as a statement element rather than a background color. Balance it with clean surfaces, dark accents, and intentional restraint elsewhere in the design.
Alternative Colors to Consider
Succulent (SW 9650) – deeper and more botanical.
Softened Green (SW 6177) – calmer and more muted.
Cavern Clay (SW 7701) – warmer and earthier.
