Breakrooms are generally overlooked but are essential spaces in an office setting. Successful companies know the importance of providing their employees a space to rest and recharge for a few minutes before returning to work energized. This is why breakroom design is crucial in enhancing employee morale and productivity.

Adding color to unexpected areas, like the interiors of cabinets, can infuse energy and creativity into the room, sparking inspiration and making the space feel more dynamic. Hiring a commercial painting company ensures a professional, visually appealing finish, maximizing aesthetic and functional aspects of the design.

Why focus on cabinet interiors?

Focusing on cabinet interiors in an office breakroom offers a chance to:

• Create unexpected pops of color: Painting the inside of cabinets adds a playful, unexpected touch to the breakroom. This small detail can surprise and delight employees, brightening their experience in the space.
• Transform ordinary spaces: Colorful cabinet interiors can elevate a standard breakroom without renovating it. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to refresh the room’s look and feel.
• Subtle vs. bold choices: The choice of color can reflect the company’s brand or culture. Subtle colors, like soft grays or blues, create a calm, professional vibe, while vibrant hues, such as reds or yellows, can energize the space, promoting creativity and fun.

Choosing the right colors for your breakroom

When choosing colors for your breakroom, consider the following:

• Aligning with company branding: Incorporating your company’s brand colors into the breakroom can create a cohesive and professional look. Cabinet interiors can be an unexpected and creative space to showcase brand colors or reflect company values, reinforcing a sense of identity and culture.
• Psychology of color: Colors have a significant impact on mood and atmosphere. Choosing colors that align with the desired ambiance is crucial.
  • Blue tones can promote calm and relaxation, making it ideal for a peaceful breakroom. 
  • Yellow can bring energy and positivity, creating a lively, stimulating environment.
• Combining colors with existing décor: Ensure the chosen colors complement the current décor. For example, if the breakroom has neutral tones, cabinet interiors can provide a pop of color without overwhelming the space, enhancing the overall aesthetic while keeping it balanced and harmonious.

Design ideas for colorful cabinet interiors

Consider these colorful cabinet interior design ideas for breakrooms:

• Single bold color inside: Paint the inside of cabinets with a vibrant, solid color like teal, red, or yellow. It adds a fun pop of color that energizes the space when opened, while keeping the exterior sleek.
• Color contrasts: Pair contrasting colors, such as a soft neutral on the outside with a bold hue like lime green or cobalt blue on the inside. It adds visual depth and a dynamic surprise element when cabinets are accessed.
• Patterns and designs: Add personality by painting stripes, geometric patterns, or mini-murals inside the cabinets. These designs create a playful atmosphere and reflect creativity in the breakroom.

Benefits of painting cabinet interiors

Painting the interiors of breakroom cabinets offers several benefits:

• Easy and cost-effective transformation: Painting the inside of cabinets is an affordable way to refresh the breakroom’s look without requiring a full renovation. It adds an element of surprise and style to an often-overlooked space.
• Durability and protection: A professional paint job protects the cabinet interiors from everyday wear and tear, such as scratches and stains. The paint creates a durable surface that prolongs the cabinets’ lifespan.
• Boosting employee satisfaction: Vibrant and thoughtfully designed breakroom spaces can positively impact employee happiness. Bright, colorful cabinet interiors contribute to a more enjoyable atmosphere, enhancing workplace culture.

Selecting the right paint and finish

When selecting paint and finish for breakroom cabinet interiors, consider these factors:

• Durability: Use high-quality, durable paints that withstand frequent use, cleaning, and occasional impacts. Breakroom cabinets experience heavy handling, so a resilient finish is essential.
• Finishes for functionality: Choose semi-gloss or gloss finishes, as they are easy to clean and more resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches. It is particularly important in breakrooms, where spills are common.
• Environmentally friendly options: Choose low-VOC or eco-friendly paints to promote a healthier, sustainable workspace. These options minimize indoor air pollution and align with ecologically conscious values.

Step-by-step process: painting cabinet interiors

Step 1: Remove cabinet doors and hardware

The first step in painting cabinet interiors is removing all cabinet doors, hinges, knobs, and other hardware. This step ensures full access to the interior surfaces and prevents the paint from getting on the hardware. Labeling each door and its corresponding hardware can simplify reassembly.

Step 2: Cleaning and sanding

Proper surface preparation is crucial to achieving a long-lasting finish. Clean the interior of the cabinets thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, or any residue. A solution of water and mild detergent works well for most surfaces, but if grease is an issue, use a degreaser.

After cleaning, sand the interior surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) to roughen the surface for better paint adhesion. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust from sanding.

Step 3: Priming and painting

Apply a coat of primer to the sanded cabinet interiors to ensure the paint adheres well and covers evenly. Use a high-quality bonding primer, especially if painting over laminate or glossy finishes. 

Once the primer is dry, apply the first coat of paint using a brush or foam roller designed for smooth finishes. After the first coat dries, lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper and apply a second coat for full coverage. Depending on the paint’s opacity and the material of the cabinets, a third coat may be necessary.

Step 4: Reassembly and final touches

Allow the paint to cure fully, which can take several days, depending on the type of paint used. This step ensures the paint is durable and won’t chip when reattaching the hardware. Once cured, reattach the cabinet doors, hinges, and other hardware carefully. Inspect for any required final touch-ups and clean any smudges or stray paint marks.

This process ensures a professional finish that will last.

Why hire a professional company?

Hiring a professional company to paint breakroom cabinet interiors offers several advantages:

• Expert color advice: Professional painters bring design expertise, offering tailored color recommendations that align with your branding and create a welcoming environment.
• Flawless application: Professionals ensure a smooth, even finish that’s durable and ideal for handling the wear and tear of a high-traffic breakroom.
• Efficient, minimal disruption: Commercial painters work fast and precisely, minimizing downtime and disruption to daily business operations by completing the project quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Adding color to cabinet interiors in a breakroom can boost creativity, uplift employee morale, and reinforce company culture by incorporating branding elements or vibrant hues that spark positivity. Even small changes, like painting the inside of cabinets, can have a surprising impact, transforming the breakroom into a more welcoming and inspiring space. 

To ensure a polished and long-lasting result, consult with our team of experts at Custom Painting, Inc. Call us at 925-866-9610 or use our contact page for expert advice, top-notch professional assistance, and quality workmanship!