The kitchen and bath are two of the most important areas of a home. The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. As such, the kitchen cabinet colors and overall kitchen color schemes you choose can have a big impact on the feel and functionality of this essential space. From classic kitchen white to bold, dark hues, kitchen cabinet paint and color options are plentiful.
Keep reading for lots of gorgeous kitchen cabinet color ideas to inspire your next kitchen cabinet color refresh or remodel. We’ll also share the most popular colors and paint colors for cabinets, as well as considerations when selecting cabinetry paint colors based on factors like room size and style.
White Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas
According to interior designers surveyed in a 2023 Houzz study, the five most popular kitchen cabinet colors currently are white, light to medium wood tones, medium to dark wood tones, gray, and blue. Light and airy colors remain on trend.
Crisp, clean white kitchen cabinets remain one of the most popular kitchen cabinet colors today. The ubiquitous white kitchen endures because it’s classic, bright, and versatile. White kitchen cabinets also suit many decor styles, from modern farmhouses to coastal casual.
Here are some stylish reasons to beige and embrace lovely white when painting your cabinets:
All-White Kitchens Are Timeless
An “all-white kitchen” with white cabinets, walls, backsplash, and countertops (often marble) has an elegant, timeless look.
White kitchens with loads of natural light also tend to feel airy and the room more spacious. For a fresh twist, add wood accents and greenery.
Go For Contrast with White Cabinets
White kitchen cabinets popped against bold wall colors, textures or materials create contrast. For example, combine bright or deep hues like navy blue, charcoal gray, or even black for dramatic effect. Or, try wood walls or slate-look tile backsplash.
Paint the Island a Different Color
For a fresh twist on the traditional white kitchen, paint just the island a warm, contrasting hue like deep green, light blue, brass, or black. This technique adds subtle color without overpowering the space.
Color Combinations for Kitchen Cabinets
Based on research by leading paint brand Benjamin Moore, favored kitchen cabinet color palette choices also include various shades of white, light and dark gray, navy, black, and green. Soft green in particular is an emerging trend.
Beyond white kitchens, you’ll find lots of stylish, inviting color schemes for kitchen cabinets today. Gray sage green and blue remain trendy as cool, soothing hues that complement many materials and finishes.
However, don’t shy away from going bold with deeper shades of green, black, or navy for lots of dramatic flair.
Here are some appealing combinations for kitchen cabinet colors:
Contrasting Cabinet Colors
Using two contrasting tones on the base and upper cabinets makes a bold statement. Try navy blue lower cabinets with crisp white uppers.
Or, staining base cabinets a dark espresso color while lacquering the top cabinets a lighter neutral color like gray works beautifully. Mismatched styles, such as Shaker below and flat panel up top, boost visual appeal.
Neutral Hues for a Subtle Update
For a subtle kitchen update that still feels fresh, choose soft, neutral hues like light gray, greige, tan or cream. This approach works especially well in open-concept living spaces that you don’t want to visually overwhelm with strong color.
Keep walls and backsplash light as well for a cohesive, uncomplicated look.
Factors that Impact Kitchen Cabinet Color Choices
You may have a color scheme in mind already for your upcoming kitchen refresh. Before finalizing a hue for cabinets and walls, consider how the following factors may impact the overall look.
Kitchen Size
The size and configuration of your kitchen can influence color choices. Darker, bolder colors tend to work best in larger kitchens with ample natural light. Smaller spaces may feel dark or closed in. However, painting just the island with a deep hue adds punch without overwhelming a petite kitchen.
Cabinet Door Style
The style of your kitchen cabinets also impacts color selection. For example, Shaker-style doors with recessed center panels pair beautifully with just about any color from deep shades to crisp white.
Slab-style cabinet fronts also take paint well. Consider a full shade of lighter color for cabinets with visible wood grains to allow the texture to show through.
Countertops & Hardware
When selecting a color for kitchen cabinets, also consider the countertops and hardware finishes that will accompany them.
For instance, white cabinets suit marble countertops for an elegant contrast. Black quartz counters and oil-rubbed bronze hardware make quite the style statement against crisp white cabinets as well.
Most Popular Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets
Now that we’ve covered major kitchen cabinet paint color combinations and considerations, let’s look at the most popular paint colors for kitchen cabinets today:
1. White
As previously discussed, white reigns supreme as one of the top cabinet paint color choices year after year. Crisp bright white has that fresh, clean look many homeowners love. Soft antique whites are slightly less stark, but still airy and light.
Benjamin Moore Simply White is a favorite bright white paint color for cabinets.
2. Light to Medium Gray
Following white kitchen remodels in popularity are various shades of light to medium gray. Gray evokes feelings of tranquility and works with many color schemes from bold accent hues to neutral whites and wood tones. Light grays avoid the clinical feeling of bright white.
Benjamin Moore Pale Oak and Revere Pewter are soft light grays that work beautifully on cabinets.
3. Navy Blue
For those inclined to go bold, navy blue consistently ranks in the top five most popular kitchen cabinet colors. Navy wears well over time and gives off style, sophistication, and even a custom look.
Deep Sherwin Williams Naval pairs nicely with brass hardware. Benjamin Moore Hale’s Navy is slightly lighter but still dramatic.
4. Black
A relative newcomer cracking the most popular colors list is black. Black adds modern drama and pairs nicely with white for contrast. Black-stained oak cabinets and black countertops are also quite striking. Use black judiciously though in smaller kitchens, as it can overwhelm the space.
For the boldest black cabinets, check out Farrow Ball’s Pitch Black.
5. Green
Green may not yet dominate design trends like white and gray kitchens, but it’s emerging in 2023 as a top cabinet color choice. Sage greens like Restful Green by PPG give off an earthy, energizing vibe and feel warmer than darker forest greens. Brighter colors like Behr’s Celtic green inject youthful color into traditional kitchens.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets Yourself
With so many gorgeous kitchen cabinet ideas to consider, you may feel inspired to paint your existing top cabinetry paint color, rather than embark on a full remodel. With proper prep and the right painting steps, even DIYers can achieve beautiful, fresh results.
Here is an overview of the key steps:
Prep Work
Clean cabinets thoroughly then lightly sand to rough up the surface for better paint adhesion
Remove doors and hardware
Clean existing grease and dirt using a degreaser like TSP substitute mixed with water
Fill any holes, scratches, or gouges with wood filler
Tape off adjacent surfaces you don’t want painting
Remove drawers from the boxes if possible for easier access
Painting
Start by painting cabinet boxes, then doors, and finally drawer fronts
Apply 2-3 thin coats of cabinet paint using a brush or paint sprayer following the manufacturer’s instructions
Allow proper drying time between coats
Spray-painted cabinets may require an additional day or two to off-gas and cure fully before reassembling
After allowing the final coat to cure completely, reinstall doors, hardware, and drawers. Finally, load your stunning new cabinets up with dishes and decor to admire!
FAQs
What are some of the most popular kitchen cabinet color ideas from interior designers?
Interior designers often recommend popular kitchen cabinet colors like crisp white, light neutral hues like greige and soft gray, and even bold colors like navy blue and black for an elevated style. Colors that offer a timeless and historic feel like sage green cabinets and antiqued white are also used in country kitchens or to achieve that at-home chef look and feel. Ultimately, personal style preferences should dictate color choices.
How do I choose cabinet colors for a large kitchen?
With a large kitchen, you have more flexibility when selecting cabinet paint colors. Deep, dramatic hues like dark green, rich blue, or even black kitchen cabinets pair well with stainless steel appliances and white countertops in an expansive kitchen. Lighter colors can work beautifully too, especially if the space receives ample natural light. Just consider the overall color scheme and decor when deciding on a cabinet paint color or colors for large kitchen cabinetry.
Should I keep the natural wood cabinet finish or paint over the cabinets?
Natural wood cabinets offer warmth and texture to kitchens. However, painting over wood cabinetry allows you to transform the entire look quickly with color. Popular options include using a satin finish paint in an updated neutral hue like neutral, dressing up shaker-style cabinets with a subway tile backsplash in crisp white for contrast, or embracing rich dark colors like espresso or black stained wood. Consult interior photos for inspiration on painted versus wood cabinetry based on your preferred kitchen color scheme.
What cabinet paint sheen is best for high-traffic kitchens?
For durability in high-traffic kitchen areas, a cabinet paint with an eggshell or satin sheen works very well. Satin and eggshell finishes offer subtle shine while still concealing nicks and scratches better than flat paints. Alternately, consider a durable enamel paint in a semi-gloss finish for easy wiping of grease, dirt, and grime on frequently used cabinet doors and drawers. Just avoid glossy finishes which show imperfections.
How can I give a small kitchen a fresh, spacious look through color?
The strategic use of color and lighting makes a big impact when aiming for an airy look in a small kitchen. First, stick with light wall and cabinet colors to prevent closing in the space, with soft neutral, off-white, or light gray being popular color choices. Next, paint the island or lower a bold contrasting color in navy, black, or deep green for a pop of color. Finally, bright overhead lighting paired with glossy cabinets reflects more light around. The combination achieves a fresh, spacious look and feel.
Final Thoughts
Updating dingy, outdated kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint costs a fraction of a kitchen remodel while still providing a “wow” factor transformation. Whether you love a classic white kitchen, prefer a neutral but updated look in greige or gray, or want to make a bold blue or black statement, the paint colors possibilities suit any decor and style preferences.
Just be sure to consider the overall kitchen size, existing elements like countertops and backsplash, and cabinet configurations like Shaker-style doors versus flat panels when finalizing your kitchen cabinet color ideas. Prepping cabinets properly and applying durable paint formulated especially for high-traffic cabinetry ensures your new vibrant cabinet colors look amazing for years before your next decor refresh.
