Christin Perry
Christin Perry
updated Dec 27, 2023
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The kitchen is the hub of your home, so if you’re gearing up for a kitchen renovation, you’ve probably got your eye on one of today’s hottest kitchen cabinet colors. Or perhaps you’re leaning toward highlighting the beautiful wood grain of your cabinets with a new stain. Either way, a coat of paint or stain is a relatively simple way to breathe new life into your kitchen and change the overall aesthetic of this all-important space.
Here, we’ve consulted with three different professionals with their finger on the pulse of interior design trends in the kitchen. Keep reading to gain some insight into which kitchen cabinet colors to choose to keep your kitchen on trend and in style!
What Are Today’s Best Kitchen Cabinet Colors?
Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great option if you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive and easy way to zhuzh up your kitchen. Following a simple guide on how to paint kitchen cabinets is a good idea, as there are a few key things to remember before you get started. Before you hit the stores, here are some of the most popular paint colors for kitchen cabinets, according to our design experts.
Sage Green
Two out of three of our design consultants named green — specifically sage green — as the single hottest hue of the year. It’s become a total sleeper hit when it comes to the best paint colors for kitchen cabinets. “Sage green imparts a sense of tranquility and pairs beautifully with white or light-colored countertops. It complements rustic and cottage-style kitchens, creating a cozy, countryside feel,” says Rich Mullins, founder and owner of H2O Plumbing.
Cyble Rizwan of Persimmon Design agrees, noting, “One of the trendiest colors right now is sage green. This earthy and calming shade brings a sense of nature indoors. Benjamin Moore’s Silken Pine is a fantastic choice for this color, and you can easily find it at your local Benjamin Moore retailer,” Rizwan said. “Sage green cabinets work beautifully in both modern and farmhouse-style kitchens, offering a touch of serenity and sophistication.”
Medium Green
Cover your cabinets with a lime green color for a funky vibe, or channel Mother Nature with a medium or even a hunter green hue. We love the green paint (called Grasshopper, by Sherwin Williams) on the cabinets in this Pasadena home, which pop against the white background. Natural wood accents and colorful artwork add to the California chic aesthetic.
The Best Green Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
- Benjamin Moore, Silken Pine
- Benjamin Moore, Saybrook Sage
- Sherwin Williams, Grasshopper
Medium Blue
Another amazingly adaptable color for kitchen cabinets is blue. While the color has gone on- and off-trend for years in the world of home design, blue kitchen cabinets (especially deeper, darker tones like royal blue or navy) are seeing a huge increase in popularity. “Navy blue exudes elegance and pairs wonderfully with gold or brass hardware, both of which are super on-trend right now,” Rizwan said. “This color is versatile, and works well in both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs.”
Light Blue
Alternatively, a light, icy blue color also makes a great option for kitchen cabinets without having them look like a color that should be in a nursery. Opt for blues with hints of green and gray (called Alpine by Neptune Home Official) for a serene color that looks amazing next to white.
The Best Blue Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
- Benjamin Moore, Newburyport Blue
- Sherwin-Williams, Naval
- Alpine, Neptune Home Official
White
It’s a tale as old as time: White kitchen cabinets are an ageless classic, and for good reason. They have a way of lightening up even the darkest room, look sparkly clean with just a basic wipe-down, and match with pretty much anything. So there’s no reason to feel bad if you prefer basic white cabinetry. You’re certainly in good company, says Tom Hilger, an independent design and remodeling consultant: “White kitchen cabinets are still a popular choice for many homeowners, as they offer a crisp, clean, and timeless look.”
The Best White Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
- Sherwin-Williams, Origami White
Cream
If you’re desiring a light-filled kitchen but you’d like to stay away from the more sterile all-white aesthetic, consider warming things up with a cream color. It provides the same clean look as white kitchens, but with a little more rustic character.
The Best Cream Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
- Benjamin Moore, White Down
- Benjamin Moore, Soft Chamois
- Sherwin Williams, White Snow
- Sherwin Williams, Alabaster
Gray
Gray might not be your first choice as a paint color for kitchen cabinets. After all, this hue is used to serving as a backdrop (like its cousin, beige), rather than a focal point. But trust us (and our design experts, who all chose gray as a top choice for kitchen cabinets) — it can work wonders when used properly in the space.
“Gray kitchen cabinets are another classic option that can add some sophistication and subtlety to your kitchen,” Hilger says. “Gray cabinets can also create a neutral backdrop for other colors or elements in your kitchen, such as wood, metal, or stone. Gray cabinets can work with any style, from contemporary to traditional.”
Dark Gray
While a light gray color is more commonly used for kitchen cabinets, don’t underestimate the beauty of a dark, stormy hue. It’s especially beautiful against light wood, like the wooden countertop shown in this Reno, Nevada kitchen.Hilger notes that “a deep and rich gray can create a dramatic and cozy look.”
The Best Gray Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
- Benjamin Moore, Kendall Charcoal
- Sherwin-Williams, Repose Gray
Greige
Is it green? Is it gray? Is it beige? Nope, it’s greige, one of the hottest neutrals out there. What we love about this match-with-anything hue is its versatility. According to Mullins, “a greige color makes a great option for a kitchen, since it pairs exceptionally well with various kitchen styles, from traditional to contemporary.”
Often changing shades as the light shifts in a room, greige seems to be the perfect backdrop for any aesthetic, from uber-modern to ultra-rustic. “A light and warm gray that has a touch of beige undertone makes it easy to pair with other colors,” Hilger said.
The Best Greige Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
- Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter
- Sherwin Williams, Agreeable Gray
- Clare, Greige
- Magnolia, Gathering
Black
Dark, moody and downright elegant, black paint is exploding in popularity in recent years, and you can now find the color (or, non-color, to be specific) in just about any corner of a home. And that includes kitchen cabinets! It’s a superb color to use in an ultra-modern kitchen, like the one shown in this stunning Ukraine kitchen.
The Best Black Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
- Sherwin Williams, Tricorn Black
- Glidden, Onyx Black
- Benjamin Moore, Cheating Heart
Yellow
Bright and cheery, yellow is a great option if you’re looking for kitchen cabinet colors that stray from the usual. This Georgia kitchen gets it right with sunny yellow lower cabinets alongside white cabinets and countertops. It’s a balanced look that isn’t overdone, adding color and joy without overpowering the space.
The Best Yellow Paints for Kitchen Cabinets
- Clare, Lemonade
- Benjamin Moore, Hawthorn Yellow
- Behr, Turmeric
- Magnolia, Heirloom Yellow
Soft Pink
No need to shy away from feminine kitchen cabinet colors like blush pink. Case in point? This incredible Brooklyn kitchen, which features soft pink cabinetry that pops against a black background with plenty of white to lighten things up a bit. Gold fixtures and black hardware complete this stately look.
What Are Today’s Hottest Cabinet Wood Tones?
Another popular option when it comes to kitchen cabinets is to opt for wood tones, creating a natural look without a heavy coat of paint. Especially with the heavy influence of the Scandinavian style in recent years, wood tones have roared back to popularity all over homes, with the kitchen being no exception. Here are our designers’ favorites.
Light Wood Tones
Light and blonde wood is one of the biggest trends in kitchen cabinetry in recent years, thanks to the ever-popular “Scandi-style.” According to Mullins, “Light wood tones such as oak or maple are ideal for achieving a Scandinavian or minimalist look. They work well in modern and mid-century modern kitchens, adding warmth and a touch of nature.” And Hilger says, “These wood tones can create a fresh and modern feel, as well as reflect light in the space.”To see this played out, just check out this airy Australian kitchen above.
Rizwan agrees with the others, pointing out that white oak is an incredibly popular choice right now. “Its light, natural color brings a sense of freshness and works exceptionally well in Scandinavian, modern, or coastal-inspired kitchens. It adds warmth without overwhelming the space.”
Medium to Dark Wood Tones
Medium wood tones like oak and walnut lend a great deal of versatility to a kitchen, and can suit a variety of styles. “Medium-toned wood cabinets can suit any aesthetic, from farmhouse to industrial, depending on the grain and texture,” says Hilger. “For example, medium-toned wood cabinets with visible and varied grains and knots can create a farmhouse look, while medium-toned wood cabinets with smooth and uniform grains and finishes can create an industrial look.”
Rizwan agrees, saying, “When it comes to wood tones, we’re seeing a resurgence of warm and rich options. Walnut is a standout choice — its deep, chocolaty tones add a touch of luxury to any kitchen. Consider integrating walnut in your cabinets, island, or even open shelving for a modern, sophisticated aesthetic.” That’s the look and feel of this beautiful California kitchen, with dark wood cabinets and countertops made of a greenish marble that pick up the attractive green pattern of the hood over the stove.
