In the words of the famed fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent: 'Fashions fade but style is eternal' and the same can be said for the right cabinet color. Choosing a cabinet color can be a difficult decision, this is a shade that will take up the largest proportion of your kitchen and you will inevitably see it every day. Letting trends guide you may mean that you find yourself redecorating in a year or two...
A primary motivator for any design decision is opting for the colors, textures, and shapes that you feel best resonate with your personality and that you love. There is a far greater chance that you won’t regret your design decisions when following this rule.
However, over the years we have seen a few kitchen color ideas that remain timeless and the staples of many international interior designers. We explore what these timeless tones are and how they deliver a kitchen design that feels everlasting.
1. Deep green
(Image credit: Aaron Leitz, Design: Lisa Staton)
Mirroring the natural world, the appeal of green overall makes a lot of sense. It’s a hue that we’ve grown up surrounded by and evokes a sense of growth, nourishment, and refreshment. 'I think the color of cabinetry in the following image is really interesting,' says Washington-based interior designer Lisa Staton. 'Black, white, cream as well as navy and deep greens are classic and stand the test of time.'
Dark green kitchens also provide a sense of visual stability, it’s depth and darkness are both grounding and alluring. Staton’s pairing with brass fixtures helps to light up the kitchen and makes for a classic combination with the forest green.
Blue is another color that is considered timeless and blue kitchens can actually help create a calming space where family and friends feel comfortable.
'This shade of blue was selected to recall 19th-century domestic interiors, and because it has historical precedence, it feels timeless,' reveals Tim Cuppett of Cuppett Kilpatrick Architects. The Austin-based studio’s project presents the classic Prussian blue color as a canvas for this charming kitchen design. The choice of color gives the traditional joinery a sense of modernity but equally gives the kitchen character. Cuppett’s advice also speaks to the enduring beauty of traditional kitchen designs and historic colors.
3. Elegant white
(Image credit: Ronen Lev)
White as a cabinet color can be considered by some to be the ‘safe’ choice but in actuality, its ability to reflect light and create an elegant kitchen is second to none.
The key to creating a white kitchen that feels timeless and engaging is in the contrasting accents, as in this project from New York-based studio Ronen Lev, the navy cooker and brass accents add color and texture to the design.
'White and off-white hues exude a timeless elegance that can adapt to various design styles,' says Jessica Kamel, co-founder of Ronen Lev. 'We like to select an off-white hue like Farrow and Ball's School House White for kitchen cabinets. This color acts as a neutral canvas and a clean backdrop allowing us to choose a statement marble for the countertops and backsplash. The lighter color also can make a space feel larger and brighter. They reflect light effectively, which is beneficial in smaller kitchens or where there’s less natural light.'
4. Bronzed Brass
(Image credit: Tendens Studio)
When it comes to choosing an unpainted material for a kitchen cabinet, wood can be a surprisingly tricky choice to get right. Interior design trends for wood are something that definitely shift over time, which could mean the on-trend wood tone you choose now might not hold up in years to come.
However, metallic accents are a little less fickle, and this kitchen from Tendens Studio presents brass as an eternal cabinet color. Brass’s appeal makes sense, this gilded hue provides all of the metallic glow of gold but with the earthiness of brown. Choosing a warm tone for your cabinet colors is an easy way to ensure your kitchen feels welcoming.
'When I'm sketching projects I like to assemble materials, colors, etc. to find the right combination,' says Rasmus Buchmann from the Copenhagen-based practice. 'For this project, I was working on a warm color palette with the idea of using steel as the primary material with a mind on making it look like brass.'
Opting for a textured finish also means your brass kitchen cabinets will be more resistant to marking over the years, allowing them to stand the test of time.
White is undoubtedly the most timeless kitchen color, with popularity stretching back over half a century. Bright whites give kitchens a light and airy feel, while off-white options, provide warmth. No matter the style, white cabinets are sure to stand the test of time.
Timeless cabinet colors include neutral shades like white, cream, beige, taupe, gray, or greige. Navy, black, and forest green cabinets can look timeless when paired with classic finishes and fixtures.
Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles. Brilliant whites work to give kitchens a light and airy feel, and off-white options, like the White Dove shade, provides warmth.
In 2024, moody blues and greens are stealing the spotlight. Deep navy, forest green, and rich emerald are becoming go-to choices for those seeking a sophisticated and luxurious vibe in their culinary space. These deep hues create a sense of drama and depth while adding a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
Bright white, off-white, soft white and cream will always be a popular choice for kitchen cabinets of every style, from ultra-modern to country cottages. The beauty of these laid-back neutrals is that they can be given a bespoke look with different worktop materials, brassware and wall colors.
What cabinet color has the best resale value? Most real estate agents will tell sellers that neutral colors will appeal to the widest audience. While white is a very popular color for kitchen cabinets, other neutrals like gray, black, and beige are also good.
Sturdy construction and sleek designs can look timeless for years to come. Natural materials such as stone countertops are durable and long-lasting, and natural design elements can add needed warmth to a space. Consider natural stone, wood finishes, and stainless features for your kitchen renovation.
The classic white kitchen is sometimes critiqued for being boring—but there's one solid reason to opt for this color: It will never go out of style. Not sure which shade of white to go for? Check out some white paints designers swear by.
Choose kitchen cabinetry that won't date, such as Shaker cabinets, a modern trend rooted in centuries of design history. Contemporary flat-front or traditional styles such as glass-front cabinetry can create a timeless feel. You can choose classic pulls or go hardware-free for a modern look that will outlast trends.
What is the most popular color for kitchen cabinets? Though trend reports may show that white is falling out of favor, interior designers say that, generally, homeowners are still most drawn toward white kitchen cabinets. “It's classic and great for resale value,” says Hattie Collins of Hattie Sparks Interiors.
When it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space. Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens.
I personally think Nickel is the most timeless of the metals. Brass has really gained in popularity with interior designers, but is probably a trendier choice. I've seen a rise in the popularity of black hardware especially in this age of farmhouse- EVERYTHING (Thanks Chip and Joanna).
Discover why PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz became the Pantone Color of the Year 2024, and how to use it in fashion, graphic and multimedia design, and more.
White kitchen cabinets are enduring and versatile, appearing in cottage, traditional, and even modern kitchens. Especially on simple Shaker-style doors, the right white paint color can create a light, fresh look in a kitchen. Choose modest hardware with clean lines to keep with the classic look.
Some good neutral colors for kitchen cabinets include light gray, dark gray, or greige (a mix of gray and beige). These neutrals will help ground your space and give you freedom to incorporate more playful colors via accessories and appliances.
Dark cabinets have been used for centuries to create beautiful and timeless designs in not only single-family homes but also multifamily units. And dark brown cabinetry is making its way back into our lives!
Navy blue is a timeless color that never falls out of style. If you're looking for elegance and refinement in your kitchen, then consider this hue. Navy is a modern yet timeless color.
Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
