Kitchen cabinet colors can make or break the look and feel of your kitchen. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to select the perfect color palette for your kitchen cabinets. From bright whites to warm neutrals, the possibilities are endless. This article will explore 8 great kitchen cabinet color palettes that are trending now. We’ll look at the most popular paint colors, styles they work with, and tips for choosing the right scheme for your space. With these inspiring color combinations, you’re sure to find a look you’ll love!
Classic White
White kitchen cabinets are a timeless choice that brightens up any kitchen. The clean, crisp look pairs well with any style from modern to traditional. An all-white kitchen makes the space feel open and airy. For something a little warmer, try an antique white or cream cabinet color.
Popular white and off-white cabinet paint colors include:
- Pure White
- Extra White
- Chantilly Lace
- Swiss Coffee
- Cream
- Antique White
An all-white palette looks great with natural materials like marble, granite, quartz, butcher block, and concrete. Stainless steel appliances also complement the look. For pops of color, add fresh flowers, patterned tile backsplash, or colored cookware.
Two-Tone Kitchen
Two-tone kitchen cabinets are super stylish and on-trend right now. Combining an upper and lower cabinet color is a great way to anchor the space and add subtle contrast.
Some favorite two-tone color combinations include:
- White uppers, navy lowers
- Light gray uppers, dark gray lowers
- Black uppers, white lowers
- Taupe uppers, espresso lowers
- Green uppers, tan lowers
When choosing two colors, make sure there is enough contrast between them. Complimentary colors tend to look best. Keep countertops and backsplash neutral to let the two-tone cabinets really stand out.
All-Gray Palette
Gray kitchen cabinets are versatile and pair well with both cool and warm colors making it easy to incorporate into any existing style. For a contemporary look, opt for lighter grays like fog or driftwood. Go for a cozier feel with deeper gray tones like pebble or charcoal.
Popular gray cabinet paint colors:
- Fog
- Shoji White
- Gray Matters
- Mindful Gray
- Peppermill Gray
- Tricorn Black
Gray and white is a favorite color combination for modern kitchens. Accents in black, wood tones, or brass give it an industrial vibe. Earth tones like sand and navy blue also complement gray beautifully.
Black and Wood Tones
For a rich, sophisticated look combine black kitchen cabinets with wood accents and touches of metal. Use black for base cabinets or on the island while upper cabinets can be a lighter tone like white or soft gray.
Wood elements help warm up the dark color. Mixing cabinet finishes like high-gloss black with natural butcher block adds appealing texture.
Some ways to incorporate wood tones:
- Wood countertops or butcher block
- Wood shelving and open cabinets
- Wood flooring
- Wood bar stools
Hardware choices like bronze pulls, black handles and gold accents make the look more luxe. Add pops of green, blue or soft white to keep it from feeling too dark.
Navy Blue Kitchen
Navy blue kitchen cabinets make a bold, dramatic statement. Paired with white uppers or countertops, it creates a nautical, beachy feel. The dark hue contrasts beautifully with brass accents and wood elements for a clean, tailored look.
Some pairing ideas for navy blue cabinets:
- White subway tile backsplash
- Brass hardware and fixtures
- Butcher block countertops or islands
- Rattan pendants over the island
- Wood open shelving
Navy blue works equally well in modern, transitional, or even country kitchens. Just adjust the decor accordingly. Play up the coastal vibe with rope details, anchors and driftwood accents or keep it sleek with marble and black metal tones.
Warm Wood Tones
Wood cabinetry instantly gives a kitchen a traditional, rustic feel. From light oak to deep walnut, wood brings natural warmth and texture. Floors, shelves and accents in coordinating wood tones create harmony and flow.
Popular wood cabinet colors include:
- Light oak
- Maple
- Cherry
- Hickory
- Walnut
- Espresso
Pair painted walls in creamy white or light blue with warm wood cabinets for a classic look. Contrast with black granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. In country kitchens, opt for a buttery yellow with rooster accents. For contemporary styling try open-grain wood paired with sleek marble counters and metallic pendants.
All-White with Pops of Color
An all-white kitchen palette allows you to easily switch up the accent colors. Change them out seasonally or when you redecorate to give the space a fresh new look.
Some fun accent colors to try:
- Red appliances or kitchenware
- Blue island or bar stools
- Yellow curtains or rug
- Green plants and floral arrangements
- Vintage cake stands and canisters
Keep walls, cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash neutral. The clean white background lets the bold pops of color really stand out. Exchange accent pieces to completely transform the look and feel of the space.
Neutral Tones
Warm neutrals like tans, browns and beiges create a soothing, welcoming kitchen. The natural color palette pairs well with materials like stone, wood and leather for an organic look.
Some neutral cabinet color combinations:
- Cream cabinets, brown granite counters, tan backsplash
- Beige cabinets, quartz counters, sandy or terracotta floor
- Light oak cabinets, butcher block island, stone tile
Neutral kitchens lend themselves well to Southwestern and Tuscan design styles. Terracotta floor tiles and textiles in warm hues complement the look. Wrought iron accents and decorative tiles add interest. For a modern twist, include sleek stainless appliances and statement lighting.
Choosing the Right Color Palette
With so many options, how do you choose the right kitchen cabinet colors? Here are a few tips:
- Consider the room’s light. North-facing rooms with cool natural light suit crisp white palettes, while southern exposures pair better with warm wood tones.
- Match architecture and home style. Contemporary spaces look best with sleek modern colors like gray and black. Farmhouse kitchens shine with classic white or wood cabinets.
- Complement countertops. Look for cabinet colors that work with your existing countertop and backsplash or plan to replace them.
- Test samples. Paint test swatches directly on cabinets or walls to see how the color looks in the space before committing.
- Use accents strategically. Pops of color on an island or open shelves let you incorporate color without it being overwhelming.
- Consider durability. Lighter tones show dirt and wear more easily than darker cabinet colors.
Following your tastes and what fits the existing architecture and style of your kitchen is the best way to end up with a cohesive, attractive color scheme you’ll enjoy for years to come.
FAQ About Kitchen Cabinet Colors
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about choosing kitchen cabinet colors:
What are the most popular kitchen cabinet colors right now?
White, light gray, navy blue, and black remain popular. Two-tone combinations with white or light uppers and a darker lower color are also on-trend.
What color cabinets are timeless?
White and wood tones have staying power and fit well with any style. Crisp white is a classic that always looks fresh and clean. Wood cabinetry provides natural warmth that does not go out of style.
Should I avoid certain color palettes?
Stay away from bold primary colors like red, blue or yellow unless using them sparingly as accents. Trendy colors like avocado green and harvest gold appear dated quickly.
What colors make a small kitchen look bigger?
White, light gray and lighter wood tones reflect light and make a space feel more open and airy. Dark cabinets can feel oppressive and shrink the look of a small kitchen.
Should I match my cabinets to my floors?
Matching your cabinet color to wood or laminate floors helps create flow. But too much of the same tone can feel monotonous. Try cabinets and floors in coordinating but slightly different hues.
How do I choose cabinet colors for a modern kitchen?
For a contemporary look, opt for two-tone cabinets, black, navy or gray paired with wood and marble accents. Avoid ornate detailing and traditional wood stains.
What colors complement white kitchen cabinets?
White cabinets pair beautifully with grays, blacks and wood tones. Pops of color in tile, curtains, appliances or decor create a nice contrast. Go for neutral countertops like white marble.
Can I mix wood cabinets with painted ones?
Yes, mixing natural wood cabinets with painted ones or using wood for just the island or base cabinets is a great way to warm up an all-white or neutral kitchen.
Conclusion
The cabinetry color palette you choose can make a huge impact on the overall look, feel, and functionality of your kitchen. Whether you prefer a timeless white kitchen, on-trend navy blue cabinets or the warmth of wood tones, there are so many wonderful options to consider. Combining painted cabinets with natural wood accents creates attractive contrast and texture. Don’t be afraid to use color strategically as bold accents. The right cabinet colors can take your kitchen design from drab and dated to fresh and fashionable. Just be sure to select a palette suited to the room’s light and existing architecture. With creativity and smart color choices, you can have a kitchen with broad aesthetic appeal and timeless style.
