Yellow
Yellow is associated with happiness and sunshine, making it a cheerful choice for kitchen cabinets. Soft buttery yellows create a warm, welcoming look, while brighter lemon yellows add zest and energy. Yellow pairs nicely with white or blue countertops and backsplashes. It looks especially lively against dark wood flooring. Try Benjamin Moore’s Lemon Ice or Glidden’s Buttercup for a sunny accent.
Green
Earthy greens like sage and olive make stylish and soothing cabinet colors. They create a relaxing vibe perfect for casual family kitchens. Pair green cabinets with brass hardware for an elegant but approachable look. Deep hunter greens work well for traditional kitchens, while minty hues keep things fresh. Some green cabinet colors to consider include Sherwin-Williams’ Kendall Charcoal and Behr’s Golden Grove.
Blue
From navy to sky blue, this cool color makes a big splash. Navy cabinets ground a space with sophistication. Soft powder blues create a breezy coastal cottage feel. Electric blues pop against white countertops for serious drama. Match blue cabinets with marble, quartz or subway tile backsplashes. Benjamin Moore’s Nebulous Blue and Sherwin-Williams’ Rainfall work beautifully.
Red
Red cabinets make a bold, eye-catching statement. Fire engine reds create an energetic, modern vibe, while deeper reds like oxblood offer a rich, luxe look. Red plays well with both cool-toned grays and warm wood tones. It also pairs nicely with black, white or stainless steel appliances. Check out Dunn-Edwards’ Heartthrob or Behr’s Chianti for bold red cabinet inspiration.
Black
Black kitchen cabinets are ultra-dramatic and sophisticated. Matte black has a classic appeal that works with traditional and contemporary designs. Lacquered black cabinets make a glossy, elegant statement. Contrast black cabinets with light countertops like white quartz or concrete. Add metals and woods as accents for dimension. Some chic black cabinet colors are Benjamin Moore’s Onyx and Sherwin-Williams’ Black Magic.
How to Choose the Right Color
When selecting a lively cabinet color:
- Consider the room’s size and light. Small, dark spaces suit lighter colors best.
- Complement your cabinet color with wall, floor and countertop hues.
- Factor in the style of your kitchen – traditional, modern, cottage, etc.
- Choose a matte, eggshell or satin finish to minimize smudges and fingerprints.
- Order sample chips to view colors in your space before committing.
Design Ideas for Colorful Cabinets
Here are some tips for making vibrant cabinets work in your kitchen:
- Stick with one bold color. Painting upper and lower cabinets different colors can look disjointed.
- Try colorful cabinets on just the island or lower cabinets only.
- Pair with neutral walls and countertops to keep the look balanced.
- Add texture with open shelving, glass cabinet doors, or accent tiles.
- Incorporate wooden cutting boards, plants, patterned rugs and cheerful art.
Lively Color Combinations to Try
Some lively cabinet and kitchen color schemes to inspire you include:
- Red cabinets with black countertops and stainless steel appliances
- Navy blue cabinets, brass hardware, and white marble countertops
- Green cabinets with butcher block countertops and an exposed brick backsplash
- Yellow cabinets, navy island, subway tile backsplash, and vinyl wood plank flooring
- Black cabinets, gold hardware, light gray walls, and concrete countertops
No matter which colorful cabinet shade you choose, keep the walls, countertops, backsplash and flooring neutral for balance. Then accessorize with beautiful hardware, lighting fixtures, appliances and decor in coordinating metallic and wood tones. With the right approach, vibrant cabinets can bring new energy and flair to your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular kitchen cabinet colors right now?
White, gray, navy and black remain today’s most popular kitchen cabinet colors. But vibrant shades like yellow, green, blue and red are growing in popularity for adding personality.
What color cabinets are in style for 2023?
On-trend cabinet colors for 2023 include warm neutrals like brown and tan, striking black, muted green, deep blue, retro red and bright white. Unique finishes like aged brass and hammered copper will also be popular.
What color cabinets make a kitchen look bigger?
Light, bright colors like white, light gray, soft yellow and pale blue can help make a small kitchen appear more spacious. Dark cabinets have the opposite effect, making kitchens feel cozy but smaller.
Should I paint my upper and lower cabinets different colors?
It’s generally best to stick with one cabinet color throughout for a streamlined, cohesive look. However, choosing one bold color for lower cabinets and neutral uppers is an eye-catching but balanced approach.
What color cabinets look good with quartz countertops?
White cabinets pair beautifully with both white and colorful quartz countertops. Gray, navy and black cabinets also coordinate well with white or patterned quartz. Bright cabinets stand out against neutral quartz.
Conclusion
Tired of safe, predictable kitchen cabinet colors? 2023 is the year to embrace vibrant shades like emerald green, sapphire blue, and fire engine red. Lively kitchen cabinets inject energy, personality and flair. Just be sure to take a balanced approach by pairing bold hues with neutral walls, floors and countertops. With the right color combinations, your colorful cabinets will make a gorgeous focal point that energizes the entire kitchen.
