The Best Modern Kitchen Cabinet Colors To Try This Year
If you're planning a kitchen remodel this year, one of the most impactful design choices will be your cabinet color. The right hue can transform the entire look and feel of your kitchen. While white and wooden cabinets are classics, there are lots of exciting modern kitchen cabinet color trends to consider for 2023.
Read on for inspiration to find the perfect color to give your kitchen a fresh, contemporary style.
Most Popular Modern Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends
Crisp and Classic White
White kitchen cabinets offer a timeless, clean look that brightens up any kitchen. The crisp, neutral tone pairs beautifully with other colors and materials like marble backsplashes and metal fixtures.
An all-white kitchen makes spaces feel open and airy. However, some maintenance is required to keep white cabinets looking pristine. Busy cooks may want to avoid white if they don't want to see every smudge.
Warm and Inviting Wood Tones
Wood stained cabinets add beautiful natural pattern and warmth to a kitchen. Variations in grain and undertones provide depth and dimension.
Stains allow customization to achieve lighter or darker wood tones. From modern walnut to traditional oak, wood cabinets work in contemporary, transitional, or classic spaces.
While wood requires some regular sealing and maintenance, many homeowners feel the natural beauty is worth the extra care.
Sophisticated Shades of Gray
For an elegant and subtle neutral cabinet option, different shades of gray are trending. Soft, warm grays brighten up a space, while darker charcoal grays create a cozier mood.
Cool-toned grays pair nicely with stainless steel and marble. Warm greys complement granite, wood floors, and brass fixtures. Avoid going too dark with gray, as it can feel dreary.
Dramatic Statement Black
Black kitchen cabinets make a bold, dramatic statement. The deep shade grounds brightly colored walls or accessories. It creates a focal point.
All-black cabinets can overwhelm a space, so they work best as an accent. For example, try black lower cabinets with white uppers for contrast. Use black judiciously if your kitchen is small.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Color
Kitchen Size and Layout
The size and footprint of your kitchen should impact your cabinet color selection. Darker colors help large kitchens feel cozy and defined. Small kitchens benefit from light colors like white that reflect light and create an airy, open look.
Also consider the room's natural lighting. North-facing rooms may need lighter tones to compensate for less sun exposure. South-facing kitchens can handle deeper hues without feeling too dark.
Cabinet Materials
The material you choose for cabinets will affect the vibrancy and finish of your selected color. Painted cabinets can be literally any color, while wood stain options are more limited.
Certain paints like lacquer have a glossy finish that makes the color pop. Some materials show wear over time. Keep this in mind as you select your shade.
Countertops and Backsplashes
Be sure to coordinate your cabinet color with countertops and backsplashes. Look for complementary undertones in materials like granite, marble or quartz.
For example, pair cool-toned white cabinets with marble counters. Or, accent warm wood cabinets with creamy granite. If your counters are busy, stick with solid cabinet colors.
Personal Style and Taste
Consider your personal style and existing decor when selecting cabinet colors. Do you gravitate towards modern, farmhouse, minimalist or eclectic looks? Is your home filled with warm earth tones or cool pastels?
Choose a color you'll love seeing every day. Just make sure it fits within the overall aesthetic you want for your home.
Painted vs. Stained Wood Cabinet Options
Advantages of Painted Cabinets
Paint offers the widest range of color options for cabinets. Any shade imaginable can be applied to your cabinet boxes and doors.
Modern painted finishes are durable, scratch-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Over time, paint may need occasional touch ups, but provides long-lasting color.
Benefits of Wood Stained Cabinets
Stained wood cabinets highlight the natural beauty of wood grains and patterns. Lighter stains brighten up a space, while darker walnut and cherry stains provide a richness.
As tastes change, wood stains can be restained to update their color. They do require periodic resealing and polishing to maintain their finish.
Tips for Selecting Coordinating Colors
When choosing cabinet colors, it's important to think about the whole kitchen palette. Here are tips for a coordinated, pulled-together look:
- Repeat your cabinet color in the island for visual cohesion
- Select wall/trim paint that shares the same undertones as cabinets
- Add contrast with hardware, appliances and lighting fixtures
Modern kitchen cabinet colors like white, wood tones, gray and black are elegant choices to upgrade your space. Consider the factors that impact your color decision, from cabinet materials to room size and lighting.
Most importantly, select a color and style you'll love seeing as you cook, gather and entertain. With the right thoughtful color selection, you can give your kitchen a beautiful and contemporary look.