The Complete Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Colors

With so many options for kitchen cabinet colors these days, it can be overwhelming trying to select the perfect shade for your space. The tone you choose can transform the entire look and feel of your kitchen. While white and neutral cabinets are popular, bold painted colors are also on trend.

We'll look at the latest trending kitchen cabinet colors and what may be in style for 2022. Factors like your kitchen size, layout, countertops, backsplash, flooring and wall color all impact what cabinet shades will work best. You'll get color recommendations for specific kitchen elements like oak cabinets, white appliances or granite countertops. We'll also give you ideas for achieving different aesthetic styles from modern to farmhouse. Let's dive in!

Current & Upcoming Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends

Popular Cabinet Color Options

While white kitchen cabinets never truly go out of style, there are lots of fresh painted colors making a splash right now. Here are some of the most popular cabinet color choices:

• White - A classic that brightens up any kitchen size.
• Gray - Choose a light or dark gray for a sophisticated look.
• Navy Blue - A bold accent color that adds drama.
• Green - From sage to emerald, green evokes nature.
• Black - Striking and modern against light counters.
• Wood Tones - Warm up a space with oak, cherry or rustic wood.

2022 & 2023 Trending Colors

New kitchen cabinet color trends emerge each year. Here are some of the latest fashionable shades predicted to be hot in 2022 and 2023:

• Navy Blue - Deeper shades spotlight this regal color.
• Dark Green - Mossy, forested hues like jewel tones.
• Contrasting Navy & Brass - Metallics meet blue for depth.
• Soft Blue-Greens - Tranquil tones like sea glass.

Considerations When Choosing Cabinet Color

Selecting the right kitchen cabinet color involves assessing several aspects of your space. Keep these factors in mind as you evaluate color options:

Kitchen Size & Layout

A kitchen's proportions impact how light or dark cabinet colors will look. For smaller kitchens, bright white or light gray keep the space feeling open and airy. Darker cabinets can feel too imposing. In a large, open concept kitchen, bold or dramatic colors have room to shine.

Your layout including windows, sightlines and flow between rooms also affects cabinet color perception. Bring home paint swatches to see how tones look in your specific kitchen.

Countertops & Backsplash

Coordinate your cabinets with countertops and backsplash in mind. Contrasting cabinet and countertop colors can really pop. But similar tones, or matching wood cabinetry and granite can also look seamless.

Factor in undertones so that your cabinet, counter and backsplash colors blend well together. A vibrant mosaic tile backsplash can handle bold cabinet hues. Neutral stones like quartz benefit from more saturated cabinet colors.

Flooring

Hardwood floors offer a classic look that suits painted cabinets in many shades. Matching wood cabinetry and floors creates a harmonious vibe. Tile flooring provides lots of options too. Bring home cabinet paint swatches and view them next to your actual floor to envision how the tones will interplay in your kitchen.

Wall Color

Whether you choose cabinet colors that seamlessly blend with your wall color or make a dramatic contrast, it’s an important relationship. Warm white or beige walls suit blue cabinets nicely. Soft sage green paint coordinates with oak cabinetry. Light cabinets pop against dark charcoal walls.

As a general rule, bolder cabinet colors do well against neutral wall backdrops. There are always exceptions, so experiment with paint swatches on your actual wall color.

Painting vs Buying New Cabinets

Another consideration is whether you'll paint your existing cabinets or splurge on buying brand new ones. Here's an overview of each approach:

Painting Existing Cabinets

With proper prep work, you can paint your current kitchen cabinets and give them an entirely new look for a reasonable price. Clean thoroughly, sand to rough up the surface, and apply a bonding primer before painting. Use thin, even coats of cabinet paint in either a gloss, satin or matte finish.

The downside is that painted cabinets show wear over time. Scuffs and scratches give away their age. Frequent touch ups may be needed.

Buying New Cabinets

Investing in new factory finished cabinets is more expensive but provides a pristine and durable result. You have unlimited options for styles, wood types, colors and finishes. Keep in mind potential lead times, delivery, installation, and customization costs.

Cabinet Color Ideas for Specific Kitchen Features

Certain kitchen elements may influence your ideal cabinet color selection. Here are recommendations if your space includes:

Oak Cabinets

Buttery almond walls, warm beiges, sage greens, sky blues and vintage whites complement golden oak nicely. Or add white, black or brass hardware for contrast. For a updated yet natural look, paint oak cabinets in a light gray or creamy white.

White Appliances

White appliances keep a kitchen looking light and airy. Navy, green and charcoal cabinets make appliances pop. You can also continue an all-white kitchen with crisp bright cabinets.

Granite Countertops

Earthy wood cabinetry suits granite well. Or introduce color with sage green or navy blue cabinets. Avoid matching granite counters and cabinets - go for contrast instead.

Small Kitchens

Make a cramped kitchen appear larger with reflective white, light grey or pastel cabinets. Monochromatic cabinets in one tone keep sightlines clean. Contrasting uppers and lowers can break up visual space.

Achieving Different Style Looks

Certain cabinet colors work beautifully to create specific aesthetic styles. Here are ideas for popular kitchen design themes:

Traditional Kitchen

Play into traditional kitchen style with classy painted or stained wood cabinets, often in uppers and lowers. Off-whites, antique white, creams and wood finishes are fitting. Combine with marble counters and subway tile.

Modern Kitchen

Choose bold, glossy cabinet colors like navy blue, black, or dark green for a contemporary modern look. Go for solid color uppers with contrasting lowers. Mix in metallics like brass hardware.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Light, airy painted cabinets in white, light gray or sage keep a farmhouse kitchen feeling breezy. Add character with distressed paint techniques. Contrast dark hardware and lighting for warmth.

When choosing your ideal kitchen cabinet color, first consider the size and elements of your existing kitchen. How do paint swatches look against all your finishes? Do they help create your desired aesthetic? Once you've narrowed down shades, envision how they'll look together once painted. With some thoughtful planning your cabinet color will feel just right.