Coolest Modern Kitchen Cabinet Trends Right Now

Kitchen cabinets set the tone for the heart of the home. Homeowners looking to remodel their kitchens want to know the latest cabinet trends. From colors and finishes to storage solutions and smart features, cabinet styles continue to evolve with homeowners' changing tastes and needs.

Read on to discover the coolest modern kitchen cabinet trends that are making a splash right now.

Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

One of the hottest trends in kitchen cabinetry is mixing and matching finishes and colors to create a two-tone look. Combining light and dark stained wood cabinets creates appealing visual contrast. Or go for painted lower cabinets with natural wood uppers. The mix of materials and colors adds warmth and dimension to the space.

Popular two-tone color combinations include:

• White cabinets on bottom with walnut or oak wood up top
• Gray lower cabinets with white upper cabinets
• Black lower cabinets with antique white uppers

When selecting two colors, choose one lighter and one darker. Keep the lower cabinets darker for balance and grounding. Go for a light countertop like quartz to keep things fresh and airy. Mixing high gloss and matte finishes also creates stylish contrast.

Benefits of Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

There are many advantages to choosing two-tone kitchen cabinets:

• Adds visual interest - more exciting than plain cabinetry
• Creates balance - dark lower cabinets ground the space
• Highlights textures - plays up the grain and texture of wood
• Modern and sleek - on-trend stylish look
• Personalizes the space - makes the kitchen unique

Matte Kitchen Cabinets

The sleek, modern look of matte kitchen cabinets is a top trend. While high-gloss finishes have been popular, many homeowners are now opting for a more understated matte look. The soft, subtle finish has an organic feel that fits today's styles.

Matte finishes include:

• Matte lacquer - smooth painted finish
• Matte melamine - embossed woodgrain pattern
• Matte thermofoil - vinyl layered over medium density fiberboard

Matte surfaces resist fingerprints and are easy to clean. Today's matte finishes are durable and come in a range of beautiful muted tones and woodgrains.

Benefits of Matte Kitchen Cabinets

Homeowners love matte kitchen cabinets for many reasons:

• Understated and organic - fits today's styles
• Soft, subtle surface - avoids high gloss glare
• Resists fingerprints and smudges
• Durable and easy to clean
• Available in many colors and woodgrains

Mixed Finishes

While some kitchens stick to all matte or all high-gloss cabinets, mixing up finishes is an intriguing trend. Combining matte and glossy surfaces adds appealing contrast.

For example, use reflective glossy cabinets on top to accentuate light. Then ground the space with soft matte cabinets on the bottom. Or make an accent wall with high-gloss cabinetry to add drama.

Using multiple finishes allows you to highlight certain features and finishes. For example, bring out the natural patina of wood cabinets by pairing them with sleek lacquered units.

Tips for Mixing Cabinet Finishes

• Use glossy cabinets sparingly to avoid overwhelming
• Pick a matte finish for lower cabinets to soften and ground
• Make glossy cabinets the focal point or accent wall
• Frame glossy cabinets with matte for cohesion

Natural Wood Kitchen Cabinets

The beauty of natural wood never goes out of style. The rich, layered tones and distinctive grain patterns of real wood cabinets add organic warmth. Oak, walnut, cherry and maple wood finishes look luxurious and timeless.

Some popular natural wood cabinet trends include:

• Unfinished wood - showcases raw wood grain
• White-washed oak - muted grey oak with white pigment
• Natural walnut - rich chocolate brown tones
• Knotty alder - rustic wood with visible knots

While painted cabinets are trendy, the depth, texture and imperfection of natural wood evokes a sense of comfort and familiarity. The endless variations and colors of real wood make each kitchen unique.

Choosing Natural Wood Cabinets

When selecting natural wood cabinets, consider:

• Grain patterns - straight, wavy, or knotty
• Color variations - from light to dark
• Finish - glossy or matte
• Durability - some woods are harder than others
• Budget - rare woods tend to cost more

Black Kitchen Cabinets

Black kitchen cabinets make a dramatic style statement. The bold, moody look provides an elegant backdrop for stainless steel, marble, or brass accents.

Popular black cabinet options include:

• Matte black - subtle and sophisticated
• Glossy black - shiny lacquered finish
• Black stained wood - enhances natural grain
• Textured black - adds visual interest

When paired with light walls, countertops and backsplashes, black cabinets ground the space and create striking contrast. Consider open shelving or glass fronts to prevent a closed-in look.

Designing with Black Cabinets

Tips for using black kitchen cabinets:

• Go bold or go home - black makes a statement
• Use matte black for a subtler vibe
• Add texture with wood grain for warmth
• Accent with metallics like brass or nickel
• Choose sleek hardware like bar pulls

Glass Front Kitchen Cabinets

The sleek simplicity of glass front cabinets provides modern appeal. Frosted, smoked or clear glass fronts showcase dishes, collectibles and barware.

Displaying items gives the kitchen an open, airy feel. LED lights inside glass cabinets create a cool ambient glow. For a seamless look, have the glass match the color tone of surrounding cabinetry.

Where to Use Glass Cabinet Doors

Some smart spots for glass front cabinets include:

• Upper corner cabinets - illuminate dead space
• Open shelving - maintains airy look
• Walk-in pantries - see contents easily
• Statment displays - highlight collectibles

Avoid glass on lower cabinets or near sinks and stoves to prevent damage. Consider decorative stained glass for a vintage vibe.

From knobs and pulls to hinges and handles, cabinet hardware offers plenty of possibilities to personalize your kitchen's style.

On-trend hardware choices include:

• Brass - for traditional or modern spaces
• Matte black - matches dark cabinetry
• Aged brass - vintage appeal
• Cut glass - add shine
• Tapered legs - for shaker cabinets