Refreshing Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas

Choosing the perfect kitchen cabinet color can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. With so many options to consider, from neutral whites and grays to bold reds and blues, it can be overwhelming trying to settle on the right hue. The color you choose for your cabinetry serves as a major design element that impacts the overall aesthetic. By considering your personal style, kitchen size and layout, and how the cabinets coordinate with other finishes and fixtures, you can select a shade that creates an inviting, refreshed kitchen space.

We've gathered inspiring ideas across the color spectrum so you can find a hue that perfectly suits your space and style.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Colors

There are several key factors to keep in mind as you evaluate cabinet color options for your kitchen remodel or redesign.

Personal Style and Taste

Consider the look and feel you want to achieve in your kitchen. Your cabinet color should align with your personal style. For contemporary, sleek kitchens, white is a popular choice. Farmhouse style kitchens tend to use natural wood tones. Minimalists may opt for black or gray to keep things simple. Make sure to gather inspiration from decorative items, art, and textiles to visualize how your cabinets will fit as a backdrop.

Kitchen Size and Layout

The size and layout of your kitchen can impact which colors enhance the space or make it feel cramped. Lighter, brighter colors like white and light gray open up smaller kitchens. Deep hues like navy or emerald green can also make a dramatic statement in a tiny kitchen. For larger kitchens, you have more flexibility. Darker cabinet colors can add coziness to an expansive room.

Lighting in the Kitchen

The natural and artificial lighting in your kitchen affects how colors are perceived. North-facing rooms with little natural sunlight suit lighter cabinet colors like white, beige or cool gray. South-facing rooms awash in sun can handle deeper, bolder hues. Make sure to view cabinet samples in both natural and artificial light to get a sense of how the color shifts.

Kitchen Countertop and Backsplash Materials

Coordinate your cabinet color with countertops and backsplashes to create a cohesive look. For white countertops like marble, white cabinetry is a natural pairing. Rich black granite pairs well with espresso cabinets. But don't be afraid to contrast finishes too--black cabinets with white quartz countertops make a dramatic statement.

Kitchen Flooring

Consider how your cabinet color will look alongside your kitchen flooring. Lighter cabinets help dark wood or tile floors stand out. Darker cabinets make light floors like white oak really pop. You can also choose complementary hues--deep blue cabinets could pair well with medium-toned wood floors.

Appliances and Fixtures

Take into account how your cabinet color will look alongside appliances like the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher. Stainless steel and black appliances pair well with both light and dark cabinet colors. For vintage styled appliances, classic white cabinets often complement best.

Best Neutral Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas

For those seeking a versatile, timeless look, neutral kitchen cabinet colors are the way to go. Here are some of the most popular neutral shades making a statement right now.

White

White kitchen cabinets are a perennial favorite because they are clean, bright, and contemporary. White makes small spaces appear larger and goes with any kitchen style from modern to traditional farmhouse.

Gray

Gray kitchen cabinets are trending because they provide a neutral, sophisticated look. Shades range from soft dove gray to dramatic charcoal. Gray plays well with most colors from vivid turquoise to cherry red.

Beige

For a subtle neutral with warmth, beige is a great kitchen cabinet option. It pairs well with natural wood and terra-cotta floors and provides a calming, welcoming look.

Taupe

Slightly warmer than beige with subtle gray undertones, taupe kitchen cabinets provide flexibility in design. Taupe complements tiles in creamy whites and warm grays.

Black

For modern, dramatic flair, black kitchen cabinets make a statement. Black pairs well with stainless steel appliances and boldly contrasts light countertops like white marble.

Best Bold and Vibrant Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas

Want your kitchen to pack a punch? Consider one of these lively kitchen cabinet colors to liven things up.

Red

From rich cranberry to fire engine red, this bold hue excites the senses. Red cabinets make even small kitchens feel inviting with their instant warmth.

Yellow

Cheery, sunshine yellow cabinetry brings happiness and light to any kitchen. Pair yellow with gray for a contemporary look.

Green

Nature-inspired green like sage and emerald make kitchen cabinets pop. Green provides a welcoming, organic look that complements natural materials.

Blue

From navy to sky blue, cool blue kitchen cabinets are versatile and stylish. Blue creates an elegant, coastal, or traditional farmhouse aesthetic.

Purple

Regal purple cabinets make a bold, playful statement. Pair them with brass fixtures and accessories for a glam vibe.

Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas

Two-tone kitchen cabinets are also on-trend. Combining light and dark finishes adds visual interest. Here are creative ways to use this technique.

White Upper Cabinets with Dark Lowers

This combo keeps things light and airy up top while grounding the space with deeper lowers. Try white uppers and navy lowers.

Contrasting Island and Perimeter Cabinet Colors

Make your island a bold accent by selecting a different color from the main cabinetry. Gray perimeter cabinets with a navy island packs a punch.

Mixing Paint Finishes for Visual Interest

Use different paint sheens like high-gloss doors with flat cabinet fronts to add dimension. Or combine painted and natural wood finishes.

Steps for Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Looking to refresh your existing cabinets with a coat of paint? Here are the basic steps for painting kitchen cabinets DIY.

Clean and Prepare Cabinets

Degrease and lightly sand cabinet surfaces to rough them up so paint can properly adhere.

Choose Paint Finish

Select the right paint for your cabinet material. Often semi- or high-gloss enamel works best for a durable finish.

Prime Cabinets

Applying quality primer provides an essential first coat so paint goes on smoothly.

Apply Topcoat(s)

For the best coverage, apply two to three thin, even coats of cabinet paint allowing proper drying time between each.

Replace Hardware

Install new knobs and pulls to finish off your colorful, refreshed cabinets.

Hiring a Professional to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

While a DIY paint job can save money, hiring a professional painter has advantages.

Benefits of Hiring a Pro

• Ensures an even, professional-quality finish
• Access to commercial-grade paint sprayers
• Properly prepares and primes cabinets
• Handles reinstalling doors and drawers

What to Expect from the Process

An experienced cabinet painter will:

• Remove doors, drawers, and hardware
• Clean, fill imperfections, sand, and prime cabinets
• Spray on new paint, often with an airless paint sprayer
• Reinstall doors, handles, shelves

Average Cost to Paint Cabinets Professionally

Expect to pay approximately $2,000 - $4,500 to have a professional paint an average-sized kitchen. Cost varies based on location and specific project scope.

Kitchen Cabinet Staining Considerations

For a natural wood look, staining cabinets is an option. Here are some tips if you plan to stain your cabinets instead of paint.

Types of Wood Stains

Gel stains offer thicker consistency and easier application for beginners. Penetrating stains absorb more easily into wood. Wipe-on stains provide subtle color effects.

Prepping Cabinets for Stain

Proper sanding and cleaning ensures the stain adheres well and provides an even tone. Filling imperfections is also important.

Applying and Sealing the Stain

Use a foam brush or lint-free cloth to apply stain evenly with the wood grain. Allow to dry fully before applying a sealant like polyurethane.

Kitchen Cabinet Color Combinations

With your cabinet color selected, now evaluate how to coordinate the hue with other kitchen elements for a cohesive, stylish look.

Match Countertop and Cabinet Colors

Some popular matched finishes include white cabinets with white marble counters or espresso cabinets with black granite.

Complement Flooring and Backsplashes

Consider cabinet, floor and backsplash finishes together. Green cabinets could complement wood-look tile and medium-tone hardwoods.

Coordinate with Wall Paint

Tie everything together with wall paint that complements your cabinets. For red cabinets, consider warm beige or sage green walls.

Examples of Popular Kitchen Cabinet Color Schemes

To spark inspiration, here are some charming kitchen color schemes that beautifully coordinate cabinetry with other elements.

White Cabinets, Marble Counters, Light Floors

This bright, contemporary scheme pairs clean white cabinets with breezy light hardwood flooring and bright white marble countertops.

Navy Cabinets, Butcher Block Counters, Tile Backsplash

Rich navy blue lower cabinets contrast beautifully with creamy butcher block counters, white uppers and a stone and glass mosaic backsplash.

Two-Toned Cabinets, Granite Counters, Wood Floors

This warm, welcoming palette features white upper cabinets and chestnut lower cabinets, offset by dark wood floors and dramatic black granite.

Tips for Coordinating Kitchen Cabinet Colors

Use these helpful pointers as you evaluate cabinet color combinations:

Gather Inspiration from Photos

Look at kitchen design photos to spark ideas for color schemes that appeal to you and work with your space.

Experiment with Visualizers

Use online tools and apps to virtually experiment with different cabinet colors in your exact kitchen.

Purchase Samples to View Colors

Order samples of paints and stains you are considering and view them in your kitchen before fully committing.

Check Cabinets in Different Lighting

Look at samples at different times of day and night to see how lighting affects the color.

Choosing the right kitchen cabinet color can be challenging with so many inspiring options available today. By considering your style, space and overall design aesthetic, you can select a shade that makes your kitchen feel refreshed. From soft grays to vivid turquoise, the possibilities are endless. Use the tips in this guide to explore colors confidently, knowing a bit of planning will help you achieve cabinetry that looks cohesive, stylish and uniquely you.