What’s Right For Your Space? • The Budget Decorator

Kitchen cabinets aren’t just where we store all our cookware and crockery, they’re also a huge design element of our kitchens. Think about how much wall space your kitchen cabinets take up – the color you choose to paint them can completely transform your kitchen. Whether you’re in a novel home and looking to add your personal style, or you’re just after a cabinet refresh, here’s a guide to different kitchen cabinet color ideas and some inspo to bring your dream cabinets to life!

Timeless and Classic Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas and Neutral Options 

Your kitchen cabinets can make a statement with a bold color, but they don’t have to. In fact, there’s certainly a place for timeless, classic color ideas and neutral cabinet options. Keeping it plain is a great idea for tiny kitchens, where bold or vivid cabinets might feel like they’re cluttering or overcrowding your space. Here are our favorite classic, neutral options. 

White Kitchen Cabinets

You might think white is too sterile for a kitchen (or too difficult to keep neat if you’re a messy cooker!) but in fact, it adds an elevated, timeless appeal. Plus, in a tiny kitchen, white cabinets can make your cooking spaces look so much larger. Check out this stunning example by The Accent Piece, complete with amazing brickwork: 

I love this kitchen shared by Charleston Crafted – White kitchen cabinets with a powder blue color on the kitchen island create such a laid-back, coastal vibe. One great thing about white cabinets is they go well with so many different colors – so don’t be afraid to mix and match your upper and lower cabinets or even your kitchen walls for an accent.

Grey Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends

Grey doesn’t have to be a insipid color, it can add a novel level of sophistication to your kitchen cabinets. Plus, it’s ultra-neutral and versatile – it can work with almost all different kitchen styles and pairs amazingly if you have accessories, cookware, or kitchen appliances in a specific color theme. 

Celebrated Nest shares the perfect example of how grey cabinets can elevate your kitchen for a neat, up-to-date vibe that’s so neutral you can take it in any direction you like!

Beige and Cream Color Palettes 

If your design style is on the more established side, a beige and cream kitchen color scheme might be right up your alley. Beige and cream color palettes are hot and inviting, perfect for a rustic kitchen. Just look at this stunning design by Whitney Parkinson – who said beige was uninteresting?! 

Bold and Modern Kitchen Paint Colors

If you’re not afraid to make a statement, bold kitchen cabinet color combinations can certainly get the job done. You can employ your cabinets as a feature wall, and darker shades look amazing when paired with the right fixtures and fittings. These bold, up-to-date kitchen cabinet color ideas will have your kitchen poppin’. 

Navy Blue Kitchen Color Scheme

Navy blue is one of my favorite colors for making a bold statement. I think it’s stunning for kitchen cabinets – it really adds a novel level of sophistication and pairs so well with metallic accents. Just look at this incredible kitchen transformation over at House and Canvas – don’t the navy blue cabinets make a striking difference?!

Here’s another stunning example – the brass accents on the cabinets, rustic delicate fixtures and white walls compliment these navy blue cabinets so well. This is a great example of how well a butcher block kitchen island can tie into your kitchen design too!

Black Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends 

Black kitchen cabinets aren’t something you see every day, and it’s protected to say they won’t work in every kitchen. But let me tell you, when they’re done right, black kitchen cabinets are stunning. Take this example by Creekline House. The black cabinets sleek and up-to-date, and somehow bold and neutral at the same time. The black cabinets work so well with the floating shelves, which make sure the kitchen still stays open and airy. 

Forest Green Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors 

If you’re looking to bring a touch of the outdoors into your home, forest green kitchen cabinets are your answer. Rich and luxurious, obscure green kitchen cabinets open up a world of opportunities when it comes to accessories and themes. Just look at our post on green kitchens to see what we mean! This example shows you just how stunning forest green kitchen cabinets can be – look how good it looks with the marble counters and backsplash! 

Soft, Subtle Shades and Earth Tone Kitchen Color Ideas

For rustic, established kitchens, and sometimes also for older homes, supple shades and earth tones are the way to go. Again, these don’t have to be uninteresting – they’re just a great starting point for a up-to-date, supple kitchen. Starting with a neutral color can give you a lot of freedom for the rest of your kitchen design, too. Here are some of our favorite subtle shades and earth tones for your kitchen color scheme. 

Brown and Beige Kitchen Cabinet Color Combinations 

Brown kitchen cabinets may sound a little 1970s, and not in a good way. But actually, brown cabinets done right can be charmingly rustic. It’s all about choosing the right shades of brown for your desired aesthetic. You’ll find some great inspiration in this post, including this gorgeous, up-to-date example: 

Painting Kitchen Cabinets Terracotta 

Terracotta isn’t just for pots! This earthy orange color is a great addition for a kitchen, and it pairs beautifully with whites. For me, terracotta kitchen cabinets scream southwest, desert vibes. However, there are a range of different aesthetics you can create with this versatile, hot shade. Not convinced? Look at this stunning example shared by Ideal Home and get back to me! Let this be your sign to consider a DIY kitchen backsplash that coordinates with your newly painted cabinets!

Soft Sage Kitchen Cabinet Colors 

Sage is another up-to-date, earthy color perfect for kitchen cabinets. Sage lets you make a statement without relying on a obscure color. I love this example shared by Farmhouse Living. The subway tile pairs with the sage to create a stunningly neat, up-to-date look.

This is another example that plays on the serene, earthiness of supple sage kitchen cabinets. Especially paired with the delicate, natural wooden flooring, this kitchen has such a relaxing atmosphere.

DIY Tips for Painting Kitchen Cabinets 

Just like all DIY projects, painting kitchen cabinets is all in the preparation! Lucky for you, we have a whole guide on painting kitchen cabinets that will teach you everything you need to know. In tiny, here are the main takeaways: 

• Clean and sand your cabinets before painting them
• Remove doors from your cabinets, and remove hardware like knobs and hinges
• Make sure you’re using the right type of paint for the finish you’re painting over 
• Use a foam roller or supple brush to get a sleek finish 

There are lots of different types of paint you can choose from, so don’t be afraid to explore your options! Milk paint and chalk paint are both worth exploring – and there are some incredible kitchen cabinet paint colors for you to choose from! 

Elevate Your Home with the Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Color Palette!

Your kitchen cabinets are a huge element of your kitchen’s design, and a plain paint job can completely transform your kitchen. Now that you’ve explored these kitchen cabinet color ideas, take the time to consider your own design aesthetic to find the right one for you. Remember to consider the overall style of your home and the other colors you’re working with. And while you’re here, make sure you don’t miss our articles on kitchen backsplash ideas, farmhouse kitchen ideas, and DIY budget kitchen makeovers! 

Timeless and Classic Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas and Neutral Options 

• What are some timeless and classic kitchen cabinet color ideas?
• Can I have neutral kitchen cabinets? Why or why not?

Learn more about why neutral kitchen cabinets are a popular choice

Grey Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends

• Why is grey a trending color for kitchen cabinets?
• Can grey kitchen cabinets really elevate my kitchen?
• How can I incorporate gray into my kitchen design?

Explore more gray kitchen ideas

Beige and Cream Color Palettes

• What role do beige and cream colors play in established kitchen design?
• Can beige and cream shades work in a up-to-date kitchen?
• How can I style my beige and cream kitchen effectively?

Design inspiration for beige and cream kitchens

Brown and Beige Kitchen Cabinet Color Combinations

• How do you create a harmonious brown-and-beige color scheme?
• What are some considerations for pairing brown cabinets with beige countertops?
• How can I style my brown/beige kitchen with unique decor and accessories?

More on brown kitchens with beige accents