Choosing the Right Kitchen Cabinet Color

It’s one of the biggest decisions during the remodel process—choosing a color for your kitchen cabinets. Whether you’re painting your existing cabinets or starting from scratch, your cabinets have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen. When it comes to choosing a color, design experts advise you to rely on more than just personal taste. 

Consider the size of your kitchen. Your kitchen size is one of the most important factors when determining your color scheme. Small kitchens are often best served by muted colors or classic white cabinets that can make your kitchen feel larger. Shades of white, cream, sage green or powder blue reflect light and a high-gloss cabinet finish or polished backsplash can amplify this effect, Two-tone kitchen cabinets can allow you to add color to a small space without overwhelming it by adding a darker, grounding color to your base cabinets or island and a lighter color for the upper cabinets. 

Although you can use dark or light colors in a large kitchen, pay special attention to how they are used. The best cabinet colors strike a balance between cozy and clean—think forest greens, dark stained wood, slate grays, and classic creams. If you have a sprawling kitchen island, consider highlighting it with an accent shade to add color and contrast to your design.  

Keep your design style in mind. If you’re leaning toward a more traditional design, stick to creamy white, beige or gray cabinets. Dark-stained wood cabinets also have a place in traditional design, especially when paired with light stone countertops. A more modern kitchen may incorporate more natural wood, moody blues or calm greens—or even bold, vibrant colors like bold red or sunny yellow. 

Work with your lighting. First, understand how much natural light your kitchen gets. If you have a large south- or west-facing window and plenty of warm natural light, you can accentuate your space with light-colored cabinets like white or sage. For a north-facing kitchen with cold natural light, you may want to avoid cool-toned colors like stark white or ice blue. These shades can make your kitchen feel even more chilly. Cabinets in a warmer shade can make your space more inviting. Avoid dark colored cabinets in dim kitchens as they will appear to absorb more light. 

Consider resale value. If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, avoid bold colors and stick to neutral hues like white or gray. 

Your kitchen cabinets are often the first things people notice when they enter your kitchen. Choose one that will have a noticeable impact on the look and feel of your space.