Transform Your Kitchen: A Designer’s Guide to Cabinet Colors That Will Make Your Space Pop

By andorra / February 9, 2025

Hey there! I’m Sarah, an interior designer with 15 years of experience transforming kitchens from dull to dazzling. Let’s talk kitchen cabinet colors – it’s probably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your space. Trust me, I’ve seen every color combination imaginable, and I’m here to help you navigate this exciting choice.

Contemporary kitchen with Benjamin Moore Winter Snow cabinets, quartz waterfall island, minimalist brass hardware, white oak flooring, bathed in morning light streaming from large east-facing windows, garnished with ceramics, fresh herbs, and natural linens.

The New Neutrals: Not Your Grandmother’s White Cabinets

White isn’t just white anymore, folks!

I recently designed a kitchen using Benjamin Moore’s Winter Snow OC-61, and my client couldn’t believe how different it looked from their old stark white cabinets.

Pro Tip:

Look for whites with subtle undertones that complement your countertops and flooring.

Moody kitchen with sage green shaker cabinets, soapstone counters, brass hardware, white subway tile backsplash, and copper cookware captured during blue hour

Nature-Inspired Colors That Are Having a Moment

Greens are the new grays, and here’s why:

Sage green brings the outdoors in without overwhelming the space
Olive green pairs beautifully with brass hardware
Forest green adds drama while still feeling timeless

Dramatic L-shaped kitchen with navy blue lower cabinets, white uppers, marble countertops, gold fixtures, vintage runner, pendant lights, and open shelving, bathed in afternoon sunlight through steel-framed windows.

Bold Moves: Making a Statement

Listen up! If you’re feeling brave, here’s what’s working right now:

Navy Blue: My personal favorite – I used it in my own kitchen
Cobalt Blue: Perfect for modern farmhouse vibes
Black: Yes, you can! (I’ll show you how)

Modern farmhouse kitchen with cobalt blue island and white cabinets, exposed beams on a double-height ceiling, custom hood over range, vintage cutting boards and fresh produce, lit by skylights

Two-Tone Tricks That Always Work

Here’s a designer secret: mix these foolproof combinations:

White uppers + navy lowers
Light gray uppers + charcoal lowers
Cream uppers + sage green lowers

Moody 8x10ft galley kitchen with matte black cabinets, textured tile backsplash, bleached oak open shelving and black ceramics, highlighted by dawn lighting

The “Please Don’t” List

Avoid these common mistakes:

❌ Trendy colors without timeless appeal
❌ High-contrast combinations in small spaces
❌ Glossy finishes on poor-quality cabinets

Transitional kitchen featuring two-tone cabinet design with cream and sage green color scheme, quartzite counters, golden hour lighting, pottery display, and fresh flowers arrangement

Quick Tips for Color Success:

Test samples in your actual lighting
Consider your home’s overall style
Think about resale value
Factor in your cleaning habits

Morning light illuminating a corner kitchen with charcoal lower cabinets, light gray uppers, Carrara marble counters, chrome hardware, and styled with modern ceramics and an architectural fruit bowl

Bottom Line

Choose a color that makes you happy every time you walk into your kitchen.

Remember: This is your space, and you’re the one who has to live with it every day.

Modern European kitchen with olive green cabinets, brass hardware, white oak herringbone flooring, and minimal decor, illuminated by afternoon sunlight through steel windows.

Need More Specific Advice?

Drop your questions below – I love helping fellow kitchen enthusiasts make their dream spaces come true!

Low angle view of a compact 9x11ft kitchen featuring forest green cabinets, leathered granite counters, antique brass hardware, under-cabinet lighting and vintage art pieces.

Your kitchen confidante,
Sarah

Bright, spacious 15x18ft kitchen with winter white cabinets, Calacatta marble counters, and classic pottery decor, bathed in natural light from south-facing exposure.

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