Your kitchen cabinets set the tone for your entire cooking space. They're the first thing guests notice when they walk in, and they play a major role in your home's overall value. But if you're staring at outdated wood finishes or builder-grade white cabinets that have seen better days, you might be wondering what colors are actually trending right now.
Kitchen cabinet color trends have shifted dramatically over the past few years. The all-white kitchen that dominated Pinterest boards is making room for bolder, more personalized choices. Homeowners are embracing colors that reflect their personalities while still maintaining broad appeal for resale value.
Whether you're planning a full kitchen renovation or considering a cabinet refresh, understanding current color trends can help you make a choice you'll love for years to come. Let's explore the cabinet colors that are dominating kitchens right now and why they're so popular.
Gone are the days when "neutral" meant boring beige or stark white. Today's neutral cabinet colors bring warmth and sophistication to kitchen spaces.
Sage green has emerged as one of the most requested cabinet colors. This muted, earthy tone works beautifully with both modern and traditional kitchen styles. It pairs exceptionally well with natural wood accents, brass hardware, and marble countertops. Sage green cabinets create a calming atmosphere while adding just enough color to keep things interesting.
While cool grays dominated the 2010s, warm grays with undertones of beige or taupe are having their moment now. These colors offer the sophistication of gray with the cozy feel of warmer tones. They work particularly well in kitchens with natural light and complement both stainless steel and brass fixtures.
Pure white isn't disappearing entirely, but it's evolving. Creamy whites with subtle yellow or pink undertones are replacing stark, sterile whites. Colors like ivory, antique white, and cream create a softer, more inviting feel while maintaining the bright, clean look that white cabinets provide.
For homeowners ready to make a statement, bold cabinet colors are trending upward. These choices require confidence but can create truly stunning kitchen spaces.
Navy blue cabinets bring depth and drama to kitchen spaces. This rich color works especially well on lower cabinets paired with lighter upper cabinets or open shelving. Navy pairs beautifully with brass hardware, white countertops, and natural wood elements. It's bold enough to feel current but classic enough to have staying power.
Deeper than sage but not as dark as black, forest green offers a sophisticated alternative to more common cabinet colors. This color works particularly well in kitchens with good natural light and pairs beautifully with gold or brass accents. Forest green cabinets can make a kitchen feel both cozy and elegant.
For those who love the idea of black cabinets but want something slightly softer, charcoal offers the perfect compromise. This deep gray color provides drama without the high maintenance that pure black cabinets require. Charcoal works well with a variety of countertop materials and hardware finishes.
One of the biggest trends in kitchen design is using two different cabinet colors in the same space. This approach allows homeowners to incorporate bold colors without overwhelming the room.
The most popular two-tone combination features light-colored upper cabinets paired with darker lower cabinets. This creates visual weight at the bottom of the kitchen while keeping the upper portion light and airy. Popular combinations include white uppers with navy lowers, or cream uppers with sage green lowers.
Another popular approach involves painting the kitchen island a different color than the perimeter cabinets. This creates a focal point and allows homeowners to experiment with bolder colors in a smaller dose. A navy island with white perimeter cabinets, or a green island with cream cabinets, can add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
The cabinet color you choose will influence your hardware and finish selections. Current trends favor:
Brass and Gold Hardware: These warm metal tones complement both neutral and bold cabinet colors, adding a touch of luxury to any kitchen.
Matte Black Hardware: This modern choice works particularly well with lighter cabinet colors and creates a striking contrast.
Mixed Metals: Combining different hardware finishes, such as brass cabinet pulls with stainless steel appliances, creates a more collected, personalized look.
Kitchen color preferences can vary by region, and Orlando homeowners have some unique considerations. The abundant natural light in Florida homes allows for both bold and subtle color choices to shine. The year-round warm climate makes cooler cabinet colors like sage green and navy blue particularly appealing, as they can help create a sense of coolness indoors.
Many Orlando homeowners also consider their outdoor living spaces when choosing interior colors. Cabinet colors that complement pool areas and outdoor entertaining spaces are often preferred.
Before committing to a cabinet color, consider your kitchen's specific characteristics:
Natural Light: Kitchens with lots of natural light can handle darker, bolder colors, while spaces with limited light benefit from lighter, more reflective colors.
Kitchen Size: Lighter colors can make small kitchens feel larger, while darker colors can make large kitchens feel more intimate.
Existing Elements: Consider your countertops, backsplash, and flooring when selecting cabinet colors. These elements should work together harmoniously.
Personal Style: Choose colors that reflect your personality and lifestyle. A color you love will always be more satisfying than one chosen solely based on trends.
While cabinet color trends can provide inspiration, the quality of the paint job ultimately determines how your cabinets will look and how long they'll last. Professional cabinet painting involves proper preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, followed by multiple coats of high-quality paint designed specifically for cabinets.
The difference between a DIY cabinet painting project and professional work is often immediately apparent. Professional cabinet painters have the tools, techniques, and experience to achieve smooth, durable finishes that will look beautiful for years to come.
Kitchen cabinet colors have never offered more exciting possibilities. Whether you're drawn to the calming appeal of sage green, the drama of navy blue, or the sophistication of warm grays, there's a trending color that can transform your kitchen into a space you love.
The key to success lies not just in choosing the right color, but in ensuring it's applied correctly. Quality preparation and professional application will ensure your new cabinet color looks stunning and stands the test of time.
If you're looking for cabinet painters in Orlando, FL, contact Rusty's Painting today to request an estimate. Our experienced team can help you navigate current color trends and achieve the beautiful, professional finish your kitchen deserves.