35 Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Will Stand the Test of Time, According to Designers

Dec 06, 2023

By Sarah Lyon

Selecting kitchen cabinet colors may not be as frivolous a task as, say, choosing a sweater, but you’d be surprised just how much color theory goes into each task. Interior design decisions are often similar to those you’d make in the fashion world. Those looking for something sleek and modern will likely gravitate toward black kitchen cabinets or gray kitchen cabinets. Alternatively, a homeowner with a bohemian flair may not balk at something bolder, like an emerald green kitchen or vibrant blue kitchen cabinets that complement the rest of their home design. "The cabinetry in a kitchen can set the entire tone for the space," notes Nicole Hirsch of Nicole Hirsch Interiors. "I find that cabinetry color selection always reflects our clients overall aesthetic and design personality within the rest of the home."

Kitchen design comes into play, of course, even before you decide to tackle those cabinet doors with a paintbrush. Tile backsplash, the existing color scheme, the kitchen island, and the hue of your wood floors all play a role when it comes to deciding on kitchen cabinet colors.

So, what are interior design pros gravitating toward these days? AD has asked 35 experts to share their go-to picks. Whether you’re moving into a new home or are undergoing a remodel and want to paint your cabinets, see which shades can take your kitchen design to the next level and which will stand the test of time, and maybe prove that warm white cabinet doors can be just as trendy as their teal counterparts.

Though trend reports may show that white is falling out of favor, interior designers say that, generally, homeowners are still most drawn toward white kitchen cabinets. "It's classic and great for resale value," says Hattie Collins of Hattie Sparks Interiors.

Warm white Farrow & Ball Pointing complements the natural wood finishes of this modern kitchen designed by Alyssa Kapito.

"It's the perfect shade of creamy white and looks great with anything from veiny Paonazzo marble to Belgian Bluestone countertops. A little tip: I always recommend a hand-painted finish. I really adore seeing the faintest hint of paintbrush lines; I think this adds so much character."—Alyssa Kapito

"You’ll see me use this color any and everywhere. With its warm gray undertone, it will never feel stark or cold. And using this warmer white with brass hardware gives a very sophisticated kitchen vibe that can be made playful or modern."—Beth Diana Smith

"This is a really rich taupe-y off-white that is completely classic, but very warm and interesting. I like to do this shade in either Modern Eggshell or Full Gloss depending on the look we are trying to achieve. Full Gloss works better in a space that's a little more polished, and Modern Eggshell is perfect when we’re trying to achieve a more rustic look. I always suggest using the Farrow & Ball primer under the paint, as even the most beautiful cabinet color in the world still won't look good if it's scuffed and chipped."—Emma Beryl

"I love a creamy white kitchen cabinet and often use this—it looks great with many different quartz and marble countertops and is clean, simple, and not too bright. I strongly recommend letting paint cure for a minimum of 48 hours; I like to wait three days before adding hardware and all your favorite items back."—Liz Goldberg

"I love using this color, part of Benjamin Moore's Williamsburg paint collection, due to its historical references. It feels more romantic than most, and I love creating dreamy spaces! Use a professional-grade paint gun to spray cabinets for more of a factory finish look." —Claire Staszak

As far as design trends go, new kitchen cabinet colors are making waves, especially in a modern kitchen. "Color is coming back in a big way," notes Jess Weeth of Weeth Home. "Shades of green have staying power, but there is a noticeable shift toward bold and unexpected color schemes, specifically with warm tones like clay, terra-cotta, and even wine," she adds. "These colors pair so well with some of the unique countertop choices we are seeing." Collins and her clients have been gravitating toward verdant cabinet doors. "Green kitchens have become such a nice alternative to white, and the range of shades makes it so versatile," she says. "Some greens are earthy and organic feeling, while others are more moody or glamorous. It's great to play within the tonal spectrum to amp up the overall design aesthetic." Blue kitchen cabinets are also basking in attention, particularly because designers are opting for a variation when it comes to shades of blue—from sky to retro azure to the more serious navy.

Painting cabinet doors a dusty Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue is the quickest way to a fresh kitchen makeover, as seen in this design by Sara Swabb.

By Chloe Malle

By Joyce Chen

By Troy J. McMullen

"Oval Room Blue can be considered a new neutral; its touch of black ensures a timeless and historic feel, and you can see it here shown on cabinetry. Farrow & Ball uses water-based paint, thus we recommend dampening your paintbrush in water before dipping in the paint. And don't forget to stir." —Sara Swabb

"My favorite kitchen cabinet paint color is deep cobalt blue. While this color is striking, it also represents peace and serenity—perfect for one of the most used places in your home. To achieve the desired look, you need three coats."—Dominique Fluker

"Don't shy away from a fun and dramatic color! This impactful blue allows for a lovely contrast when paired with lighter natural or quartz countertops. Use a tinted primer close to your color to cut down on the number of coats needed—at least 50% of the full color should be in the primer."—Laura Umansky

"I like that this is almost a soft black with a hint of green. To prep your millwork or paint over previously painted cabinets, start by using a wood-knot and resin-blocking primer. I usually do three to four coats of this before putting on the primer. Farrow & Ball recommends different primers based on the shade you pick. For example, we did one coat of Interior Wood and a primer undercoat for dark tones. We used the Estate Eggshell finish for our top coat, because I prefer a low-shine finish on my cabinets, as it hides any imperfections that you may see otherwise. Finally, we did two coats with an air sprayer, with four hours of drying time between."—Pallavi Kale

"Green is gaining popularity. I have found that the key is proper prep work. If the cabinets are not prepped properly, the paint finish looks amateurish. So, whether it's a DIY project, or you hire a painter, be sure to put in the time into sanding and smoothing the cabinets before painting."— Pamela O’Brien

Noa Blake Design embraces the deep green cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Backwoods.

By Chloe Malle

By Joyce Chen

By Troy J. McMullen

"I really love to play with color in cabinetry these days, especially when the space invites earth tones like Benjamin Moore Backwoods, which merges playfulness and sophistication in a way that feels fresh but not trendy. The easiest paint to use for cabinets is Benjamin Moore Advance, as it is highly durable with excellent coverage and is self-leveling, which makes it somewhat foolproof for nonprofessionals." —Ariel Fischer

"Currently, the most beautiful kitchen cabinet color we’ve seen is Sherwin-Williams Chartreuse. In fact, it's the color of my new kitchen! We recommend bringing in a pro to get this color right, ideally a pro who uses a spray method and lacquer finish. For best results, go matte. This fresh, modern color looks great on flat panel cabinets. Shaker-style cabinets may make this color feel retro, or worse, dated!" —Leah Alexander

"Durability is the main goal for kitchen cabinets. Cabinets take a lot of abuse. Engineered and well-crafted millwork is relationship is the starting point. Fine Paints of Europe's Coach Green is a winner for me. The green is a great neutral color. It's saturated, and it works well in the city or country." —Joy Moyler

Plain English Design, a bespoke joinery, implements Little Greene Tuscan Red paint on a project with antiques dealer and interior designer Max Rollitt.

"This terra-cotta shade adds a welcome pop of color to the space and looks great on kitchen cabinetry. This deep and luxurious paint adds to the depth of the kitchen, making it truly feel like the hub of the home. Little Greene's colors are eco-friendly and water-based and come in a hard-wearing satin finish, making them a great choice for painting on wood. It is recommended to use one to two coats of primer before applying two coats of Tuscan Red." —Louise Wicksteed

"This is a great color that combines the depths of green and blue. I spent a significant part of my life in England, and it reminds me of the beauty and elegance of a Cotswolds cottage. It's calming and can add subtle depth or can be enhanced further with complimentary accents and accessories, yet it is never too overpowering. I suggest always using a semigloss paint." —Susan Knof

Not ready to commit to an all-blue kitchen? Use Farrow & Ball Cooks Blue on the island to make a statement in a white kitchen.

By Chloe Malle

By Joyce Chen

By Troy J. McMullen

"This color has a rich and happy brightness to it that is reminiscent of a cloudless sky on a cheerful sunny day. I love a hand-brushed finish rather than a sprayed finish. The brushstrokes are charming; they remind me of the art and effort behind the application, and it's forgiving to scuffs and chips. It's a great idea to apply one full coat of F&B's wood primer and undercoat and two full coats of color. Eggshell finish is my favorite for a moderate sheen." —Georgia Zikas

"We just wrapped a kitchen in Benjamin Moore Blue, an electric azure that takes its cues from Yves St. Laurent's vibrant Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech. The cabinets are flat-front and modern, and the look is a firm departure from the moody, muddy tones we’ve used of late. Paired with a painted white brick backsplash, cold rolled steel, and caramel leather accents, it's an edgy take on pop art. Dark colors can be finicky, and if you’re painting these yourself, a can of tinted primer can help chase away undertones. Stix is a great water-based primer with low VOCs that's less impactful on the environment. Before you get underway, sand, then brush on Benjamin Moore Aura, building up layers slowly before finishing with a roller." — Samantha Sacks

Designers say that white cabinets are bound to stand the test of time. "A white kitchen will never go out of style," Collins says. Hirsch concurs, "When executed on the perfect, clean millwork with minimal, elegant hardware and topped with gorgeous stone countertops and backsplash, it is a gorgeous look." However, if crisp white isn't your color scheme of choice, another neutral shade is just fine, Weeth adds. "For a timeless look, I always go back to a light neutral with depth, like linen or bone," she comments. "Not only does it work well in spaces big or small, but it always serves to highlight the authentic materials we gravitate toward, like marble and quartzite countertops, and the living finishes we love, like unlacquered brass, polished nickel, and iron."

White walls work as a backdrop for cabinetry in Benjamin Moore Natural Cream, a project by Tiffany Piotrowski.

By Chloe Malle

By Joyce Chen

By Troy J. McMullen

"We’ve used this in a few projects lately and it's the perfect warm, putty tone for cabinetry and a nice break from an all-white kitchen while still achieving a clean look." —Tiffany Piotrowski

"This is a saturated warm gray that works well in kitchens and bathrooms. For cabinet durability, oil-based paint is the best. We have the cabinets sanded thoroughly, then use an oil-based primer. I prefer to have existing cabinets sprayed for a clean look, but they can be hand-brushed as well. If a client is sensitive to smell, I recommend using Benjamin Moore's Stix primer followed by their waster-based Advance paint line."—Laura Casey

In a kitchen by Beth Diana Smith, the back of the peninsula is painted in Sherwin-Williams's Caviar.

"Choosing a black with depth can be a bit challenging, but I’m leaning into Caviar as the perfect black for kitchen cabinets. To keep the cabinets from getting too flat and cold, I suggest utilizing festive hardware in brass finishes to warm them up a bit."—Eneia White

"It's one of those paint shades that looks beautiful in almost any setting. It breathes an air of sophistication and visual appeal to any space. I recommend two coats of paint paired with one coat of primer for optimal results."—Nishi Donovan

A kitchen by Amhad Freeman showcases kitchen cabinets in Sherwin-Williams's Crushed Ice.

By Chloe Malle

By Joyce Chen

By Troy J. McMullen

"This is the most absolute perfect color of light gray, and it's as close to white as possible. I request that the cabinets be primed with standard white primer, as it will provide a clean and clear backdrop for the truest color. Always use semigloss paint, and have the cabinets hand-painted for the best look. This way, if the paint chips or gets scratched, they can be touched up much easier!"—Amhad Freeman

"Off colors that straddle the line between gray and beige are particularly stunning and can work well with both dark and light countertops. They have just enough pigment, so if your countertops are marble, the cabinet paint intentionally doesn't match (versus a white, which has to be perfect). Like all paint jobs, be sure to test in different lights, such as early morning and dusk."—Anne Mueller

"This is a very light, warm gray that works well with all types of neutrals—whether they’re cooler or warmer—and contrasts beautifully with darks. When painting with this shade, one coat should probably do it, if you are going from a pure white, but for existing dark cabinets, I recommend at least two or even three coats to fully cover. For a more dramatic, elegant look, I recommend a semigloss or even high-gloss finish. For a more casual look, go for a flat enamel sheen."—Amy Youngblood

"It's all about blush right now. A lot of clients who are getting sick of going white with their cabinets have been trending toward a soft, pale pink. When this color is done in a high-gloss mirror-like finish, it comes across as very chic yet romantic. My pick would be Benjamin Moore's Soft Sand tinted in the Fine Paints of Europe's Hollandlac Brilliant 98 enamel. You will need someone with experience in using those types of finishes; it would need to be sanded down and sprayed on and can take up to 5 to 10 layers to get the right sheen. The multilayer process ensures that there is not a bump to be felt when you brush your fingers across the final product."—Blanche Garcia

"This is my go-to neutral kitchen cabinet color. It's the perfect shade of greige—not too gray or too beige—and brings that earthy, organic vibe I love to see in kitchens. Choosing a high-quality paint is crucial. Kitchen cabinets are not the place to skimp on quality. Finish is also extremely important; be sure to select a durable finish that's easy to wipe. Leave the eggshell and matte paints for your walls: Choose a more durable finish that won't hold on to all your sticky fingerprints."—McCall Dulkys

Sherwin-Williams's Black Magic stars in this kitchen by Arianne Bellizaire.

By Chloe Malle

By Joyce Chen

By Troy J. McMullen

"For any darker color, you will likely need more coats to fully cover the cabinets. I almost always recommend choosing a semigloss finish on cabinets because it is a lower maintenance option than the flatter finishes. If covering an existing color, I would highly recommend a primer to neutralize the base and then allow the new color to present without the bleed-through from the previous color."—Arianne Bellizaire

"It's a deep mysterious black with a subtle blue undertone. It takes several layers and is preferably used in a semigloss or even high-gloss sheen to build up its many layers. My favorite color to contrast it with is Benjamin Moore Cognac Snifter." —Garrow Kedigian

"I am drawn to colors that have multiple undertones and change throughout the day; it feels more interesting this way! This color is the perfect example. In certain light, it can pass as a white, yet it's truly a warm gray. It plays well with any metal finish, stone, or other paint colors. I always prefer a satin finish on cabinetry. For a classic look, I love hand-painted cabinets; the brushstrokes add character! For a more modern look, sprayed cabinets look super clean." —Meg McSherry

"This is the most pale taupe and is a wonderful neutral that has a bit of warmth. I am using it in kitchens when clients want light and bright but do not want a typical white kitchen. Its hushed tone has a calming effect on the sometimes chaotic atmosphere of the kitchen." —Marika Meyer

"I’m a big fan of this cool gray for kitchen cabinets, especially when done in a high-gloss finish. This color provides a ton of depth and visual interest and works beautifully with a variety of undertones in close proximity. I generally prefer a satin finish or high-gloss for extra dimension. This also helps with cleaning. I recommend having cabinets spray-painted instead of hand-painted to avoid a noticeable variation in brushstrokes and result in an overall cleaner look." —Charli Hantman

Christina Kim Interior Design conceived this kitchen with North End Builders. The cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray.

By Chloe Malle

By Joyce Chen

By Troy J. McMullen

"This is actually a white paint with a tiny drop of warm gray. It's a great look for an elevated white kitchen. First things first: Always wash the cabinets with a degreaser. Then, they get sanded before getting one coat of an oil-based primer. Let that dry for a day or two, and try not to rush it. Then, cover the cabinets in two coats of Benjamin Moore Advance in the satin finish and lightly sand between coats. I’m always amazed when even older cabinets turn out so fresh and great-looking!"—Christina Kim

"This off-white is one of my favorite choices for kitchen cabinets. It's the perfect warm and sophisticated tone that would complement either a richly veined or dark and moody stone countertop equally wonderfully. Pair it with the Farrow & Ball interior wood primer in white and light tones for an undercoat and use two coats of the paint. If you’re painting overtop of previously painted wood, don't forget to start with a light sand before applying the primer. I’d recommend the modern eggshell finish, which gives a highly durable mid-shine look while still providing a nice, rustic feel." —Alexandra Nino

"Collingwood by Benjamin Moore is the perfect non-white color that brings in warmth while complementing everything else in this important gathering place. In bright light, it looks colorless, and in low light, it has the perfect amount of pigment to highlight countertops and other finishes. Pair it with wood finishes and brass to complete the warmth factor." —Andrea Pietragallo

"I painted a kitchen in Marshmallow and its adjacent pantry in Sherwin-Williams Retreat [a muted green with blue-gray undertones], and it remains one of my favorite projects to this day. There is something very enchanting about these colors when they work in tandem. I consider spraying as the best application method of paint for your kitchen cabinets and recommend starting with a nice, matte surface for the paint to adhere to ensure that these shades look their best." —Sara Hillery