How to Select Kitchen Cabinet Colors You’ll Love (9 tips)

Selecting the right kitchen cabinet colors for your home is crucial and has the ability to completely transform the overall look and feel of your space. From soft muted tones such as beige and taupe to bright and bold pops of color, there are so many options to choose from. 

Choosing the perfect shade might seem like a daunting task, however, it doesn’t have to be. I’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide that will make your decision process go as smoothly as possible so that it’s enjoyable rather than stressful. 

Let’s explore the top 9 tips for choosing the perfect kitchen cabinet colors for your space.

1. Know Your Design Style

When picking a shade for your cabinets it’s important to take into consideration the desired aesthetic that you are going for. 

If your vibe is more of a classic and elegant look then a timeless kitchen color is the right pick. The most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white, and it’s also the most popular. 

Neutral colors are also a great option for a classic feel. Here is a list of good neutral tones for kitchen cabinets that offer versatility, and warmth and as a bonus will make your space look bigger.

• Taupe
• Tan
• Beige
• Light gray
• Light brown
• Blue-gray
• Cream 

Neutrals are the most popular because not only do they make your space look and feel bigger, but if you’re going for a high-end vibe then they can also make your kitchen look luxurious. 

For a dark and moody vibe then you’ll want to go with something darker such as black, navy, expresso or dark brown. It’s often thought that dark is unattractive however when done correctly it can look fantastic in your home. If you are into the goth aesthetic then this is your chance to incorporate it into your design to achieve the ultimate gothic experience.  

If you’d like something low maintenance and easy to clean then dark kitchen cabinet colors will show the least amount of dirt. Lighter tones are less forgiving and you’ll find yourself cleaning more often. 

Wood such as distressed oak, weather grey, chestnut, and light birch goes well with farmhouse and rustic design styles. The natural wood evokes warmth, comfort and simplicity creating a welcoming space. 

The interior design space has also seen a huge push towards more eclectic and vibrant choices and it’s a trend that is popular right now. Consider something that pops such as yellow, blue, purple or orange if you’d like something brighter. 

Just remember that if you choose this route then try and keep other areas more neutral otherwise it can look too busy. You could also opt for two tones, where the top and bottom sections are different yet complimentary for a truly unique look. 

For more details on what is currently in style, I suggest you take a look at my article on the top kitchen color trends for some more ideas. 

2. Consider Your Lighting

When you’re choosing a shade for your space you’ll need to take into account the lighting in your home. This is important because light has the ability to either enhance or detract from the actual hue which can throw off your entire look. 

The most accurate representation is natural light. Artificial light on the other hand depending on the type and the intensity can make the hues look different. To ensure you are selecting a look that you envisioned, take home a sample and observe how it appears in your home. This is a small step that can save you from disappointment once they are installed. 

Here’s how different lighting types affect kitchen cabinet colors:

• Natural light provides a true representation making it easier to match with other items.
• Incandescent lighting makes it appear more yellow or orange since it’s warm.
• LED lighting is often more accurate than incandescent lighting but will create a cool tone.
• Fluorescent lighting makes it difficult to get an accurate representation as it tends to wash it out. 

By the way, if you are also looking for some lighting inspiration for your remodel, I have an article about the top kitchen lighting trends for some more inspiration. 

3. Compliment Your Floors, Countertop and Backsplash 

One of the most important things to consider when selecting is how your choice will look against your countertops, floors and backsplash. This is a crucial step to ensure you have a cohesive look to your overall design style. 

Here are a few tips for picking kitchen cabinet colors that complement the backsplash, countertops, and floors.

Neutrals such as white, beige, taupe, and gray tend to go well with a variety of shades and elements. This makes it a safe and reliable choice which is why we see these hues in so many homes today. So if you’d like to make this a simple process then you can never go wrong with these staples.

If you are unsure about which will complement each other for a harmonious look then take a look at the color wheel. Shades that are opposite each other go best together and ones that are beside each other don’t. 

4. Create Contrast With the Walls

All aspects of your space work together, but the color you choose for your walls will bring the entire aesthetic together so It’s best to decide on a wall paint first, and build around it. 

If you’re wondering if the walls should be darker or lighter than the kitchen cabinets then you should know that whichever you choose the important thing is that you create contrast. If your walls are white or more muted then you can certainly go with something darker. Alternatively, if your walls are dark, then you can achieve a cohesive look by picking something softer.

Contrast is the best way to create a visually appealing space. If everything is one tone then you’ll likely not have a focal point and everything will appear washed out. If you decide to use the same shade then simply choose darker or lighter versions of it. For example, if you have a wood tone then you could have light brown walls as that will create the same effect. 

5. Consider Your Hardware

The hardware on your cabinets is like its jewelry. It has the ability to completely change and transform the overall feel of your space. When picking take into inconsideration the nobs and pulls and pick something that will be complimentary. 

If your vibe is a more modern and sleek look then you may want to pair it with matte black hardware. This creates a nice contemporary vibe for your home. 

Crystal nobs are a great option if your style is more glamorous and want to bring the Hollywood glam look to your space. Furthermore, if you love the high-end designer vibe gold is a good choice. For a rustic more farmhouse style then you might consider oil-rubbed bronze or brushed gold. 

The possibilities are endless as there are a variety of combinations out there so you will need to try them out to find something that fits your style. For some more help, you can have a look at my article on the top hardware trends for some inspiration 

6. Consider Your Kitchens Size

The colors that you pick for your home have a big impact on the perceived size of the space. If your space is small then it’s better to choose something that will make it look bigger. White, beige, tan, gray and other neutrals can make a space look more spacious and open. 

On the other hand, if you have a large and open home then you can play around with darker tones. Black, navy blue, dark gray, and forest green have the opposite impact and make things look smaller. 

Note that if your area is small but has a lot of windows then you can also play around with some of the darker shades since windows tend to open up your space as well.

7. Select Your Desired Finish 

The finish you choose will have a significant impact on the feel and look of your cabinetry. There are several common finishes for you to choose from, such as high gloss, matte, satin, or oiled. 

High gloss will give you more of a pop and provide a layer of sheen and shine that will make it stand out more. This is more of a modern style and I’ve seen this most in newer homes and apartments. 

If you would rather have a more subdued vibe then matte is the better option for you. It’s more traditional and as an added bonus a lot easier to clean and maintain since it doesn’t show fingerprints and scratches as much as glossy does.  

For something in between you can go with a satin finish which has a little bit of sheen but is not overly shiny.

8. Consider Potential Buyers

The kitchen is the most remodeled area in a home for a reason. Many prospective buyers will often make decisions based on the look and feel of it. It truly is the center of the home so ensuring that you pick something suitable is important. 

The best cabinet color for resale is white. Neutrals such as white, and other softer tones like beige, and gray have a timeless feel and can appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. 

9. Sample Before Committing 

It’s always a good idea to test out the color and finish that you choose. You don’t want to commit to a color only to discover that it isn’t your style.

The best way to test is to create a sample board and see how it looks with the rest of your space. If you don’t have a board you could try painting a small area of your wall to see how it looks.

So overall the choice of picking something that is perfect for you is relatively straightforward if you think through these 9 steps. Always consider your personal style and balance it with what looks visually appealing. You’ll be spending a lot of time in this room so why not make it as beautiful as you imagined? 

For some more inspiration check out my article on how to pick cabinetry for even more ideas and tips. 

To get some insight into what has been popular lately in the interior design space my piece on cabinet trends will give you some great details.