Open your mind to some new cabinet colors. Our pro designers share what's hot right now.
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Top Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends of 2024
Warm White Oak
Interior designer Melanie Thomas, of Melanie Thomas Design in Westlake, California, says the color making a big splash right now is warm white oak (wood tone).
“White oak is the perfect blend of warmth and modernity without being too orange or dark or light,” she says, noting that its neutrality wins over clients considering dark walnut and whitewash. “It’s just a friendlier and brighter version of these and mixes well with multiple finishes, including brass, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black and nickel.”
Red
If you’re looking to make a statement with your cabinet colors, a bold red is an excellent choice.
There are numerous shades of red to choose from, so consider what aesthetic you hope to achieve. Cherry red or burgundy, for example, have a classic, elegant appeal, while a bright scarlet will look ultra-modern and playful. Just be sure to balance the red out with soft, natural lighting and thoughtful accessories so that it doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Teal
Teal is still having its moment in the limelight, says Andre Kazimierski, founder and CEO of Improovy, a next-gen house painting company serving multiple cities across the United States. The dark jewel tone “makes a smaller room look large” and creates a stunning “focal point for any contemporary kitchen,” Kazimierski says.
To get the most out of the dramatic hue, he suggests using it on shaker-style cabinets to emphasize the woodwork, and pairing it with brass fixtures.
Barely Green
There’s no doubt green has been trending in interiors for years now, with olive, sage and hunter all gaining popularity. In a twist on the trend, Thomas says she’s gotten several requests for Benjamin Moore’s April Showers and November Rain.
“These colors have just a hint of green, but are otherwise pretty neutral and warm,” she says.
And, like white oak, it mixes well with all finishes. That gives homeowners lots of options to create a polished kitchen look they love, especially if they’re feeling nervous about committing to a bolder shade of green.
Blush
Pink as an interior color choice has changed for 2024. Millennial pink (a dusty pink that evokes the 1950s), aka Tumblr pink, peaked a few years ago, and caused quite a stir by being, well, everywhere. Today, blush has gained the lead as something softer, and perhaps more livable, for some.
Thomas says she’s seen the popularity growing with blush-toned cabinets online, although she hasn’t reeled in her own clients yet. Cabinetmakers have been showing pink on their social media channels to hugely positive responses, and Instagrammers have also started in.
Oatmeal/Two-Tone
Homebuyers in the Charleston, South Carolina market are loving the integration of a warm wood-toned island as a contrast to their more vibrant perimeters, says Jennifer Alonso, an interior designer with Ashton Woods homebuilders.
“This allows them to add character at an affordable price point to their kitchen space,” she says. “And this design concept provides a timeless backdrop for adding layers of tonal, contrasting or seasonal colors.”
Alonso says they have several projects underway with this look, and clients keep requesting something similar.
Black
Elizabeth Miller, an Ashton Woods interior designer in Phoenix, Arizona, says black is trending up. “Less sterile than the all-white kitchen, black cabinets offer a sophisticated and dramatic look,” she says.
When done right, she says it can be “a real show-stopping moment.” Black cabinetry pairs “amazingly” with gold hardware (also hot right now) and statement lighting.
White
Evan Nelson, a kitchen designer with Nelson Cabinetry, says white is still a big favorite. The numbers back that up: 46% of Americans say they would choose white (or already have) for their kitchen cabinets, according to a 2023 survey by Statista.
“The sleek and clean look of white cabinets can make any kitchen look more modern and stylish,” Nelson says. “And white cabinets can help to bounce light around the room and make the space feel brighter and more open.”
Gray
Although gray has been falling off in favor of brighter tones in interiors, it’s still a strong contender for kitchen cabinetry. Bill Samuel, a residential real estate developer with Blue Ladder Development in Chicago, Illinois, says gray has “been on the wish list of many new-construction buyers.” For a more modern finish, he says buyers are picking gray cabinets with black hardware.
Stacy Lewis, owner and interior designer at Vancouver-based Eternity Modern, says gray cabinets are a great option that’s stylish and versatile. “You could pair them with quartz countertops and brushed nickel hardware for a sleek, contemporary look,” she says.
Navy Blue
Samuel renovates several kitchens a year, and says outside the usual neutrals, navy blue is on the upswing. “Dark navy blue cabinets have started to become popular since they pair really well with gold hardware,” he says.
Navy is very versatile, and can work with traditional or modern kitchens. If you’re ready to take the plunge into blue kitchen cabinets, consider your countertop. A lighter color pairs best.
FAQ
How do I decide on the best color for my kitchen cabinets?
Consider your personal style, and the size of your kitchen. Lighter colors like oatmeal, light green and (of course) white, brighten small kitchens and make them look bigger and more airy. Darker colors like navy and black add a dramatic flair, and tend to look best in larger kitchens.
How do I match my cabinet hardware color to the paint?
First, consider the style of your cabinets. Sleek gold hardware is out of place in a farmhouse kitchen, for example. If you have a bold cabinet color, like black or red, that’s when to go with gold or silver. White cabinets can handle almost any hardware, so go with your personal taste and kitchen style. The good thing about cabinet hardware is that it’s very easy to replace.
About the Experts
Melanie Thomas is an interior stylist who runs Melanie Thomas Design in Westlake Village, California. After a stint of decorating in grey and beige, Thomas discovered the world of color and has never looked back.
Andre Kazimierski is the founder and CEO of Improovy, a next-gen house painting company serving multiple cities across the United States. The son of immigrants, Kazimierski grew up in the trades, and started Improovy to empower tradespeople and homeowners alike.
Jennifer Alonso is an interior designer with Ashton Woods homebuilders in Charleston, South Carolina. Ashton Woods is known for designing and building thoughtfully-planned neighborhoods across the South.
Elizabeth Miller is an interior designer with Ashton Woods homebuilders in Phoenix, Arizona. Miller has more than 20 years of experience in the construction and design industry, and has been at Ashton Woods since 2009.
Evan Nelson is a kitchen designer with Nelson Cabinetry, a family-owned and operated ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinet maker based in Irving, Texas. The Nelsons have been making quality cabinets for four generations, shipping throughout the US and Canada.
Stacy Lewis is an interior designer and the owner of Eternity Modern, a Vancouver-based furniture retailer. Since its inception in 2005 as a brick-and-mortar business, Lewis has shepherded Eternity Modern through the digital age, now shipping directly to customers.
Bill Samuel is a contractor and residential real estate developer with Blue Ladder Development in Chicago, Illinois. Samuel specializes in buying properties as-is, helping homeowners sell their properties directly with no commissions or realtor fees.
Sources
Statista (2024): “Most popular kitchen cabinet colors among homeowners in the United States from 2022 to 2024.”
