The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Timeless Kitchen Cabinet Color
Do you want to design a kitchen that stands the test of time? In this ultimate guide, I will help you learn simple interior design rules so you can choose a timeless kitchen cabinet color. Let’s ensure that your space remains stylish for years to come!
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Trends vs. Timeless Choices
As you consider your options for a timeless kitchen cabinet color, it’s important to weigh the appeal of trendy colors versus classic, enduring choices.
While trendy colors may seem exciting and fresh at the moment, they run the risk of quickly becoming outdated. On the other hand, timeless colors have proven their staying power and are a better bet for your long term investment.
Picked the Wrong Color? Let’s Fix It.
With that said, the beautiful thing about kitchen cabinet color is that it is changeable!
Most homeowners don’t want to be refinishing or repainting cabinetry every few years.
However, it is a comfort to remember that paint is just paint! And paint can be changed 10-15 years down the road to meet new tastes and preferences if needed. You don’t have to replace an entire kitchen to completely transform the look with a new color.
If you’re in that boat, these resources will be helpful for you.
- How to Properly Clean and Prep Cabinets for Paint
- How to Paint Cabinets That Are Already Painted
- How to Paint Wood Cabinets
- How to Paint Oak Cabinets So the Wood Grain Disappears
20 Timeless Kitchen Cabinet Colors
Now, let’s dive deeper into which timeless kitchen cabinet color might work best for you. And why it’s considered timeless!
White
- Why It’s Timeless: White cabinets exude cleanliness, brightness, and versatility. They complement virtually any design style, from traditional to modern.
- Popular Shades:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (As seen in my previous kitchen.)
- Pairing Tips: Match white cabinets with contrasting countertops (like black granite or beige quartzite) or add warmth with wooden accents.
- Here are my top 42 countertop selections for white kitchen cabinets.
Gray
- Why It’s Timeless: Gray strikes the perfect balance between light and dark, providing a neutral backdrop that feels sophisticated.
- Popular Shades:
- Farrow & Ball Mole’s Breath
- Behr Silver Drop
- Pairing Tips: Pair lighter grays with white countertops for an airy feel or darker grays with metallic hardware for a dramatic effect.
Navy Blue
- Why It’s Timeless: Navy adds depth and elegance without overpowering a space. It works well in kitchens looking for a pop of color while staying understated.
- Popular Shades:
- Sherwin-Williams Naval
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Pairing Tips: Combine navy cabinets with brass or gold hardware for a luxurious finish.
Black
- Why It’s Timeless: Black cabinets create a bold, sleek look that adds a touch of drama to any kitchen. Despite its intensity, black remains a versatile and enduring choice.
- Popular Shades:
- Behr’s Blackout
- Sherwin William Tricorn Black
- Sherwin Williams Greenblack
- Pairing Tips: Use black cabinets in well-lit spaces and pair them with white or marble countertops for contrast. Use in moderation for impact without overpowering, such as a kitchen island or hutch feature.
Beige and Cream
- Why It’s Timeless: These soft neutrals bring warmth and coziness, making them perfect for traditional and farmhouse-style kitchens.
- Popular Shades:
- Benjamin Moore Natural Cream
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
- Pairing Tips: Pair cream cabinets with wooden countertops for a rustic charm or white countertops and stainless steel accents for a modern twist.
Greige (Gray + Beige)
- Why It’s Timeless: Greige offers the best of both worlds: the neutrality of gray and the warmth of beige. It’s a versatile choice that adapts to changing trends.
- Popular Shades:
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (As seen in my kitchen)
- Pairing Tips: Greige pairs beautifully with both warm and cool-toned accents, making it a flexible choice.
Green
- Why It’s Timeless: Green is similar in timeless appeal to navy blue. However, it is more flexible in tone. Dark green is most timeless, with lighter sage and creamier tones pulling more trendy. So take care in your color choice with the green spectrum.
- Popular Shades:
- Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog
- Farrow and Ball Duck Green
- Benjamin Moore Boreal Forest
- Benjamin Moore Essex Green
- Pairing Tips: Beige accents and natural stones pair well with lighter sage/creamy greens. Dark greens pair best with sophisticated elements like brass and marble.
Wood
- Why It’s Timeless: Is there anything more timeless than wood? Natural wood has been the main cabinet “color” for centuries and will never go out of style.
- Popular Shades:
- Deep Shades: Rich Walnut (As seen in my kitchen.)
- Medium Shades: Maple, Red Oak, Hickory
- Light Shades: White Oak, Beech Wood
- Pairing Tips: Wood pairs beautifully with both warm and cool-toned accents depending on the species and wood stain used. It is a beautiful accent on a kitchen island, floating shelves, or pantries if you’d rather create a two-tone kitchen.
Understanding the Psychology of Color
When it comes to selecting a timeless kitchen cabinet color, it’s essential to consider the psychology of color.
Different colors evoke different emotions and can have a significant impact on the overall feel of your kitchen. For example, warm tones like red and orange can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool tones like blue and green can promote a sense of calm and tranquility.
By understanding how different colors can influence your mood and mindset, you can choose a cabinet color that not only looks good but also contributes to the overall ambiance of your kitchen.
This is why timeless cabinet colors that are neutral based are most recommended to stand the test of time.
Practical Tips for Selecting the Right Color
When considering the timeless color for your kitchen cabinets, it’s essential to take into account the overall style and layout of your kitchen.
The color you choose should complement the existing design elements in your kitchen, whether it’s modern, traditional, farmhouse, or eclectic. Take note of the materials, finishes, and colors of your countertops, backsplash, flooring, and appliances to ensure that your cabinet color harmonizes with the rest of the space.
Additionally, consider the layout of your kitchen and how the cabinet color will interact with the natural light and flow of the room.
Consider the Size of Your Kitchen
- Small kitchens benefit from lighter colors like white or cream to create an illusion of space.
- Larger kitchens can handle darker tones like black or navy without feeling cramped.
Assess Natural Light
- Rooms with ample sunlight can accommodate darker cabinets like navy or black.
- For kitchens with minimal natural light, choose reflective colors like white or soft gray to brighten the space.
Match Your Home’s Overall Style
- Traditional homes might benefit from beige or cream cabinets.
- Contemporary spaces often favor sleek tones like gray or black.
- Dark wood tones will work in most styles of home.
Coordinate with Countertops and Backsplashes
Ensure your cabinet color complements the other major surfaces in your kitchen.
For instance, white cabinets pair beautifully with a bold backsplash, while black cabinets look stunning with marble countertops.
Learn more about countertop selection in these posts.
Experiment with Two-Tone Combinations
Two-tone cabinets—where the upper and lower cabinets are different colors—can add visual interest. Try white uppers and navy lowers for a chic look.
Kitchen islands are another great option for bringing in a different color or wood tone while the perimeter of the kitchen remains a second color.
And finally, create two tone cabinetry with a hutch or pantry in a different shade than the rest of the kitchen, as I’ve done here.
Use Samples Before Committing
Choosing a timeless kitchen cabinet color isn’t difficult, but there are some precautions to take.
Always test paint samples in your kitchen to see how they look in different lighting conditions.
The light in your home, combined with other colors in your surrounding spaces, will impact how your paint colors look. The way a color looks in-store with fluorescent lights will be different than how it will look in a home.
Similarly, if you see a paint color online, it has likely been edited and should not be relied on to be the same color in your space.
Versatile and Timeless Kitchen Cabinet Color
Let’s summarize the classic and versatile options for your kitchen cabinet color.
White cabinets offer a clean and fresh look that can easily complement a wide range of design styles. They can make a small kitchen appear larger and brighter, while also providing a neutral backdrop for other design elements.
Natural wood finishes add warmth and character to a kitchen space. Light wood tones like oak or maple can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Darker wood finishes like cherry or walnut can add a touch of sophistication and richness to the room.
Wood cabinets can be easily paired with different countertop materials and hardware finishes, making them a versatile option for any kitchen.
Beige, grey or greige kitchen cabinets are the perfect soft neutrals to create a cozy environment. However, the right color can be elevated easily with the right combination of hardware and countertops.
For those who prefer a pop of color in their kitchen, shades of blue or green can bring a sense of calm and tranquility to the space. These colors can be both traditional and modern, depending on the shade and the surrounding decor.
Navy blue cabinets can add a touch of elegance, while soft sage green cabinets can create a peaceful and serene environment.
More Kitchen Design Tips
Timeless cabinet colors will anchor your kitchen design, providing a beautiful and functional space you’ll love for years.
By considering your kitchen’s size, lighting, and overall style, you can choose a color that enhances your home’s character. Whether you opt for crisp white, bold black, or versatile greige, your kitchen will remain a classic centerpiece of your home.
If you are in the midst of designing a full kitchen remodel, you’ll find these additional articles helpful.
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today.
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~Sarah
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