5 IDEAS: What Color Should I paint my Kitchen Cabinets?

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Jun 8

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1. White

A classic kitchen design with white cabinets and a blue countertop.

Now this is of course the classic color for a kitchen, bright, clean and totally versatile.

Pros: If you are looking for something that is timeless and unlikely to date this is the kitchen for you. It's versatile in style, but probably better suited to a more traditional look.

Cons: If you are looking to make a real design statement, this one is going to be a bit of a challenge. It’s so identifiable in terms of style, it’s hard to stand out. Try adding a pop of color, either on the island or inside the cabinets to give it a more individual feel.

Countertops and backsplash: This is where it can start to look dated. The overuse of white marble and subway tile is going to give it a very 2000’s look, why not try a stone with more pattern and color or go totally traditional with a black or charcoal color countertop?

2. Black

Kitchen with cabinets painted black, with black countertops, white headboard walls, and a white sink.

There is no question, black is having a moment, but is this moment right for you?

Pros: This is going to give you a strong, personal look. No one does a black kitchen without wanting to make a big statement. While there are a lot of traditional black kitchens, I have to say, I still think in a more contemporary setting this is a strong choice.

Cons: I think that black kitchens are riding a trend, so you run the risk of creating something that in 5 years or so will start to look a bit dated.

Countertops and Backsplash: Staying with a lighter countertop will give your kitchen more definition, going dark or even black on black is a bold choice, but if this is a kitchen where you cook a lot, you really run the risk of creating a dark hole that is hard to navigate.

3. Green

Kitchen cabinets painted a medium green color with white countertops and tiled walls.

One of my favorite colors for a kitchen, in fact my kitchen at home, just got a green makeover.

Pros: If you want a traditional style kitchen, especially with a European flavor, and feel that white isn’t right for you, then this is the choice. Across a broad spectrum of colors from Olive to deep Kelly Green and even a pale Mint, this is a versatile color with personality.

Cons: Although there are lots of shades to choose from (as mentioned above) there are also some shades that are just off and will make an unappetizing concoction. So sample, sample and sample again to make sure your choice looks good in your space.

Countertops and Backsplash: I am not sure that a deep color like black is the right selection here, keep it light and neutral, maybe even consider butcher block as least in part of the kitchen, it has a nice natural look that will warm up the space.

4. Blue

A kitchen with cabinets painted in a medium grayish blue. The countertops are white marble and natural wood and metal stools sit at the bar.

For some reason when I think of a blue kitchen it feels uniquely American in that tailored sportswear sort of way.

Pros: This is a truly versatile color. It can create the perfect Coastal feel kitchen or used in a more modern way the ultimate Urban Chic feel. Anything from a soft sky /grey blue to the always neat as a pin navy are great choices. There is hardly a bad selection to be made so it’s great for a personality driven kitchen with an almost foolproof color.

Cons: Not sure this one has a lot of cons. I think the danger is when the color gets a little light that it may start looking like a nursery so be careful of that for sure.

Countertops and Backsplash: Now this is a color that can take a lot, so if you are looking to bring in a pattern in your backsplash, this might be a great choice for you. The ever popular encaustic tile is a great selection as is the classic blue and white Dutch or French inspired tile. My rule of thumb though is if you have a lot of pattern concentrated in one area, pull way back in the others, so maybe this is a good place for a quartz countertop with almost no movement.

5. Grey

A kitchen with cabinets painted in a soft grey color with white stools and a white countertop.

Another classic color choice that is having a very big moment.

Pros: The grey kitchen is a quiet, understated affair that has a subdued elegance. Perfect for someone looking for a more elegant and perhaps formal sort of look.

Cons: If done in the wrong shade this can get drab and institutional very easily, so be careful to do lots of samples before you make your final choice.

Countertops and Backsplash: Grey is one of those colors that can support a lot of different looks. If elegant and formal is the goal then go black or dark charcoal. If you want tailored but with a more casual feel a white and grey counter is good. If youthful is the target load up on a patterned backsplash and pull out one of those colors for your countertop, be creative.

I hope that this guide has given you some great ideas about the options you have when choosing a color for your kitchen. Remember the creative team at Mark Cutler Design is always available, reach out and lets see what we can create together.