Which Cabinet Colors Are The Best for Kitchen Makeover?

Why Does Choosing the Right Cabinet Color Matter in Kitchen Design?

Colors can have a profound impact on the way people feel and function. Warm hues, such as red, yellow, and orange, are ideal for lively spaces as they boost energy levels, while cool tones like green, blue, and purple create a soothing atmosphere.

Colors can significantly impact the perceived size of a space. Lighter colors, such as white or pastel shades, tend to make a space feel larger and more open because they reflect more light. On the other hand, darker colors, like deep blues or browns, can create a cozy atmosphere but may make a space feel smaller because they absorb more light.

The expansive feel of a room with lighter shades like whites and pastels.

Additionally, the different shades, tints, and tones of color can have varying effects, while neutral shades like black, white, and gray are versatile and can complement any color scheme.

Darker shades of green can give off a sense of elegance and refinement, elevating the overall aesthetic of the space. Lighter tints of green can make a room feel more open and airy which can be especially effective in smaller kitchens.

Are all colors suitable for my kitchen cabinets?

Cabinets are central to kitchen aesthetics, occupying substantial space. Their color coordination with walls, floors, countertops, and appliances is vital for design success. Designers emphasize the importance of finding complementary color combinations rather than right or wrong choices.

In a cohesive kitchen design, colors should enhance each feature. For instance, dark cabinets paired with a light countertop create a striking contrast, allowing both elements to stand out without competing.

Add to the contrast with light countertops and dark cabinetry

How does cabinet color contribute to defining the overall kitchen style?

The choice of cabinet color plays a significant role in shaping the overall style of your kitchen. Different design styles are often associated with specific cabinet colors, though there may be some overlap. For instance, historic and traditional styles typically adhere to specific color palettes that reflect the period they aim to recreate, while modern and contemporary styles often feature bold colors.

Shade selection defines kitchen style: from classic wood's warmth to modern white's crispness.

Transitional designs commonly embrace the classic all-white kitchen, although there's a growing trend towards adding color accents. To add visual interest, many homeowners are now opting to highlight kitchen island cabinets with different colors, extending beyond the traditional all-white scheme.

Highlight kitchen island cabinets with different colors

How Does Kitchen Lighting Impact Cabinet Color Selection?

Consider the amount and type of lighting in your kitchen as it can significantly impact the color of your cabinets. When it comes to lighting, there are two types to keep in mind: natural and artificial.

Natural Light

For natural lighting, the direction of your windows is key. Southern windows, for instance, favor either subdued or bold colors. On the other hand, eastern windows tend to have a soft yellow light, while western windows emit red-orange hues. Northern light is indirect and has a bluish tint.

Windows and doors facing east usually bask in a gentle yellow glow.

Artificial Light

Artificial light is essential when the sun goes down, and there are two types of bulbs: warm yellow and cool blue. The warmth of the bulb depends on whether it's an incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, or LED bulb. For instance, incandescent bulbs are warm, while halogen and fluorescent bulbs are cooler, but LEDs can be either. To determine the warmth or coolness of a bulb, check its color temperature rating, which is measured in Kelvin. The lower Kelvin rating (around 2700K) means the light is warm, intensifying warm hues but muting cool colors. Conversely, the higher Kelvin rating (5000K or above) means the light is cool, enhancing cooler and muted tones.

The lower Kelvin rating (around 2700K) means the light is warm, the higher Kelvin rating (5000K or above) means the light is cool.

To test a color in your kitchen, bring in a sizable sample and view it vertically at different times of the day to see how it looks under various lighting conditions.

Does Kitchen Size Influence the Cabinet Color Choice?

Kitchen size can impact the choice of kitchen cabinet color. The size of the kitchen can affect how colors appear and the overall atmosphere of the space. Here's a brief explanation:

• In smaller kitchens, lighter cabinet colors can make the space feel larger and more open. Lighter colors reflect more light, which can help brighten the room and create an airy, spacious feel.

In smaller kitchens, lighter cabinet colors can make the space feel larger and more open.

• In larger kitchens, darker cabinet colors can create a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Darker colors absorb light, which can help to visually shrink the size of the room and make it feel more inviting.

Darker cabinet colors can create a cozier atmosphere.

What Cabinet Colors Attract More Buyers for Resale?

For resale value, opt for neutral cabinet colors like white, gray, black, or beige. These timeless choices appeal to a wide audience. Stained wood cabinets also offer warmth and luxury, enhancing a kitchen's appeal. Neutral colors that complement the kitchen's style attract more buyers, increasing the chances of a successful sale.

Neutral colors that complement the kitchen's style attract more buyers.

What Are the Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends in 2024?

As per the 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the kitchen cabinet color trends in 2024 are:

• White is still the most popular choice for cabinetry color, with 46% of respondents selecting it, up 6 points from last year.
• Wood and green both saw a slight increase in popularity, with each increasing by 1 percentage point (25% and 4%, respectively).
• Blue, despite a slight drop in its popularity as a primary cabinet color (4%), is still a top pick for island cabinets that have a different color than the main cabinets, with 25% of respondents selecting it.
• Green also saw a jump in popularity for island cabinets that contrast with the main cabinets, with 10% of respondents selecting it, up from 5% last year.

What Is Your Favorite Kitchen Cabinet Colors?

While design principles and theories are useful guides, your own feelings and tastes should also play a vital role in the decision-making process. You can explore different sources of inspiration, such as Instagram, Pinterest, Houzz, or design shows and magazines. Creating a vision board by assembling all your favorites is an excellent way to start. It helps you identify patterns and visualize what you like.

Kitchen inspiration and ideas. Source from Pinterest

However, it's equally essential to reflect on why you like a particular cabinet color. Does it evoke a happy feeling or remind you of your favorite place? Does it complement your flooring? Understanding the reason behind your choice can help you feel confident and satisfied with your decision in the long run.

Your Kitchen, Your Canvas: Choosing the Perfect Cabinet Color

Consider these guidelines to choose the perfect color for your kitchen cabinets. But remember, the most crucial aspect is your personal preference. As you will be using these cabinets every day, the color that appeals to you the most is the ideal choice for your kitchen cabinets.

You can also try our InstaKitchen tool to experiment with different colors. For complete kitchen renovations, Lofty Builders offers expert services, including the $10K Kitchen program.

Let's bring your kitchen dream to life together!