Cabinet paint trends you need to know

It’s time to reflect on the cabinet color trends that are going out of fashion and which ones will remain popular in 2024. 

Vibrant colors are being replaced with pastel hues, neutrals are overtaking grays, and blues are still making an impact. But, as statistics reveal, the most popular kitchen cabinet color is still white.

Whether you prefer traditional or minimalist aesthetics, a new coat of paint elevates your entire space. Continue reading if you’re planning to refresh your kitchen or simply want to stay ahead of the latest cabinet trends.

The importance of personalization

No matter what color cabinets are in style, personalization is still the biggest trend. When it comes to color, homeowners want something unique and personal to them. 

Customizing your kitchen, especially when selecting new colors for kitchen cabinets, offers more than just superficial benefits. It:

• Fosters a sense of belonging by resonating with your personality.
• Allows you to create harmony throughout your home.
• Evokes specific moods that influence the perception of your space.

When deciding which cabinet paint trends make sense for your space, consider whether they check those boxes. For example, lighter colors make a room feel more spacious. This is perfect if you have a small, contemporary kitchen. Meanwhile, darker hues have a cozy, intimate ambiance well-suited to traditional elements.

The best part about cabinet color trends is how you can shape them to your own taste. There are no rigid rules. You’re the one who will be living in it, so take these trends and make them your own.

5 trending colors for kitchen cabinets

The most popular kitchen cabinet colors for 2024 will be warm neutrals, jewel-toned blues, and moody darks. Two-toned cabinets will also continue to be a favorite choice among homeowners and designers because of their visual variation.

New trends, like pastel colors sought after for their airy and delicate hues, are emerging. There is definitely a shift happening toward soft modern aesthetics. Homeowners are prioritizing graceful, soothing color schemes over stark whites and bold reds. 

Even the ever-popular dark kitchen is mellowing. You won’t see much jet-black cabinetry in 2024. Instead, people are opting for dark shades that are a little milder, like forest greens or off-blacks. Let’s explore these rising trends in more detail. 

1. White paint

It may seem like bright white kitchens are out. But, while they have definitely fallen in popularity, they are still the most popular kitchen cabinet color, according to Houzz. Its 2023 case study reveals that 40% of homeowners choose white painted cabinets. 

White cabinets will always be relevant and practical. Their versatility makes them easy to pare back or dress up. Other reasons why they’re so popular include their:

• • Brightness and airiness: White-painted cabinetry is the secret to a bigger kitchen because it reflects more light and opens up the space.
  • Resale value: White cabinets give your space a broader appeal. They offer potential buyers a blank canvas to work with, potentially increasing your home’s resale value.
  • Cleanliness: White kitchens often feel more hygienic. This effect is perfect if you’re striving for an ultra-minimalist look.

When choosing white painted cabinets, be cautious of the undertone. If your kitchen includes lots of blues, grays, or greens, a cool-toned white is most complementary. But, if most of your kitchen includes wood materials, beiges, or red hues, select a white with warm undertones.

2. Warm neutrals

Gray kitchens have been out for a while. Per the Houzz case study, only 10% of homeowners chose gray cabinets in each of the last three years. Instead, warm neutrals are gaining popularity. These maintain the clean lines of contemporary kitchens without the cold, uninviting feeling associated with gray.

Creamy taupes, oaty hues of beige, cozy ochres, muted shades of browns — neutrals offer as much variety as vibrant colors. They’re trending colors for kitchen cabinets because they support a subtle, timeless appeal that feels cozy and contemporary. 

Lighter neutrals also brighten your space by reflecting light. Their versatility makes them perfect for every season, while their balanced contrast maintains visual harmony with other elements in your kitchen. For an even cozier ambiance, homeowners are pairing neutrals with wood accents, so there are several ways you can embrace this trend.

3. Soft pastels

Pastels are also becoming popular cabinet colors as homeowners move toward soft, modern kitchens. Shades like mint greens, light corals, or pale lilacs impart a whimsical touch and are perfect to strike a balance between uniqueness and simplicity.

There are many reasons people love pastels, which offer an alluring alternative to bold and neutral colors:

• They have a soothing presence and make kitchens feel airier. 
• Their playfulness can provide spaces with youthful or vintage charm.
• They’re perfect for adding color to a room without overpowering it. 
• They suit traditional and contemporary cabinet door profiles.
• They evoke positive moods, helping to uplift the energy of spaces.
• They complement bold accents, from pops of bright color to statement hardware.

Blush pink is becoming a fashionable alternative to harsh reds. This shade injects kitchens with energy and sophistication. Muted yellows are another shade we see homeowners gravitating toward in lieu of whites and grays. 

Soft pastels are the new go-to for bringing some joie de vivre into the heart of the home. Maximalists and minimalists alike will love the options a pastel color palette offers.

4. Vibrant blues

Bold colors will still make a statement in 2024, with vibrant blues standing out as the favorite. Adding blue to kitchen cabinets adds drama and interest. It also fosters a moody ambiance without committing to jet black, which can shrink your space.

While navy blue has been the dominant shade for many years, jewel-toned ocean blues are now taking over — lapis and cerulean, in particular. You can use these rich and vibrant hues in several ways:

• To establish a dramatic focal point: When used as an accent, blue transforms an otherwise standard kitchen into a captivating space, drawing the eye to key elements like the kitchen island.
• To create contrast: Jewel-toned blues pair well with neutral tones, natural wood elements, or metallic hardware. This feels more dynamic and allows for a fun interplay between different schemes.
• To preserve timelessness: Bold blues are immortal, surviving countless cabinet color trends. Elevating ordinary flat-panel cabinets into luxurious statement pieces and highlighting the opulence of raised panel doors, vibrant blues also suit all cabinet styles.

Whether you use this color in moderation or to excess, the richness of blue contributes to a visually striking and refined space. 

5. Two-toned cabinets

Two-toned cabinets were huge in 2023, and that trend will continue in 2024. Characterized by different-colored upper and lower cabinets, this is an easy way to infuse your space with personality and get the best of multiple styles.

The most common way to adopt this trend is to use paint colors with a lot of contrast. For example, a combination of light neutral upper cabinets with darker drawer fronts and bases adds visual variety to contemporary kitchens. If you prefer natural elements, take inspiration from the great outdoors by mixing earthy tones with rustic wood. The possibilities are endless. 

According to the 2023 case study by Houzz, 46% of homeowners choose an island cabinet color that contrasts with the main cabinets. This speaks to the spatial definition that two-toned cabinets facilitate. They’re often used to define different areas within an open-plan kitchen, providing a sense of organization and structure.

What kitchen cabinet color is right for me?

Choosing new colors for your kitchen cabinets is sometimes daunting. Always prioritize your personal preferences over current trends. That way, you end up with a kitchen that reflects your unique taste and feels like home. Here are some tips you can use:

• Assess your overall aesthetic: Your cabinets need to feel cohesive with your kitchen and home. For example, if you have a contemporary space with slab cabinet doors, you can enhance this further with white, neutral, or pastel paints.
• Check the size of your space: If you have a small kitchen, lighter cabinets will open it up by reflecting more light. If you have a larger kitchen, you can definitely pull off a dark or maximalist color palette.
• Know what mood you want to create: White makes kitchens feel more hygienic but also less inviting. Warm neutrals feel serene, while contrasting colors feel more vibrant. Dark, rich tones are cozy and enhance traditional elements.
• Consider your future needs: Do you want something that always feels current? Will you be looking to sell your house in the near future? Are you able to commit to something daring? These are types of questions that should inform your decision.

Remember, the right kitchen cabinet color is a personal choice, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Take your time, gather inspiration, and, ultimately, choose a color that resonates with your taste.

Learn more with The Cabinet Door Store

Updating your kitchen cabinets with a new coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to refresh your space. Knowing the most popular kitchen cabinet colors allows you to keep pace with current trends or simply find new inspiration.

If you’re looking for a new cabinet paint color, look no further than The Cabinet Door Store. We stock a range of painted cabinet doors, all with industrial-grade finishes. While we have many popular paint colors, we also offer custom color matching to help you find the perfect shade.

Our shop has everything you need for a full cabinet renovation, including different styles of cabinet doors and drawer fronts and essential hardware. Place your order online today for our fastest service, or contact our expert team for more information.