Cabinets play a big part in your kitchen’s style and function. Whether you’re looking for new cabinet colors or ways to organize your pantry, these cabinet ideas will help you transform your cooking space.
If you’re not a fan of the white farmhouse kitchens on Instagram, black cabinets provide a stunning contrast against a brick backsplash and natural wood furnishings. Open shelving is also a fun way to add a splash of color.
White
White cabinets are a classic and neutral choice that can work in any kitchen design. They help create an open, airy feel in the space and look amazing with a variety of materials. White can be used to brighten up a small kitchen or to contrast with darker flooring, backsplashes and counters. White cabinets can also be enhanced with different wood details and accessories to add a touch of warmth to the room.
White cabinetry works beautifully with a wide variety of color choices, but it is especially stunning when paired with blue kitchen walls. This is a great way to add a pop of color to your kitchen without going overboard with a bold hue. Choosing a lighter shade of blue, like this gorgeous sky blue, helps to maintain the brightness and openness of your cabinets.
If you love the look of white cabinets but want a little more color in your kitchen, try painting your island in a contrasting hue. This works well for both contemporary and farmhouse styles and adds a touch of visual interest to your space. This kitchen features a beautiful cobalt paint on the island, which pairs well with the clean white cabinets and wood beams in this room.
When designing a kitchen with white cabinets, it is important to choose the right door style to complement the overall aesthetic of your space. There are a number of different options, including beadboard, louvered and mullion doors, all of which can add charm to a modern or traditional kitchen. Adding trim and molding to your cabinets is another simple and effective way to enhance their look.
Using white cabinets in your kitchen gives you the perfect backdrop to showcase your favorite accessories and collections. Whether it is a set of fancy plates, or a collection of wooden cutting boards and utensils, displaying these items can give your kitchen a unique personality and bring warmth to an otherwise neutral room.
Black
When paired with the right hues, black cabinets can make a stunning and bold statement in your kitchen. The rich hue is sophisticated and elegant, adding drama and elegance to any room. The color can be used for the entire kitchen or as an accent. However, it is important to remember that dark colors absorb light and can make a small space feel cramped. If you decide to use black cabinets in your kitchen, be sure to incorporate a lot of natural lighting and open shelving to help brighten the space.
If you want to use black cabinets in your kitchen, try using a matte paint finish rather than a glossy finish. Matte finishes are less showy and are more suitable for busy kitchens as they are not as prone to finger marks.
A matte black cabinet finish can be complemented with a darker wall color or even a wood worktop. In this kitchen, the team at Park & Oak used a dark plum shade to complement their black cabinetry, creating an inviting and stylish space.
Another great way to introduce black into your kitchen is by painting just one wall. This can serve as a beautiful accent wall and will help your cabinetry look like a feature piece of art. You can also use this wall as a storage space for crockery, photos, and cookbooks to create a curated look.
If you are not ready to take the plunge and have full-size black cabinets, consider a two-tone kitchen design. Keeping upper cabinets white and adding a dark shade of charcoal on the base units will allow you to keep your kitchen light and airy without compromising on style. You can then play with other color palettes for the rest of your space, such as by adding a patterned backsplash or colorful flooring options.
Gray
Gray cabinets offer a sophisticated, modern look that works with many different styles of kitchens. They can be used as the main cabinetry in a kitchen or as a color accent on the island or lower cabinets. They can also be paired with white or black countertops to create a balanced design.
There are so many shades of gray to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to complement your kitchen. If you have light floors, opting for a lighter shade of gray can brighten the space and keep it from feeling too dark. Conversely, if you have darker floors, using a dark gray cabinet can make the room feel cozy and inviting.
Another way to incorporate gray into your kitchen is with a unique backsplash. A dot-patterned backsplash, like this one from Centsational Style, looks stunning with subtle gray cabinets. It’s a fun and unexpected look that’s sure to turn heads.
If you want a warm and cozy kitchen, consider using wood accents with your gray cabinets. This look is great for homes with a rustic or country style. You can even add in wood countertops to create a coordinated look.
Darker shades of gray can work well in larger kitchens. In this beautiful kitchen from The Plumbette, the gray cabinets are on the lower half of the wall and the island is a darker shade. This combination provides a dramatic contrast that really makes the kitchen pop.
A large kitchen can sometimes feel cold and sterile, so it’s important to add in accents that help to warm up the space. This can be done with a colorful backsplash, like this one from Story by Sarah Sherman Samuel, or by adding in a natural element such as wood.
Pastel Colors
A popular choice in 1950s American kitchens, pastel hues have made a stylish comeback and are the perfect way to add some lighthearted color to your cooking space. Whether you prefer soft pinks, dreamy blues, interesting greens or feel-good lilacs, these delicate shades create beautiful kitchen designs that set the tone for your whole room.
Embrace the sunshine with pastel yellow cabinets. Paired with wood worktops and natural lighting, this palette creates a relaxed and cosy dining area that feels like a true home. You can even use a subdued shade of yellow to bring out the warmth in your kitchen’s wooden furniture and accessories, as this lovely kitchen by deVOL demonstrates.
Cool greens, such as minty shades and sage, evoke feelings of balance and serenity in the home. These soothing colors work beautifully with white cabinetry, creating a clean and modern kitchen that looks fresh and vibrant. They also pair well with earthy materials, such as brown leather stools and natural stone countertops, adding a subtle rustic edge to your design scheme.
Spring pastels, such as lavender and peach, evoke feelings of renewal and growth in the home. They also work well with other neutrals, such as gray, and create a soft, soothing palette that’s ideal for floral designs or Easter-themed branding projects.
If you’re afraid to commit to a bold color, limit your cabinet uppers and go for lighter base cabinets. This approach reduces visual bulk and helps your bold shade to really shine. It’s a strategy that’s particularly effective when you choose a bold color for your kitchen, as it allows the bright shade to stand out and makes it feel more balanced and less overpowering. As shown in this charming kitchen by retrojennybelle, you can also elevate the look of pastel cabinets by pairing them with chrome accents.
Open Shelves
Open shelves are a great way to add interest to kitchen walls. They offer the ability to display items that make the room feel more personal, like a collection of antique vases or tea sets. They can also be a convenient spot for storing cookbooks and other cooking essentials.
If you’re not ready to commit to full-on open shelving, consider removing the doors from a few upper cabinets. This will allow you to try out the look and decide if it’s compatible with your lifestyle. It’s also an affordable way to transform your kitchen without a major remodel.
Creating a beautiful kitchen doesn’t have to be an expensive project, but it does require some careful planning and attention to detail. Choosing a color palette that works with your space, mixing different textures and materials, and using creative storage solutions can help you create a stunning kitchen on any budget.
The right cabinet colors can create a dramatic effect, while keeping the space feeling light and bright. The homeowners of this kitchen chose blue as the base for their cabinets, but you could choose green, purple or any shade that suits your home’s style. Another great way to update a kitchen is by adding patterned tile. In this kitchen, Bespoke Only used a step ladder pattern for the backsplash, but you could use herringbone or vertical layouts to create a more modern feel.