10 Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors (And Why White is Taking a Backseat)

10 Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors (And Why White is Taking a Backseat)

White kitchen cabinets have been the go-to for years—and for good reason. They're bright, clean, and versatile. Lately, however, homeowners have been leaning toward warmer tones, richer hues, and colors that add personality and depth to their kitchens. White isn't going away completely, but it's no longer the only star of the show.

The truth is, color can do a lot more than look good. It can set the mood, create warmth, and make a space more inviting. So, if you're ready to step away from all-white kitchens and explore some exciting new options, we've rounded up today's most popular cabinet colors—and why they work so well in kitchens.

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Color

Choosing a kitchen cabinet color isn't just about following trends or designing for resale—it's about finding the perfect fit for your home, your style, and how you want your kitchen to feel.

  • Mood: Color affects the way a room feels. Do you want a calming, relaxing space? Go for earthy greens or soft blues. Need a little more energy? Warmer tones like terracotta and yellow can brighten things up.
  • Size and Lighting: Certain colors can feel different depending on how much natural light comes in through big open windows. Darker colors can be cozy and dramatic but may need balance in smaller kitchens with limited light. On the other hand, lighter shades can make a space feel open and airy, making a smaller room feel big. 
  • Functionality: Kitchens are busy, high-traffic areas. Colors that hide dirt, fingerprints, and scuffs—like mid-tones and textured finishes—can be more forgiving than stark white.
  • Your Home's Style: Since this is a main part of your home, it has to feel the way you want it to. Whether you're rocking a modern vibe, a farmhouse feel, or a rustic look, there's a color that will complement your design.

10 Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Are Winning Over White

1.  Sage and Earthy Greens – Calm and Grounded

sage green cabinets

Green has become a favorite for kitchens, and it's easy to see why. Soft sage and olive shades create a calming, organic feel that connects your kitchen to nature. Richer forest greens add drama and sophistication, pairing beautifully with brass hardware and warm wood tones. Green brings balance and harmony to any kitchen, whether you're going for modern minimalism or rustic charm.

2. Navy and Deep Blues – Classic with a Modern Twist

navy cabinets

Reminiscent of the wild ocean, big open sky, and all things outdoors, blue can be an inviting choice for kitchen cabinets. Deep blues are timeless yet bold, making them perfect for homeowners who want elegance without being boring. Navy cabinets offer depth and drama, especially paired with lighter countertops and metallic hardware. Softer shades, like slate or sky blue, keep things airy while adding a sense of calm and coziness.

3. Warm Neutrals – Soft, Subtle, and Inviting

neutral colored kitchen

If you love light cabinets but want to avoid the sterile feel of bright white, warm neutrals like greige, linen, and taupe are a perfect compromise. These shades feel cozy and approachable while keeping your kitchen bright and open. They're incredibly versatile and look amazing with natural materials like quartz, marble, and wood.


4. Charcoal and Black – Bold and Dramatic

black kitchen cabinets

Black cabinets bring modern sophistication to any kitchen. They're sleek, bold, and pair beautifully with contrasting light walls and countertops. Charcoal is a softer alternative if you're worried about going too dark, offering just enough drama without overwhelming the space. These colors are perfect for creating a luxurious, high-end feel.

If you have a small kitchen with little natural light, black cabinets can make the room look smaller. In this case, a light wall color, like creams and off-whites, would work more in the rooms' favor to contrast the darker cabinets. Overall, black is a timeless color, and just like white, you can combine it with various other wall colors to spice things up.

5. Natural Wood Tones – Timeless and Organic

Wood finishes are making a huge comeback, and we're here for it. Light oak and maple add warmth and texture, perfect for creating a modern, Scandinavian-inspired vibe. Darker wood tones, like walnut or mahogany, feel rich and elegant and work well in traditional spaces. Wood cabinets also blend seamlessly with other materials, from concrete to marble.

5. Tuscan Reds and Terracotta – Cozy and Rustic

Tuscan red kitchen cabinets.

If you want to create a warm, inviting space, rich reds, and earthy terracotta tones are worth considering. These colors feel homey and grounded while adding a pop of personality. They pair beautifully with reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and stone countertops, making them perfect for rustic or farmhouse-inspired kitchens.

7. Cheerful Yellows – Bright and Uplifting

Yellow cabinets are an excellent choice to keep it as sunny as possible year-round! They instantly brighten a kitchen, bringing energy and positivity to the space. Whether you go for soft buttercream or bold lemon, yellow creates a welcoming, happy vibe—perfect for gathering spaces where family and friends spend time. Pair yellow cabinets with light walls and natural wood accents for a classic, cheerful look.

8. Cool Grays – Subtle and Stylish

grey kitchen cabinets

 Gray cabinets continue to be a favorite for their modern, understated elegance. Whether your home is more traditional or contemporary, there is a shade of gray that matches your style. Light grays keep things bright and airy, while darker grays add depth without feeling too heavy. Gray is also an easy color to layer with other shades—try pairing it with navy blue or soft greens for a custom, designer feel.

9. Stained Finishes – Natural Beauty with Character

stained kitchen cabinets

If you love the look of natural wood but want a little more depth, stains are a great option. Dark stains like espresso feel rich and classic, while lighter stains like birch or ash keep things modern and fresh. Stained finishes highlight the wood's natural grain, adding texture and warmth.


10. Creams and Off-Whites – Light and Timeless

kitchen with off white cabinets

While white may be taking a backseat, softer shades like ivory, cream, or linen are still in the driver's seat. These hues still deliver the white cabinets' light, open feel but add a touch of warmth and softness. They're perfect for pairing with marble countertops, brass hardware, and farmhouse-style fixtures.

Final Thoughts: White Isn't Gone, But Color is In.

White cabinets will always have a place in kitchen design. Still, today's trends are leaning toward more color, more warmth, and more personality. Whether you're drawn to earthy greens, bold blues, or rich wood tones, there's a shade that can make your kitchen feel stylish, inviting, and uniquely yours.

And remember—cabinet color is just one part of the equation. The quality of the finish matters just as much as the shade you choose. Professional prep and application make the difference between cabinets that look good for a few months and ones that hold up for years.

Let's Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life.

At Webfoot, we're all about delivering high-quality craftsmanship and standout service. From helping you pick the perfect cabinet color to delivering a smooth, factory-quality finish, we make the process easy, stress-free, and completely tailored to your home.

Ready to explore new colors for your cabinets? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and see how we can bring your vision to life—the Webfoot Way™.