





What colors for kitchen cabinets are designers actually recommending this year? After analyzing over 5,000 custom cabinet projects at PA Home, we’ve got the inside scoop on 2025’s hottest trends in kitchen cabinet colors.
The Real Story Behind 2025 Kitchen Cabinet Colors
Here’s a question that might surprise you: What if the “perfect” kitchen cabinet color isn’t what you think it is?
At PA Home, we’ve been crafting custom kitchen cabinets for 16 years. Our NKBA-certified design team has worked with thousands of homeowners exploring kitchen cabinet color ideas. And let me tell you – the cabinet color trends we’re seeing in 2025 are pretty exciting.
Based on our latest project data, here’s what’s really happening with kitchen cabinet colors across America. Here’s the thing – white cabinets are no longer the go-to choice.

What Our Data Actually Reveals About Cabinet Colors
Want to know something fascinating? Our 2024-2025 client statistics tell a completely different story than what you might expect when it comes to the best colors for kitchen cabinets.
Here’s what we discovered about cabinet color choices:
- 32% chose various gray tones
- 28% went with blue variations
- 18% selected green shades
- 12% picked warm neutrals
- 10% chose bold statement cabinet colors
The Kitchen & Bath Design Association backs this up too. According to the NKBA, cabinet color trends now shift every 5-7 years compared to 10-15 years in previous decades. Why? Homeowners are gaining confidence in bold kitchen cabinet color choices.
Gray Kitchen Cabinets: Why Everyone's Obsessed with this Cabinet Color
Ever wonder why grey color kitchen cabinets have taken over? Think of gray as the perfect pair of jeans for your kitchen – versatile, stylish, and goes with everything. It’s a leading kitchen cabinet color for good reason.
“Gray has become the new neutral because it offers more personality than beige while remaining versatile enough to work with any design style” says Maria Rodriguez, NKBA-certified kitchen designer and author of “Modern Kitchen Design Principles.” It’s a top choice among kitchen cabinet colors.
Light Gray: Your Small Kitchen's Secret Weapon
Here’s something that might shock you: light gray cabinet colors can actually make small kitchens feel bigger. We recently completed a tiny 60-square-foot galley kitchen in Portland. The homeowner was convinced their space would feel cramped with any cabinet color.
The Science Behind Light Gray Cabinet Colors
Charcoal Gray: Want That Modern Look Without Going Full Black?
Best Pairings for Charcoal Cabinet Colors
Homeowners can’t get enough of how it pairs with stainless steel appliances and white quartz countertops. But here’s our pro tip: charcoal cabinet colors work best in kitchens with plenty of natural light. North-facing kitchens? You might want to reconsider this darker kitchen cabinet color.
Warm Gray: Can't Decide Between Trendy and Traditional?
Blue Kitchen Cabinets: The Surprising Stress-Buster Cabinet Color
Here’s something that caught us off guard: blue cabinet color requests have doubled in the past two years. Why the sudden popularity among kitchen cabinet colors?
Blue cabinet colors create a calming, spa-like atmosphere in your kitchen. The American Psychological Association has actually proven that blue reduces stress and promotes tranquility. Who knew your cabinet color could affect your mood?
Navy Blue: Think of It as Black's Friendlier Cousin
Navy blue cabinet colors are having their moment – and for good reason. They’re sophisticated without being harsh, bold without being overwhelming. This cabinet color makes a statement.
Perfect Pairings for Navy Cabinet Colors
Want to know what works beautifully with navy cabinet colors?
- Brass or gold hardware (trust us on this one)
- White subway tile backsplashes
- Light-colored countertops
- Natural wood accents
Teal: Where Blue Meets Green (And Magic Happens)
We recently completed a Mediterranean-style kitchen with teal cabinet colors. Paired with a natural stone backsplash and warm wood floors, it felt like a permanent vacation. The homeowners’ words, not ours. This unique kitchen cabinet color created a vibe.
Sky Blue: Want Something Softer?
Green Color Kitchen Cabinets: Your Connection to Nature
Here’s what’s interesting about green cabinet colors: they connect your indoor space with the outdoors. Research from the University of British Columbia shows green naturally reduces stress and creates harmony in living spaces, making it a desirable kitchen cabinet color.
Sage Green: 2025's Breakout Star Cabinet Color
What Makes Sage Green Cabinet Colors Special
What makes sage green cabinet colors so special?
- It pairs perfectly with natural wood elements
- Works with both warm and cool color schemes
- Looks amazing in any lighting condition
- Won’t look dated in five years (we’re confident about this kitchen cabinet color)
Fun fact: The Journal of Environmental Psychology published a study showing green tones in kitchens can improve focus and reduce eye strain during food prep. Your cabinet color working overtime? We like it.
Forest Green: Ready to Go Bold with this Cabinet Color?
Olive Green: Instant Mediterranean Vibes
Warm Neutrals: Sometimes You Just Want a Hug (in Cabinet Color Form)
Cream Colored Kitchen Cabinets: White's Warmer Sister
Cream colored kitchen cabinets offer all the versatility of white with added warmth and personality. This cabinet color is perfect for homeowners who find white too clinical but still want a neutral foundation.
Benefits of Cream Cabinet Colors
Taupe Color Kitchen Cabinets: The Underrated Champion
Perfect Complements for Taupe Cabinet Colors
What works beautifully with taupe cabinet colors?
- Natural stone countertops
- Warm wood flooring
- Brass or bronze hardware
- Earth-tone backsplashes
Sandy Beige: Instant Coastal Vibes Cabinet Color
Sandy beige cabinet colors bring that relaxed, beachy feeling to your kitchen. It’s neutral enough to work with any decor but interesting enough to avoid being boring as a kitchen cabinet color.
Bold Statement Cabinet Colors: Ready to Turn Heads?
“Bold cabinet colors are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners seek to create unique, personalized spaces that reflect their individual style” notes Dr. Jennifer Walsh, color consultant and author of “The Psychology of Interior Color.” These kitchen cabinet colors make a personal statement.
Ruby Red: Want Instant Drama? This Cabinet Color Delivers.
Balancing Bold Red Cabinet Colors
Sapphire Blue: Navy's Glamorous Cousin
Emerald Green: Precious Stone Elegance
Earth Tones: Your Connection to Nature (Popular Cabinet Colors for 2025)
Chocolate Brown: Cozy Meets Sophisticated
Styling Brown Cabinet Colors
What works beautifully with brown cabinet colors?
- Granite or natural stone countertops
- Warm wood floors
- Traditional or transitional styles
- Copper or bronze hardware
Butter Yellow: Instant Sunshine Cabinet Color
Unexpected Choices: Think Pink and Orange Are Too Bold for Cabinet Colors?
Two-Tone Cabinet Color Strategies: Want the Best of Both Worlds?
Two-tone cabinets let you explore multiple kitchen cabinet color ideas in one space. Here’s what actually works based on our real projects with cabinet colors:
Upper and Lower Cabinet Combinations That Work
These cabinet color combinations have been client favorites:
- White uppers with navy lowers
- Light gray uppers with dark gray lowers
- Cream uppers with sage green lowers
- White uppers with natural wood lowers
Island Contrast Design: Make Your Island the Star
Most Successful Island Cabinet Color Combinations
Our most successful cabinet color combinations:
- White perimeter cabinets with a navy island
- Gray cabinets with a natural wood island
- Sage green cabinets with a white island
- Cream cabinets with a charcoal island
What Doesn't Work (Learn from Our Mistakes)
We’ve seen these cabinet color combinations fall flat:
- Colors that are too similar (creates confusion, not contrast)
- More than two kitchen cabinet colors in one space
- Competing warm and cool tones in cabinet colors
- High contrast cabinet color combinations in small spaces
Choosing Cabinet Colors Based on Your Space
Small Kitchen Strategy (Under 100 sq ft)
Best Cabinet Colors for Small Kitchens
Consider these kitchen cabinet colors:
- Light gray for warmth without darkness
- Sage green for a calming, natural feel
- Soft blue for a spa-like atmosphere
- Cream for warmth with brightness
We have successfully used darker cabinet colors in small kitchens, but it requires careful planning and tons of light. The right kitchen cabinet color makes a difference.
Large Kitchen Possibilities (Over 150 sq ft)
Bold Cabinet Colors for Spacious Kitchens
Consider these impactful kitchen cabinet colors:
- Deep navy for sophisticated drama
- Forest green for natural elegance
- Rich brown for cozy warmth
- Bold jewel tones for luxury appeal
Open Concept Considerations
When your kitchen flows into other living spaces, cabinet colors need to play nice with your overall decor. Understanding kitchen colors with white cabinets or kitchen colors with black cabinets becomes crucial for visual harmony.
The Light Factor: This Changes Everything for Cabinet Colors
Here’s something that might blow your mind: the same cabinet color can look completely different depending on your kitchen’s natural light. This is critical for choosing kitchen cabinet colors.
“Natural light is the most important factor in cabinet color selection. A kitchen cabinet color that looks perfect in a showroom might appear completely different in your home’s unique lighting conditions,” explains David Chen, certified lighting designer and member of the International Association of Lighting Designers.
North-Facing Kitchens: Embrace the Warmth (in Cabinet Colors)
Best Cabinet Colors for North-Facing Kitchens
Consider these kitchen cabinet colors:
- Warm grays instead of cool grays
- Creamy whites instead of stark whites
- Earth tones work beautifully
- Skip the cool blues and greens for your cabinet color
South-Facing Kitchens: You've Got Options (for Cabinet Colors)
Southern exposure brings warm, bright light. You can get away with cooler cabinet colors:
- Cool grays and blues work perfectly
- White cabinets won’t feel stark
- Even darker kitchen cabinet colors work if you want drama
- Jewel tones appear rich and vibrant
Artificial Lighting Considerations
Maintenance Reality Check: Let's Be Honest About Cabinet Colors
Easiest to Maintain Cabinet Colors:
- Medium gray tones
- Sage green
- Warm neutrals
- Taupe and beige
Require More TLC Cabinet Colors:
- Pure white (shows every fingerprint)
- Black (shows dust and water spots)
- Very dark kitchen cabinet colors (show scratches more easily)
- High-gloss finishes
Based on client feedback, medium-toned cabinet colors offer the best balance of style and practicality. Choose your kitchen cabinet color wisely.
“When consulting with homeowners, I always emphasize that the best cabinet color is one that fits their lifestyle, not just their aesthetic preferences. A beautiful kitchen cabinet color that’s high-maintenance can quickly become a source of stress,” advises Sarah Thompson, CKBD and winner of the 2024 NKBA Design Excellence Award.
Investment Value: What Pays Off in Cabinet Colors?
Thinking about cabinet resale value? Here’s what our real estate connections tell us about kitchen cabinets paint colors and their market appeal:
Best for Resale Cabinet Colors:
- Classic whites and grays
- Soft blues and greens
- Warm neutrals
- Timeless two-tone cabinet color combinations
Personal Preference Cabinet Colors:
- Bold reds and oranges
- Very dark kitchen cabinet colors
- Highly trendy choices
- Unusual cabinet color combinations
Don’t let this stop you from choosing a bold cabinet color you love. Just understand it might appeal to fewer potential buyers later. Your kitchen cabinet color is a long-term decision.
Cost Considerations: Does Color Really Affect Price?
Professional Color Matching Services for Your Cabinet Colors
Feeling overwhelmed by cabinet color choices? We get it. That’s why we offer comprehensive color consultation services specifically for your kitchen cabinet colors.
Our Color Consultation Process
Our process includes:
- In-home lighting assessment (critical for cabinet colors)
- Style preference evaluation
- Sample testing of kitchen cabinet colors in your actual kitchen
- 3D visualization of cabinet color options
Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends 2025: What's Coming Next?
Rising Stars in Cabinet Colors:
- Warm terracotta tones
- Deeper sage greens
- Sophisticated blush pinks
- Rich burgundy accents
- Earthy mushroom tones
Losing Steam in Kitchen Cabinet Colors:
- Pure white kitchens
- Gray-only schemes
- Black and white contrasts
- Cool-toned grays
Common Color Mistakes (Learn from Others' Oops Moments)
Making Your Final Cabinet Color Decision: Our Step-by-Step Process
Our Proven Cabinet Color Selection Process
- Start with your lifestyle needs (how much maintenance can you handle for your kitchen cabinet color?)
- Consider your home’s architecture (what cabinet colors fit?)
- Test kitchen cabinet colors in your actual space (lighting matters!)
- Think long-term, not just trendy (will you love this cabinet color in 5 years?)
- Get professional input on cabinet colors (we’ve seen it all)
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen with the Perfect Cabinet Color?
At PA Home, we’re here to help you navigate these cabinet color choices. Our experienced design team can help you find that perfect kitchen cabinet color that balances style, functionality, and long-term satisfaction.
Want to explore your cabinet color options? Contact PA Home today for a free color consultation. Let’s find the perfect cabinet color for your 2025 kitchen transformation.