We Asked Designers for the Cabinet Colors That Instantly Upgrade a Kitchen—They Gave Us 5

Updating your kitchen doesn’t always have to require a full remodel and a big budget. Sometimes, all you need is the right cabinet color to help transform the space, making it feel fresh, modern, and welcoming. And with online resources, you can easily learn to paint your own cabinets.

We asked top interior designers for their favorite kitchen cabinet colors and why they work so well. Below, we share the five shades they say can instantly elevate your kitchen.

Beige

If you’re looking for a color that feels timeless and versatile, a warm beige hue is the way to go.

Ariana Lovato, owner and principal designer at Honeycomb Home Design, describes this shade as “one of those colors that quietly elevates a space without trying too hard.”

This soft neutral has a warm undertone that pairs beautifully with natural wood, ribbed glass, and soft lighting.

“It doesn’t compete with the textures or decor; it complements them,” Lovato says. “I love how it makes the whole area feel calm, clean, and collected, while still having a little depth.”

A warm beige tone works across a variety of design styles, making it a go-to if you want a subtle yet sophisticated update.

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Off-White

If you prefer a light and airy kitchen, Allison Babcock, interior designer at Allison Babcock Design, recommends a warm off-white shade.

A hue like this “feels cozy yet always sophisticated,” she says. A white color paired with a soft gray allows “any space to feel light and airy without being too bright or sterile feeling.”

Soft whites work well with any hardware or countertop material, making them ideal for kitchens that need a refresh without a full overhaul.

“They coordinate well with existing hardware and appliances,” Babcock adds, “and they reflect light beautifully.”

Soft Black

Black cabinetry might sound bold, but according to Kelly Trotz, senior designer at Drury Design Kitchen & Bath Studio, it’s surprisingly versatile.

“One of the more surprising colors that I am loving seeing in cabinets is black,” she says. “Like a soft black—something that isn’t too harsh or distracting,” she says.

She adds that black can actually have the illusion of making a space look bigger, since our eyes typically perceive that shade as receiving and moving away from us. Soft black creates a high-contrast, dramatic look without overwhelming the space. Pair it with black appliances for a cohesive feel, or mix in warm metals for balance.

“I kind of see it as a little bit of a neutral also just because it doesn’t really fit into one category,” Trotz says.

Olive

Green kitchens are having a major moment, and olive is a standout shade. For Lovato, this shade is the perfect balance of cozy and elevated. This earthy green pairs beautifully with gold hardware and natural textures, creating a warm, grounded aesthetic.

“I love how it wraps around the wine rack and open shelves,” Lovato says. “It gives everything a sense of intention, like it was meant to be exactly this way.”

If you want a color that feels connected with nature yet chic, a warm olive hue is a perfect choice.

Cool Earth Tones

Cool earth tones, like muted blues and greens, are a great choice for those who love neutrals with some character. Trotz believes these hues are never going away because people always want to be communing with nature.

“We have that longing for water, sky, and trees, so nature-based colors have a very calming effect on people,” she says.

They’re also good for people who don’t want to take a chance with something bold. Nature-based colors allow people to dip their toes into color without feeling like it’s a commitment to something strong.”

Budget-Friendly Cabinet Upgrades

• Swap out hardware. Hardware is a fairly inexpensive upgrade that requires only basic skills and little time, yet it can refresh the look of your kitchen.
• Change cabinet doors. Trotz suggests switching out upper cabinet doors for glass or mesh inserts. Switching out just the doors and not the whole cabinet saves money and time, but would completely refresh the look of the cabinets and the kitchen.
• Add lighting. Lighting can transform the look of any room, and above- and under-cabinet lighting is no different. “You can get some puck lighting that you can stick underneath your upper cabinetry or over your cabinetry,” Trotz says. “Lighting can be a really good, quick way to accent things.