Refresh Your Kitchen Instantly with These On-Trend Cabinet Paint Colors

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Do your cabinets feel blah and boring? A fresh coat of paint in a trendy, on-trend color is an easy and affordable way to instantly give your kitchen a whole new look and feel. The right cabinet color can transform the entire space, making it feel brighter, larger, more stylish, and completely refreshed.

In 2022, there are lots of exciting popular cabinet paint colors to choose from. Whether you want something classic and timeless or an adventurous, bold hue, the options are endless. Here we'll cover some of the most popular current trends and things to keep in mind when selecting your colors.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cabinet Paint Colors

With so many trendy paint options, it can be overwhelming to decide what's best for your kitchen. Here are some key factors to take into account before making your color selection:

Your Kitchen's Size and Layout

The size and layout of your kitchen should significantly influence your cabinet color choice. For small kitchens, bright whites or light colors will make the space appear larger and more open. Deep, dramatic colors can feel overwhelming and may make a small kitchen seem closed in.

In a spacious kitchen, bold colors have room to make a major style statement. Consider how natural light comes into the kitchen, like from windows above cabinets, to make sure your paint color complements the lighting.

Current Colors and Finishes

You'll want your new cabinet color to coordinate well with existing elements like wall color, backsplash tile, countertops, and flooring. Cool-toned grays pair beautifully with warm wood cabinet stains, for example. Try to avoid clashing with undertones of other materials.

You can complement other finishes by selecting a similar tone or intentionally contrast them by choosing something entirely different. Just be sure your cabinet color fits into the overall color scheme.

Cabinet Door Style and Hardware

Certain paint colors pair better with specific cabinet door styles like Shaker, flat panel, or raised panel. Make sure to choose a shade that enhances your particular cabinet design. For hardware, oil rubbed bronze or brass finishes tend to match most cabinet colors.

For a really cohesive look, consider painting the inside of your cabinet boxes a lighter neutral shade while the doors pop in a bolder hue.

Your Decor Style

Make sure to select a color palette suitable for your overall kitchen decor style. For contemporary spaces, gray and white are fitting. Farmhouse styles look great with sage greens or navy blues. If you prefer traditional decor, classic reds and yellows are timeless options.

Paint sheen is also important for complementing your style. Matte finishes provide an elegant, subtle look. Glossy paint makes cabinets feel luxurious and polished.

Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Paint Color Trends

Now that you know what factors to consider, let's look at some of the hottest trending paint colors for kitchen cabinets this year:

Classic White

Crisp white never goes out of style for kitchen cabinets. It feels fresh and makes small spaces appear larger. Different shades like an icy white, warm white, or antique white provide slightly different looks.

Be mindful of undertones so white cabinets complement counters, backsplash, and floors rather than clashing. White on white kitchens are also popular if you want a seamless monochromatic look.

Cool and Warm Grays

Gray is a top choice for stylish, modern kitchen cabinets since it pairs beautifully with many colors including white and wood tones. Light silvery grays create an airy feel, while deeper charcoal grays feel rich and sophisticated.

Know the undertones of grays, though, so your cabinets coordinate with other elements. For example, a green-gray pairs well with granite, while blue-gray complements marble.

Vibrant Blues

Navy blue kitchen cabinets make a dramatic statement and instantly create a bold, trendy look. Lighter shades like airy blue-gray work well in small spaces. To make blues pop, pair them with crisp whites or warm wood accents.

Consider the undertones of your blue hue to determine what other colors complement it. Teal blues match nicely with granite, for instance.

Earthy Greens

Nature-inspired green cabinet colors are very on-trend right now. Deep emerald greens look striking against white backsplashes. More mellow minty greens provide a calming vibe.

Pair green cabinets with natural wood elements like open shelving and butcher block. Just be mindful of clashing with the wrong undertones of counters or floors.

Inviting Yellows

Yellow is a cheerful color that infuses any kitchen with energy. Soft creamy yellows provide a warm and welcoming look. Vibrant lemony yellows create bright pops of color.

Coordinate yellow cabinets with white trimwork and accessorize with cherry, oak, or walnut for a beautiful contrast of textures and tones.

Timeless Beiges

Beige is a flexible neutral that works well in many kitchens. Different shades like biscuit, latte, or sand provide slightly different warm or cool tones. Taupe gray beiges pair nicely with cool color schemes.

Beige cabinets create a very inviting, livable look. Accent them with metals like bronze and gold for an extra luxe feel.

Tips for Selecting and Applying Cabinet Paint

Once you've settled on a color, make sure you choose and apply your cabinet paint correctly so your kitchen turns out picture-perfect. Here are some top tips:

Test Paint Swatches

Never decide on a paint color based solely on small swatches. Be sure to test larger brushed samples directly on your cabinets. View them at different times of day and in different lighting to make sure you love the hue.

Hire a Professional

Consider hiring a professional painter for your first DIY kitchen cabinet paint job. They can properly prep your cabinets, walk you through best techniques, and ensure a smooth application.

Use Satin or Semi-Gloss Finish

The best finish for painted cabinets is satin or semi-gloss which offer subtle shine and are durable and cleanable. Avoid matte, which shows scuffs, or high-gloss, which magnifies imperfections.

Paint Inside Cabinets and Doors

For a cohesive finish, it's best to paint the inside of your cabinets and doors to match the exterior. Use a lighter color inside so spaces don't appear dark and cave-like.

Updating your kitchen cabinets with a fresh on-trend paint color is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your space an instant makeover. Popular 2022 color trends include crisp whites, cool and warm grays, dramatic blues, inviting yellows, energizing greens, flexible beiges, and more.

Make sure to consider your kitchen's size, lighting, existing finishes, cabinet style, and decor when selecting a hue. Proper color selection, paint sampling, and application technique will ensure your newly painted cabinets turn your kitchen into a gorgeous, refreshed space you'll love entertaining in.