Kitchen cabinet colors have taken an interesting turn since 2024. Homeowners seem to be getting braver with their choices, moving past safe neutrals toward colors that actually say something about who they are. We've been watching this shift at Best Brand Cabinets by UKC, and honestly, it's been pretty exciting to see. The trends for 2025 show people gravitating toward richer, warmer tones. Butter yellow is having a moment, perhaps because we all need a bit more sunshine in our spaces. Earthy greens like olive and sage keep gaining ground too. They bring that natural feel that so many people are craving right now. Blue kitchen cabinets aren't disappearing either, especially those softer powder blues and deeper navy shades. We're even seeing some rich browns making a comeback, and I think dusty pinks might surprise a few people this year. What strikes me about these color choices is how they balance practicality with emotion. Two-tone cabinets have become much more common, giving people a way to be creative without going overboard. These trends reflect something deeper, I think. We want kitchens that feel both polished and cozy. That's something we help our clients achieve through careful color selection, though it sometimes takes a bit of back and forth to get it just right. Muted and Earthy Tones Take the Lead Earthy cabinet colors are having their moment in 2025. Homeowners want that grounded, natural feel that comes with colors inspired by the outdoors. The National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2025 Kitchen Trends Report shows green leading for the second year running at 76%, with blue at 63% and brown at 56%. It's more than just a trend. People are looking for that connection to nature, especially in spaces where they spend so much time. Softer alternatives to bold colors Stark white kitchen cabinets used to be the safe choice. Now we're seeing clients at Best Brand Cabinets by UKC ask for something with a bit more character, but not too dramatic. These softer, muted alternatives give you visual interest without making the space feel overwhelming. Interior designer Bethany Adams puts it well: "I think kitchen cabinets are moving towards softer, muted colors. While boldly colored cabinets are still a popular – and showstopping – choice, softer versions of the same hues, like green, blue, or burgundy are what's new and next". These gentler tones work with pretty much everything. Marble countertops, wood floors, different hardware finishes. They all play nicely together. Plus, they create a more relaxed feel, which is probably what most of us need in our kitchens anyway. Design expert Kate McGlone suggests, "If you're hesitant about bold colors, deep walnut is a great alternative". Sometimes the best statement comes through subtlety rather than boldness. Why muted hues are gaining popularity There are several reasons these earthy tones are taking off. First, they create a sense of calm that many people prioritize now. After a few years of uncertainty, kitchens are becoming more like wellness spaces than just places to cook. "Sustainability and wellness continue influencing kitchen design, with earthy, calming shades dominating in 2025". People want to bring the outdoors in, and it's not just those with country homes. City dwellers are embracing these nature-inspired palettes too. From a practical standpoint, muted tones hide dirt and fingerprints better than stark whites. They age gracefully without looking dated quickly. They give you flexibility for future changes. And they create a soothing backdrop for daily activities. Kate McGlone notes another benefit: "These tones will definitely make a statement in 2025. They're perfect for adding warmth and sophistication to your kitchen". You get a distinctive character without the risk of it feeling trendy in a few years. The versatility factor is huge. "Neutral cabinets work well with nearly any color palette, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking for flexibility in their kitchen design". This adaptability appeals to people who like changing accessories seasonally. Examples: sage, olive, dusty rose Sage green remains a favorite among our clients. "The color is red hot right now, sage green is a neutral and earthy tone found in nature, so you don't have to worry about it becoming outdated". We've installed quite a few sage green kitchens recently, and people are drawn to how calming yet sophisticated it feels. Benjamin Moore's October Mist, their 2022 color of the year, offers a light silvery-green that works with various design styles. Sherwin-Williams' Evergreen Fog provides a slightly darker, more gray-leaning option. Olive green is being called "the new sage" by many designers. Interior designer Stefani Stein explains, "Painting kitchen cabinets in olive feels simultaneously current and timeless. A classic earthy green that plays nicely with a range of hues; it infuses a kitchen with a little personality and a lovely nod to the outdoors". The deeper tone with yellow undertones works well in both contemporary and traditional settings. For something different from greens, dusty pink has gained traction as a sophisticated neutral. "Unlike hot flamingo pinks or the bright magentas of Barbie Summer, dusty pink offers an earthy, subdued tone that makes it highly versatile". It adds warmth and coziness while maintaining richness and sophistication. These muted earth tones represent something bigger than just color preferences. They bring nature's calming influence indoors, creating spaces that feel both grounded and refined. It's a balance many homeowners seem to want more than anything else right now. The Rise of Warm Neutrals and Creams Warm neutrals and creamy tones are climbing the ranks pretty quickly in kitchen cabinet trends for 2025. They sit nicely between the stark whites and bolder colors, offering something sophisticated without being too dramatic. At Best Brand Cabinets by UKC, we've definitely noticed more clients asking for these softer palettes. They want kitchens that feel inviting and timeless, but they don't want to sacrifice brightness. Creams vs. stark whites The shift away from clinical whites toward warmer, creamier finishes has been pretty decisive. White kitchens are still popular, sure, but many homeowners now prefer the subtle depth that cream provides. "Unlike stark white cabinets that can feel too clinical, cream off-white adds just enough warmth to make your kitchen feel like the heart of your home," notes one industry expert. This reflects our desire for spaces that nurture rather than just function. Cream cabinets offer some real advantages over stark whites. They hide daily wear and fingerprints better. They create a welcoming atmosphere without darkening the space. They pair easily with different countertop materials and backsplashes. And they provide timeless appeal that goes beyond passing trends. The versatility of cream extends beyond looks. "Home buyers love these cabinets because they work with any style and don't need updates when trends change. Unlike bold or dark colors that might turn off potential buyers, cream off-white appeals to almost everyone". This makes cream-toned cabinets a smart investment for homeowners thinking about resale value. Cashmere, mushroom, and stone tones Beyond basic cream, several specific warm neutrals have emerged as frontrunners. Cashmere has become particularly sought-after, with its luxurious associations. "A cashmere kitchen boasts a rich, creamy shade that gets its name from the luxurious wool of the Kashmir goat. This color presents a soft blend of gray and beige, creating a neutral but inviting space". This sophisticated hue sits between stark white and deeper gray tones, offering warmth without overwhelming the space. Mushroom tones have carved out their own niche in kitchen design. These subtle neutrals maintain their appeal regardless of changing trends. "While bright whites fade and dark woods date themselves, mushroom cabinets tell a different story. These subtle neutrals maintain their sophisticated appeal through changing trends and passing seasons". Their chameleon-like quality lets them adapt to various design styles, from modern minimalist to traditional farmhouse. Stone-inspired colors round out the warm neutral palette. They offer slightly cooler undertones that still maintain earthiness. These hues recall natural limestone and travertine, bringing subtle texture to kitchen spaces without overwhelming them. For specific paint colors, designers frequently recommend Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee and Farrow & Ball's Whimborne White for creamy tones. "Fisher echoes this sentiment, recommending 'any color you might find in your coffee from warm browns to light creams'". For mushroom tones, designers often suggest taupe-based neutrals that read as sophisticated rather than dated. Pairing with brass or black hardware Hardware selection dramatically impacts how warm neutral cabinets present in a kitchen. Two approaches have emerged as particularly complementary: brass accents and black hardware. Brass hardware enhances the inherent warmth in cream and neutral cabinets. "I decided to go with brass hardware because we had black hardware before. Basically, I wanted a change. The look of brass hardware with warm white cabinets speaks to me". This combination creates a cohesive, sophisticated look that feels both current and timeless. Black hardware provides striking contrast that modernizes warm neutrals. "Just like white, cream cabinets look lovely with black accents. The stark contrast draws the eye and is a modern choice for your kitchen". This pairing works particularly well with Shaker-style cabinet doors, creating a balanced look that feels contemporary without being trendy. For those preferring a mixed approach, both finishes can coexist beautifully. "Polished nickel, unlacquered brass and solid black are our top picks for timeless hardware finishes. Hardware trends may come and go (think oil-rubbed bronze in the 2000's or brushed gold in the 2010's). These picks are much more versatile". At Best Brand Cabinets by UKC, we often recommend considering the overall kitchen aesthetic when selecting hardware—modern spaces typically favor black, while traditional kitchens may benefit from brass's warmth. Nature-Inspired Greens and Blues Interior designers are choosing nature-inspired colors for kitchen cabinets more than ever in 2025. About 55% of experts favor deep forest green shades. At Best Brand Cabinets by UKC, we see how these natural palettes turn kitchens into calm spaces that connect people to the outdoors. Sage, moss, and forest green Forest green has become the clear winner among cabinet colors. Around 42% of new green kitchen cabinet installations use this rich shade. The versatility explains its popularity. Josie Medved from Symphony Group points out that "opting for a color such as green, especially richer, darker greens, works for both classic and traditional schemes, as well as modern or more cutting-edge designs". These green tones ground a space effectively. Moss green cabinets "create a green oasis" that embraces "the tranquility of nature". People choose these shades for good reasons: They pair well with different materials like brass handles, wood accents, even chrome appliancesThey add visual interest without taking over the roomThey bring a "sense of calm, well-being and happiness" Benjamin Moore's October Mist works nicely if you want a light silvery-green. Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog offers a darker gray-green option. We've noticed more requests for Verdant Green lately, which creates "a calming and rejuvenating space that feels grounded in nature". Powder blue and sky tones Green might lead, but blue tones aren't far behind. Searches for "powder blue kitchens" jumped 200%, with similar increases for "powder blue kitchen paint" and "powder blue cabinets". This shows growing interest in these peaceful colors. Designer Claire likes powder blue because it creates a "restful space that won't shout for attention". These colors work well since they reflect "nature's finest natural assets – with oceanic tones and serene summer sky shades that bring a sense of tranquility into our kitchens". Los Angeles designer Rande Leaman thinks powder blue might "steal the crown as the trendiest kitchen color of the year." She notes that "pale blues have a calming feel to them and remind people of the ocean and sky". This natural connection helps explain why blue cabinet colors keep growing in popularity. Benjamin Moore has several good blue options. Their blue cabinets "offer a charming blend of sophistication and renewal." Deep shades like navy or cobalt create elegance, while "lighter blues, such as powder blue or turquoise, bring an airy, beach-inspired feel". How these colors connect to biophilic design The popularity of nature-inspired cabinet colors ties directly to biophilic design trends. This approach strengthens our connection to nature through interior choices, and cabinet colors make a big impact. "A key part of incorporating biophilia into any space is to create a light, bright, airy atmosphere," one design expert explains. Cabinet colors that reflect "organic palettes that can be found within our natural world" help build this connection. "Sky blues, olive greens, and clay browns" work particularly well. These colors do more than look good. They actually improve how we experience kitchen spaces. Cassie Jones from Master Kitchens suggests, "One way to enhance the richness of green cabinets is by taking advantage of the current trend of lighter worktops. Lighter worktops offset the depth of green, creating a balanced and visually appealing contrast". There's a caveat though. Context matters when picking these natural colors. "Be mindful of using darker colors in kitchens with limited natural light, as this might make a space feel smaller or more enclosed," warns Ashleigh Hanwell from Second Nature. We always check the lighting situation in each kitchen before recommending green or blue cabinet colors. Dark and Moody Cabinet Colors Dark cabinets are having their moment in 2025, and frankly, it's about time. At Best Brand Cabinets by UKC, we see more clients gravitating toward these dramatic choices—they want kitchens that feel luxurious and a bit bold, but not over the top. Charcoal, espresso, and navy Deep tones like inky blue and forest green are showing up everywhere this year. Matte black and dark gray work particularly well in urban spaces, though they're not limited to modern designs. These colors manage to feel both refined and approachable, which isn't always easy to pull off. Navy blue deserves special mention here. It acts like a neutral while still making a statement, creating spaces that feel distinctive without being flashy. Cabinet experts note that "navy blue can be considered both a neutral and statement-making color when used in cabinetry, creating a space that is unique and one of a kind." Espresso remains a solid choice for those who want warmth without going too light. One design professional explains that "it is the classic, traditional color choice that never goes out of style and brings warmth and sensibility to your kitchen." These rich brown tones make kitchens feel more like gathering spaces than work zones. Creating contrast with countertops Here's where dark cabinets can either shine or fall flat. It's all about the countertops. Light-colored surfaces provide the balance you need to keep the space from feeling too heavy. Cabinet specialists point out that "whether your personal kitchen style is traditional or contemporary, contrasting your cabinets and countertops will work well with either kitchen design schemes." Bright white countertops create clean contrast in modern kitchens, while neutral bases with golden undertones pair beautifully with espresso cabinets. Kitchen design experts note that "golden shades look especially beautiful with espresso-colored cabinets." When to use dark tones effectively Dark cabinets work best in specific situations. Large kitchens benefit most. They need the visual weight to avoid feeling sterile. Design professionals observe that "dark colors often do a wonderful job warming up an extra-large kitchen, which would feel sterile with wall-to-wall white." There's also a practical angle worth considering. Dark cabinets hide daily wear better than lighter options. "All kitchens get their fair share of wear and tear, but some show it less than others. A kitchen with dark cabinets is a good choice if you think your cabinets are going to need to stand up to frequent spillages and dings." Dark cabinets can also help define spaces in open floor plans. Design experts explain that "by using a dark shade on your cabinets, you can make your kitchen appear grounded in its spot" which is very useful for contemporary homes where rooms flow together. Unexpected Pops: Pinks, Yellows, and Reds Now here's where things get interesting. Vibrant colors are making their way onto kitchen cabinets in ways that would have seemed risky just a few years ago. Pink, yellow, and red are moving beyond accent walls or small accessories to become full cabinet finishes. At Best Brand Cabinets by UKC, these bold choices have gone from "are you sure about this?" conversations to regular requests. Blush pink and butter yellow Butter yellow has surprised a lot of people this year. It's sunny and uplifting without being too much, which is tricky to pull off with yellow. Unlike stark whites that can feel cold, butter yellow brings warmth to spaces that might otherwise lack it. I think it works especially well in kitchens that don't get a lot of natural light. Blush pink is another story entirely. We're talking about dusty, muted pinks rather than anything too bright or flashy. These softer versions work in both modern and traditional kitchens, though they do require some confidence to pull off. The warm undertones create a surprisingly cozy feeling, and they're particularly effective in spaces where you want something distinctive but not overwhelming. How to balance bold with neutral The key with these vibrant colors is restraint, though that might sound contradictory. Here's what tends to work: Use bold colors on lower cabinets, keep uppers neutralChoose countertops that complement rather than competePick hardware that either blends or creates intentional contrastAdd natural wood somewhere to ground the space We often suggest a two-tone approach to clients who are nervous about commitment. Paint just the island in your bold color, or maybe a single wall of cabinets. This lets you make a statement without going all-in on something you might tire of. Design styles that suit these colors Butter yellow feels right at home in cottage-style kitchens where it adds warmth to traditional elements. Pair it with cream walls and natural wood, and you get that sun-drenched feeling that never goes out of style. Pink cabinets can work in minimalist spaces if you keep everything else clean and simple. They also suit vintage-inspired kitchens where the color feels intentional rather than accidental. The trick is committing to the choice rather than trying to apologize for it with too many neutral elements. Red is typically an accent choice rather than full cabinetry, but when it works, it really works. One bright red element can energize an entire kitchen, though it takes some nerve to make that choice. Two-Tone Cabinets and Mixed Finishes Two-tone cabinetry has become quite popular in 2025. It gives homeowners a chance to get creative without going completely wild with color choices. We're definitely seeing more clients at Best Brand Cabinets by UKC asking about this approach, mixing different colors or textures to add some depth to their kitchens. Popular two-tone combinations Most people go for darker base cabinets with lighter uppers. This works well for a few reasons. The dark lower cabinets anchor the space, while the lighter uppers keep things from feeling too heavy. You might see deep green or navy bases with white or cream uppers, for example. Another route people take is making the island a different color from the rest of the cabinets. This creates a nice focal point without making the whole kitchen feel chaotic. White oak islands paired with white perimeter cabinets add texture while keeping the space bright. Transform your kitchen with on-trend two-tone cabinets from Best Brand Cabinets. Browse our selection at unfinished-kitchen-cabinets.net to find the perfect combination for your home. Using wood stains with paint Mixing stained wood with painted cabinets keeps gaining ground. It's a way to add warmth and visual interest that feels sophisticated but not overly formal. The wood brings in that organic texture, while the painted pieces give you color options. Different kitchen styles work better with certain combinations. Modern kitchens can handle high-gloss paint paired with sleek dark-stained wood. Traditional spaces often look great with ivory paint and walnut stain. It's timeless without being boring. Rustic kitchens can go for distressed painted finishes alongside natural wood, though this can sometimes feel a bit busy if you're not careful. Finish types: matte, satin, gloss The finish you choose makes a bigger difference than you might expect. Matte finishes don't reflect much light, which helps hide fingerprints and small imperfections. They look sophisticated and understated, perfect for modern kitchens. The downside is they can show dirt more easily than other finishes. Satin sits in the middle. It has enough sheen to add some dimension without being too shiny. This finish tends to be durable and easy to clean, which busy families appreciate. Gloss finishes reflect lots of light, so they work well in smaller or darker kitchens. They make colors look more vibrant and bring a contemporary feel. You'll need to wipe them down more often to keep them spotless, but many people find one quick swipe with a microfiber cloth does the job. Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors Kitchen cabinet colors for 2025 really show how much our relationship with home has changed. The move toward those muted earth tones and warm neutrals, plus the surprising embrace of bolder colors, tells a story about kitchens becoming more personal. They're not just work spaces anymore, though I suppose they never really were for most families. Today's cabinet choices do double duty. They create the right mood while still being practical. Those warm creams and cashmere tones give you timeless appeal without feeling cold like stark whites can. Forest greens and navy blues bring nature indoors, which seems to be what everyone wants right now. And butter yellows and blush pinks, which would have seemed risky just a few years ago, actually work beautifully when you balance them right. Two-tone cabinets deserve a mention here because they solve so many problems at once. You get to use color without going overboard, and mixing painted uppers with wood-stained lowers creates visual interest while keeping things warm. It's perhaps the most flexible approach we recommend to clients. The thing about choosing cabinet colors is you need to think about both what you love and what actually works in your space. Darker cabinets hide wear better, which is great for busy families, but they might make a small kitchen feel cramped. Lighter tones brighten everything up but show every fingerprint. There's always a trade-off. If you're ready to explore these trending colors, you can check out our selection at Best Brand Cabinets on unfinished-kitchen-cabinets.net. We've got cabinets in most of the colors we've talked about here. Your cabinet color choice says something about your home and your family. At Best Brand Cabinets by UKC, we encourage picking shades that feel right to you while thinking about how they'll age over time. The best cabinet color creates a kitchen where your family actually wants to spend time, not just one that looks good in photos. FAQs 1. What are the most popular kitchen cabinet colors for 2025? The top trending colors for kitchen cabinets in 2025 include deep forest greens, navy blues, warm neutrals like greige and beige, and earthy tones such as olive and terracotta. Two-tone cabinets combining different colors are also gaining popularity. 2. Are white kitchen cabinets still in style for 2025? While all-white kitchens are becoming less common, white cabinets aren't entirely out of style. However, there's a shift towards warmer whites and creams, often combined with other colors or natural wood elements for added depth and interest. 3. What cabinet hardware trends are emerging in 2025? Cabinet hardware trends for 2025 include matte black finishes, satin brass accents, and oversized handles. Unique, statement pieces like earring-like knobs are also gaining traction, offering an easy way to update kitchen esthetics without a complete renovation. 4. How can I incorporate bold colors into my kitchen cabinets without overwhelming the space? To use bold colors effectively, consider a two-tone approach with vibrant lower cabinets and neutral upper cabinets. Alternatively, use a bold color on an island or a specific cabinet section as a focal point. Balance bright hues with neutral countertops and complementary hardware. 5. What finish is recommended for kitchen cabinets in 2025? Cabinet finishes in 2025 vary based on personal preference and kitchen style. Matte finishes are popular for their sophisticated look and ability to hide imperfections. Satin finishes offer a balance of sheen and practicality, while gloss finishes can brighten smaller kitchens and make colors pop.
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