How to Choose the Best Colours for Kitchen Cabinets

In this article we explore the best colours for kitchen cabinets. 

In and around Sydney, we have observed that our clients mostly favour classic white kitchen cabinets, for their enduring clean, bright, and sophisticated look. On the other hand, bold colours such as olive, deep blue, and yellow can create a distinct style and mood in kitchen spaces. There are also the neutral shades of grey and beige, that provide a timeless appeal, with flexibility to blend with various decor styles.

Generally, colours like white and deep blue have been touted as timeless choices that rarely go out of fashion. Whereas other colours such as bold yellows and oranges, are presented as ways to make a kitchen stand out and feel contemporary.

We think that personal style plays a significant in choosing kitchen cabinet colours, which we see as not just a functional choice but also a reflection of the homeowner's personality and design preferences.

For instance, the choice of bold colours like olive green or deep blue can express a preference for vibrant, statement-making spaces. Similarly, the selection of subtle shades like light pinks or pastels can indicate a preference for elegance and understated class.

Using two-tone colour schemes and contrasting textures can add depth and interest to kitchen aesthetics. Grey tends to be effectively paired with bright neutrals, olive with bolder colours, and black with primary colours for striking contrasts.

Further, textures and materials can be paired with colours as well. For example, the inclusion of materials like marble with grey cabinets or wooden elements with white cabinets enhances texture and warmth. Pairing bold yellow cabinets with darker wood tones can cater to a rustic aesthetic, while combining sleek black cabinets with gold fixtures might appeal to those preferring a more modern and sophisticated look.

Common colours used for kitchen joinery

White: White kitchen cabinets are celebrated for their timeless appeal, creating a bright and sophisticated atmosphere. They are versatile, pairing well with different textures and colours, and help the space feel brighter yet calming.

Yellow: Bold yellow cabinets bring a sunny sensibility to the kitchen. Different shades of yellow can create various styles, from rustic using sandy yellows with darker wood, to a Mediterranean feel with lighter neutrals.

Orange: Orange cabinets can create a warm and comforting atmosphere, especially in shades that evoke sunsets or autumnal scenes. They can make a kitchen feel unique and are memorable when used with confidence.

Grey: Grey cabinets provide a classic and clean feel, versatile enough to match with brightly coloured appliances. They can deliver warmth and look elegant when contrasted with brighter neutrals like white. Adding splashes of blue among grey cabinets can give extra colour and vibrancy.

Olive: Olive cabinets are described as versatile and able to blend into various decor styles, from mid-century modern to rustic farmhouse. This colour adds sophistication and interest to a space, working well with bolder tones like reds and blues, or lighter neutrals.

Blue: Blue cabinets are noted for their timelessness yet statement-making ability, especially in deeper shades. They pair well with white for a crisp contrast and can help mellow out a kitchen with lots of natural light.

Pink: Light and dusty pinks can provide a sense of elegance and enhance natural light in the space. These shades are versatile, pairing well with light neutrals or vibrant greens.

Taupe: Taupe cabinets add a touch of elegance, evoking warmth and pairing well with natural settings. This colour works well with lighter neutrals and can be quite versatile in antique or farmhouse-style kitchens.

Black: Black cabinets offer a sleek and classy look. They work well when contrasted with white or vibrant colours like yellow, and selecting the right black paint is crucial to avoid a dreary look.

Using neutral colours for kitchen joinery

White and grey are the main ‘neutral’ colours.

White cabinets can make the kitchen look brighter and more sophisticated, and they can be paired with various textures and patterns to enhance the overall aesthetic without making the space feel too clinical or stark. The addition of wood elements with white cabinetry is a specific way to bring warmth and a luxurious feel to the kitchen.

Grey tones are versatile in a kitchen, and can add warmth and elegance when paired with contrasting colours or materials. For example, grey cabinets can be matched with marble to make them pop without overwhelming the space. Additionally, the concept of "greige," a blend of grey and beige, is an ideal neutral that offers the perfect mix of the two subtle colours, adding diversity without the harshness of stronger colours.

Using contrasting colours for kitchen joinery

Contrasting shades can be used effectively to create visual interest and depth.

For instance, pairing grey cabinets with brighter neutrals like white countertops or adjacent lighter cabinets can create a sophisticated dual-shade affair.

Additionally, the combination of black and white cabinets is as a timeless option that provides a stark yet elegant contrast, helping to prevent the space from appearing too dark. These contrasts not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also make the kitchen spaces feel more vibrant and engaging.

Conclusion

Ultimately, homeowners need to consider their own tastes and lifestyle needs when selecting kitchen cabinet colours, ensuring that their kitchen not only looks appealing but also resonates with their personal style.

Personal style can guide the selection of not only the colours but also the textures and materials that complement those colours.