Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's retro cabinet color is one of the brightest we've ever seen – but also one of the best

If you polled 100 interior designers on the 'best cabinet colors,' chances are, the vast majority of them would likely answer 'neutrals.' 

However, while cabinet shades like white, gray, and natural wood are the most popular, it doesn't necessarily mean they are the best. Ultimately, the best interior design choices are the ones that make your heart sing, regardless of trends or resale value. And, oh, do Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes's cabinets sing.

Actress Eva took to Instagram to share a video of her and Ryan's home, revealing their bright yellow kitchen cabinet color. Though it's not a shade you see every day, the yellow cabinet color has a powerful, uplifting impact in Eva's retro, vintage-inspired space. 

 In Eva Mendes's kitchen, the yellow cabinets bring in a vibrant and cheerful look, especially complimenting the retro oven range,' comments San-Francisco-based designer Soledad Alzaga. 'Their brightness adds personality to the space, and when combined with the yellow walls, the room takes on a monochromatic look, giving it a fun retro feel.' The contrast of the bright, matte cabinet color with Eva's black, glossy countertops further the vintage energy of her space.

Soledad Alzaga

San Francisco-based Interior designer Soledad Alzaga has worked on designs projects in San Francisco, Sonoma, Atherton, New York, Martha's Vineyard, Los Angeles, Mexico and Argentina.

Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens adds, 'The nostalgia of Eva Mendes's yellow kitchen makes the look especially uplifting. She chooses a vintage theme and runs with it, and this retro look comes through in every aspect of the space; from the silver cabinet pulls to the vintage-style oven. It's not just a yellow kitchen, but a call back to a specific era of design history.'

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

When creating a bold-colored kitchen like Eva Mendes's bright yellow space, style is important. Soledad states: 'It's a bold choice, and it works well in her retro-style kitchen, but it's a difficult color choice in modern kitchens.' In other words, if you are considering replicating Eva's look, consider what shades will match best with your design style.

Though designers don't see the look becoming a massive kitchen cabinet trend, aspects of the look are certainly in vogue. Jennifer says, 'In recent years, there has been so much conversation in fashion around the idea of "personal style." These cabinets are personal style for interiors. Rather than designing based on trends, cost, or saleability, Eva Mendes has designed with her heart. That will always be in style.'

Shop the Yellow Kitchen Edit

If you're not ready to paint the entire kitchen, add a splash of the bright and cheerful shade to your space with yellow accessories.

Whether it's bright yellow kitchen cabinets or something more subtle, highly-personalized design choices will always pay off.