9 kitchen cabinet color trends to try in 2024 – warm neutrals, moody shades, and earthy tones are at the forefront

The color of your kitchen cabinets is the most dominant part of the space. Sure, the storage is key, the layout is super important and the style of kitchen you choose will of course dictate the look. But really what will you notice first? The color. 

So with that in mind, you want to ensure you pick a shade that feels both current and classic, and that's what we love about these kitchen cabinet color trends. We call them 'trends' but all these shades are total classics that aren't going to date in the next few years. 2024 kitchen trends, and trends in general, have so far been so much about timeless spaces, not leaning into any looks that aren't, at the end of the day, really livable. 

With these shades, we are seeing a lot of neutrals, just with slight twists on the classic white or grey, and any bolder shades that are creeping up are easy to use rather than so brave they become unusable in lived-in space. This may sound like playing it safe, but there are plenty of kitchen cabinet colors here that are on the brighter side, however, if you ever want to play it safe it's with the color of your kitchen cabinetry. 

9 kitchen cabinet color trends to try in 2024

Classic, neutral hues will never date but bolder options for kitchen cabinet paint colors are becoming increasingly popular – from inky black and earthy green to mustard and even pale lilac. The color palette is hugely varied so take time with paint and material swatches so you can achieve the perfect look. 

So what color trends are topping the wishlists of interior insiders for 2024? Is our love affair with gray kitchens finally over and how do we work the trend for deeper shades in our preparation zones? We reveal the top 10 color trends for kitchen cabinets.

1. Try airy sky blues instead of navys

Navy blue kitchens have reigned supreme for years, but while blue will always be an on-trend kitchen cabinet color, we are seeing a shift away from these bolder hues. Barely there sky blues are the perfect shade for a kitchen – a place that's so often busy and high-traffic and yet you want it to have a sense of calm. 

And while this shade may lean close to a pastel, it's still incredibly chic and sophisticated, especially if you pair it with the right hardware and decor. The rustic tiles used here give texture and depth to that soft shade and the gold handles ensure it feels elegant. 

Anja Michals, who designed this space explains, 'What I am seeing in kitchen cabinet color trends is that there is more use of color. Whether it be a rich color, or a color like this that lends itself to the beachy, playful vibe of this project. It evokes a feeling. This color is Glacier Point by Portola Paints.'

2. Soften black and white cabinetry with woods

Black and white kitchen cabinets are making a comeback for 2024, but of course, in keeping with all the interior design trends we are seeing this year there's a softer.more erathy approach. And that comes by adding plenty of wood and texture as can be seen in this kitchen designed by Nina Jizhar.

She explains, 'The high contrast look of white, wood and black kitchen is dramatic and punchy yet sophisticated. Introducing wood adds warmth and softens and relaxes an all-white kitchen.'

3. Add drama with a softness with deep forest greens

'In a daring departure from the classic all-white or wood-finished cabinets, homeowners are now opting for deep navy or rich emerald green cabinets that make a strong and sophisticated statement.' says designer Kati Curtis. 'And two-toned cabinets, employing complementary or contrasting colors for base and wall units, are also gaining popularity, adding visual interest and depth to the kitchen space.'

Note the glossiness of these kitchen cabinets too. That's a huge trend making a comeback for 2024. Rich jewel tones, or deep gothic shades in really high-gloss finishes are really creeping up, and just see how actually, they aren't as dramatic as the sound. Here paired with a wooden kitchen island and rustic touches high gloss gives a farmhouse feel – very unexpected and very chic. 

4. Pick stains over paint colors

Unpainted kitchen cabinets are a big cabinet trend for 2024 so for a really on-trend and yet classic look opt for a stain over a color. 

'I always like to use stained wood for kitchen cabinets. I think it is more durable and easier to maintain over the years. These cabinets from Henrybuilt have a great aesthetic that worked in a house that is more transitional than modern,' explains designer Holly A Kopman.

'We added the crown around the top of the cabinets to tie into the rest of the house. We used a walnut that has a blue tint, which is really beautiful in person. The clients love the color blue and this finish that is offered by Henrybuilt could not have been more perfect for the open floor plan of the house. The stain color also looks great with the invisible blue quartzite countertops.'

5. Switch gray cabinet colors for sage green

There’s no mistaking the popularity of green during the last 12 months. This fresh, positive shade has been all over our interior color radars and now it appears to be taking the top spot for kitchen cabinets too – swiping the crown from the gray palette which has dominated our homes for so long (too long, maybe). Green kitchens also echo our passion for greenery, indoor plants and a natural mood that has taken root in every room in the house, including the kitchen. 

'Green is the new gray,' announces Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. 'The austerity of the gray age is over – and now it’s the age of Kermit, the Incredible Hulk and all things emerald, lime, forest, pistachio, jade and sage.' Green kitchens are certainly having something of a moment right now, say the experts. 

'Perfect for your culinary hub, it’s a fresh color with earthiness and depth that leaves you feeling nourished and full of life,' says Tom Howley. 'Mossy hues may pack a punch especially when combined with burnished brass hardware and sleek white worktops. Painting just your island can be a great way to incorporate color in an otherwise neutral kitchen, providing a bold, captivating focal point without committing to a full-on green space.' 

6. Bring back black

Black-painted walls and woodwork, particularly in the entryway and living spaces, have been an interior design favorite for a few years. Next up, our love for the dark side is moving into the kitchen with cabinets overhauled in midnight and inky black for a theatrical mood maker. Elevate with dark wood and patterned marble for a sophisticated look that’s more grand than gothic. 

Black kitchens are our new love,' declares Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens. 'We introduced it a couple of years ago and I think people were a bit scared, but they've become so popular. Think late-night bars, speakeasies, and restaurants in New York City. Try grand, spacious kitchen cabinets and big kitchen islands painted black, with marble kitchen ideas, statement brass hardware, and plenty of textural elements used elsewhere for a soft, subtle look.'

'Black is most certainly back,' adds Elizabeth Sherwin, creative director at Naked Kitchens, 'as we continue to see an increasing demand for dark, moody and dramatic kitchens. For a warmer, homely ambiance, balance out black interiors by embracing soft earthy tones and natural materials, reducing the drama but still holding impact.'

7. Cozy up with cashmere shades

Quiet luxury and cozy minimalism are what counts for the 2024 neutral palette – and for kitchens, this translates to a color that’s described as ‘cashmere’. Moving away from clean, clinical whites, cashmere is a go-to color for injecting warmth and simplicity all at once. There is a range of shades that fall under the cashmere umbrella – from cashmere beige to cashmere grey. Different lighting conditions will also alter the look of each one. 

'A cashmere kitchen is cozy, inviting, and luxurious, just like the natural fabric that inspired the look,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux. 'Living in the color space between grey and brown, this is the new super versatile neutral for kitchens when you want a calming, light, elegant and timeless look.'

Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport couldn’t agree more: 'Cashmere is a great choice for a kitchen color as it evokes softness and warmth to a space. It is not overpowering or too striking, plus it offers a sense of comfort and familiarity that will really make a room feel like home. The cashmere shade is a great alternative for homeowners who do not wish to have a harsh white kitchen or dull brown kitchen – tones that are at either end of the color scale in which cashmere sits. Whites and off-whites are slightly harsher and much cooler in tone, whereas cashmere has a richness and a warm feeling that makes it much less stark.'

8. Introduce mood-boosting yellow

Sunny yellow kitchens equal instant happiness. So, what easier way to add a big smile to your home every day than with uplifting yellow kitchen cabinets? All shades of yellow are a big hit with the home for 2024, whether it’s rich mustard and deep ochre or saffron, fresh primrose and citrus lemon. Sunglasses at the ready. 

'Soft mellow yellows, punchy and bright greens and soft delicate pinks, all give us a light and airy feeling, especially when the kitchen has lots of open shelves for displaying our greenery, flowers and special-loved objects – things that brighten up our homes and give us a feeling of new beginnings,' adds Parker at deVOL Kitchens. 'Our beautiful Scullery Yellow is a joy to watch emerge in so many new kitchens.'

9. Wow with white

Bright white, off-white, soft white and cream will always be a popular choice for kitchen cabinets of every style, from ultra-modern to country cottages. The beauty of these laid-back neutrals is that they can be given a bespoke look with different worktop materials, brassware and wall colors. For 2024, neutrals will be warmer to harness our love for the Scandi look. 

Warm neutrals, natural woods and textural layers – which are all defining features of a Scandi-scheme – will reign this season as we strive to create more comfort, authenticity and serenity in the home,' says Tom Howley, design director of the eponymous bespoke kitchen company. 'Throughout the past year, our design team has noticed clients leaning towards a combination of blonde and warm-toned woods, off-white cabinetry, and tactile stone surfaces in the kitchen. This Scandi-inspired trend will continue to evolve with the addition of reeded glass, patina finishes and natural stone flooring.'

In this San Francisco kitchen, designer Jaclyn Christensen used Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine which is a deeper, warmer take on the classic bright white kitchen – warm and inviting but elevated and still liveable. 

'White kitchens will always be a classic design choice as it works with so many aesthetics – from modern to more classic design and everything in between,' says Christensen, owner and principal designer of Jaclyn Christensen Design. 'Kitchens are typically the most important room in your home, so going with a classic color, knowing that the foundation of that can evolve over time, is a smart way to invest your money.'

FAQs

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color?

White remains the most popular kitchen cabinet color for this year, although clinical pure whites are being replaced with warmer and more natural tones. White is timeless and will create an airy and refreshing ambiance that will never date. Light, neutral colors are also the most attractive to potential homeowners and white is said to increase interest and resale value if your property is on the market. 

'White is very much the go-to color and we have found that people are happy with a tall white run of units to allow it to disappear in the background and then allow the island to become a prominent feature,' explains Allison Lynch, senior design consultant for Roundhouse. 'This keeps it bright, spacious and feels clean and simple. It also has a timeless appeal.'

What color cabinets are low maintenance?

Light gray kitchens can reflect light and make your kitchen feel brighter. While this color cannot completely disguise dust, dirt and smudges, these won’t be as obvious as stark monochrome colors such as black and white. Scratches on grey cabinets are also less visible in comparison to other hues.