Why You Need to Paint Your White Cabinets
White kitchens are out and colored cabinets are in. However, rather than going for a full bold color, it seems like more warm neutrals and subtle shades are the way to go.
In a recent video, Ashley Bryant, a virtual paint color consultant and decorator, discusses alternatives to the classic white cabinet trend. While white cabinets are undeniably timeless and will always be a safe choice, many homeowners are now seeking warmer tones and more colorful options for their kitchen cabinetry.
Here are some of her tips for choosing the right color, plus some paint color suggestions:
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Say Goodbye to Black & White Kitchens
Ashley acknowledges that the all-white and black farmhouse trend seems to be waning, making way for warmer grays, beiges, and even blues and greens. These colors can add both warmth and personality to a space, making them an appealing choice for those looking to update or renovate their kitchens.
Say Hello to Warm Neutrals
In her video, Ashley highlights the popularity of warm, luxurious tones in kitchen cabinetry, especially as seen in designs by Studio McGee and Jean Stoffer. According to Ashley, warm neutrals are expected to dominate in 2024, with some homeowners also embracing blues and greens.
How to Choose the Right Undertone For Your Kitchen
She advises viewers to pay close attention to the neutral color family they choose, particularly the undertones, as these can be challenging to get right. The key is to ensure that the cabinetry color complements the kitchen’s fixed elements, such as the backsplash and countertops, to create a cohesive and harmonious look throughout the space.
Color Recommendations
1. Sherwin Williams’ Accessible Beige
Ashley begins her color recommendations with Sherwin Williams’ Accessible Beige, a popular choice that has shifted from walls to cabinetry in recent years. This gray with a green undertone pairs beautifully with warm countertops and can add depth and elegance to kitchen cabinets.
2. Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream & Baby Fawn
She then suggests Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream, a lighter gray with a green undertone, ideal for kitchens with less natural light. Another favorite is Benjamin Moore’s Baby Fawn, also known as Edgecomb Gray, which offers a lighter, yet equally stunning, alternative to Accessible Beige.
Moving into beiges, Ashley highlights the current trend of these tones, which differ significantly from the beiges of the 1990s. However, she cautions that beiges can be tricky due to their varying undertones, such as pink, green, orange, or yellow. She emphasizes the importance of selecting a beige that harmonizes with the fixed elements in the kitchen.
3. Sherwin Williams’ Divine White
For those looking for a pale beige, Ashley recommends Sherwin Williams’ Divine White, a beige with a pink undertone that works well when paired correctly with other elements.
She also mentions Sherwin Williams’ Soji White, a beige with a green undertone that is easier to work with, and Benjamin Moore’s Ballet White, which straddles the line between cream and beige.
4. Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak
Ashley concludes the beige category with Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak, a taupe that pairs beautifully with quartz countertops featuring taupe veins. This color is warm and timeless, making it a perfect choice for those looking to add a bit of depth to their kitchen cabinetry.
When it comes to selecting the right cabinet color, Ashley stresses the importance of sampling the paint colors in the actual kitchen environment. Whether renovating an existing kitchen or planning a new build, she advises viewers to test paint colors against their countertops and backsplashes to ensure a harmonious color palette.
We recommend Samplize for this, as you can get peel-and-stick samples that mean you don't have to paint your existing walls. You can also buy bundles of similar shades to figure out which looks best.
5. Benjamin Moore’s Britannia Blue
Ashley also delves into darker, more vibrant cabinet colors. She highlights Benjamin Moore’s Britannia Blue, a dark, chalky blue that adds a bold statement to any kitchen. For those seeking a slightly lighter option, she recommends Sherwin Williams’ Dovetail Blue, which has a gray undertone and works beautifully in a timeless black-and-white kitchen.
6. Benjamin Moore’s October Mist & Oil Cloth
In the realm of greens, Ashley notes the rising popularity of muted sage tones, which pair well with warm brown and terracotta tones. She recommends Benjamin Moore’s October Mist, a medium-toned sage with a gray undertone, and Benjamin Moore’s Oil Cloth, a slightly darker sage with a hint of blue that resembles the popular Farrow & Ball Pigeon color.
Ashley concludes her video by reiterating that while white and off-white cabinets remain timeless, those looking to add warmth or boldness to their kitchens should consider the colors she has highlighted.
By carefully selecting a cabinet color that complements the fixed elements in the space, you can create a kitchen that is both stylish and cohesive.
Which of these colors did you like most? Let me know in the comments below.
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