Beyond Wood: Cool Kitchen Cabinets

I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.

I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »

Kitchen cabinets are so much more than storage facilities. While they’re often relegated to the background, cabinet design and color are integral elements of the overall design aesthetic of any kitchen.

Traditional wood cabinetry is neutral, beautiful and versatile – it works with a variety of looks and colors in the kitchen. But lately I’m drawn to bolder, more daring kitchen cabinet choices. Bright colors, innovative textures and eye-catching shapes and shelving combinations make for distinctive kitchens that nobody’s likely to forget.

Here are some of my favorite cool kitchens:

modern kitchen Butler Armsden - Modern Family Living

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Blue walls are a great complement for these stainless cabinets, but what I like most are the foggy, vertical cabinets. The fogged glass hides some clutter, while the items behind the glass add a little personal interest to the space.

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by leicht.de

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Red makes a bold, modern statement. I love the way these cabinets pop against glossy black and a rich floor. The neutral gray of the walls keeps the overall aesthetic balanced.

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by Snaidero

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This kitchen's grays and greens are soothing - it's a great spot for aProxy-Connection: keep-alive
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lass of wine at the end of a long workday. Despite the color, the room is still generally neutral. Owners could add touches of nearly any other color.

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by BWArchitects (formerly Basil Walter Architects)

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Not only is this blue a great complement to the rich wood floors, the boxy construction works as a room divider, and interestingly echoes the window design.

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by Steeldaisy Associates

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Modern kitchen design doesn't have a monopoly on unusual cabinet design. This traditional kitchen makes great use of color with a soothing, but interesting, blue-green.

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by European Cabinets & Design Studios

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Orange and black is striking and modern in this clean kitchen. I especially like the open shelving on the right - including some personal knick-knacks could soften the overall look.

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by Original Vision Limited

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Bold red is made even more dramatic by black and white checkerboard floors. I love this combination of traditionally upscale and modern.

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by Shubin + Donaldson Architects, Inc.

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Can a wine lover imagine a better kitchen design? With an island dedicated to wine storage, these homeowners have easy access to their protected collection.

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by Chapman Architects

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I like this combination of wood and stainless steel - the metal keeps it modern while the wood softens the look.

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Comments

moderngirl says:

Great ideabook! I really like your choices even though I doubt I will ever dare using something so dramatic for my own kitchen. I am thinking about getting white cabinets and painting the walls with a dramatic color (similar to the last picture).

3 years ago · Like

Kit Pollard says:

Thanks, moderngirl. I know...I'm not nearly that daring, either. My own cabinets are dark wood. But I like to look!

3 years ago · Like