New This Week: 6 Stylish Not-White Kitchen Cabinet Colors
Tired of white? Consider greige, blush, distressed blue or one of these other instant-classic cabinet colors
White is a classic, always-in-style color for kitchen cabinets, which is why white is still the most popular color for kitchen cabinets, according to the latest Houzz research. If you’re looking to branch out from white, you might struggle with where to begin. Here are six not-white cabinet colors worth a look.
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2. Rich Blue
Designer: Melanie Coddington of Coddington Design
Location: Woodside, California
Size: 384 square feet (36 square meters); 16 by 24 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a kitchen that was large enough for their family of five to eat and cook in,” says designer Melanie Coddington, whose client found her on Houzz. “A lot of thought was given to their three young children. We put in a low beverage fridge drawer in the pantry so the kids could grab their own snacks and drinks. We made sure the stove on the island was cool to the touch so little hands wouldn’t get burned. The wife is a phenomenal baker, so we had to create lots of storage for specialty kitchen items.”
Cabinet color. The rich blue cabinets are painted in Blue Moon by Portola Paints & Glazes. They’re teamed up with beams and wall cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White. “The walls have a fresh and clean feel with Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray,” Coddington says. “The natural brass cabinet hardware is the perfect complement to the color palette.”
Other special features. Natural white oak floor and floating shelves. Polished white Macaubas quartzite countertops. Handmade backsplash tile.
Designer tip. “For a clean, calm look, only use a few colors,” Coddington says. “We stuck with light wood, dark blue, light gray, ivories and white colors in this kitchen. The calming palette also helps the gold fixtures really stand out.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The original sink we chose was a double stainless steel sink,” Coddington says. “After the clients moved in, they missed having one large sink. We searched and searched and finally found a sink with the correct dimensions. The contractors had to break apart the sink cabinet, cut out the old sink and replace it from the underside. But the cabinet got rebuilt and the countertops were never harmed. Whew.”
Designer: Melanie Coddington of Coddington Design
Location: Woodside, California
Size: 384 square feet (36 square meters); 16 by 24 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a kitchen that was large enough for their family of five to eat and cook in,” says designer Melanie Coddington, whose client found her on Houzz. “A lot of thought was given to their three young children. We put in a low beverage fridge drawer in the pantry so the kids could grab their own snacks and drinks. We made sure the stove on the island was cool to the touch so little hands wouldn’t get burned. The wife is a phenomenal baker, so we had to create lots of storage for specialty kitchen items.”
Cabinet color. The rich blue cabinets are painted in Blue Moon by Portola Paints & Glazes. They’re teamed up with beams and wall cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White. “The walls have a fresh and clean feel with Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray,” Coddington says. “The natural brass cabinet hardware is the perfect complement to the color palette.”
Other special features. Natural white oak floor and floating shelves. Polished white Macaubas quartzite countertops. Handmade backsplash tile.
Designer tip. “For a clean, calm look, only use a few colors,” Coddington says. “We stuck with light wood, dark blue, light gray, ivories and white colors in this kitchen. The calming palette also helps the gold fixtures really stand out.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The original sink we chose was a double stainless steel sink,” Coddington says. “After the clients moved in, they missed having one large sink. We searched and searched and finally found a sink with the correct dimensions. The contractors had to break apart the sink cabinet, cut out the old sink and replace it from the underside. But the cabinet got rebuilt and the countertops were never harmed. Whew.”
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3. Gorgeous Greige
Designer: Laura Burton Interiors
Builder: Enve Builders
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 280 square feet (26 square meters); 14 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “In general, they loved natural materials and wanted colors and finishes to call back to the views outside,” says designer Laura Burton, who collaborated with the homeowners through Houzz ideabooks.
Cabinet color. Greige (Pavestone by Sherwin-Williams). “The Pavestone color is [also] present in the island quartzite counter and has a green undertone, which the client loved since it was representative of the panoramic hill country views out the back windows,” Burton says.
Other special features. Stonewood quartzite island countertop. Gray walls (Worldly Gray by Sherwin-Williams) and trim (Dorian Gray by Sherwin-Williams). Twelve-foot ceilings. Dark quartz perimeter countertops. European white oak flooring. “The key starting point for the kitchen was the island counter material that they fell in love with at the slab yard,” Burton says. “It’s a beautiful and rare natural material called Stonewood quartzite. Because this material had so much movement and color, we decided to pull the kitchen color palette from the hues present within the stone but stay neutral in the other areas of the kitchen. For example, the wavy range backsplash is a textural pattern yet remains subtle, in that it is the same creamy limestone color used elsewhere in the house and on the exterior.”
Designer tip. “The main strategy was to select a few focal points and let the other elements play a supporting role,” Burton says. “This is most exemplified by the dramatic island counter versus the neutral perimeter materials, and the sleek island pendants, which were chosen to coordinate but not compete with the large-scale dining fixture directly behind the island.”
Axis pendant: Hubbardton Forge
Designer: Laura Burton Interiors
Builder: Enve Builders
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 280 square feet (26 square meters); 14 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “In general, they loved natural materials and wanted colors and finishes to call back to the views outside,” says designer Laura Burton, who collaborated with the homeowners through Houzz ideabooks.
Cabinet color. Greige (Pavestone by Sherwin-Williams). “The Pavestone color is [also] present in the island quartzite counter and has a green undertone, which the client loved since it was representative of the panoramic hill country views out the back windows,” Burton says.
Other special features. Stonewood quartzite island countertop. Gray walls (Worldly Gray by Sherwin-Williams) and trim (Dorian Gray by Sherwin-Williams). Twelve-foot ceilings. Dark quartz perimeter countertops. European white oak flooring. “The key starting point for the kitchen was the island counter material that they fell in love with at the slab yard,” Burton says. “It’s a beautiful and rare natural material called Stonewood quartzite. Because this material had so much movement and color, we decided to pull the kitchen color palette from the hues present within the stone but stay neutral in the other areas of the kitchen. For example, the wavy range backsplash is a textural pattern yet remains subtle, in that it is the same creamy limestone color used elsewhere in the house and on the exterior.”
Designer tip. “The main strategy was to select a few focal points and let the other elements play a supporting role,” Burton says. “This is most exemplified by the dramatic island counter versus the neutral perimeter materials, and the sleek island pendants, which were chosen to coordinate but not compete with the large-scale dining fixture directly behind the island.”
Axis pendant: Hubbardton Forge
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4. Olive-Tan
Designer: EMA - Elizabeth Metz Architect (architect and interior designer)
Builder: Terra Firma Custom Homes
Location: Granby, Colorado
Size: 322 square feet (30 square meters); 14 by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This home took four years to design, as the architect and homeowner revised it repeatedly to be sure it fit the environment,” says Kirsten Laraby, the selections manager at Terra Firma Custom Homes. “Located in a mountain valley, the home has sweeping views of the Continental Divide and other surrounding mountain peaks. Due to the open nature of the surrounding meadow, it was important that the house did not look out of place and was kept at one level with low-slung roofs. The exterior uses natural colors and materials. To mimic this, the interior also uses natural colors and simple lines. The architecture is not overly complex, and most of the interior finishes are composed of stone, metal and wood.”
Cabinet color. Northampton Putty by Benjamin Moore. “With white walls and trim [Navajo White by Benjamin Moore] and natural wood ceiling paneling — natural oil on reclaimed tobacco pine tongue and groove — the paint adds color to the space while blending with the natural surrounding,” Laraby says.
Other special features. Silver Macaubus granite slab countertop and backsplash. Walnut island countertop inserts. Custom steel range hood. Woodland cut white oak flooring with natural oil finish and circular saw marks.
Designer tip. “The homeowner wanted the design to be clean and elegant,” Laraby says. “That was achieved with simple lines — Shaker cabinets doors, solid slab backsplash, clean range hood design and the natural color variation in the materials to add interest.”
Designer: EMA - Elizabeth Metz Architect (architect and interior designer)
Builder: Terra Firma Custom Homes
Location: Granby, Colorado
Size: 322 square feet (30 square meters); 14 by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This home took four years to design, as the architect and homeowner revised it repeatedly to be sure it fit the environment,” says Kirsten Laraby, the selections manager at Terra Firma Custom Homes. “Located in a mountain valley, the home has sweeping views of the Continental Divide and other surrounding mountain peaks. Due to the open nature of the surrounding meadow, it was important that the house did not look out of place and was kept at one level with low-slung roofs. The exterior uses natural colors and materials. To mimic this, the interior also uses natural colors and simple lines. The architecture is not overly complex, and most of the interior finishes are composed of stone, metal and wood.”
Cabinet color. Northampton Putty by Benjamin Moore. “With white walls and trim [Navajo White by Benjamin Moore] and natural wood ceiling paneling — natural oil on reclaimed tobacco pine tongue and groove — the paint adds color to the space while blending with the natural surrounding,” Laraby says.
Other special features. Silver Macaubus granite slab countertop and backsplash. Walnut island countertop inserts. Custom steel range hood. Woodland cut white oak flooring with natural oil finish and circular saw marks.
Designer tip. “The homeowner wanted the design to be clean and elegant,” Laraby says. “That was achieved with simple lines — Shaker cabinets doors, solid slab backsplash, clean range hood design and the natural color variation in the materials to add interest.”
5. Distressed Blue
Designer: Jody Marler of Fishcamp Custom, also the builder
Location: Livingston, Montana
Size: 156 square feet (14 square feet); 12 by 13 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The owners wanted an overall cabin feel to the entire home, as it sits on a beautiful trout stream off the stone and log porch, but they didn’t want it to be too woody and dark,” designer Jody Marler says. “They showed me a picture of a bluish cabinet, and we just ran with that and kept everything updated and bright. Since we were using rustic walnut throughout the home for the doors and trim we built, I decided to make several color samples over rustic walnut with different distress levels.”
Cabinet color. Island Hopping by Clark+Kensington in satin finish. “Paint brand is not a driving factor with something like this, since we continue to glaze and lacquer,” Marler says. “Satin is important in the process, since we first paint the entire piece, sand out and distress, glaze with a Minwax Brazilian Rosewood gel stain and finally lacquer.”
Other special features. Clay tile backsplash with blue floral pattern. Patinated steel range hood. Lime plaster walls and ceilings in a “subtle color that gives a suede look and texture next to the logs in the great room,” Marler says. “Reclaimed wood around the window frames the beautiful views of Montana.”
Designer: Jody Marler of Fishcamp Custom, also the builder
Location: Livingston, Montana
Size: 156 square feet (14 square feet); 12 by 13 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The owners wanted an overall cabin feel to the entire home, as it sits on a beautiful trout stream off the stone and log porch, but they didn’t want it to be too woody and dark,” designer Jody Marler says. “They showed me a picture of a bluish cabinet, and we just ran with that and kept everything updated and bright. Since we were using rustic walnut throughout the home for the doors and trim we built, I decided to make several color samples over rustic walnut with different distress levels.”
Cabinet color. Island Hopping by Clark+Kensington in satin finish. “Paint brand is not a driving factor with something like this, since we continue to glaze and lacquer,” Marler says. “Satin is important in the process, since we first paint the entire piece, sand out and distress, glaze with a Minwax Brazilian Rosewood gel stain and finally lacquer.”
Other special features. Clay tile backsplash with blue floral pattern. Patinated steel range hood. Lime plaster walls and ceilings in a “subtle color that gives a suede look and texture next to the logs in the great room,” Marler says. “Reclaimed wood around the window frames the beautiful views of Montana.”
6. Beautiful Blush
Designers: Adrian von der Osten of Skipp Renovations (kitchen designer) and Simon McGown and David Zhai of CO-Office (architects)
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 88 square feet (8 square meters); 8 by 11 feet
Homeowners’ request. A clean-lined kitchen in fresh pastel hues and with natural textures.
Cabinet color. Soft pink (blush in supermatte finish) slab doors from Semihandmade.
Other special features. Terrazzo countertops. Satin-brass cabinet hardware. Ceramic tile backsplash.
Designer tip. “We opted for floating shelves as a way to invite more light into the space,” designer Adrian von der Osten says. “Open shelves can stand in for upper cabinets and make even tiny kitchens feel expansive and airy.”
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Designers: Adrian von der Osten of Skipp Renovations (kitchen designer) and Simon McGown and David Zhai of CO-Office (architects)
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 88 square feet (8 square meters); 8 by 11 feet
Homeowners’ request. A clean-lined kitchen in fresh pastel hues and with natural textures.
Cabinet color. Soft pink (blush in supermatte finish) slab doors from Semihandmade.
Other special features. Terrazzo countertops. Satin-brass cabinet hardware. Ceramic tile backsplash.
Designer tip. “We opted for floating shelves as a way to invite more light into the space,” designer Adrian von der Osten says. “Open shelves can stand in for upper cabinets and make even tiny kitchens feel expansive and airy.”
More on Houzz
Read more articles on kitchen cabinets
Browse kitchen design ideas
Find professionals in your area
Shop for products
Designers: Laurel Mullikin and Payton Rickter of Infinite Home
Location: Johns Creek, Georgia
Size: About 253 square feet (24 square meters); 11 by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. Replace a double island causing dysfunctional walkways with a single large, better-functioning island. “We designed a beautiful island that not only worked better for their cooking life but also provided much-needed storage with the addition of drawers throughout,” designer Laurel Mullikin says. “While we were touching nearly every space in the home, we took the opportunity to elevate their interior furnishings with new products throughout to carry a modern elegance theme.”
Cabinet color. This is a faux finish that’s a mix of rich brown, Van Dyke brown and a hint of AquaGlaze from Faux Effects International. It was then sealed with a matte-finish polyurethane. “Our client wanted a more distinctive look to her cabinets, which is why we decided to do a faux finish,” Mullikin says. “The faux finish gave the cabinets a unique look while updating the space. Since the house was heavy with trim, we decided to match the trim color in the faux finish. That way the subtle colors would blend together, giving the kitchen that soft touch she was wanting.”
Other special features. Slab countertops and backsplash made of porcelain that mimics Calacatta marble. Raw wood beams.
Designer tip. “Once we decided to take out the double island and replace it with one oversized island, the room really came together,” Mullikin says. “The new island fits within the ceiling framework of the room and feels natural to the space. Now there are multiple places for guests and family members to utilize and gather while not interfering with meal prep.”
Gale pendants in brass with white shade: Thomas O’Brien for Visual Comfort