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Kitchen Cabinet Colors for the Modern Homeowner

Today’s modern kitchens are infused with color, bringing playful hues into a space that was previously dominated by natural wood and crisp white. Moody colors like blues, blacks and greens are trending, and with good reason. These cooler colors have become the new neutrals of contemporary interior design, introducing color and evoking emotion without overpowering. Cool colors have also been proven time and time again to appeal to the modern homeowner, often helping homeowners fetch a premium price when they sell.

Giving your modern kitchen personality and flair starts with choosing the right kitchen cabinet color. Whether you’re refacing your cabinets or getting new ones, color selection is a major consideration. Here are some the best colors to paint your cabinets, and other colorful ideas.

Blue Kitchen Cabinets

Dark blue is one of the most popular kitchen cabinet colors to grace the interiors of modern homes. Homebuyers are willing to pay more for blue interiors, so adding a bit to the kitchen could be a smart move if you plan to sell anytime soon. Maybe what makes blue kitchen so popular is that the color evokes the ocean or the sky, creating a bridge between indoors and out. Almost every shade of blue can be incorporated into interior design with ease.

When used in a Midcentury Modern design style, dark blue kitchen cabinets and pristine white backsplash tiles are a classic combination. The contrasting colors provide the perfect solid backdrop for mixed metals and warm wood details notable of midcentury interior design.

If you’d like to introduce color into your space without going all in, two-toned cabinets might be for you. Consider white cabinetry for uppers and a blue hue on the lower doors. Using a darker color on the bottom cabinetry is recommended, since it draws the eye downward and will give the kitchen a grounding feel.

If colorful kitchen cabinets are too bold for you, another idea is to frame your clean white cabinets with a dark blue subway tile backsplash. A backsplash can always be changed later and is a fun way to incorporate colors you might otherwise write off.

Green Kitchen Cabinets

Green is one of the most unexpected kitchen colors to trend in the past few years. While soft mint green is making a comeback from its 50s and 60s origins, forest and sage greens are newer to interiors. No matter which shade you choose, green cabinets are a nod to nature and fitting for a wide variety of design styles. Boho interiors may favor the lighter shades, while moody or mid-century interiors may favor the darker ones.

Choose a soothing shade like Benjamin Moore’s Flora as an all-over color that won’t overwhelm. Light green kitchen cabinets paired with crisp white countertops is minty fresh. Add modern brass or wood hardware to inject warmth and sophistication, and to keep the kitchen from feeling too retro.

If light green isn’t your thing, consider pewter green cabinets for your modern kitchen. Blue-green shades will appear to change color throughout the day and in different lighting, so be sure to pair them with neutral surroundings. Get inspired while witnessing your cabinets go from vibrant green to muted teal as varying amounts of light filter in.

Black Kitchen Cabinets

While back might be a surprising color for the kitchen, black is especially perfect for Scandinavian, modern and farmhouse design. Black kitchen cabinets create a moody, but neutral, atmosphere that can be quite stunning when paired with contrasting white finishes. Since black doesn’t reflect mush light, you’ll want to be sure to include other shiny surfaces or lighter colors to compliment the hue. Dark cabinets ooze sophistication and drama, but depending on the door style they can also be ultra-modern.

Refresh your outdated kitchen with a modern farmhouse look featuring matte black cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and quartz countertops. Pull your modern farmhouse black kitchen together with a farmhouse sink, matching black faucet, industrial pendant lights and butcherblock. You can go all-in with dark appliances for additional impact.

Or choose a more minimalist approach with black slab cabinets. When paired with an all-white backsplash and countertop, you’ll create a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen that feels crisp and clean. These black cabinets have an intentional worn finish to them, adding some depth to the darkness.

More MRM Cabinet Color Ideas & Photos:

Visit our kitchen remodeling portfolio to view even more kitchen ideas.

Other Kitchen Color Ideas & Accents

In addition to your cabinets, you can introduce splashes of color into a modern kitchen with these accents:

Window treatments

Window treatments are an essential part of any kitchen decor. Window shades or curtains in blue, green, or gray are a practical, aesthetically pleasing choice in modern homes. They take up little space, while delivering a bit of color that naturally blends with the outdoors.

Colorful rug

Transforming your modern kitchen from boring to bright can be as simple as adding a new rug. Today’s washable rugs are stable enough to weather any kitchen working conditions, especially in high-use areas like around the sink or stove. If you choose neutral cabinets, find a rug that brings in a new color.

Lively wallpaper

Tiles and paint aren’t the only wall finishing options for a modern space. With so many styles, colors, and prints available, wallpaper makes an alluring backdrop to any kitchen. Use lively wallpaper to create a single accent wall that punctuates your beautiful cabinets and countertops, or hop on the current trend of wallpapering your ceiling.

Painted furniture

Painted furniture helps personalize and add character to an otherwise simple space. Consider adding a piece of statement furniture like an old bench, cabinet, or bookshelf. Give it a fresh coat of paint and put it to use as the pop of color your modern kitchen needs.

Paint in unexpected places

A fresh new coat of paint will rejuvenate the ambiance of any room. One of the simplest ways to add color to your kitchen remodel is to paint an unexpected surface, like the ceiling or sides of your kitchen island.

How to Choose the Right Contractor in Seattle

Finding a good, reliable contractor for your kitchen remodeling project is essential. Whether you want a custom kitchen makeover, or a simple update, find a contractor that specializes in the style you’re looking for. Do your research, ask for references, and get written estimates. Check online reviews posted on Yelp, Google, or Houzz.

At Model Remodel, we are a design-build that has built a solid reputation in the Seattle area by transforming outdated homes into highly functional, beautiful living spaces. To get started bringing your next home remodeling project to life, tell us about your objectives today through our online form.

Written by Model Remodel

Model Remodel is a design-build, remodeling contractor located in Seattle, WA. For over 20 years we’ve been building with purpose, craftsmanship and sustainability in mind. We are proud to continually make the list of top Seattle contractors for our beautiful interior designs and homeowner-focused remodeling process.

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