Paint Colors That Elevate Your Kitchen Cabinets

If you're planning to refresh your kitchen, choosing the right cabinet color is one of the most transformative updates you can make. The perfect shade can breathe new life into a dated space, add personality, and create a sense of calm or contrast depending on your style.

In this guide, we’re sharing a curated collection of designer-favorite paint colors for kitchen cabinets. From timeless neutrals to bold statement shades, these options offer style, versatility, and a lasting impression.

In this featured kitchen, the perfect balance of contrast and elegance is on full display. The upper cabinets are painted in a crisp, soft white, while the lower cabinets offer a bold anchor in deep navy. This pairing isn’t just timeless, it’s versatile and effortlessly stylish.

Top cabinet color: Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) – A creamy, soft white that reflects natural light and adds an airy touch to upper cabinetry. It’s warm enough to feel cozy but clean enough to keep things fresh.

Bottom cabinet color: Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue (HC-155) – A rich, nautical navy that adds depth without overwhelming the space. This shade pairs beautifully with metallic finishes and both modern and classic decor elements.

Together, this duo creates visual interest while maintaining a polished, cohesive look. Perfect for both small kitchens and larger open-concept spaces.

 

Designer Picks for Standout Cabinet Colors & Bold Pairings

If you're ready to move beyond basic whites and neutrals, these designer-approved cabinet colors bring personality, contrast, and sophistication to any kitchen. Whether you're designing a two-tone look, updating an island, or refreshing an entire space, these standout shades from Benjamin Moore and Farrow & Ball work beautifully in a variety of kitchen styles from modern farmhouse and classic traditional to coastal or urban chic offering flexibility in both tone and texture.

1. Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue (HC-155)
A deep, stately navy that delivers drama without overwhelming the space. This shade is especially popular for lower cabinets or kitchen islands, where it grounds the room and creates a sophisticated contrast. Newburyport Blue pairs effortlessly with White Dove on upper cabinets, warm brass or gold hardware, and natural elements like marble or butcher block countertops. It's a timeless choice for anyone wanting a nautical or elevated classic look.

2. Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue (No. 85)
A refined blend of blue and green with subtle gray undertones, Oval Room Blue feels calm yet distinctive. It’s a beautiful choice for full cabinetry or as an island feature, especially in kitchens with a more traditional or European feel. Pair it with White Dove trim or Pale Oak walls for softness, and incorporate brushed nickel or pewter finishes to maintain a cool, moody palette.

3. Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist (OC-27)
Light and elegant, Balboa Mist is a warm greige that offers subtle depth without feeling heavy. It’s incredibly versatile, working well with both white quartz countertops and richer natural stones like soapstone or honed granite. This makes it a go-to for transitional kitchens that blend classic and contemporary elements.

4. Farrow & Ball Lichen (No. 19)
Rooted in nature, this earthy green has a botanical charm that feels cozy and grounded. Lichen is a top pick for cottage, country, or rustic-inspired kitchens and pairs beautifully with natural wood countertops, cream-colored walls, or aged brass hardware. It brings in warmth while still feeling unique and sophisticated.

5. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172)
A time-tested favorite, Revere Pewter is a mid-tone greige with subtle warmth. It adapts beautifully in different lighting conditions, shifting between gray and beige depending on the space. It’s perfect for full cabinetry or as a grounding tone for lower cabinets. It works well alongside navy accents, matte black or oil-rubbed bronze hardware, and natural wood or tile flooring, making it one of the most flexible bold-but-neutral choices on the list.

 

Benjamin Moore Favorites

  • White Dove (OC-17)
    A creamy soft white, perfect for upper cabinets or full coverage in a light, airy kitchen.

  • Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
    Crisp and clean, ideal for a modern white kitchen look.

  • Cloud White (OC-130 / 967)
    Warm white with yellow undertones that feels soft and inviting.

  • Ballet White (OC-9)
    Elegant and warm, pairs well with wood tones.

  • Classic Gray (OC-23)
    A light warm gray that works well in both cool and warm lighting.

  • Pale Oak (OC-20)
    A warm, slightly pinkish greige that softens cabinetry beautifully.

  • Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)
    A go-to greige for transitional kitchens.

  • Revere Pewter (HC-172)
    A timeless mid-tone greige; looks great with both dark hardware and brass accents.

  • Gray Owl (OC-52 / 2137-60)
    A cooler, silvery gray with green undertones.

  • Stonington Gray (HC-170)
    Light gray with subtle blue hints; great in cooler palettes.

  • Seapearl (OC-19 / 961)
    An off-white greige with earthy undertones.

  • White Down (OC-131 / 970)
    A cozy, creamy white for traditional cabinetry.

  • Simply White (OC-117 / 2143-70)
    Clean, bright white that reflects natural light well.

  • Decorator’s White (OC-149 / CC-20)
    Slightly cool white, good for modern contrast.

  • Swiss Coffee (OC-45)
    Warm white that pairs nicely with wood floors.

 


Styling Tips to Elevate Your Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing a great color is just one part of the design equation. Here’s how to style your cabinet colors to make them shine:

  • Go two-tone: Use bold lowers (like Newburyport Blue) with light uppers (White Dove or Cloud White) for visual contrast and balance.

  • Choose standout hardware: Brass or matte black handles add warmth and edge, complementing both greige and navy tones.

  • Incorporate wood accents: Elements like open shelving, flooring, or bar stools bring warmth to cooler cabinet shades like Gray Owl or Stonington Gray.

  • Pick complementary wall colors: Use soft, warm wall shades like Pale Oak or Balboa Mist to tie together white and color-blocked cabinetry.

  • Add greenery: Small potted plants or hanging vines bring freshness and softness to structured cabinetry designs.

Whether you love soft, neutral tones or deep, dramatic shades, these designer-approved paint colors for kitchen cabinets are sure to elevate your space. The combination of greige neutrals and accent tones like navy and botanical green gives you the flexibility to create a timeless or trendy design that suits your taste.

Need help choosing the right finish or hardware for your kitchen cabinets? Drop your questions below or bookmark this guide to reference for your next renovation!

Design InsightsAmy E Bishopkitchen remodel, benjamin moore paint, kitchen, kitchen nook ideas, backsplash, farrow and ball, white dove, kitchen cabinetComment