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Writer's pictureJason Le

Transforming Your Kitchen: What Color to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in 2024


The heart of the home deserves a little refreshment now and then, and what color to paint kitchen cabinets can significantly influence the overall ambiance and style of your kitchen. It's a seemingly simple decision that holds the potential for a transformative makeover. However, navigating the vast sea of paint brands, sheen options, and color trends can quickly become overwhelming.


As we edge closer to 2024, it's evident that kitchen cabinet painting is not just about slapping on a new color. It's about making informed choices regarding durability, aesthetic appeal, and how these choices resonate with emerging trends. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process, offering deep insights into selecting the perfect paint sheen, understanding the best paints for the job, and unraveling the color trends that will define kitchens in 2024. Whether you're a fan of the timeless elegance of neutrals or looking to make a bold statement with vibrant hues, this article will guide you through making a choice that aligns with your personal style and the prevailing trends of the time.


Let's dive into the kaleidoscope of colors and finishes that will help you answer the all-important question: What color to paint kitchen cabinets?



Selecting the Ideal Sheen for Kitchen Cabinets

A significant aspect of choosing the perfect paint involves selecting the right sheen. The finish of your paint can dramatically affect the appearance of your cabinets and the kitchen as a whole.


Comparing Satin and Semi-Gloss Sheens

Satin sheen, with its soft, velvety look, offers a subtle light reflection that brings a warm glow to kitchen cabinets. It's a forgiving finish that masks imperfections well and is a great choice for a sophisticated, understated appearance. Satin's good scrubability ensures it holds up well to regular cleaning, making it a practical choice for the kitchen environment.


On the other end, semi-gloss sheen boasts a shinier finish that significantly enhances light reflection. This added brightness can make your kitchen appear more spacious and open. While semi-gloss finishes highlight imperfections more than satin, their superior washability and durability against moisture make them ideal for areas prone to messes and humidity.


Exploring Matte and High Gloss Options

For those inclined towards a more contemporary look, matte finishes provide a non-reflective surface that absorbs light. This quality makes them excellent at hiding surface imperfections but they can be prone to smudging and are more challenging to clean.

High gloss finishes are at the pinnacle of shininess, offering a reflective surface that can make colors pop and add a dramatic flair to your kitchen. However, they're the most likely to show imperfections and require meticulous maintenance.


For most homeowners, the practicality and aesthetic appeal of satin and semi-gloss finishes place them at the top of the list, offering a balance between durability, ease of maintenance, and visual appeal.



The Best Paints for Kitchen Cabinet Projects

Choosing the right paint is quintessential for achieving both the aesthetic you desire and ensuring that your cabinets can withstand the wear and tear of kitchen life. Two paints stand out in the market for their resilience and finish quality: Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane.


Top Paint Choices: Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane

Benjamin Moore Advance is lauded for its exceptional durability and a lovely smooth finish that mimics the look of oil paint, without the long drying times and odors. It's a waterborne alkyd paint, meaning it cleans up with soap and water yet cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish.


On the other hand, Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel offers superb durability and resistance against chipping and fading. It works wonders on cabinets, providing a hard, durable finish that can stand up to the rigorous conditions of the kitchen. Its urethane formula allows for an easy application and a smooth, professional look that lasts.


The Crucial Role of Primer in Cabinet Painting

Before applying these top-quality paints, it's vital to start with a solid base using a suitable primer. Priming your cabinets ensures that the paint adheres better, providing a more uniform finish and extending the life of your paint job.


BIN's Shellac-Based Primer is widely recommended for kitchen cabinets due to its fast-drying properties and exceptional adhesion. It's particularly effective at sealing wood, preventing bleed-through, and ensuring that your chosen paint color stands out in its truest form.


Similarly, Inslx Stix Primer is a waterborne bonding primer that sticks to nearly any surface. It's known for its high-quality adhesion, providing an excellent base for both the Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paints, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish.


By choosing between these top-tier paints and primers, you're setting the stage for a kitchen cabinet makeover that combines beauty with resilience, guaranteeing an aesthetically pleasing outcome that also stands the test of time.



Trending Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets in 2024

As we approach 2024, the trend in kitchen cabinet colors is leaning towards a broad spectrum ranging from serene neutrals to bold and vibrant hues. Understanding these trends can help you choose a color that not only looks great today but will remain stylish in the years to come.


The Popularity of White and Its Variations

White kitchen cabinets have long been a favorite due to their timeless appeal and the clean, bright atmosphere they create. In 2024, the trend continues but with a focus on whites with subtle undertones that add warmth or coolness to the kitchen. Some trending shades include:

  • Snowbound (Sherwin Williams): A warm white with a slightly gray undertone, perfect for creating a cozy yet bright kitchen space.

  • Alabaster (Sherwin Williams): A soft, almost off-white that brings a calm and welcoming feel.

  • Swiss Coffee (Benjamin Moore): This white has a creamy undertone, offering a rich, warm ambiance.

  • Chantilly Lace (Benjamin Moore): Known for its clean and bright character without starkness, ideal for a fresh, minimalist look.

  • White Dove (Benjamin Moore): A favorite for its versatility, blending warm and cool undertones for a balanced white.


Exploring Bold and Vibrant Hues

Moving beyond the classic whites, 2024 is seeing an uptick in homeowners daring to go bold with kitchen cabinet colors. Deep blues, vibrant greens, and even rich charcoal hues are making their way into the kitchen, offering a dramatic contrast to the traditional palette. Some standout colors include:

  • Hague Blue (Farrow & Ball): A deep, rich blue that adds sophistication and depth.

  • Hunter Green (Benjamin Moore): A bold choice that brings the outdoors in, perfect for creating a natural, calming environment.

  • Tricorn Black (Sherwin Williams): Ideal for making a modern statement, this true black pairs well with metallic hardware for a chic look.


Serene Neutrals and Earthy Tones

For those seeking a middle ground between the simplicity of white and the boldness of vibrant colors, serene neutrals and earthy tones offer a perfect solution. These hues bring a sense of calm and elegance to the kitchen:

  • Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore): A light gray with warm undertones, versatile enough to complement a variety of design styles.

  • Accessible Beige (Sherwin Williams): A warm beige that adds depth and warmth without overwhelming the space.

  • Sage Green: An emerging favorite, offering a subtle hint of color and a connection to nature.


Unique and Personalized Color Choices

2024 is also about embracing personal style and uniqueness in kitchen design. Homeowners are encouraged to experiment with unconventional color combinations, retro vibes, and even metallic accents to create a space that truly reflects their personality. Whether it’s pairing navy cabinets with brass hardware for a touch of glamour or opting for a two-tone look that combines bold colors with neutral tones, the possibilities are endless.


Embracing the color trends of 2024 is about finding the perfect balance between current styles and your personal taste. Whether you lean towards the timeless appeal of whites and neutrals or are ready to make a statement with bold and vibrant hues, there’s no shortage of options to breathe new life into your kitchen cabinets.

Let’s explore how to make these color selections work for your unique space, considering important factors like lighting, space, and kitchen style.



Factors Influencing Cabinet Color Selection

Choosing the perfect kitchen cabinet color involves more than just following the latest trends. It’s about understanding how various factors, like lighting, kitchen size, and overall design style, can influence how a color looks and feels in your space.


Considering Kitchen Lighting and Space

Lighting: The amount and type of lighting in your kitchen can dramatically affect how a paint color appears. Natural light tends to reveal the truest color, while artificial lighting can alter perceptions of warmth or coolness. For kitchens with limited natural light, opting for lighter shades can help brighten the space. In contrast, well-lit kitchens can afford to experiment with darker or more vibrant colors without risking a cave-like feeling.


Space: The size of your kitchen also plays a crucial role in color choice. Smaller kitchens benefit from lighter colors that reflect light and create a sense of openness. Meanwhile, larger kitchens have the flexibility to incorporate darker or more saturated colors without feeling cramped.


Matching Cabinet Colors with Kitchen Style

The overall design style of your kitchen should harmonize with your cabinet color choice. Here are some style-specific recommendations:

  • Contemporary Kitchens: Clean lines and minimalist designs pair well with stark whites, cool grays, or even bold statement colors like deep blue or green.

  • Traditional Kitchens: Warmer tones like cream, beige, or soft pastels enhance the cozy, time-honored feel of traditional spaces.

  • Farmhouse Kitchens: Rustic, natural wood tones or soft, muted colors like sage green or dusty blue reinforce the homey, farmhouse aesthetic.

  • Modern Kitchens: High-contrast colors, metallic finishes, and sleek blacks or whites complement the cutting-edge feel of modern design.



DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Painting

Whether to tackle kitchen cabinet painting as a DIY project or hire a professional depends on various factors, including skill level, budget, and desired outcomes.


Step-by-Step Guide for DIY Cabinet Painting

For those ready to take on the task, here’s a simplified guide:

  1. Preparation: Remove hardware and doors, clean surfaces thoroughly, and apply painter's tape to edges.

  2. Priming: Apply a quality primer suited for your cabinet material. Allow it to dry completely.

  3. Painting: Using a paintbrush or roller, apply your chosen paint in thin, even coats. Typically, two coats will achieve the desired finish.

  4. Reassembling: Once the paint is completely dry, reattach the doors and hardware.


Patience and attention to detail are key to achieving a professional-looking finish with DIY.


When to Opt for Professional Painting Services

Consider hiring professionals if:

  • Quality and Durability Are Priorities: Professionals bring experience and specialized equipment that can ensure a smoother, more durable finish.

  • The Project Is Complex: If your cabinets require extensive repairs or if you’re considering a drastic color change, the expertise of a professional can be invaluable.

  • Time Is of the Essence: Professional painters can complete the job more quickly, minimizing disruption to your daily life.


Complementing Your Kitchen Cabinets with Accents

The colors you choose for countertops, backsplashes, and hardware can either complement or elevate your cabinet colors, rounding out the overall design of your kitchen.


Choosing Countertops and Backsplashes

Select materials and colors that contrast yet harmonize with your cabinets. For darker cabinets, consider lighter countertops or backsplashes to create balance. Similarly, bold-colored cabinets can be toned down with neutral counters and backs.


Hardware Selections to Complete the Look

The right hardware can act as the jewelry of your kitchen, providing the finishing touch that pulls the whole look together. Metals like brass or copper add warmth to cool-toned cabinets, while sleek stainless steel or chrome hardware complements modern designs and darker colors.


Maintaining Your Painted Kitchen Cabinets

Maintaining the beauty of your painted cabinets involves regular cleaning and touch-ups:

  • Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to gently clean the cabinets. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

  • Touch-Ups: Keep some of your paint on hand for quick touch-ups on chips or scratches to keep your cabinets looking fresh.

Choosing what color to paint kitchen cabinets is a decision that can redefine your kitchen’s ambiance and reflect your unique taste. By considering factors like lighting, space, and style, and by staying informed about the latest color trends, you can select a color that both delights and stands the test of time. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, a well-executed cabinet painting project can breathe new life into your kitchen, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a splash of paint to transform the heart of your home.

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