Top 7 Cabinet Colors That Modernize Any Kitchen in 2025

Daniel Hendrick | Posted on August 18, 2025 |

Kitchen remodels don’t always require a full gut job. In fact, one of the most high-impact, budget-friendly ways to upgrade your kitchen is with a fresh coat of paint on your cabinets. The right cabinet color can completely change the tone of the space, from outdated and cramped to fresh, open, and stylish.

If you’re wondering about the best cabinet paint colors for kitchen remodel projects in 2025, you’re in the right place. This year’s trends offer a mix of warm neutrals, earthy hues, and bold classics that work across a range of design styles. Whether you’re going for clean and minimal or rich and moody, there’s a modern cabinet color to match.

2025 Trends to Know Before You Choose a Color

Before diving into specific color picks, it’s worth understanding the bigger picture. The best cabinet paint colors for kitchen remodel projects in 2025 are shaped by evolving design preferences that prioritize warmth, natural tones, and personalized contrast.

Here are the top trends influencing cabinet color choices this year:

Warmer neutrals are replacing cool grays: Beige, taupe, and creamy whites are making a comeback, offering a softer, more welcoming backdrop that pairs well with a variety of wood tones and textures.
Earth-inspired palettes are gaining popularity: Greens, browns, and terracotta tones bring a grounded, natural feel that works beautifully in both modern and traditional kitchens.
Two-tone cabinets are on the rise: Pairing a bold island with neutral upper cabinets (or vice versa) helps break up space and add depth without overwhelming a room.
Matte and low-sheen finishes are preferred over glossy: These finishes give cabinetry a more refined, upscale look and tend to show fewer fingerprints and smudges, especially important in busy households.

These trends provide a framework, but ultimately, the best color for your kitchen is the one that fits your space, your light, and your lifestyle.

Top 7 Cabinet Paint Colors for a Fresh, Modern Look

Ready to give your kitchen a modern update? These seven cabinet colors are leading the way in 2025 — chosen for their versatility, visual impact, and ability to elevate any kitchen layout or style.

Here’s a closer look at this year’s standout shades:

1. Soft White

A clean white never really goes out of style, but today’s best whites are softer and more inviting.

Works with both traditional and contemporary kitchens
Brightens darker spaces without feeling sterile
Pairs well with wood accents, gold hardware, or bold backsplashes

2. Greige (Gray-Beige)

This modern neutral strikes the perfect balance between warm and cool.

Feels more current than pure gray
Offers excellent flexibility with countertops and flooring
Adds subtle depth without overwhelming the space

3. Sage Green

If you want a color that feels fresh but timeless, sage is having a moment.

Earthy and calming, yet distinctive
Complements wood tones and warm metals like brass or copper
Perfect for full kitchens or as a lower cabinet accent

4. Navy Blue

Bold but classic, navy brings depth and contrast without going too dark.

Creates a high-end look, especially with white or marble counters
Ideal for two-tone kitchens with white or beige uppers
Looks stunning with brushed brass or matte black hardware

5. Charcoal

Not quite black, not quite gray — charcoal is sleek, modern, and surprisingly versatile.

Offers a dramatic effect in minimalist or industrial kitchens
Helps cabinetry recede in open-concept spaces
Works beautifully with warm wood or stone accents

6. Muted Terracotta

This earthy hue brings warmth and personality to any space, especially in Southwest-style or boho kitchens.

Less saturated than a traditional red or orange
Adds energy without being overpowering
Works well as an island of pop color

7. Black

Yes — black. Done right, it’s chic, bold, and sophisticated.

Great for modern or transitional spaces
Ideal as an accent — like an island or lower cabinets
Requires thoughtful lighting and contrast to avoid feeling too heavy

Whether you’re doing a full repaint or just freshening up an island or lower cabinets, these colors reflect the best cabinet paint colors for kitchen remodel projects right now — delivering both trend-savvy style and long-term appeal.

Tips for Choosing the Right Color for Your Kitchen

Trends can be inspiring, but the right cabinet color for your kitchen depends on the space itself. Lighting, layout, and existing finishes all play a role in how a color will look and how it will feel to live with.

Here are a few key things to consider before committing to a color:

Lighting conditions: Natural light enhances cool tones, while artificial lighting (especially warm bulbs) can shift how colors appear. Test swatches at different times of day before deciding.
Kitchen size and layout: Dark colors like navy or charcoal can make a small kitchen feel cozy or closed in, depending on the layout. In tighter spaces, lighter shades can help keep things open and airy.
Existing materials: Take stock of your counters, backsplash, flooring, and appliances. Do you have warm or cool undertones? Make sure your paint complements what’s already there.
Full or partial cabinet update: If you’re only painting the lowers, you can go bolder. For full-kitchen repaints, opt for colors that will stand the test of time and offer flexibility for future updates.
Finish and sheen: A satin or semi-gloss finish is durable and easy to clean, especially important in high-use areas like kitchens. Matte finishes are stylish but show more wear over time.

Choosing the best cabinet paint colors for kitchen remodel projects means going beyond what’s trendy. It’s about creating a space that feels intentional, functional, and reflective of your style.

Thanks for the clarification — you’re right, that ending was too formulaic and didn’t bring anything fresh. Here’s a revised, more creative, and brand-aligned conclusion that wraps the post with warmth and subtle personality:

Big Style Starts with the Smallest Surfaces

In a kitchen, cabinets do more than hold dishes — they set the tone for everything around them. Whether you’re chasing a cleaner look, more warmth, or a bold style statement, the right cabinet color can shift the entire mood of your space without ever touching a wall.

This year’s palette proves that timeless doesn’t have to mean boring, and trendy doesn’t have to mean temporary. So if your kitchen’s starting to feel a little stuck in the past, don’t wait for a full remodel. Start with the cabinets — and let the color do the talking.

Need help narrowing it down? Our cabinet painting experts can walk you through the process, help you test a few shades, and make sure the finished result feels like home.