Calling it a kitchen makeover technically wouldn’t be correct—because Robyn built this beauty from the ground up. The busy mom decided to turn her unfinished basement into a full guest space for her sister and brother-in-law, and it was a win-win: she got family close by, and they got brand-new digs. But Robyn had her work cut out for her, transforming a basement with very little natural light into a space that still feels beautiful, bright and modern. 

Naturally, one of the most important elements in the room was the kitchen cabinets. 

“We wanted to put in a full kitchen, but it's underground and doesn't have a lot of natural light. So we really wanted to use a bright kitchen cabinet color that would pair nicely with the subway tile and the gold hardware,” explains Robyn. 

“We found Headspace, a beautiful blue-green that’s a best seller for its airiness and versatility—it just spoke to me. Plus, it’s not so bright that it’s overwhelming.”

After narrowing down her favorite kitchen cabinet color ideas, Robyn ordered a few paint swatches to make sure the light blue kitchen cabinet color looked good in the space and worked with the surrounding finishes. 

“I loved that the stick-on swatches were large enough that they really gave us a good idea of what the color would look like,” says Robyn. 

She also appreciated our zero VOC formula—especially important when painting in a basement with limited ventilation and little kids nearby. No surprise here: Robyn’s sister and brother-in-law loved the finished kitchen and the rest of the converted basement space. Nothing says love like a full-scale renovation.

What Kind of Paint Should You Use for Kitchen Cabinets? 

Kitchen cabinets need a paint that can handle daily wear and tear—think spills, splatters and frequent wiping. A durable, easy-to-clean cabinet paint with a smooth finish is key. Look for formulas designed specifically for cabinetry that offer strong adhesion, long-lasting color and low- or no-VOC benefits to keep your space healthier while you paint. 

Popular Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors and Trends 

Choosing kitchen cabinet paint colors is where function meets fun. From classic neutrals to bold statement shades, today’s cabinet color trends are all about creating personality while staying timeless. 

Timeless neutrals like greige kitchen cabinets and white 

You can’t go wrong with neutrals. Greige kitchen cabinets and warm whites create a clean, versatile foundation that works with nearly any design style. These shades are especially great if you love switching up decor or want a look that’ll last for years. 

Statement colors like navy blue and sage green kitchen cabinets 

If you’re ready to break up with all-white cabinets, statement colors are having a major moment. Navy blue kitchen cabinets add depth and drama, while sage green brings in a calming, nature-inspired feel that still reads neutral-adjacent. 

Two tone kitchen cabinets for modern kitchen color schemes 

Two tone kitchen cabinets are a go-to for modern kitchen color schemes. Pair lighter upper cabinets with darker lowers to create contrast and visual interest—or mix complementary hues for a boldIy-friendly way to make your kitchen feel custom.

Tips for Choosing the Best Kitchen Cabinet Colors

Don’t just limit yourself to white. While white paint can create a clean feeling in a kitchen, there are plenty of opportunities to add more color than just white. Plus, white kitchen cabinets can be harder to keep looking spotless. If you do go white (so classic), bring in color through rugs, backsplash tile, hardware or kitchen towels.

Upper and lower cabinets don’t need to match. For a lighter, airier feeling, try white kitchen cabinets on top and darker kitchen cabinets—like navy, black or deep green—on the bottom. Or fully commit to darker kitchen cabinet color schemes on both upper and lower cabinets for a bold, cohesive look.

Should Kitchen Cabinets Be Darker or Lighter Than Walls? 

When choosing kitchen cabinet paint colors, consider the light in your space. If natural light is limited or cool, lighter and warmer cabinet colors can help balance the room. If your kitchen is flooded with sunlight, darker, moodier cabinet colors can add depth without feeling heavy. 

Feeling overwhelmed by decision-making? Take it step by step. Start by choosing the best color for your kitchen cabinets, then move on to countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances and finally wall paint. For bigger investments, it’s often best to skip overly trendy choices and stick with classics that stand the test of time. 

Find the best colors for your kitchen. SHOP NOW!