The kitchen is the heart of the home, but finding the perfect paint color can be a challenge. While it's fun to keep up with the latest design trends, some design choices can make your kitchen look dated faster without you realizing it. One of the most influential aspects of a kitchen's aesthetic is the color of its cabinets. From classic white to bold colors, choosing the color of your kitchen cabinets can be a big challenge. Really It impacts the overall look and feel of the space.
To ensure your kitchen looks beautiful for years to come, I spoke to interior design pros to find out which kitchen cabinet colors will stand the test of time and which colors definitely won't. Read on to learn more about which shades and tones will make your space inviting and timeless.
1. Retro Pink
As you can pretty much tell from the name, bold retro pink isn't a color that will work with most kitchen cabinets. “Retro pink is definitely a color that harkens back to the '80s, and even though the nostalgia trend is making a comeback, it's a big no-no in the kitchen,” says Devin Schaffer, principal interior designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design. “Somehow, the color makes the space look dark and gloomy. It doesn't add any vibrancy to the room, and in a kitchen, that's exactly what we're going for.”
If you do If you want to incorporate pink into your kitchen, it's best to choose lighter shades that brighten up the space — think cream, peach or Bellini pink — or incorporate bold colors throughout with bright vases, flowers or other decorative accents.
2. Yellow/orange wood
“There's a certain type of wood that combines yellow and orange that dates back to the early 2000s,” Shaffer explains. “This shade has no personality or style and will make your kitchen look dull, old, and boring.” To avoid this, choose a warm-to-neutral wood instead. The timeless cabinet hue makes your kitchen extremely versatile and will suit a wide range of styles and tastes. As for the finish, Shaffer recommends adding matte black handles to tie it all together.
3. Bright colors
According to Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets, bright colors aren't a good choice for kitchens. “So many of the outdated styles we see stand out with eye-catching, bold colors or intricate details,” she explains. “By prioritizing versatile, understated functionality, your space will look naturally stylish. Basic rules for cabinets: Stick to muted earth tones or neutrals as your primary colors. Think white, cream, and gray, and choose cabinet doors with clean, simple lines or only a few embellishments. This is one of the reasons white kitchens remain so popular—they never go out of style!” (Of course, if you're going for bright cabinets, that's your kitchen. Do it!)
4. Ultra Dark Wood
Wood for espresso has always been a staple, but experts say Too Dark. Dark wood finishes can ruin the cozy feel that many people want in their kitchen. “Whether you have a large kitchen or a small one, the effect is the same: it can look unwelcoming, dark, even depressing,” says Schaffer. Her advice is to stick to light colors and add cozy touches like flowers, plants, and subtle decorative accents.
So, what color? No Does your kitchen look outdated?
Now that you know which kitchen cabinet colors are timeless, the real question is, teethNaturally, neutral hues are the experts' go-to. “My favorites are creams, grays, and greiges,” says Schaffer. “They're just so elegant and always give the visual effect of making a space look bigger, which is something we're always looking for. Another great thing about neutral hues is that not only do they warm up a room, but they also give you the freedom to play around with furniture and décor items. They're the perfect backdrop and canvas for incorporating your favorite pieces.”
An overall tip: think timeless. “It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to design a home that will look modern for years to come is to choose classic colors and styles,” Pierce says. “Your kitchen is a big investment that your family will enjoy for years to come. Make sure your investment items like cabinets, appliances, and countertops are classic so your kitchen can evolve with your tastes. Then, use room accents like colorful countertop décor, island stools, and dinnerware to try out the latest trends in your kitchen without any long-term commitments.”
Want to learn more about the latest kitchen design trends that will be in and out of style this year? Here's everything you need to know about cabinets, flooring, tile, and hardware.
This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. Check it out here: Kitchen cabinet color can make your home look outdated quickly
