Painted kitchen cabinets are my go-to move for making a kitchen feel brand-new without tearing out good woodwork. I’ve painted everything from chunky raised panels to simple Shaker doors, and the right color can make the craftsmanship pop in the best way.
Charcoal for Modern Farmhouse Edge
If you’re nervous about black, charcoal painted cabinets give you the same depth with a little more softness. I’ve done this with traditional cabinet doors, and the darker color made the joinery details feel really sharp.
Try these:
- Charcoal Furniture Paint: Transform your existing cabinetry with a rich, matte charcoal finish to achieve that deep, modern farmhouse depth.
- Brass Cup Pulls & Knobs: Add warmth and contrast against dark paint by swapping old hardware for classic, antique brass pulls.
- Brass Towel Ring: Install a vintage-inspired towel ring on the cabinet side for functional storage that doubles as elegant decor.
Creamy Off-White for Farmhouse Softness
A creamy off-white is what I reach for when you want that relaxed farmhouse kitchen vibe without going full bright white. I’ve used it on older oak cabinet boxes, and it’s amazing how it calms the grain while keeping the doors looking tailored.
May just do the trick:
- Creamy Off-White Furniture Paint: Refresh your outdated kitchen cabinets with this soft creamy hue for an instant, cozy farmhouse transformation.
- High-Quality Paint Brush Set: Achieve a smooth, professional finish on cabinet doors and frames with these durable, easy-to-clean brushes.
- Antique Brass Cabinet Knobs: Complete the farmhouse look by replacing old hardware with these warm, vintage-inspired brass knobs.
Light Gray for Easy, Clean Contrast
Light gray cabinets are my “can’t-mess-this-up” choice when the counters and floors are already busy. I’ve painted traditional raised-panel doors this shade and the subtle contrast makes the trim and profiles look extra intentional.
Possibly handy products:
- Light Gray Cabinet Paint: Transform your existing cabinets with this soft gray hue for a fresh, modern finish that brightens any kitchen.
- Brushed Nickel Round Knobs: Update your hardware with these classic round knobs to perfectly complement the cool tones of gray painted cabinetry.
- Clear Glass Bottle Vase: Display fresh greenery or branches in a simple glass vase to add organic texture against your painted woodwork.
Navy Lowers With White Uppers
I keep coming back to two-tone kitchen cabinets with navy lower cabinets and lighter uppers because it anchors the room without making it heavy. On my last cabinet makeover, the darker base made the shaker rails look super defined.
A few helpful options:
- Navy Blue Cabinet Paint Kit: Refresh your existing lower cabinets with a deep navy finish to anchor your kitchen’s design beautifully.
- Brushed Brass Cup Pulls: Install these classic cup pulls on your drawers to replicate the warm, metallic contrast seen here.
- Butcher Block Countertop Oil: Protect and enhance the natural wood tones of your transition countertop with this food-safe conditioning oil.
Coastal Blue for an Airy Refresh
Coastal blue cabinets have that clean, breezy feel that makes even a standard kitchen layout look lighter. I’ve used a softer blue on beadboard-style cabinet ends, and it instantly leaned cottage without feeling themed.
A few suggestions:
- Brass Cup Pulls: Upgrade your existing cabinets instantly by swapping old hardware for these warm, classic brass cup pulls.
- Coastal Blue Chalk Paint: Refresh your cabinetry with a smooth, matte finish that brings breezy coastal charm to your kitchen.
- Butcher Block Countertop Oil: Protect and enhance the natural warmth of wood surfaces to beautifully contrast against cool blue cabinetry.
Black Cabinets With Bright Counters
Black kitchen cabinets look unbelievably elegant when there’s enough light bouncing around the room. I painted a full run of shaker lowers black once, and it turned basic cabinets into a statement piece overnight.
Check these products out:
- Matte Black Cabinet Paint: Transform your existing cabinets with this durable finish to achieve that elegant, statement-piece look in your kitchen.
- Gold Cup Pulls & Knobs: Add a touch of luxury by swapping old hardware for these warm metallic accents that pop against black.
- Marble Contact Paper: Brighten your dark cabinets instantly with this peel-and-stick countertop solution that mimics the look of real stone.
A Contrasting Painted Island Centerpiece
A contrasting painted island is the quickest way I know to add personality without committing to painting every cabinet. I’ve done a darker island under lighter perimeter kitchen cabinets, and it made the whole kitchen feel custom.
You might like:
- Navy Blue Cabinet Paint Kit: Refresh your existing island with this deep blue paint to create a stunning, custom-looking focal point easily.
- Antique Brass Cabinet Knobs: Upgrade your hardware with these warm brass knobs that perfectly complement contrasting dark cabinet colors.
- Butcher Block Countertop Oil: Maintain the natural beauty and longevity of your wooden island countertop with this food-safe conditioning oil.
Monochrome Cabinets for a Seamless Look
Painting all the kitchen cabinets—uppers, lowers, and even pantry doors—the same color can make a kitchen feel bigger and calmer. I tried this with a muted blue-gray, and the consistent color let the cabinet shapes and trim become the texture.
A few choices to try:
- Matte Cabinet Paint in Muted Blue-Gray: Transform your cabinets with this durable, low-sheen finish to achieve a calm, monochrome aesthetic effortlessly.
- Antique Brass Round Cabinet Knobs: Add a classic touch to your freshly painted doors with these understated, warm metallic hardware accents.
- Angled Sash Paint Brush: Ensure clean edges and smooth application on cabinet trim and recessed panels with this precision tool.
Painted Cabinets With Natural Wood Accents
One of my favorite combos is painted cabinets with natural wood accents like butcher-block counters or a wood vent hood. I’ve used a cool-toned cabinet color with warm wood shelves, and that contrast kept the space from feeling flat.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Butcher Block Countertop Oil/Conditioner: Protect your wood surfaces and enhance their natural grain by applying a high-quality food-safe conditioner regularly.
- Brass Cup Cabinet Pulls: Add a classic vintage touch to painted drawers with warm metallic hardware that complements cool paint tones.
- Blue-Grey Furniture Paint: Refresh your existing cabinetry with a durable, calming blue-grey finish to create an elegant coastal farmhouse look.
Same Color, Different Sheen for Dimension
Using one color on your kitchen cabinets but changing the paint sheen (like softer on boxes and slightly shinier on doors) adds depth without adding another hue. I’ve done this on paneled doors, and the light catches the rails in such a pretty way.
A few things you might like:
- Satin Finish Cabinet Paint: Create a subtle, velvety glow on your cabinet frames that contrasts beautifully with higher-gloss doors.
- Semi-Gloss Cabinet Enamel: Apply this to door panels to reflect light and make the architectural details pop against matte surroundings.
- Angled Sash Paint Brush: Ensure clean lines where different sheens meet on your cabinetry with a high-quality angled precision brush.
Painted Interiors Behind Glass-Front Doors
Painting the inside of glass-front kitchen cabinets a surprise color is one of my sneaky favorite upgrades. I did a soft green interior with neutral cabinet faces, and it made everyday dishes look like a display.
A few relevant products:
- Sage Green Chalk Paint: Transform your cabinet interiors or frames with this soft, matte finish paint for an instant, vintage-inspired refresh.
- Small Foam Paint Rollers: Use these mini rollers to ensure a smooth, professional application of paint inside tight cabinet corners and shelves.
- Puck Lights for Cabinets: Highlight your newly painted background and display dishes by easily installing these wireless LED lights inside your cabinets.
Softly Distressed Painted Cabinet Finish
A lightly worn, distressed painted finish can make newer kitchen cabinets feel like they’ve always belonged in an older home. I’ve sanded edges just enough to reveal hints of the wood profile, and it adds charm without looking beat up.
Products that could assist:
- Chalk Style Furniture Paint: Create that matte, vintage base coat easily with paints designed specifically for distressing and layering on furniture.
- Fine Grit Sanding Sponges: Gently reveal the wood underneath your paint at edges and corners to achieve an authentic, time-worn appearance.
- Antique Brass Cabinet Knobs: Complete your cabinet’s transformation by adding classic hardware that complements the warm, distressed tones of the finish.
Hand-Painted Pantry Cabinet Mural Moment
For a real conversation starter, I’ve hand-painted a simple botanical mural right on a tall pantry cabinet door, keeping the rest of the cabinets a solid color. It sounds bold, but on a single cabinet face it feels like functional art you get to live with.
Items that may come in handy:
- Botanical Wall Stencils: Create professional-looking floral designs easily by positioning these reusable templates on your cabinet surface before painting.
- Acrylic Paint Set for Furniture: Bring your mural to life with these versatile paints that adhere well to primed wood and cabinet surfaces.
- Fine Detail Paint Brushes: Achieve crisp lines and delicate stems in your artwork using these precise brushes designed for intricate detailing.
