What kind of paint should you use on kitchen cabinets?

An acrylic latex paint is the best option because it’s durable and creates a smooth surface you can clean. It’s best to choose a semi-gloss, gloss, or satin finish. These are more durable than flat finishes when scrubbing. Remember, you will need to wipe down your cabinets to remove grease and food particles.

Is it better to spray or paint kitchen cabinets?

If you want the most professional-looking finish, then use a sprayer to apply the paint to your cabinets. Keep your hand constantly moving while spraying to ensure you get an even finish. If your cabinet doors have a lot of detailing, then a sprayer will make it easier to get in all of the crevices.

Can you just paint over cabinets?

Yes and no. Wood, laminate, and metal cabinets have a straightforward repainting process. You’ll need to lightly sand the surface with fine grip sandpaper to help the paint adhere to the cabinet. Some plastic or PVC-type materials may not allow the paint to adhere. You’ll need a specialty paint specifically designed for the material you are painting.

13 Painted Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

“No matter what the recipe, any baker can do wonders in the kitchen with some good ingredients and an upbeat attitude!” – Buddy Valastro

Doing a kitchen makeover is an easy way to update the look of your kitchen. It’s one of the most used rooms in your home, so giving it an update can make a big impact. But before you say good riddance to those oak cabinets and replace them with open shelving, consider a better way. A simple cabinet makeover can update your kitchen without you losing valuable storage space.

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a simple home improvement project that can transform the look of your kitchen. Changing the color of your cabinets can make your kitchen feel bigger, brighter, and more welcoming. The right color can take a lifeless kitchen with no personality and turn it into something unique that’s a perfect expression of you and your family.

These painted kitchen cabinet ideas will help you decide what color is best for your kitchen.

1. Dive into Santorini Blue

Santorini blue cabinets evoke a fresh, vibrant atmosphere in the kitchen, reminiscent of the Greek island’s serene beauty. This color works well in well-lit spaces, bringing a sense of openness and airiness.

Use it as a statement color for all your cabinets or as an accent for an island or lower cabinets. Complement this shade with natural elements like wooden floors or rattan accessories to balance its brightness.

Modern kitchen with painted bright blue cabinets, white countertops, and appliances including a microwave and stove, two rugs on the floor — Source: @dilmy_home via Instagram

Modern kitchen with painted dark blue cabinets, a white countertop, and two bar stools; pendant lights hang from the ceiling — Source: @individuallybespoke via Instagram

Modern kitchen with painted navy cabinets, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and a large island — Source: @singhkitchens via Instagram

For a modern twist, pair Santorini Blue cabinets with sleek, stainless steel appliances and minimalist hardware. This creates a striking contrast that is both contemporary and timeless.

Consider matte finishes for a more subtle look, or high gloss for a more dramatic effect. The key is to keep surrounding elements simple, letting the blue be the star of your kitchen.

2. Transform with Teal Blue

This versatile shade pairs beautifully with both light and dark color palettes, offering flexibility in design choices.

For a cohesive look, match teal cabinets with neutral backsplashes like beige or grey. Brass or gold hardware can add a touch of luxury, creating an elegant feel.

Kitchen with painted teal cabinets, black countertop, and a classic black stove featuring wooden flooring and a small window — Source: @usedkitchenexchange via Instagram

In smaller kitchens, use teal blue on lower cabinets to ground the space without overwhelming it. Balance it with lighter upper cabinets or open shelving to maintain a spacious feel.

For lighting, consider pendant lights with a warm glow to enhance the cozy, inviting ambiance that teal naturally brings to a room.

3. Elevate with Oxford Blue

Oxford blue cabinets lend a sense of sophistication and depth to your kitchen. This deep, rich hue is perfect for creating a focal point, especially in larger kitchens or open-plan spaces. It pairs exceptionally well with metallic accents like copper or brushed nickel, adding a layer of luxury.

Modern kitchen with painted dark cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white backsplash, and wooden floor; plants and utensils neatly arranged — Source: @lockdown_home_renovations via Instagram

Modern kitchen with dark painted cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and white herringbone backsplash, light wood floor and hanging light — Source: @createdby.lauren via Instagram

To maintain a balanced look, complement Oxford Blue cabinets with lighter elements. Think of using lighter countertops or a soft-colored backsplash.

Natural light plays a significant role in this color scheme, so ensure your kitchen is well-lit with either natural or artificial lighting. This will keep the space feeling open and welcoming, despite the darker cabinetry.

4. Enrich with Brown

Brown cabinets tend to rank low on homeowners’ lists when painting kitchen cabinets. However, when done correctly, brown can look beautiful. It also works well with countertops that have beige and brown hues. This makes it a smart choice when you have a limited budget for updating and upgrading your kitchen.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a granite countertop, and three leather stools at a breakfast bar — Source: @greenbrookdesign via Instagram

Kitchen with wooden cabinets, granite countertops, island with stools, stainless steel appliances, and a chalkboard pantry door — Source: @kayla.machi via Instagram

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, island with stools, built-in appliances, and a fruit bowl, bright with natural light — Source: @pddesigns.in via Instagram

Skip the overused and boring chocolate brown. Instead, choose a brown that has grey undertones or one that’s muted. Lighter brown shades are also nice because they keep your cabinets from feeling too heavy.

5. Refresh with White & Marble Countertops

This classic combination exudes luxury and provides a bright, clean backdrop for your culinary space. Marble, with its unique veining, adds character and depth, making each countertop a one-of-a-kind piece. This pairing works well in both traditional and contemporary kitchen styles.

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, subway tile backsplash, and natural light — Source: @beydindesign via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops, and rustic decor, a TV on the right displays a talk show, ceiling fan above — Source: @corisfurniture via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel stove, granite countertops, black faucet, and fruit basket; bright and tidy space — Source: @kristenfortier via Instagram

A bright kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops, and a small table with wicker chairs; decor includes a wreath and potted plants — Source: @christinestarfish via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark countertops, bar stool, and plants above cabinets — Source: @brittney_gage via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and gray tiled floor as sunlight streams through a window — Source: @weekendhomesteaders via Instagram

A bright kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a marble countertop featuring a wooden floor and kitchen island with bowls — Source: @thegatheredheart via Instagram

Maintaining a balance between the pristine white cabinets and the rich details of marble is key. Consider using subtle color accents through accessories or plants to add warmth.

For a seamless design, choose hardware that complements the tones in the marble, whether that’s a cool silver or a warm brass.

6. Warm Up with White & Wood Countertops

White cabinets paired with a wood countertop create a warm and inviting kitchen atmosphere. This combination brings together the freshness of white and the natural, earthy feel of wood.

Choose a wood countertop with a rich grain to add texture and visual interest. This style suits a range of kitchen designs, from modern to rustic.

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, light gray painted cabinets, and black tiled floor. Countertops hold utensils and small appliances — Source: @listinprogress via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with white painted cabinets, stainless steel appliances, potted plants, and a large window with a checkered curtain — Source: @our_little_home2020 via Instagram

To maximize the effect of this pairing, keep the hardware and fixtures simple and understated. Consider brushed metal or matte black finishes for handles and taps.

7. Contrast with White & Black Countertops

White cabinets with a black countertop present a striking, modern contrast that makes a bold statement in any kitchen.

This high-contrast look is both sleek and sophisticated, ideal for contemporary designs. The black countertop not only grounds the space but also hides stains and scratches better than lighter colors.

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, farmhouse sink, stone backsplash, white cabinets, and a large island with pendant lights — Source: @still.waterfarm via Instagram

Modern kitchen with painted white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, black countertop, and bar stools; decor includes a basket and wall signs — Source: @thebeadedfarmhouse via Instagram

Modern kitchen with painted white cabinets, dark countertop, stainless steel fridge, and a stove; decor includes flowers and jars — Source: @mycreatedcottage via Instagram

Bright kitchen with painted white cabinets, dark countertops, and a round dining table by a bay window, indoor plants add a touch of greenery — Source: @caleyscozyhome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel fridge, dark countertops, and geometric pendant lights — Source: @nieucabinetdoors via Instagram

To soften the contrast, introduce elements of gray or wood tones in flooring or accessories. This will create a more layered look and prevent the kitchen from feeling too stark.

Lighting is crucial in this color scheme; ensure there is ample light to highlight the white cabinets and provide a balance against the black countertops.

8. Embrace Farmhouse Style

You’ll see farmhouse cabinet designs with decorative cutouts or chicken wire covering a large opening. These are a big and permanent commitment to changing the look of your cabinet doors. If you don’t like it or change your mind in the future, you’ll have to replace the cabinet doors. Painting is a much better option because you can easily repaint the cabinets for less money.

Modern kitchen with gray painted cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sign, and light wood flooring A textured rug is on the floor — Source: @mitten_mack via Instagram

Modern kitchen with cream painted cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white subway tiles, and a striped rug on wooden floor — Source: @sawdust.and.paper.co via Instagram

Give your kitchen cabinets a unique look by using chalk paint to finish your cabinet fronts. You don’t need to use it for the entire cabinets, just the doors. Chalkboard paint comes in classic black, but if black kitchen cabinets aren’t you’re style, there are other colors to choose from. Have a small bin with chalk on your counter that you can use to make notes such as recipes, grocery shopping lists, or planned menus.

9. Mix It Up with Two Shades of Blue

Using two shades of blue in your kitchen cabinetry can create a dynamic and visually interesting space. Consider a lighter blue for upper cabinets and a darker blue for the lower ones. This not only adds depth but also helps in creating a sense of balance and hierarchy in the space.

Another approach is to use one shade on the cabinets and another on the kitchen island, making it a striking centerpiece.

Kitchen with blue painted cabinets, wooden accents, and a round table with flowers featuring a stove, wooden counters, and pendant lights — Source: @thebankendproject via Instagram

Coordinate these blue shades with neutral elements like a white backsplash or light wood flooring. This prevents the blues from overpowering the space while keeping the focus on the cabinetry.

For a harmonious look, select blues with similar undertones, whether they lean towards warm or cool. This strategy ensures the colors complement each other effectively.

10. Go Sleek with Gray

Grey is considered the modern neutral. Light shades have a fresh feel that works perfectly for gray kitchen cabinets. By keeping your cabinet neutral, you are free to use bolder colors with the rest of your decor. Dark charcoal gray cabinets are nice because they have a sleek modern feel without being as harsh as true black.

Modern kitchen with painted light gray cabinets, marble backsplash, and wooden floors featuring an island with pendant lights and brass fixtures — Source: @hillcraftdesigngroup via Instagram

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gray cabinets, open shelves, and a white subway tile backsplash — Source: @your.taylor.made.home via Instagram

Rustic kitchen with wooden beams, white painted cabinets, wood countertops, island with stools, and shelves holding dishes and fruit — Source: @design_genes via Instagram

Modern kitchen with dark painted cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a wood ceiling; round table with white chairs in the foreground — Source: @starmarkcabinetry via Instagram

Kitchen with dark gray painted cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white countertops, and a small fruit basket on the counter — Source: @marklauren95 via Instagram

Modern kitchen with painted gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a white island with two stools, and pendant lights — Source: @my.modernhome via Instagram

Modern kitchen with painted gray cabinets, a large island with stools, stainless steel appliances, wooden floor, and a range hood featuring ample natural light — Source: @thomasmachinteriors via Instagram

To keep your cabinets and kitchen from looking flat, use more than one shade of grey. Using a combination of light and dark creates visual interest and depth. For example, darker grey on your backsplash and a lighter shade on the cabinets makes the wall sink back, giving the illusion of the kitchen being larger.

11. Invigorate with Green

Using the color green for your kitchen cabinets is smart because it’s the color of life and nature. It’s perfect for adding an earthy feel to your kitchen without having to add plants. A soft mint shade can keep your kitchen feeling light and bright. It’s perfect for a farmhouse-inspired kitchen. A bright kelly green can look beautiful in a high gloss finish with bright gold hardware. Darker shades of green look elegant when paired with light cream and white.

Modern kitchen with painted teal cabinets, black countertops, a fruit bowl, and star-patterned backsplash behind the stainless steel stove — Source: @fixingupfellows via Instagram

Modern kitchen with painted green cabinets, white countertops, black fridge, and an oven, vase with flowers on the counter, bright lighting — Source: @kitchen_world_ireland via Instagram

Kitchen with painted teal cabinets, gas stove, microwave, and tiled floor; white walls and countertop; window above sink; bright, modern decor — Source: @manzanillorentals via Instagram

Kitchen with painted green cabinets, black fridge, wood floor, and decorative rooster; beige wall tiles and a small countertop plant are visible — Source: @ourlifeintheclouds via Instagram

Modern kitchen with painted green cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a small island with two chairs, and colorful flowers in a vase — Source: @rejohnson58 via Instagram

Modern kitchen with green painted cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wooden floor; eggs and pepper mills on counter — Source: @shakerandmaykitchens via Instagram

Modern kitchen with green painted cabinets, large island, and wire stools, with sunflowers in vases adding a bright touch, and featuring a skylight and large window. — Source: @thebarfordproject via Instagram

Sage green and shades of green that have grey undertones look beautiful in the kitchen. These colors are perfect for your cabinets because they pair well with a wide range of other colors. This makes it easy to decorate and change your decor without having to change your cabinets.

12. Play with Two-Tone Charm

Elevate your kitchen cabinetry by choosing more than one color for your design. A two-tone approach creates more visual interest and depth in your kitchen. You can also use the colors to your advantage to create the illusion that your kitchen is bigger or brighter than it really is.

Modern kitchen with white and gray cabinets, a stainless steel stove and microwave, and a round watermelon on the counter — Source: @bigfootcabinet via Instagram

Modern kitchen with teal and gray cabinets, geometric backsplash, built-in oven, countertop appliances, and warm under-cabinet lighting — Source: @designfirst.ro via Instagram

Kitchen with green cabinets, white countertops, and large windows, appliances and a potted plant are visible — Source: @emmiesroom via Instagram

Modern kitchen with navy island, white cabinetry, farmhouse sink, wooden floor, and decorative items on shelves and counters — Source: @featheringournest via Instagram

Kitchen with grey lower cabinets and cream upper cabinets, stainless steel sink, stove with yellow towel, and assorted kitchen items — Source: @hvvintage via Instagram

Paint your lower cabinets or kitchen island a dark color shade. For example, you could have navy blue, dark cabinets. Then paint your wall and upper cabinets a light color, such as white. This keeps the weight of the room low and the upper part of the room at eye level light and bright.

13. Brighten with All-White Elegance

White has always been the most popular color for kitchens and likely will remain that way. This shouldn’t be surprising since bright white looks clean and fresh and reflects the most light. If you currently have dark-hued cabinets, then a white paint color can transform the look of your kitchen. You don’t have to commit to an all-white kitchen simply because you decide you want white kitchen cabinets.