eDo you want your kitchen remodel to stand the test of time? No one wants to invest time and energy only for their remodel to look dated in 5 years. To prevent this problem, study up on timeless kitchen design. There are many details that go into creating this aesthetic including cabinet door styles, color palettes, cabinet hardware and more.

However, kitchen cabinet colors will be our main focus today. Whether you enjoy colorful kitchens or a more subtle design, there's something for everyone. But one thing all these colors have in common are their earthy tones. Explore 8 timeless kitchen cabinet colors below and how you can use them.

 

1. White Kitchen Cabinets

White inset kitchen cabinets with stacked glass cabinets above and a large gray stained kitchen islandWhite inset kitchen cabinets with stacked glass cabinets above and a large gray stained kitchen island
Fitzgerald Sea Salt and Cherry Peppercorn kitchen cabinets
Mid-Century Modern kitchen design with white and medium wood slab cabinets with globe pendant lightingMid-Century Modern kitchen design with white and medium wood slab cabinets with globe pendant lighting
Jensen Lily and Harvest kitchen cabinets
White shaker kitchen design with black cabinet handles and dark brown wood islandWhite shaker kitchen design with black cabinet handles and dark brown wood island
Newport Sea Salt kitchen cabinets

White is a classic color that goes with any timeless kitchen design. This finish comes in opaque paints and color washes to create a unique look. If you want a versatile color that will look beautiful with other colors, this is it. Many timeless kitchens today are incorporating white with wood tones together to create a modern organic look. Because the color schemes are neutral, they will last through fads and trends while making it easy to decorate with pops of color.

 

2. Blue Kitchen Cabinets

Light gray kitchen cabinet design with white plaster kitchen hood and dark blue islandLight gray kitchen cabinet design with white plaster kitchen hood and dark blue island
Duluth Pebble and Cobalt kitchen cabinets
Medium blue buffet kitchen cabinets with light cream stone countertopsMedium blue buffet kitchen cabinets with light cream stone countertops
Berkeley Gale kitchen cabinets
Dark navy blue shaker kitchen design with nautical theme and light quartz countertopsDark navy blue shaker kitchen design with nautical theme and light quartz countertops
Harrison Maple Celeste kitchen cabinets

Although blue cabinets became popular in the last few decades, this earth tone has stuck around. Many homeowners love the beauty and vibrance of blue cabinets because it introduces color into the design while not going over the top. There are many shades of blue to choose from including robin's egg blue to the beloved regal navy blue. This color is another popular paint finish for two-tone designs, but remains beautiful enough to stand on its own. Blue kitchen cabinets are typically found in modern, contemporary, eclectic and transitional kitchen styles.

 

3. Cream Kitchen Cabinets

Light cream inset kitchen cabinets with medium wood toned kitchen islandLight cream inset kitchen cabinets with medium wood toned kitchen island
Brentwood Irish Creme and Biscotti kitchen cabinets
Light cream shaker kitchen design with Scandinavian flare and large wood center tableLight cream shaker kitchen design with Scandinavian flare and large wood center table
Newport Silk kitchen cabinets
Light cream inset kitchen cabinet design with medium wood accents and plaster kitchen hoodLight cream inset kitchen cabinet design with medium wood accents and plaster kitchen hood
Brentwood Irish Creme kitchen cabinets

Is white too cold for you? Soft creams are elegant and add a warm glow to any design. With so many shades of cream on the market today, you can find the perfect option whether it’s closer to white or has rich gold undertones. The most timeless options are soft cream tones that pair well with mixed metals, wood finishes and pops of color. Cream kitchen cabinets look best in modern, traditional, transitional, eclectic and farmhouse kitchens.

 

4. Gray Kitchen Cabinets

Light gray shaker kitchen design with dark wood island and farmhouse style flareLight gray shaker kitchen design with dark wood island and farmhouse style flare
Duluth Pebble kitchen cabinets
Contemporary kitchen design in dark gray slab kitchen cabinets with modern LED circle lightingContemporary kitchen design in dark gray slab kitchen cabinets with modern LED circle lighting
Jensen Fog kitchen cabinets
Compact light gray shaker kitchen design with bronze cabinet hardwareCompact light gray shaker kitchen design with bronze cabinet hardware
Newport Mist kitchen cabinets

Embrace a chic and minimalist look with gray kitchen cabinets. This timeless color will add high-end appeal to any design. As you can see, the shade of gray you choose does have an impact on the design.

Light gray paints and stains will give designs a chic and elevated look while dark gray will create a contemporary minimalist vibe. Like white and cream, gray cabinets provide a simple color foundation you can build from with colorful decor, draperies and cabinet hardware. Gray tones also look great with any design style making it incredibly flexible.

 

5. Black Kitchen Cabinets

Large black kitchen design with stacked cabinets, white quartz countertops and rustic surroundingsLarge black kitchen design with stacked cabinets, white quartz countertops and rustic surroundings
Harrison Carriage Black kitchen cabinets

Black is a bold option that can be used in any timeless kitchen design style. Modern and contemporary kitchens do well with all black cabinets, but for everything else, balance the look by using black accents. Ground your design with a black island or black base cabinets for a dramatic two-tone look. This color is great at emphasizing beautiful details whether it’s a furniture-style island, stunning gold cabinet hardware or wood kitchen hoods.

 

6. Light Wood Cabinets

Shaker kitchen cabinet design with natural maple base cabinets and white glass wall cabinets with boho style designShaker kitchen cabinet design with natural maple base cabinets and white glass wall cabinets with boho style design
Newport Lily and Natural kitchen cabinets
Contemporary slab kitchen design with black base cabinets and natural maple wall cabinetsContemporary slab kitchen design with black base cabinets and natural maple wall cabinets
Wynn Maple Onyx and Natural kitchen cabinets

Explore the natural look with light wood cabinets. This is a stunning cabinet color that offers an organic feel with lots of room for creativity. Light wood is versatile in the fact that it can be used for a rustic cabin, or a contemporary kitchen. Mix it with other timeless paint colors for a modern pop or use it on its own to make a statement.

Before settling on your wood species, make sure you understand how the color will change with aging. Some light wood cabinets start creamy white and turn reddish brown over time. Overall, this color looks great with a wide mixture of paint and cabinet hardware giving you a one-of-a-kind space.

 

7. Medium Wood Cabinets

Medium wood tone inset kitchen cabinets with a gas range, white plaster hood and white stone slab covered wallMedium wood tone inset kitchen cabinets with a gas range, white plaster hood and white stone slab covered wall
Brentwood Cherry Cappuccino kitchen cabinets
Two tone shaker kitchen design with medium wood pantry wall, white shaker coffee bar wall and wood tone islandTwo tone shaker kitchen design with medium wood pantry wall, white shaker coffee bar wall and wood tone island
Newport Lily and Fossil kitchen cabinets
Upscale medium wood kitchen cabinets in shaker style with matching quartz countertops and slab backsplashUpscale medium wood kitchen cabinets in shaker style with matching quartz countertops and slab backsplash
Newport Harvest kitchen cabinets

One of the most popular timeless colors right now is medium wood tones. Homeowners everywhere are loving the inviting atmosphere and warmth they bring. No matter what design style you prefer, medium wood cabinets look good in any design.

Like other colors we discussed before, this tone looks beautiful in two-tone designs. Common color pairings include medium wood with white, cream or blue. This rich cabinet color also glows with popular gold and brass cabinet hardware.

 

8. Dark Wood Cabinets

U-shaped dark brown kitchen cabinet design with all floating shelves and unique vertical subway tile backsplashU-shaped dark brown kitchen cabinet design with all floating shelves and unique vertical subway tile backsplash
Harrison Cherry Smoke kitchen cabinets
U-shaped dark brown basement kitchen with brushed nickel cabinet pulls and tonal tile backsplashU-shaped dark brown basement kitchen with brushed nickel cabinet pulls and tonal tile backsplash
Kirby Timber kitchen cabinets

If you love a formal buttoned up look, explore dark wood finishes. Whether it’s coffee brown, espresso or almost jet black, this gorgeous tone provides timeless uniformity and a clean canvas. Some of the biggest benefits are its ability to match any color and the way it easily modernizes any kitchen. Because of the bold color of dark wood tones, it’s typically used in modern, contemporary and transitional kitchen designs.

 

For the most personalized timeless kitchen, create a two-tone design. Using earth tones is essential if you want your kitchen to look good regardless of the year or current trends. Going with fleeting fads can be fun and look nice for a few years, but most homeowners tend to regret those decisions when they are used on high-priced remodeling products.

If you love new color trends and they fall outside of earth tones, use them in wall paint, decor, rugs and even backsplash tile. All these items are much easier to switch out when you get tired on them and cost much less than a kitchen full of cabinets.

Do you need help choosing timeless cabinet colors for your kitchen? Talk to a CliqStudios designer for free assistance today!