5 fail-safe kitchen cabinet color combinations that always work

There’s nothing more jarring than two kitchen colors that don’t work together. Try as you might, you can’t ignore clashing colors, and no matter what else is going on in the room they will always be the focus. Yet it can be so limiting to only use one color in a kitchen, not to mention bland, so nailing the right color combinations is key. And a tried and tested way to bring multiple colors into your kitchen? The cabinets.

But figuring out the perfect kitchen cabinet color combinations is no easy feat. Thankfully that’s where design experts come in handy, providing up-to-date advice and hot tips. From bold and brilliant, to cosy and tranquil, we’ve got your kitchen cabinet combos covered.

The color combinations that always work on kitchen cabinets

Adding color into your kitchen is easier said than done. Using timeless color combinations on your kitchen cabinetry is like the ultimate cheat code, unlocking your way to a stylish kitchen with ease. Don’t spend hours agonizing over color charts when design experts have already done the hard work for you.

1. Black and white

It’s a classic for a reason, right? Black and white kitchen cabinets colors pair off perfectly with each other for a sleek, contemporary finish. Black on the bottom cabinetry lends gravitas and depth to the kitchen, whilst white wall cabinetry helps to lift the eye upwards, creating a vast sense of space.

'Don’t be afraid to go dark on your cabinetry, especially when paired with a good mid-neutral,' says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. 'Dark kitchens are striking yet timeless and are especially good at giving presence to a small room, even more so if your cabinets are the lower units as this will provide ‘structure’ to your room. Think something elegant like our blackest blue Railings.'

For a more refined take on monochrome, look to smokey greys or blue-blacks paired with off-whites such as eggshell and ivory. Finish off the look with plenty of texture and rustic elements to soften the contrast.

2. Dark green and light green

The only thing better than a green kitchen is a green kitchen with multiple shades of green. The tonal difference adds dimension to your cabinets, bringing them to life before your eyes. You can have fun with the verdant shades here, whether it’s forest green on sage, khaki on pistachio, or moss on mint.

'For a vibrant, contemporary, tonal scheme, combine complementary green shades ‘Harley Green’ and ‘Tea with Florence’ to create a subtle contrast,' advises Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

Green is known for being the easiest color on the eyes, creating less strain and fatigue in a space that’s infamous for both things. If you’ve been squinting at cookbooks and feeling tired around dinner time, then a double dose of the stuff could leave you invigorated and creative.

3. White and navy

White and navy pair for a classic kitchen cabinet combination that’s coastal without being cutesy, classic without being boring. These two shades bring a crisp, refined style to your interiors, creating a look that’ll last decades.

'In this kitchen, we did a classic white with a warm wood along with a beautiful deep blue for the island. It feels cohesive, classic and fresh,' explains Allison Ruda, founder of Allison Ruda Interior Design. 'This is a great way to have a white kitchen without it feeling sterile or boring. The wood cabinets on the lower add so much warmth and charm and the beautiful blue cabinetry within the island adds some character and grounding.'

4. Blue-gray and gray

Blue-gray and gray kitchen cabinets are a match made in heaven. The pairing is subtle and sophisticated and proves that a cool color scheme can still feel welcoming.

The combination adds dimension to your kitchen, creating shadows and depth in unexpected places. The two gray shades offer a tonal look that's organic and grounded, bringing dimensionality to each row of cabinetry.

Margaret Donaldson, interior designer and founder of MDI Luxury Design, uses Benjamin Moore's Sterling 1591 on her perimeter cabinets and Adagio 1593 on the island. 'Sterling is a light, crisp gray which is bright and fresh, while Adagio is a richer blue-gray which adds depth and interest as an accent color,' she says. 'This is a cool-toned palette with a nice balance of light for the perimeter and depth for the island.'

5. Green and blue

Blue and green are a bit of an unexpected color combo as they are analogous colors and in the past we've shied away from pairing colors that are too similar together. But trends are shifting and analogous schemes are on the rise and blues and greens are the most calming and livable of them all. This combo can work with many different kitchen styles too, as designer Danielle Novy says, 'Saturated greens and teals are pretty versatile colors for kitchen cabinets.'

The result will leave your kitchen energized with electric jolts of color. Look for blue shades such as azure, cobalt, and cerulean; the more depth, the better. Similarly for verdant shades, anything in a magnificent emerald or bottle green shade will deliver the enriched, uplifting cabinetry that you’re after.

'Deep greens and navy will perfectly contrast against cool marble surfaces. Consider a higher finish on cabinetry, like semi-gloss or high-gloss, to bring reflection and dimension to slightly darker space,' suggests Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore.

Combining kitchen cabinets can be tricky but ultimately makes for a more fulfilling, enriched kitchen space. From classic arrangements to bold compositions, there’s a color pairing to suit every space and style.