A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive projects most homeowners take on, which makes material selection a big decision. To avoid your kitchen going out of style or losing resale value, it’s important to put thought behind major purchases.
Some kitchen cabinet colors come and go with trends, while others remain timeless. If you want to ensure you don’t regret your kitchen cabinet investment in five years, avoid choosing these outdated kitchen cabinet colors.
Gray
Gray was big in the early 2000s, with homeowners opting for gray walls, cabinets, and flooring. This color had its time in the spotlight, but most designers now view it as outdated. While it’s okay to choose a brown with gray undertones, avoid overly gray cabinet colors.
Bright White
White cabinets are not out of style, but bright white cabinets with white countertops are. Bright white cabinets can make a kitchen appear stark or blinding, especially in small spaces. They also show every finger smudge, blob of grease, and food splatter. If you want white, choose an off-white or cream color—just make sure the white you choose complements your countertop and backsplash.
Orange Stain
Orange oak cabinets, prominent in the 1990s, are now considered one of the most outdated options. Steer clear of any orange wood stain or orange paint. It’s difficult to make orange cabinets look modern, and they could hurt your home’s resale potential.
Trendy Paint Colors
Every few years, new kitchen cabinet color trends emerge. In the past few years, dark green have been one of the most popular but are now dying down in favor of deep blue shades. You might feel like your kitchen is in style by jumping on a new color trend, but in five years, the trend may be obsolete.
Yellow
Yellow is bright and cheery, but unless you’re living in a retro mid-century modern, it’s not a good kitchen cabinet color. Save yellow for easy-to-swap accents, like wall art and cookware. Stick to something neutral on permanent finishes.
The Best Kitchen Cabinet Colors
The best kitchen cabinet colors are timeless. If you don’t want to worry about your cabinets going out of style, opt for natural wood tones and neutral paint colors. Some top paint colors include cream, taupe, and off-white. As far as cabinet style, shaker cabinets are a great option. They fit many home styles and are classic.