5 powerful kitchen cabinet colour palettes (that aren’t white!)

Let’s face it, white kitchens are everywhere. Contrary to popular belief, white isn’t the only option you have to create a timeless and visually appealing kitchen.

Remember colour is a powerful design tool that can influence your mood in a variety of ways.

So, when selecting a cabinet colour for a kitchen it’s important to not only consider the look you want to achieve but also the impact your colour choice will have on how to feel when you occupy the space.

If a traditional all-white kitchen doesn’t appeal to you or you just want to try something a bit unusual, here are five of our favourite alternatives to white kitchen cabinets.

When doves cry

If you don’t want to go for anything too overwhelming to the eye, a soothing shade of dove grey could be the perfect colour choice for your kitchen makeover.

211 Raglan Street, Mosman, NSW

This subtle and sophisticated hue of grey acts as a neutral and because of this works beautifully with several finishes and fixtures.

193 Wilson Street, Newtown, NSW

Marble benchtops, pale oak timber flooring, and silver tapware and cabinet handles all complement dove grey cabinetry exquisitely.

For a similar look try: Silkwort, Terrace White or Tranquil Retreat by Dulux.

It’s easy being green

Turquoise, pale mint and seafoam green all bring a tranquil, fizzy and fresh feeling to a kitchen.

77 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal, NSW

Accentuate the crisp, sleek and modern feeling of a green kitchen with a shiny white Caesarstone waterfall edge benchtop and splashback.

For sale: 58 Pender Street, Thornbury, VIC

Rustic kitchen styling with recycled timber benchtops, exposed brick and subway tile backsplashes also work wonderfully with cool green cabinetry.

55 Silver Street, St Peters, NSW

For a similar look try: Tiamo, Backyard or Misty Moore by Dulux.

Blackout

A courageous and modern finish, black kitchen cabinetry is a hot trend in kitchen design right now.

As a new twist on conventional white shaker style cabinets, go for some seriously sleek glossy black shaker cabinets. Offset these with stainless steel appliances, grey concrete flooring, a white splashback, warm oak counters and timber floating shelving.

57 Wyndora Avenue, Freshwater, NSW

The great thing about black is just a hint can go a long way to transforming a kitchen. Employ a few cool charcoal elements on an island bench and overhead cabinetry, for example, to instantly elevate a stark white kitchen.

For sale: 141 Livingstone Avenue, Pymble, NSW

The addition of a window splashback, sliding glass bi-fold doors or a skylight will also save your black kitchen from ever looking too dark.

For a similar look try: Charcoal Fusion, Domino or Black Caviar by Dulux.

Mellow yellow

Inject your kitchen with joy, charm and warmth by opting for warm timber cabinetry and yellow accents.

Pair shades of zesty lemon, butter or mustard with white or grey elements and light timber cabinets to keep the vibe fresh and modern.

For sale: 548 Macaulay Road, Kensington, VIC

A sunny yellow accent wall, ceiling or tiled backsplash is a fabulous way to create an exuberant focal point in an otherwise plain neutral timber kitchen.

200 Osbourne Street, Williamstown, VIC

For a similar look try: Yellow Varnish, Happy, Butter Ridge or Citrino by Dulux.

Moody blue

Dramatic and bold, rich shades of navy, cobalt and royal blue will bring some serious va-va-voom to your kitchen cabinets.

54 Dutruc Street, Randwick, NSW

To maintain a peaceful and relaxing feel, break up a daring blue kitchen colour palette using a neutral (such as white, stainless steel, concrete or timber) on the splashback, flooring or benchtops for instance.

9A Arnold Street, Killara, NSW

Navy cabinetry, white stone benchtops and gold accessories (think pendant lights, tapware and cabinet hardware) are an elegant match made in heaven.

If you aren’t ready to commit to a full-blown blue cabinet makeover, consider transforming your island with a statement shade of blue. This vibrant focal point will add interest and anchor a neutral kitchen nicely.

For a similar look try: Sell Out, Jacuzzi or Mystification by Dulux.

We hope these five delicious colour palettes have inspired you to look beyond white as an option for your kitchen’s cabinets.

For more kitchen design ideas check out our kitchen design tips and practical kitchen must-haves for your next reno.

Happy renovating!

The Homely Team