Kitchen Cabinet Colors
Are you ready for a kitchen update? I finally finished painting the cabinets and I’m excited to share the results. After lots of planning and a few sneak peeks, here’s a clearer look at the gray and white cabinet colors and how they transformed the space. You’ll also get a preview of the room as I continue toward the full reveal.
UPDATE: The whole kitchen has now been revealed in the full kitchen remodel post.
The complete reveal is still in progress because I’m finishing the kitchen island makeover, which I think will be the final touch. Once that’s done I’ll share the rest of the photos and details. For now, I’m thrilled with how the painted cabinets look and how the changes have brightened the kitchen.
For the color scheme we chose a darker charcoal for the lower cabinets—Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore in a satin finish—and a soft Dove White by Benjamin Moore for the upper cabinets. Choosing dark lower cabinets surprised some who know I usually prefer bright white kitchens, but the combination gives the room contrast, depth and personality while keeping the upper area light and airy.
Much of the kitchen was already going to be in white tones—upper cabinets, plank walls, white subway tile, a farmhouse sink, window trim and white quartz counters—so I wanted the lower cabinets to create contrast and let those white elements pop. The charcoal lower cabinets provide a neutral backdrop that complements almost any accent color and highlights the clean, bright finishes above.
The darker lower cabinets also make our Mohawk natural hickory floors stand out, adding warmth and character. For hardware we selected a modern brushed-nickel bin pull from Restoration Hardware, paired with warm brass and mercury glass knobs from Anthropologie. The mixed metals add visual interest and a touch of personality to the cabinetry.
We also installed new sconces in antique brass with mirrored accents and Edison bulbs. The fixtures provide a soft, warm glow that enhances the room’s inviting atmosphere.
Overall, the mix of modern, vintage, traditional and rustic elements gives the kitchen a layered, lived-in feel that reflects our style. That balance is important because this is a family space we use every day.
One small corner changed dramatically. You might remember when we filled in the awkward space above the cabinets—seeing it now painted and finished makes the improvement obvious. Removing some upper cabinets and adding storage near the sink opened up the layout and improved function while keeping a cohesive look.
I initially removed a few cabinet doors to introduce more personality and visual interest; now that everything is painted and the hardware is installed I feel the design vision is finally coming together. It’s rewarding to see the space evolve and feel like home.
I can’t wait to share more—the kitchen remodel is complete and I’ll post the full reveal soon.
I love starting the day in this kitchen with a cup of coffee.
Feeling blessed, for sure.
Want more kitchen ideas?
See the full kitchen reveal post for additional photos and details.
- Beyond typical white kitchens: fresh ideas and alternatives.
- Pros and cons of wood kitchen counters, based on practical experience.
- Favorite white kitchen examples and takeaways for creating a bright, timeless space.
Curious about the exact colors, hardware, fixtures or flooring used? See the kitchen remodeling sources for a full list of materials and products.
The blog provides many decorating ideas and inspiration galleries, plus practical how-to posts and a house tour for more design guidance.