White Cabinets vs Bold Colors: What’s Hot This Year?

Thinking about a cabinet painting project this year? If so, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right cabinet color. The dilemma of white cabinets vs bold colors is front and center for many homeowners who want a kitchen that reflects their personality and stands the test of time. So, what’s trending this year? And more importantly, what’s right for your home?

Let’s break down what’s hot in cabinet design for 2025 and help you decide which direction to take.

• White cabinets continue to offer timeless appeal and design flexibility.
• Bold colors like forest green, navy, and jewel tones are trending for a dramatic, personalized look.
• Two-tone cabinetry is a stylish way to mix both trends.
• Consider your kitchen’s size, lighting, and your personal style when making a decision.

White cabinets have been a kitchen staple for decades—and it’s easy to see why. They offer a clean, bright, and adaptable backdrop that suits almost any style.

White doesn’t mean boring. In fact, nuanced whites with subtle undertones (think warm beige or soft gray) are trending. These shades add richness and prevent your space from feeling sterile or flat.

Designers are leaning into warmer whites this year. Creamy hues and textured finishes bring warmth and character, making white cabinets feel fresh instead of clinical.

One reason white remains so popular? It plays well with others. Pair white cabinets with matte black handles for a modern look, brass hardware for a touch of elegance, or natural wood accents to add warmth. White also works beautifully with nearly any countertop—from classic marble to bold quartz patterns.

While white cabinets aren’t going anywhere, bold colors are making waves in 2025. More homeowners are embracing color to inject personality into their kitchens.

Here are some of the shades heating up this year:

• Deep Greens: Forest green and sage tones evoke a connection to nature and bring a calming vibe.
• Blues: From airy pastels to moody navies, blue offers both serenity and sophistication.
• Jewel Tones: Think emerald, sapphire, and ruby. These rich colors create a dramatic, luxurious feel.

Not ready to go all-in on color? The two-tone trend is your friend. Try bold lower cabinets (like navy or deep green) paired with white or neutral uppers. It adds contrast without overwhelming the space and creates a layered, designer look.

Both options have their pros and cons. It all comes down to what fits your lifestyle and vision.

Before you pick a paint swatch, think about these factors:

White cabinets can open up a small kitchen, making it feel bigger, brighter, and more open—especially in galley kitchens or spaces with limited natural light. Their reflective surfaces bounce light around the room, helping to maximize every square foot.

On the flip side, bold colors tend to ground a room and add visual weight, which works beautifully in spacious kitchens. In open floor plans or kitchens with high ceilings, deep hues like navy or forest green add warmth and definition without overwhelming the space.

Lighting can make or break how a cabinet color looks. White cabinets reflect both natural and artificial light, enhancing brightness and making even dimly lit kitchens feel lighter and more cheerful. They are especially effective in north-facing kitchens or rooms that don’t get much sunlight.

In contrast, bold colors absorb more light, so they work best in kitchens with ample natural lighting or a well-planned lighting scheme. Think layered lighting: under-cabinet lights, pendant fixtures, and recessed ceiling lights help prevent the space from feeling too dark.

Your kitchen should feel like an extension of your personality. If you lean toward a timeless, crisp look and value design that won’t go out of fashion, white cabinets are a safe and stylish bet. They provide a neutral canvas that evolves easily with trends—you can update the look by simply changing hardware or wall color.

But if you love making bold design choices and want your kitchen to reflect that creativity, don’t shy away from rich tones. Jewel-toned cabinets or saturated greens and blues can turn your kitchen into a true conversation piece. Just be sure it’s a look you’ll love for years to come—cabinet updates aren’t as quick as swapping out decor.

Want the best of both worlds? Here are some expert-approved ideas for blending trends and creating a timeless kitchen:

• Two-Tone Looks: Use bold colors for your lower cabinets or island, and keep upper cabinets light or white. This approach adds dimension and visual interest to your kitchen, without committing to a fully bold color scheme. It also helps balance strong tones with a lighter feel up top, giving the room a designer-inspired look.
• Accent Pieces: If you’re color-shy, try bold hues on elements like kitchen islands, bar stools, or open shelving. These smaller touches allow you to experiment with color in a low-risk way. You get the pop of personality without making a long-term commitment to all-over cabinetry in a bold shade.
• Mix with Natural Elements: Bold cabinets pair beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, or metal. For example, deep green cabinets look stunning next to white oak floors or butcher block countertops, while navy blue pops against white marble or brushed brass. These materials soften and ground the bold colors, creating a cohesive and inviting kitchen space.

White cabinets are classic for a reason—they’re flexible, bright, and never really go out of style. But if you’re craving something fresh and expressive, bold colors offer an exciting way to make your kitchen feel unique and personal.

Think about your kitchen’s size, how much natural light it gets, and what styles make you feel at home. Whether you go with crisp white, dramatic color, or a combination of both, 2025 is all about making your kitchen truly yours.

Imagine walking into a kitchen that feels just right — whether that means bright and timeless or bold and unforgettable. At TRICO PAINTING, we help you turn your ideas into a space that works beautifully and feels even better. Our expert design team makes the process simple and stress-free, guiding you from inspiration to installation with creativity and care.

Let your kitchen speak your style. Call us today at 916-957-2633 to schedule your design consultation. Let’s build something stunning, together.