Kitchen color has shifted from safe neutrals to warmer, richer palettes in 2025. If you’re planning a refresh or full remodel, these US cabinet color trends will help you pick a look that feels modern, livable, and resale-smart. This long, practical guide explains the top colors and combos (with real examples), how to use them in small and large kitchens, paint vs. stain tips, hardware pairings, and where to buy paint and cabinetry in the U.S. market.
I researched current industry roundups and designer coverage so the advice matches what people are installing right now. Short version: warm earthy neutrals, deep moody hues, greens and blues, two-tone cabinets, and natural wood tones are the headline trends for 2025. (pantone.com)
Quick guide — what to expect from US cabinet color trends
- Warm neutrals & brown tones (Pantone’s Mocha Mousse influence) are appearing as primary cabinetry colors or as anchors in mixed palettes. They’re cozy and forgiving for daily life. (pantone.com)
- Greens (olive to forest) remain a leading choice for kitchen bases and islands — they pair beautifully with wood and brass. (ELLE Decor)
- Deep blues and inky hues add drama in urban and modern kitchens. Inky blue islands are a perennial favorite in 2025. (Better Homes & Gardens)
- Two-tone kitchens — darker lower cabinets with lighter uppers — keep growing because they balance boldness with brightness. (Real Simple)
- Warm woods & charcoal: natural walnut and smoked oak, plus deep charcoals, give textured warmth in place of purely painted finishes. (stevens-wood.com)
Read on for how to use each color, pairing and finish choices, real-life examples, and where to shop in the U.S.
1) Warm neutrals & “Mocha” browns — the new neutral base
Why it’s trending
Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, signaled a wider move toward brown-based neutrals. These warmer neutrals feel less clinical than greys and let wood tones and warm metals sing. They’re practical (less show of fingerprints and wear) and highly versatile for both modern and traditional kitchens. (pantone.com)
How to use it
- Paint your island Mocha Mousse or a similar warm brown and keep perimeter cabinets a soft off-white for contrast.
- Choose matte or satin finishes to keep the tone cozy and avoid glossy reflections that read too formal.
- Pair with warm brass or aged bronze hardware and veined stone countertops (beige or cream) to complete the look.
When to pick it
- You want a timeless, lived-in palette that ages well.
- Your home has warm wood floors or exposed timber beams.
- You prefer low-maintenance looks that hide smudges better than stark white.
Where to buy (U.S.)
- Paint: Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and local paint shops will mix warming brown tones; use Pantone references when color-matching.
- Cabinets: Many cabinet makers and retailers (Wayfair, Home Depot, local custom shops) offer painted-in-place options in warm neutrals.
2) Greens — from olive to forest: the evergreen favorite
Why it’s trending
Green kitchens have kept momentum because they read natural and calm. Designers favor earthy olives, muted sage, and deep forest greens that work with timber, stone, and brass accents. Green is a versatile mid-tone that can be bold (forest) or subtle (sage) depending on the finish. (ELLE Decor)
How to use it
- Use dark green on lower cabinets or islands and lighter, neutral uppers to keep the room bright.
- Pair olive or forest green with warm wood open shelving and brass hardware for a modern-traditional feel.
- For small kitchens, paint only the island or lower cabinets green and keep the room visually open with pale backsplashes and countertops.
Real-life example
A renovated bungalow used forest-green base cabinets, open walnut shelves, and a cream countertop. The result: a kitchen that feels grounded and slightly vintage without looking dated. Designers frequently show similar schemes in trend roundups for 2025. (ELLE Decor)
Where to buy (U.S.)
- Specialty paint brands (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore) and cabinet manufacturers (MasterBrand, custom shops) will produce matched green cabinet paints. Wayfair and IKEA also offer green cabinet fronts and island options for budget projects.
3) Inky blues & navy — drama without coldness
Why it’s trending
Deep blues bring richness and work surprisingly well across styles — from coastal to contemporary. Navy or inky blues create depth and sophistication and are especially popular on islands or lower runs. They read as timeless when paired with warm metals and natural stone. (Better Homes & Gardens)
How to use it
- Paint a kitchen island in navy and use lighter perimeter cabinets to keep the room airy.
- Combine navy with warm brass or bronze hardware and wood shelving for contrast.
- Matte, chalky blues feel modern; high-sheen blues work in smaller kitchens to reflect light — test finishes in your light.
When it’s right
- You want a striking island color that reads classic yet bold.
- Your kitchen has good natural light or reflective surfaces to balance the depth.
Vendor notes (U.S.)
- Navy cabinet paint is widely available at Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams; for pre-made fronts, check custom cabinet shops or higher-end retailers like Rejuvenation for matching hardware.
4) Two-tone kitchens — balance boldness and brightness
Why it’s trending
Two-tone kitchen cabinetry—usually a darker base and a lighter upper—lets homeowners enjoy a dramatic color without overpowering the room. It’s a flexible approach that pairs any deep base color (navy, forest green, charcoal, mocha) with airy whites, creams, or even soft greys on top. Real Simple and other industry observers list two-tone as a core 2025 idea. (Real Simple)
Popular combos
- Navy island + white uppers — timeless and photo-ready.
- Forest green base + off-white uppers — earthy and collected.
- Mocha lower cabinets + cream uppers — very on-trend for warmth-first palettes.
Practical tips
- Keep upper cabinets lighter to reflect light and avoid the boxed-in feeling.
- Match hardware across both colors for cohesion, or choose contrasting metals (brass lower, matte black upper) for a curated look.
- Consider open shelving on the lighter wall to break up color blocks and show decorative items.
5) Wood tones & textured finishes — the tactile turn
Why it’s trending
Alongside painted colors, natural wood (walnut, smoked oak, warm walnut veneer) is back as a primary cabinet finish. Texture and visible grain add material warmth and pair beautifully with the mocha and green trends. Decorative textured finishes (eg. fluted wood panels) are also popular for island faces and pantry doors. (stevens-wood.com)
How to use wood
- Use rich walnut or smoked oak for full-height wall cabinets or tall pantries.
- Offset wood with painted islands (green or blue) to prevent a heavy overall look.
- Try fluted or grooved wood panels on the island to add tactile interest without color.
When to pick wood
- You want a long-term, timeless look that wears gracefully.
- Your home has other wood tones in floors or beams that you want to tie into the kitchen palette.
6) Charcoal, matte black & deep greys — modern drama
Why it’s trending
Charcoal greys and matte blacks are still strong for modern and industrial kitchens. They add drama while remaining usable — especially on lower cabinets or appliance panels. To keep them from feeling heavy, pair them with warm wood, brass hardware, or a bright backsplash. (Better Homes & Gardens)
How to use it
- Use charcoal for lower runs in city apartments to ground the space.
- Choose soft-close doors and durable matte finishes that resist fingerprints.
- Add warm metallic accents (brass or bronze) to soften the look.
7) Unexpected hues & playful accents — mustard, terracotta, and warm reds
Why it’s trending
Designers are nudging homeowners to try richer, unexpected colors — terracotta, earthy reds, and warm mustard — especially for islands or pantry doors. These colors read cozy and are often used sparingly as accents. Celebrity and editorial kitchens are bringing back terracotta and Tuscan-inspired tones with modern pairings. (Homes and Gardens)
How to use it
- Keep terracotta to an island or a single bank of lower cabinets if you want drama without risk.
- Pair with stone countertops and simple backsplash tiles to avoid visual overload.
8) Finishes & practical tips: sheen, prep, and durability
- Finish matters: Satin or low-sheen is the most forgiving for cabinetry. High gloss shows fingerprints; flat finishes can be hard to clean in kitchens.
- Primer & paint: Use an alkyd or furniture-grade cabinet paint (or factory-finished cabinetry) for longevity. Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore produce specific cabinet lines.
- Hardware pairing: Warm tones (brass, bronze) pair best with mocha, green, and wood; matte black or brushed nickel suits navy and charcoal.
- Sample in place: Always test large paint samples on actual cabinet doors—lighting changes color dramatically.
Sources and manufacturers (U.S.): Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, MasterBrand cabinetry, and local custom shops are common routes for high-quality cabinet finishes. Factory-finished painted cabinetry often gives the best durability for kitchen use. (pantone.com)
9) Small-kitchen rules — make bold colors work in tight spaces
- Use bold color on the island only and keep perimeter cabinets light.
- Consider open shelving or glass uppers to break up color and show visual depth.
- Keep reflective, light countertops and backsplash to bounce light back in.
Real-life tip: If natural light is limited, avoid full-height dark cabinetry across the entire footprint; instead, use a darker base with lighter uppers and add under-cabinet lighting.
10) Resale and longevity — which trends are future-proof?
- Safer bets: warm neutrals (mocha), classic navy, and natural wood finishes tend to age well and appeal to buyers.
- Higher-risk choices: full-cabinet terracotta or neon-leaning palettes may reflect current fashion but can limit future buyers. If you love an adventurous color, use it on the island or a pantry door rather than across all cabinets.
Industry guidance (builders and major cabinet brands) suggests two-tone schemes and classic dark bases with neutral uppers as the best balance of trend-forward design and resale friendliness. (Real Simple)
11) Where to buy in the USA — paint, semi-custom & custom cabinet sources
- Paint: Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore — both have cabinet-grade paint lines and color-matching services (use Pantone Mocha Mousse as a reference). (pantone.com)
- Semi-custom cabinetry: MasterBrand, KraftMaid, and companies available at Home Depot/Lowe’s offer painted and stained door options in many finishes. (Real Simple)
- Custom & high-end: Local cabinet shops, Rejuvenation, and custom carpenters for wood veneers, fluted panels, and unique finishes.
- Budget options: IKEA, Wayfair, and Ready-to-assemble painted cabinets for quicker, cost-effective updates.
12) Quick decision checklist — pick your cabinet color with confidence
- Measure lighting (natural + artificial) and photograph cabinets in different light.
- Choose a dominant mood: warm & cozy (mocha/wood), natural & calm (green), or dramatic & modern (navy/charcoal).
- Decide if you want two-tone: pick darker base + lighter upper for balance.
- Test large swatches on actual doors and view at morning/afternoon/night.
- Match hardware and countertops to warm or cool undertones.
- For resale, favor classic navy, warm neutrals, or wood; reserve bolder moves for islands.
Closing thoughts
US cabinet color trends in 2025 mix warmth and drama. Mocha-inspired browns, olive and forest greens, inky blues, two-tone pairings, and real wood textures give homeowners lots of ways to personalize kitchens without chasing fleeting fads. The easiest, most durable approaches combine one bold painted element (island or lower cabinets) with lighter, reflective surfaces and quality hardware. Test samples, match finishes to your metal accents, and choose durable cabinet paints or factory-finished doors for the best long-term results. (pantone.com)