The kitchen is often the focal point of your home. It’s where families gather, meals are made, and everyday life unfolds. You want a kitchen that works well for daily life and looks great. However, faded cabinets, outdated colors, or uneven finishes can make even a beautiful space feel tired. In 2026, homeowners looking to refresh their kitchens without a complete remodel should consider painting their kitchen cabinets.
At Bright Side Painting of Jax, we’ve spent over two decades helping homeowners bring their spaces to life. We’ve seen firsthand how the color of your kitchen cabinets can transform a room. With that in mind, here’s a look at the trends and tips for picking the best kitchen cabinet colors for your home.
2026 Trends: What’s Popular in Kitchen Cabinet Colors?
While it may seem like a newer trend, white cabinets have been a popular choice of homeowners for decades. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards warmer kitchens. Here’s what kitchen cabinet colors are trending as we head into 2026:
- Soft, earthy tones – Warm beiges, muted taupes, and clay-inspired shades create a neutral, welcoming backdrop.
- Deep, moody hues – If you want to make a bold statement, choose a dark, moody color like navy, charcoal, or forest green to add depth and sophistication without overwhelming the space.
- Two-tone cabinets – Have two colors in mind, but can’t decide? Try two-toned cabinets. Darker lower cabinets paired with lighter uppers add depth and a modern touch.
- Natural wood finishes – It’s not technically a paint, but just like everything else in life, when it comes to your kitchen cabinets, everything old is new again. With modern tastes shifting toward warmth and texture, oak and other wood cabinets are making a comeback. But instead of the shiny honey oak of the 90’s, today’s finishes highlight the cabinetry’s grain with softer, muted stains for a more natural feel.
Tips for Picking the Best Kitchen Cabinet Colors
Finding the best kitchen cabinet color can be daunting. Trends come and go, and what looks great online doesn’t always translate the same way in your home. Here are a few simple tips to help you find a color you’ll love:
- Start with your lighting – Does your kitchen have big windows? Or no windows at all? Consider how much natural light your kitchen receives throughout the day. If it has no windows, opt for a lighter color to brighten the room. If it gets a lot of natural light, you can opt for a darker color.
- Consider your cabinet style – If you have a classic, old style kitchen (i.e., that ’90s era cabinetry we mentioned above), white may be the best kitchen cabinet color for your space.
- Think about maintenance – Dark colors hide stains but can show dust. Light colors brighten a room but may need more touch-ups.
- Choose what you love – Trends are great for inspiration, but your kitchen should reflect your style and how you use the space. Do you like the modern, minimalist look? White cabinets may be your best option. Prefer a more traditional style? Opt for soft, earthy tones.
The Secret to a Flawless Finish
Even the best kitchen cabinet colors can fall flat without proper application. Most painting contractors attempt refinishing in your garage or home, but the hot and humid conditions often lead to disappointing results. That’s why at Bright Side Painting, we provide cabinet refinishing services in our controlled shop in Jax Beach.
Our Cabinet Refinishing Process
- Cleaning & Prep – Splattered grease. Food residue. All that cooking takes a toll on your cabinets. Before you start painting your kitchen cabinets, make sure they’re clean. This will help the new paint go on smoothly and actually stick.
- Two Coats of Primer – For a smooth, clean finish on your cabinets, two coats of primer are best. We apply a shellac-based primer coat, then sand, apply a second coat of primer, and perform additional sanding and cleaning.
- Incredible Finish – We use only the highest-quality materials and the best paint for refinishing kitchen cabinets. We use Chemcrack, a specialized paint manufacturer focused solely on cabinets and furniture.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
Choosing the best kitchen cabinet colors can completely transform your space. At Bright Side Painting, we treat your home like our own, ensuring a flawless finish, stress-free process, and results that last.Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a transparent, competitive quote for your project.