The Rich Color Trend That's Set To Dethrone White Cabinets In Kitchens

For quite some time, white was pretty much the standard go-to color for kitchen cabinets. But as the utility of our homes — and kitchens — changes, so has our design appetite. We're collectively embracing bolder aesthetics, passing over white cabinets in favor of rich jewel tones. Bold colors like emerald, sapphire, and ruby, are just a few of the kitchen cabinet trends that are predicted to blow up in 2025. 

It isn't particularly surprising that white cabinets might be on the cusp of becoming dated, given that decor trends throughout the home have hard-pivoted away from neutrals, and toward more intense, vibrant colors. What's more, it seems we're finally admitting that white cabinets are not actually the long lauded, decorative holy grail. Yes, they are timeless, and do create a sense of space and cleanliness. But timelessness has become synonymous with monotony and predictability. Our desire to create the illusion of huge, gaping spaces, has shifted to cultivating a sense of intimacy, communion, and expressions of quirky personality. And — as we've discovered — white cabinets actually only look clean if you're constantly cleaning or repainting them.

The aesthetic appetite shift toward the colorful has been seeping into almost every room of the house, so of course the kitchen is no exception. Not only have sustainability, warmth, and character been stepping into the center stage of our designs, we've long been embracing our kitchens as the natural nexus of our homes. More than just a place to prepare meals and clean up dishes, kitchens have become the place where we connect with family and friends; the cradle in which much of our lives actually happens. So it makes sense that we're less concerned about them feeling expansive and sterile, and more concerned that they feel comforting and nurturing.

Rich, deep colors not only help to cultivate this sense of intimacy, they also carry a more expressive quality and become narrators of the story — rather than just blank backgrounds on which to write it. A vibrant green, for instance, can speak to the homeowner's connection to nature, or their passion for traveling to Ireland. Deep navy in a kitchen might suggest a love of the ocean or a fond memory of an ancestral home. A rusty red might speak to a fiery personality or Mediterranean heritage. So if you're ready to let go of your neutral kitchen and go for bold, storytelling colors on your cabinetry, let your inspiration be sparked by these jewel-toned classics.

As is the case for most jewel toned colors, there is more to green than just its beautiful hue. In fact, the color has been associated with the outdoors and therefore is reputed to evoke a sense of tranquility — it's even suggested that it can help with concentration. It's also a wildly versatile color, so you have lots of styling options. Go for a rich emerald, or (only slightly different) a deep forest green for a dramatic backdrop. Pair your statement color choice with an interesting pattern in wallpaper or tile to add some interest. If you've got lots of available light you could even go for a color-drenched look. A monochromatic green kitchen will feel layered and interesting if you pair various shades of green. Because green is so profoundly associated with nature, you really can't go wrong with your color combinations. Just be sure to keep them from clashing by choosing shades with a similar cool or warm undertone.

Green itself falls on the cool side of the color wheel, so consider warming up your space with brass, copper, or gold fixtures. Alternatively, you could give it a more modern or industrial feel with sleek, matte black hardware. Another option would be to pair your deep green with lots of natural wood touches to bring a little warmth and contrast.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, shades of blue evoke a sense of repose. Blue can also give the feeling of order (think navy blue military uniforms). What's more, this evocative cabinet color is one of the best for hiding dirt and grime in your kitchen. Carry these vibes into your space by going for a rich sapphire or an almost-black navy. Soften the rigidness that can come with an intense blue by pairing it with a soft shade of cream, or even a paler shade of the same hue.

Since blue lands solidly into the cool colors category, it too will benefit from warmer accent touches like browns, yellows, or oranges. Let your decor vibe guide your decisions; pair a rich, ocean blue with a creamy yellow for a seascape vibe. Or go for a lighter shade and mix it with terra cotta touches. For a more eclectic, high energy space, pair a bright blue with a sunny yellow. You could even mix shades of blue and green and embrace a luxurious turquoise or aqua color in your kitchen, adding in copper, brass, or wood decorative elements to bring a little coziness to the space.

Striking shades of red may strike you as a little intense for your kitchen cabinetry, but done right, the rich and vibrant hues of this warm tone will take your design to another level. Cherry wood cabinets have long been a gorgeous complement, bringing an elegant, almost regal feel to otherwise white or grey kitchens. But painting your cabinets a decadent shade of red may pack an even bigger stylistic punch — especially when combined with other jewel tones.

Shades of burgundy or ruby or even raspberry will definitely heat up your space, and may even prove an ideal complement to some of the other jewel tones featured on this list. Go for wine colored cabinets with a black countertop. Or add some spice to an otherwise green-toned kitchen with a nuanced, brick color. Bright red cabinets mixed in with charcoal counters or appliances will have a bold and dramatic flair in a modern or industrial kitchen while a softer, dusty shade would pair beautifully with a moody grey-blue.

As we curate ever more vibrant, warm, and idiosyncratic spaces, jewel-toned colors are bound to play a more pronounced role. There are myriad unique kitchen color combinations to try out in 2025, so the key to getting your personality-infused cabinet color just right is all in crafting balance. Your kitchen may be the beating heart of your home, but you'll still want your space to feel cohesive. So work with the undertones and complementary accents to give your kitchen an updated look and keep it feeling connected with the rest of your house.