8 Underrated Paint Colors That Are Perfect For Your Kitchen Cabinets

Although real estate experts and homebuyers alike have declared that white is out, the crisp neutral still has kitchen design in a chokehold. It's hard to imagine that white subway and zellige tile backsplashes, creamy walls in colors like alabaster and Chantilly lace, and white countertops made from sparkling quartz or lightly veined marble will ever really go out of style. Swapping out hard finishes can be a complex and expensive undertaking, so to maximize your return on investment, it makes sense to pick neutral ones that can outlast the trends of time. But if you're bored with your all-white kitchen and it's time for a change, paint is an inexpensive way to make an eye-catching difference. Consider using charcoal, teal, or other underrated paint colors that are perfect for kitchen cabinets.

There's a lot of advice out there about how to paint kitchen cabinets. Picking out the perfect color is a crucial step, but to ensure you get the best results, there are a few other important tasks to keep in mind. Preparation is key. Start by thoroughly cleaning your cabinets with a degreaser like Easy-Off Specialty Kitchen Degreaser. If your cabinets are stained or have chipped paint and other blemishes, you'll need to strip and sand them smooth before painting to ensure good coverage. Having the right tools on hand also makes a difference. You can use a brush and roller, but for the smoothest finish possible, consider investing in a paint sprayer like the HomeRight Super Finish Max.

Whether you like to include a little fungi in your favorite foods or you avoid them like the plague, mushroom is an earthy neutral that looks beautiful on kitchen cabinets. Beige is back, and paint colors like Behr's Creamy Mushroom have a calming and cozy vibe. The color pairs especially well with existing white finishes, warming up quartz countertops or stark backsplashes. We prefer it in a matte finish that mimics a mushroom cap's powdery texture, but satin may stand up to messy cooks and kids a little better.

If you're a big fan of biophilic interior design that brings the outdoors in, teal is a bold choice for kitchen cabinets you should consider. A truly unconventional option, the bluish-green color contrasts beautifully against white walls, natural wood countertops, or floating shelves displaying colorful collections of plates or stemware. Try Oceans Deep by Kilz, Secondhand Find from Magnolia, or Sherwin-Williams Really Teal in a glossy finish to make your kitchen stand out from the crowd. Pair it with copper or brushed brass cabinet hardware like Amazon's bestselling Ravinte 5 Inch Cabinet Handles.

Painting your kitchen cabinets charcoal grey doesn't just look extremely sleek. According to one Zillow study, it can also increase your home's resale value because deep graphite gray kitchens sell for $2,512 more than those painted white or other colors. If you're worried about your space looking too dark, consider painting just your lower cabinets or using glass doors to lighten the overall look. You can also brighten things up by opting for stainless steel appliances and chrome or brushed nickel cabinet knobs. We love Sherwin-Williams' Peppercorn and Valspar's New Black in either matte, semi-gloss, or satin finishes.

Pink is tricky. Nothing could be less appetizing than kitchen cabinets that look more Pepto-Bismol than pretty pastel. But when it's done right, a light, warm, red-orange hue is fresh and right on trend. Look to tasty foods to inspire your color choice. Think apricot, peach, nectarine, grapefruit, or salmon. Benjamin Moore has the right idea with colors like Orange Creamsicle and Summer Melon. Consider Farrow & Ball's Pink Ground if you want something a little lighter. Pair it with terrazzo flooring or, if you're on a budget, get a similar look with a Livette's Wallpaper Store Bright Pastel Peel and Stick Terrazzo Backsplash Protector.

Are you stuck with outdated cherry cabinets or dark-flecked granite, wishing there was a way you could update the look of your kitchen without splashing out on a major renovation? Painting your upper or lower cabinets a rich green may help. When you pick lower saturation hues like Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball or Sherwin-Williams Succulent, green can be a powerful neutral that works wonders to balance out dated finishes with red or orange undertones. If you decide to paint all of your cabinets, consider using complementary shades of green for more visual interest. 

After going all in on a white kitchen, it can be nerve-wracking to make a major change. Thistle and lavender to amethyst and plum, using a pop of an unexpected purple color adds a bit of fun and whimsy. You may want to consider painting only one set of cabinets or even the interior shelves if you aren't totally ready to leave the white behind. French Violet by Glidden looks terrific in an eggshell finish, and Backdrop's Gin Blossoms Self-Priming Low VOC Interior Paint in a semi-matte sheen can add a cool lilac glow against marble countertops.

Experts agree that millennial gray is one design trend that is officially going out of style, but some of the most popular gray hues rose to prominence as agreeable neutrals because that's exactly what they are. The color is cool enough to contrast beautifully with warm, rich, deep reds, while also complementing a variety of wood tones. In addition to heirloom tomato reds like PPG's Binge Watch, consider rusty browns like Benjamin Moore's Earthly Russet or burgundy purples like Valspar's Fire Agate to nail this trendy look for your kitchen cabinets.

From linguine to lemon curd, you don't have to search the average kitchen cabinets for long before you find a host of yellow foods. Echoing the cheerful, sunny color on your kitchen cabinets can energize the space. This trick works whether you choose the lightest buttercream yellow or you go bold with the brightest mustard hue you can find. If you're not sure which way to go, consider painting your cabinets with a vintage shade like Heirloom Traditions All-In-One Paint in Naples or ECOS Paint in Shortcake.