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Top 7 Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends in 2022

Adam Graham

Published on January 21, 2022

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Top 7 Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends in 2022

64 top interior design experts share which of the biggest kitchen cabinet color trends will be most popular in 2022.

To provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information, we consult a number of sources when producing each article, including licensed contractors and industry experts.

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The kitchen is often the life and the heart of the home. And one of the most instantly visible components - as well as one of the most functional - is cabinetry.  Kitchen cabinets play a big role in setting the stage for the entire room’s style.

To find out what kitchen cabinet color trends will be the most popular in 2022, we asked industry experts, who took part in a larger study on kitchen trends, to tell us what colors they thought would be seen most frequently on cabinets in the coming year. We’ve compiled the trends they believe will be the most popular below, with the percentage of them who voted for it, so you can see the hottest kitchen cabinet color trends for 2022.

1. Natural Wood

Natural wood cabinets are far and away going to be the most popular kitchen cabinet color trends 2022 according to 72% of industry experts. This popularity makes sense in conjunction with many other popular trends this coming year. Natural materials and nature-inspired trends have been on the rise for the last few years and show no signs of slowing down in 2022.

There are many different ways to include natural wood cabinetry in your home as well, with costs that can fit every budget from $70 to $450 a square linear foot.

Wood comes in an incredible range of different species, as well as colors, grain patterns, and tones. Best of all, wood tones work well with many other colors and materials, which can allow you to mix your cabinets with other popular trends. As Gloribell Lebron, CEO of G. Lebron Interiors, explains that, “Neutral, wood color and even green can all be mixed with a variety of countertop materials and colors. Because wood tones warm up a space, light or white countertops (with some veining) will create a perfect balance in the space.”

For styling your wood cabinets, Anastasios Gliati, CEO of Anastasios Interiors, points out that, “Whites provide a great contrast and complement beautiful natural wood tone finishes, making them stand out and providing a fresh outdoor vibe.” Consider white backsplash tiles or a white wall to help get this look.

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2. Earthy Greens

67% of experts also feel that earthy green tones are going to be the biggest cabinet color trend  in 2022. Considering the fact that 6 different companies this year have decided on a shade of green for their Color of the Year 2022, it stands to reason that green is going to be the hot shade of the future. Green is an incredibly versatile color as well, ranging in shades that can border both yellow and blue, as well as light and dark tones. This makes it easy to incorporate the color into many different kitchens.

When asked her favorite pairing for kitchen colors, designer Jessica Davis, owner of JL Design, answered “Sage green cabinets with butcher block counters on the island” which would make a beautiful pairing. Interior designers Tim and Jackie Santos (Scottsdale Interior Design Group & Prescott Interior Design Group) like a different combination explaining that, “Earthy green cabinetry is well-paired with pure white quartz countertops and a mix of natural elements.”

Wanda Suitt-Horton, interior designer and owner of Wanda S. Horton Interior Design, has also embraced the trend recalling, “I've been working on a project where we used olive green cabinets and included several touches of aged copper in the hood, the accents and the hardware.” Since green can be so versatile, you’ll have no trouble finding other accent colors that can easily match.

If you’re not renovating your whole kitchen, you may want to consider painting your cabinets in one of these on-trend colors. The cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $3 to $12 a square foot, and can be done in just a few days.

3. Black and Dark Colors

Black and dark hues have been popular in the kitchen for the last few years, and will remain popular through 2022 according to 50% of experts polled. Black and dark hues can create some very dramatic looks in the kitchen. This is particularly true if you opt for contrast, mixing the dark cabinet colors with lighter countertops or backsplashes. Sean Leffers, principal at Sean Leffers Interiors, likes the look of “black wood cabinets with white concrete counters”.

MacKenzie Cain, interior designer at Habitar Design, agrees by saying, “Dark/black cabinets mixed with lighter quartz countertops and natural wood shelves/accents create a nice balance.” And if you’re wondering how you could make this look work long term, just remember what Nora Schneider (Nora Schneider Interior Design) points out: “Black works with everything.” You can easily change up your wall color or cabinet hardware colors over time to give the room a fresh new look without a big-budget remodel.

4. Two Toned Kitchen Cabinets

Another popular color trend for kitchen cabinets is the two-toned look. Two-toned cabinetry can add a lot of depth to the kitchen design. There’s also a lot of different ways you can use it. Mix a green or blue island with natural wood cabinets on the perimeter. Or opt for different tones on your upper and lower cabinets. By mixing shades you help prevent any one color or tone from dating the entire kitchen at once, which can make your style stay fresher looking longer. It can also help marry different elements throughout the home, as Patti Johnson, owner of Patti Johnson Interiors, explains that, “Choosing an island in a contrasting finish […] can serve to marry finishes from neighboring rooms and create a cohesive design vs entering an all white kitchen.”

There are many different colors and combinations that can work well for creating the two-toned cabinetry look. Marcia Moore, owner and creative director of Marcia Moore Design, likes the look of, “Wood tone lower cabinets with painted upper cabinets and accents of glass upper cabinets with black metal trim.” Dahlia Mahmood, president of Dahlia Design, has also seen a lot of popularity in this trend in particular, explaining, “Our clients are requesting the two-toned kitchen trend [...] making the island a true statement piece. From dramatic lighting, to color and material choices, kitchens can be elegantly elevated with this fresh design trend.”

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5. White

White cabinets have been popular for the last several years, and while only 38% of experts still think they’ll hold onto their popularity in the coming year, this is still a relevant trend. White cabinets work with anything, and it’s easy to change things like wall and accent color to liven up a design when your cabinets are white.

White also mixes well with many of the other popular trends, such as natural wood. Laura Muller, owner of Four Point Design Build, loves the look of, “Creamy white surrounding cabinets with a natural wood island” and Suzanne Lasky, owner of S Interior Design, agrees and prefers, “White and wood toned cabinets with Quartzite natural countertops in a light tone with warm veining running through it.”

The key to keeping white on trend seems to be making sure that you prevent an all white kitchen, and include some other shades as well.

6. Baby or Ocean Blue

Baby and ocean blue tones are also a kitchen cabinet trend this year, and according to 20% of experts it will be the most popular. Blue cabinets were very hot several years ago, and while green has become the dominating color this year, blue still has its place. The color is soothing, and is extremely prominent in many kitchen designs including French Country and some farmhouse styles.

Designers still love to use it in different designs as well. Andrea Monath Schumacher, president of Andrea Schumacher Interiors, loves the look of, “Navy cabinets with a baby blue backsplash”, while Kristie Barnett, color and design educator at The Decorologist, points out, “Green and blue cabinets pair well with white quartz and quartzite with similar color veining.”

And if you’re worried about how blue would look in your space, Cheryl Kees Clendenon, creative director and owner of In Detail Interiors, advises, “Anything can work if you balance strong color with organic materials to help ‘absorb’ some of the intensity of the color.”

7. Reclaimed Wood

Those that want to make their kitchen eco-friendly as well as stylish should take a look at reclaimed wood cabinets for their kitchens this year. Reclaimed wood is natural wood that has been taken from old farmhouses and buildings more than 100 years old. This wood is then cleaned, refashioned, and used again to make everything from cabinets to flooring. It may look brand new or it may have its original saw marks and nail holes present, giving it character.

Reclaimed wood can feature old growth trees and woods like elm that aren’t available anymore either, giving your kitchen a one-of-a-kind look as well as being better for the environment.

These materials can take on many different appearances as well, allowing them to fit in anywhere. Designer and owner of Jenron Designs, Jennifer Gainer, likes to pair “Rustic reclaimed wood cabinets with Carrara counters, (and) dark metal accents, like a French chateau.” Rosa Dostal, architect at RMD Designs, also sees the potential for how reclaimed wood can work with other trends, “I love the idea of green cabinets and reclaimed wood combined with a white quartz which mimics the colors we find in nature. The idea of bringing nature indoors appeals to the senses and evokes the idea of tranquility, peace, and relaxation.”

Reclaimed wood is still real wood at the end of the day, which means that you can combine it how you would new-cut wood, to capture any of your favorite trends.

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These trends can easily be incorporated into many kitchens - whether you’re renovating or not. Painting your cabinets or walls, swapping out cabinet hardware and countertops can all help keep your kitchen up to date without breaking the bank. By staying on top of these trends and others, you can help ensure your kitchen continues to look beautiful, up-to-date, and on-trend.