10 Kitchen Cabinet Styles and Trends

modern kitchen with blue accent cabinets

If you thought kitchen cabinets were just meant for hoarding dishes, silverware, canned goods, and that one appliance you never use, well… You’re missing out. We’ll show you 10 kitchen cabinet styles and trends so you can pick the right look for your cooking space.

Traditional wood? Or maybe you prefer a retro look? Open shelving and two-tone are among other kitchen cabinet styles.

The latest kitchen cabinet styles brilliantly combine form and function. Let’s check out the top trends that can help spice up your kitchen design.

1. Traditional Wood

Dark brown wood cabinets in a kitchen
Photo Credit: Pexels

Your grandma had wood cabinets, and your mom probably does, too. They never cease to bring warmth and sophistication into your space. These old, faithful traditional wood cabinets are unmatched in dishing out classy aesthetics with a cozy vibe.

Look for raised paneled cabinet doors or embrace intricacy with detailing such as crown moldings. Choices of stains and finishes really let you imprint your personality on these solid wood versions.

2. White Cabinetry

small kitchen with floor-to-ceiling white cabinets and a wood island
Photo Credit: Pixabay

A white T-shirt won’t fade out of fashion, and neither will white cabinetry. Whether you are channeling your inner minimalist or just keeping the palette neutral for splashes of color elsewhere, white kitchen cabinets brighten up the space effortlessly.

Choose from shaker-style cabinets to flat-paneled doors according to your preference. Remember: A clean design makes it much simpler to optimize if you’re thinking of small kitchen remodel ideas

3. Mixed Materials

small kitchen with modern look
Photo Credit: Unsplash

A little bit of everything never hurt anybody. Mixing materials like wood, stone, metal, and glass for your kitchen cabinets lends an edgy yet cohesive look to the space. A bit of diversity in your kitchen design can really make it pop.

Go bold with color combinations from the opposite ends of the spectrum. Darker tones like black or indigo blue work wonders when paired with pastel hues such as pink and yellow, giving your kitchen a whole new depth and texture.

4. Retro Look

A retro-style kitchen
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“Everything was better in the good old days.” Maybe it was just a perception of those times, but your kitchen style can definitely be better with a retro look. A sleek set of colored cabinets sprinkled with bursts of vibrant colors brings the essence of the ’60s back to life.

With vintage-colored kitchen cabinets like navy blue paired with gold hardware and set off by bright pinks or greens, you’ll feel transported back in time. And don’t worry about them feeling antique. Update their function with quiet, soft-close drawers and cabinets for a modern touch.

5. Open Shelving

A sleek, modern kitchen with open, doorless shelving
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Open shelving is totally in transition right now. It gives your kitchen an open, relaxed feel and sets the stage for some serious display opportunities. Who needs a secret cupboard when you have such attractive collectibles, right?

Glass-front cabinet doors help to keep those precious items dust-free and visible at all times. If that’s not your thing, go for rustic kitchens’ inspired wooden shelves. They add texture and warmth almost instantly.

6. Blue Accents

A kitchen with dark blue walls and dark grey cabinets
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Blue sea, blue eyes, blue sky, and now, blue kitchens. Darker hues like navy are excellent for offering a modern yet welcoming vibe to your kitchen design. To brighten things up, couple these with lighter accents, such as white countertops or gold hardware.

If you’re hesitant to go all-in with this color palette, opt for one feature wall in the shade or just bring in some blue appliances. You’ll be surprised how well they stand out. 

7. Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinetry

A kitchen with cabinets that go from the floor to the ceiling
Photo Credit: PxHere

When square footage isn’t on your side in the kitchen, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry offers a clever solution. Embrace these towering vessels of storage to declutter your kitchen space and make the most of those vertical inches. Just remember, synchronizing all the cabinets delivers a much neater look.

These types of kitchen cabinets can be tweaked according to your kitchen remodel ideas. For small kitchens, a lighter shade can maintain the illusion of spaciousness.

8. Two-Tone Cabinets

black and white cabinets in a modern kitchen
Photo Credit: PxHere

Just like that classic chocolate-vanilla twist ice cream cone, two-tone contemporary cabinets are twice as nice. This enduring style is enjoying a resurgence and for quite a good reason. Merging two neutral shades, like beige and gray, or contrasting tones, like brown and blue, provides a dynamic mix that sparks visual interest.

Whether you love the charm of traditional features or the sleek appeal of contemporary designs, this unique style fits right in with various kitchen design styles.

9. Cabinet Handles

sleek new handles on kitchen cabinets and drawers
Photo Credit: Unsplash

You may or may not have an eye for details, but even the most minor touches can make massive differences to your cabinets. Changing drawer handles and knobs can significantly alter the feel of your kitchen without having to pull off an entire renovation.

For those who lean toward classic design styles, selecting timeless brass or bronze hardware could be a win-win move. And if you love some extra sparkle in your space, opt for glam metallic tones or even crystal-studded knobs.

10. Hidden Appliances

Kitchen with hidden appliances
Photo Credit: Pexels

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could keep things neat and tidy without having to stash every single thing behind closed doors? Well, with a little strategic planning and some investment in matching cabinet doors, you can achieve a sleek look while keeping your essential appliances within reach.

The concept is rather simple: Disguise key appliances with cabinetry that matches the rest of your kitchen. This not only gives a more streamlined and efficient feel to space but also saves unnecessary expense on new specialty models. Another fun fact about this style? You get an instantly spacious-looking kitchen because everything seems tidy and tucked away. 

Bonus: Beadboard Cabinets

For those of us itching for a bit of countryside charm or a cottage-like feel in a modern kitchen, beadboard cabinets are quite the catch. The distinct vertical lines or “beads” are a signature feature of this style, imparting an authentic handcrafted look to the cabinets. It has been at the top of many people’s lists for kitchen remodel ideas lately, and it’s easy to see why.

The great thing about beadboard cabinets is that they’re extremely versatile. You can use them in just about any contemporary-style kitchen, from a beach cottage look to even a modern-style one. For those keen on high-quality construction and unique textures, these types of kitchen cabinets might just hit the sweet spot.

Your Cabinets, Your Rules

Just thinking about kitchen remodel ideas is fun, but why stop at daydreaming? Reach out to a local remodeling contractor and start your actual remodel.

Before all the sawdust starts flying, keep in mind that kitchen cabinets are just one part of a greater whole. It won’t be hard to find the perfect match for all existing fixtures, with dozens of design styles available.

Main Photo Credit: interiorphoto / Adobe Stock Free / License

Adrian Nita

Adrian Nita, a former marine navigation officer, has transitioned his precision and attention to detail into the world of painting and color. When not exploring the latest hues and painting techniques, Adrian enjoys annoying his wife with new painting projects in their home.