Choosing the right paint in the right color is crucial to a kitchen’s aesthetic. And Sherwin-Williams offers some of the best, designer-approved, paints for kitchen cabinets in shades that deliver great results.
So, which are the Sherwin-Williams colors designers select for their kitchen cabinet colors time and time again? And what qualities do these hues bring to the design?
We’ve asked interior experts to share the shades they’ve chosen and how the color works in the room. From the understated to the bold, some of these paints are Sherwin-Williams' best sellers, classics that come up again and again, and some are more unique, but pick a paint from this list and you are already off to a strong start.
1. Take Five
A specific element of the design can suggest the perfect shade for kitchen cabinets – and that was the case for a light blue kitchen that Black Ink Interiors remodeled in Flagstaff, Arizona.
‘It features Sherwin-Williams Take Five paint color,’ says Jenny Slingerland, owner and principal designer. ‘It’s the perfect blue paint to complement the Schumacher wallpaper and to bring cheer to a previously dark kitchen.’
2. Limewash
Shannon Adamson of Shannon Adamson Interior Design selected Limewash from Sherwin-Williams for this neutral kitchen.
‘This is a perfect light neutral because it treads that very fine line between cream and gray,’ she explains. ‘It’s much deeper than a standard builder white, creating an unmistakably custom look in the cabinetry while bringing the airy feel the clients wanted.
‘The island was painted in Sherwin-Williams Cornwall Slate to provide tonal variation to the palette, and to emphasize the pale green handmade backsplash tile,’ she adds.
3. Austere Gray
Gray kitchen fan? Take a look at Austere Gray, the color chosen for the cabinets in this Florida kitchen by Cara Shahbandi of Stanton Home Design, which responds beautifully to the way in which the light changes through the day.
‘The front of the house and kitchen face directly east, so you get this beautiful warm morning light, but the window above the sink faces north, so it brings in some moodiness to the color as well,’ she explains. ‘I would definitely consider it a chameleon color as it changes so much throughout the day from a brighter sage green to a gray-green color.’
4. Tricorn Black
A black kitchen can prove an elegant choice, and cabinets in black give this kitchen a look that won’t date. ‘Tricorn Black is a classic, true black that adds sophistication and elegance,’ says Lauren Lerner, CEO and founder of Living with Lolo.
‘It’s perfect for kitchen cabinetry or an accent wall, creating a bold contrast with lighter countertops or backsplashes,’ she says. ‘Its versatility suits styles from modern to transitional, and its timeless look ensures it never goes out of style.’
5. Greek Villa
Want a warm take on a white kitchen? Take a lead from Jennifer Guerin of JG Color Studios, who chose Greek Villa from Sherwin-Williams for this room.
‘This hue of white is a warm, creamy white tone, which creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere,’ she says. ‘Its subtle yellow undertones prevent it from appearing stark or cold, and it mixes well with the cooler backsplash and existing countertop.’
6. Realist Beige
If you love to decorate with neutrals, be inspired by this beige kitchen. ‘We used Realist Beige,’ says Lauren Utsch of Lauren Christopher Designs.
‘Our goal was to achieve a light mushroom color to give some depth to the kitchen. With the open floor plan and white walls, we wanted to add a touch of warmth so it was not so stark white. The white oak island blended well with the beige.’
7. Night Owl
Green kitchens span shades including olive and apple, but you might also consider this take on the color for cabinets.
‘I used Sherwin-Williams Night Owl, a really lovely moody green that offers a beautiful balance of gray and green without going too army green or too sage-y,’ says Shannon Adamson. ‘With the vaulted ceiling and light wall colors, we needed the cabinets to lend visual weight and contrast to the otherwise light tones in the space. Night Owl provides that effect without feeling heavy or overbearing.’
8. Extra White
If you need to increase natural light in your kitchen, consider Extra White for kitchen cabinets, which Valerie Helgeson of Design Directions combined with a second color from Sherwin-Williams.
‘The clients were set on bringing in a strong blue, but since the kitchen connects directly to the dining and living areas, we wanted to keep it from feeling too bold or disconnected,’ she explains. ‘We landed on Seaworthy for the island: it’s a rich blue-gray that feels grounded but still brings a lot of color, and we balanced it with Extra White on the perimeter cabinets to keep everything feeling bright and cohesive.’
9. Dorian Gray
Try combining takes on the color when you’re decorating with gray. ‘When we landed on Benjamin Moore Rodeo for the walls throughout most of the house, we knew we’d found the perfect warm pale gray for our client,’ says Brad Ramsey, principal and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors.
‘Sherwin-Williams Dorian Gray provides a slightly richer gray on the cabinetry while not overpowering the space or making it too dark. For this kitchen, we needed some warmth on the cabinets to balance the dark zinc hood and wood ceiling details in the adjacent spaces. It’s an inviting cook space that beckons the family to hang out while the meal is being prepared.’
10. Waterloo
If you want to add vitality to a blue kitchen, check out this hue. ‘We chose to paint these kitchen cabinets a moody, bold, sophisticated blue by Sherwin-Williams, called Waterloo, for its captivating depth and elegance,’ says Gina Hicks, owner and principal of Vivid Interiors.
‘This rich hue transforms the kitchen into a vibrant space where creativity flourishes and memories will be made. We envision lively ABBA-infused dance parties, as the color inspires joy and celebration. It’s not just paint; it’s the perfect backdrop for good times and great company.’
The best Sherwin-Williams paint color for your kitchen cabinets will create the characteristics these interior experts have identified. The color’s warmth or cool, interaction with the room’s natural light and its light reflectance, and the mood the room should have are all crucial to make the right selection.
