You stand in your kitchen, coffee in hand, staring at your cabinets. The white ones you once thought were safe.

But now? They feel sterile. Cold. Like they belong in a showroom, not your home.

You've pinned a hundred inspiration photos. Swiped through endless color swatches. Debated between warm greige and soft taupe until the words stopped making sense.

And yet, your cabinets remain untouched—because choosing the perfect color feels impossible.

Sound familiar?

Let’s change that.

Imagine this: You walk into your kitchen one morning, sunlight streaming in, and instead of feeling stuck, you exhale.

The color? Perfect. Not too trendy. Not too dull. Just right.

It’s the backdrop to your best moments—the smell of coffee brewing, the sound of laughter over Sunday pancakes, the quiet clink of your wine glass after a long day.

This isn’t about just picking a color. It’s about choosing a feeling.

And I’m here to help you find the one that makes your heart say, yes, this is home.

Why White Isn’t Your Only Option (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

Somewhere along the way, white cabinets became the default. Clean, simple, easy.

But easy doesn’t always mean right.

White can be stunning—but it can also feel stark, especially if your space craves warmth, depth, or just a little more personality.

The good news? Neutrals don’t mean boring.

A soft taupe can wrap your kitchen in warmth. A greige with depth can add sophistication. A muted green-gray can bring an organic, lived-in charm.

So, if you’ve been feeling stuck in color paralysis, let’s break free.

Because the right color isn’t about trends—it’s about how you want to feel in your space.

Step One: Meet Your Color Soulmate (Before You Commit!)

We’ve all been there—falling head over heels for a color in the store, only to get it home and realize it looks completely different.

Too blue. Too green. Too… why does this look PURPLE now?!

That’s because colors shift depending on lighting, surroundings, and even the time of day.

And that’s exactly why you need to date your color before you marry it.

The Samplize Solution: Your Color Matchmaker

Can you just imagine perfectly sized paint samples delivered right to your doorstep, ready to mingle with your kitchen?

It’s like online dating for paint colors—but without the awkward small talk.

With Samplize (not sponsored, just kinda obsessed), you can test your color in real life before committing.

Morning light? Check.
Afternoon glow? Double-check.
Evening ambiance? Triple check.

Stick them on your cabinets. Watch them throughout the day. See how they shift before you make a move.

(Pro tip: Order a few lighter and darker shades than what you think you want. Neutrals can be sneaky!)

Step Two: Fall Down the Pinterest Rabbit Hole (It’s Research, I Swear!)

Before we dive headfirst into the color pool, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure:

Pinterest.

Scrolling through endless photos of dreamy kitchens is basically window shopping for your home… in your pajamas.

Why Pinterest is Your Secret Weapon:

✔ It’s a visual feast—more color inspo than a paint store.
✔ Endless styles—from warm Spanish kitchens to sleek modern designs.
✔ Save + organize—keep all your faves in one place.

Pro tip: Create a board called “Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Make Me Drool” (or something clever like that) and go wild.

And remember—Pinterest is for inspiration, not duplication. Your kitchen should feel like yours.

Step Three: Decode the Science of Color (Yes, There’s Science!)

Ever picked a color, only to have it look completely different than you expected?

That’s because lighting changes everything.

And that’s where LRV (Light Reflectance Value) comes in—aka the Myers-Briggs test for paint colors.

LRV 101: The Cheat Sheet

LRV measures how much light a color reflects (or absorbs).

High LRV (60-100): Light, airy colors that make your kitchen feel bigger.
Medium LRV (30-60): The “just right” zone—not too dark, not too light.
Low LRV (0-30): Deep, moody hues that bring all the drama.

So, if your kitchen doesn’t get much natural light? Stick to higher LRV colors to keep it from feeling like a cave.

**Step Four: Choose the Right Sheen (Because Finish Matters)**

Imagine painting your cabinets the perfect shade… only to realize they’re either so shiny they reflect your face or so flat they look like cardboard.

Yeah, let’s avoid that.

Here’s how to pick the right finish:

Satin: The go-to choice for kitchen cabinets—smooth, durable, and easy to clean.
Semi-gloss: More reflective, ultra-durable, and great for high-traffic kitchens.
Eggshell: A softer, lower-sheen option for a more muted look.

Pro tip: If you have kids (or a messy cooking habit), go for semi-gloss—it’s basically spill-proof.

The Sheen Scene: Your Kitchen Cabinets’ Glow-Up Guide

You finally picked the perfect cabinet color (a heroic feat, honestly). But before you pop the champagne, there’s one last decision standing between you and your dream kitchen:

How glossy do you want those cabinets to be?

Think of sheen as your color’s finishing touch—the thing that decides whether your cabinets look effortlessly chic, high-shine glam, or somewhere in between.

And trust me, it matters. The right sheen can make your cabinets look expensive and polished. The wrong one? Let’s just say you don’t want to find out the hard way.

Let’s break it down. No fluff, just the facts (with a little attitude).

Flat Finish: The Shy Wallflower

Where it works: Ceilings, formal living rooms, low-traffic spaces.
Where it doesn’t: Kitchen cabinets (unless you hate cleaning).

Flat finish absorbs light instead of reflecting it, which means it’s great at hiding imperfections. But it’s not great at standing up to stains, grease, or human hands.

Bottom line: Gorgeous on walls. A nightmare on cabinets. Move along.

Matte or Ultra-Matte: The Cool Minimalist

Where it works: Living room walls, guest bedrooms, moody office spaces.
Where it struggles: High-traffic zones (it can scuff easily).

Matte has just a tiny bit more durability than flat, but let’s be honest—it’s still not built for the chaos of a kitchen.

Bottom line: If you love a velvety, modern look, this one’s tempting. But for cabinets? You’ll regret it the first time spaghetti sauce meets your door fronts.

Eggshell: The Goldilocks of Sheens

Where it works: Family rooms, hallways, dining rooms.
Why it’s great: It’s soft but durable—aka the best of both worlds.

Eggshell has just enough sheen to resist stains and scuffs, but not enough to feel shiny. It’s a great middle-ground for walls.

Bottom line: If cabinets were walls, this would be a winner. But you’ll want something tougher for your kitchen.

Pearl Sheen: The Sneaky Little Show-Off

Where it works: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, kids' playrooms.
Why it’s fun: Just enough sheen to catch the light without being over the top.

Pearl sheen adds a soft glow while being easy to clean. It’s great for high-moisture spaces (hello, steamy showers).

Bottom line: If you like a bit of glam but don’t want full-blown gloss, this could work. But for cabinets, there’s a better option.

Satin Finish: The Smooth Operator (aka Your Cabinet’s Best Friend)

Where it works: Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, trim, doors.
Why it’s the go-to: Durable, easy to clean, and has just the right amount of glow.

Satin is the MVP of cabinet sheens because it bounces light beautifully while staying low-maintenance. It’s not too shiny, not too dull—just right.

Bottom line: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just go with satin. It’s the most popular choice for a reason.

Semi-Gloss: The Tough-Love Protector

Where it works: Cabinets, trim, doors, kitchen & bathroom walls.
Why it’s great: It’s the most durable and can handle splashes, sticky fingers, and steam.

Semi-gloss reflects more light than satin, which makes it even easier to wipe down—but also means it highlights imperfections.

Bottom line: If durability is your #1 priority, this is your pick. But if you want a slightly softer look, go satin.

Creamy White OC-7 | Benjamin Moore

The Hug Your Kitchen Deserves

LRV: 70.95 (That's "Light Reflectance Value" for you non-nerds)

You love the idea of white cabinets, but you want something softer—something that feels like home, not a showroom.

Consider, Creamy White—a gentle, bisque-toned white that bathes your kitchen in warmth.

Picture this: The morning light hits your cabinets just right, making the whole space feel inviting, like the first sip of a perfectly made latte.

Why You’ll Love Creamy White

Warmer than stark white, but still crisp and fresh
Plays beautifully with any style—from modern to classic
Makes your kitchen feel cozy, not cold

Order your peel-and-stick sample here for a firsthand look and watch as your kitchen blossoms into a cozy retreat!

Pashmina AF-100 | Benjamin Moore

The Cozy Cashmere of Cabinet Colors

LRV: 70.95

If a color could give a hug, it would be Pashmina.

It’s that perfect blend of warmth and sophistication—a taupe-gray that brings depth without feeling dark.

Imagine this: It’s a crisp fall evening. Candles are flickering, something delicious is simmering on the stove, and your kitchen feels exactly how you always wanted it to—welcoming, grounded, effortlessly chic.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pashmina

A rich, layered neutral that adapts beautifully in different lighting
Brings warmth without looking too beige or muddy
Makes your kitchen feel stylish yet lived-in

Test it out before committing. Order a peel-and-stick sample here .

Revere Pewter-.candaceplotzdesign — *Image | @candaceplotzdesign*

Revere Pewter HC-172 | Benjamin Moore

The Chameleon Color That Always Works

LRV: 55.05

Ever wish your cabinets could match everything? Revere Pewter is that unicorn shade.

A soft greige with subtle green undertones, it shifts with the light—sometimes warm, sometimes cool, always just right.

Picture this: Your cabinets look effortlessly chic by day and cozy by night. It’s the color that works with your home, not against it.

Why You'll Fall in Love with Revere Pewter:

Feels airy and open in bright spaces, moody and cozy in dim light
The perfect mix of modern and classic
Plays well with wood tones, stone countertops, and any hardware finish

Curious how it’ll look in your kitchen? Try a sample here.

Wind’s Breath OC-24 | Benjamin Moore

Your Kitchen’s Zen Makeover in a Can

LRV: 69.59

If your goal is calm, effortless, and timeless, Wind’s Breath is your color.

A soft, taupe-gray neutral, it brings an organic, natural feel—like a warm breeze through an open window.

Imagine this: Morning light filtering in, fresh flowers on the counter, and a space that feels peaceful, uncluttered, and deeply you.

Why You'll Fall in Love with Wind's Breath:

A soothing alternative to stark white
Feels fresh and modern without being cold
Looks incredible with natural wood accents and soft textures
Want to see it in your kitchen? Get your sample here

Fieldstone-1558 | Benjamin Moore Light

The Earth-Inspired Hue That Brings Your Kitchen to Life

LRV: 42.73

If your kitchen needs soul, Fieldstone delivers.

This earthy, muted gray-green adds richness without feeling overpowering—a color that whispers instead of shouts.

Picture this: A kitchen that feels connected to nature, where every meal feels like an experience. Fresh herbs on the counter, natural textures, and a color that makes the space feel grounded and whole.

Why You'll Fall in Love with Fieldstone:

A subtle green-gray that feels fresh yet timeless
Works beautifully with brass, black, or wood accents
Brings depth without making the room feel dark
See it in action. Order a sample here

Your Kitchen, Your Story

Choosing the right color isn’t just about what looks good on Pinterest.

It’s about how you want to feel in your space.

Excited to gather.

Comfortable cooking.

Happy just being there.

That’s why this time, you’re choosing a color that speaks to you—not just one that’s “safe.”

So grab those peel-and-stick samples (I promise, life-changing) and start seeing your dream kitchen come to life.

Because when your kitchen feels right, everything else just falls into place.

Which color is calling your name? Order your samples and let’s bring your dream kitchen to life. Start here

DIVE DEEP INTO OUR ARCHIVES

The Only Kitchen Cabinet Colors You’ll Ever Need—Beyond White