What’s In and Out for Kitchen Colors and Cabinets

Are you considering a kitchen makeover and wondering what paint colors and cabinet styles are trending this year? We’ve got the latest scoop for you, straight from the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study.

Gray Takes a Backseat: If you’ve been eyeing that chic gray hue for your kitchen walls, you might want to reconsider. While gray has long been a favorite choice, its popularity has been on the decline. According to the study, only 24% of renovated kitchens are now sporting gray walls, marking a 4 percentage point decrease from the previous year. This marks the fourth consecutive year of decline for the once-beloved neutral shade, which was at 27% in 2022, 28% in 2021, 30% in 2020, and 31% in 2019.

White Still Reigns Supreme: Despite gray’s dip in popularity, white continues to hold strong as the number one kitchen color choice, with 35% of renovators opting for this classic hue from 2022 to 2023. Beige follows closely behind, claiming the third top spot with 18%, while blue and green round out the list with 6% and 5%, respectively.

Cabinet Styles Evolve: While Shaker-style cabinet doors remain a popular choice for kitchens, there’s been a slight shift in preferences. The percentage of homeowners selecting Shaker-style doors decreased by 3 points this year, now standing at 61%. In contrast, flat-panel doors are on the rise, with 1 in 5 renovators (20%) opting for this sleek and modern style, marking a 3 percentage point increase from the previous year. When it comes to cabinet pulls, bar pulls are the clear favorite at 72%, followed by knobs at 34%, and cup pulls at 10%. Surprisingly, 6% of renovators opted for no cabinet pulls at all, embracing a minimalist aesthetic.

Embracing Wood Tones: While white cabinets remain the top choice for renovated kitchens at 40%, wood-tone cabinets are gaining popularity, with a 3 percentage point increase bringing them to 24%. Among homeowners who opt for an island cabinet color that contrasts with the main cabinets (making up 46% of renovators), blue and gray saw slight declines in popularity, while black, medium-tone wood, and dark wood saw increases.

As you plan your kitchen renovation, keep these trends in mind to ensure your space feels fresh and stylish for years to come. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of white, the warmth of wood tones, or the sleek simplicity of flat-panel doors, there’s no shortage of options to suit your personal style and preferences.