You finally decided to update your kitchen or bathroom cabinets with a fresh coat of paint. You’re excited to give the space a clean, polished look, but now you’re staring at endless paint swatches and second-guessing every choice. Should the cabinets match your walls? What about your backsplash or countertops? Do trendy colors go out of style too quickly? And what if you regret the color after the project is done?
It’s a lot of pressure for a decision that you’ll be living with every day. Cabinets take up a big visual part of a kitchen or bathroom, and unlike wall paint, cabinet colors aren’t something you’ll want to change again anytime soon.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve helped Omaha homeowners choose cabinet colors since 1996. We understand how big a decision it is and how the right color can completely transform your space. We also know how confusing it can be to weigh your options when you don’t paint homes for a living. That’s why we take our time guiding clients through these decisions, whether they’re trying to brighten up a dark kitchen or modernize dated oak cabinets. We’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—and we’re here to help you feel confident before the first drop of paint goes on.
This article will walk you through smart, simple tips for choosing the best cabinet paint color for your home. By the end, you’ll understand your options and feel more confident making a decision that fits your home, your style, and your long-term goals.
Let’s start with a question we hear all the time: Should my cabinets match or coordinate with my walls?
Short answer: No, they don’t have to. And most of the time, they shouldn’t.
Cabinets and walls serve different roles in a room. Cabinets are often a central feature. They take up more space visually, so choosing a color with a little contrast can help the room feel more balanced.
Another thing to keep in mind: wall colors are easier to change later. If you want a fresh look in the future, it’s much simpler (and cheaper) to repaint a wall than to redo your cabinets. So if you love a certain cabinet color, don’t shy away just because your walls are a different shade. You can always repaint the walls down the road.
Here’s an example: Imagine you have light gray walls and you love the look of deep navy blue cabinets. That combo can look stunning, and the contrast actually brings attention to your cabinetry in a good way. If later you want a brighter look, repainting the walls in a crisp white would be a much easier project than redoing the cabinets.
While walls are flexible, countertops and backsplashes usually stay put. That makes them a great place to pull inspiration from when picking a cabinet color.
Let’s say you have a granite countertop with flecks of cream, brown, and gray. You don’t have to match any one color exactly. Instead, you can choose a cabinet color that complements one of the tones. For example:
If you have a tile backsplash, think about the overall feel you want. White subway tile can pair beautifully with almost any cabinet color, giving you a wide range of choices. But if you have a patterned or colorful backsplash, it’s best to choose a cabinet color that tones things down so the two elements don’t compete.
Here’s a tip: Take pictures of your backsplash and countertops in natural daylight. Then look at color samples next to those photos or hold paint swatches up in your kitchen at different times of day. Colors can shift depending on lighting, and this small step can help avoid surprises.
Some homeowners love clean, modern looks. Others want cozy, traditional spaces. That’s where personal preference comes in. Paint can support the feeling you want your kitchen or bathroom to have.
Here are a few examples:
Also, ask yourself this: Do you plan to live in your home long-term, or are you planning to sell in a few years? If resale is on your mind, neutral cabinet colors usually appeal to a wider range of buyers.
In the Omaha area, we’ve noticed a few cabinet color trends that stand the test of time:
Of course, trends come and go, but if one of these speaks to you and fits your home, it’s worth exploring.
Some common mistakes we’ve seen Omaha homeowners make when choosing a cabinet color:
Once you’ve narrowed it down to two or three options, it’s always smart to test them.
You can get small paint samples or peel-and-stick swatches and try them directly on your cabinet doors or on poster board held up against the cabinets. Look at them in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Different times of day bring out different tones.
A color that feels too dark at night might be perfect in the morning. Or something that looks beige in a store might lean pink in your home. Testing saves you from having to redo the entire project later.
Choosing a cabinet color doesn’t have to feel like guessing. With a little time and a few smart steps, you can find a color that works with your space, reflects your style, and holds up well for years.
Start by remembering that cabinets don’t have to match the walls. They can coordinate with the countertops or backsplash, or just be a color you love. Think about how much light your kitchen gets, how bold or subtle you want the look to feel, and whether you’re making the space for yourself or for future buyers.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve seen how a well-chosen cabinet color can completely change the feel of a room. We’ve helped homeowners across Omaha get the look they want, without second-guessing their decision down the road. If you're ready to start your project, click the button below to get a quote.
Want even more help choosing the right color? Get our free color and design guide. It includes seven tips to help you feel more confident picking the perfect color for your space.