Color Matching Our Kitchen Cabinets (and Painting Tips)
I get one question in my inbox multiple times each day, “What color are your kitchen cabinets?” After thousands of requests for my kitchen cabinetry color, I realized it would be helpful to have a permanent resource I can point you toward. Since my cabinets werenāt painted by me and I donāt have an exact off-the-shelf color name, I set out to find the closest matches using popular paint brands. In this post, Iām sharing the paint colors most similar to my kitchen cabinets, along with a few helpful tips if youāre planning to use them in your own home. Click through for the colors and my tips!
Our kitchen was the first full room we renovated in our home after moving in. Itās one of the biggest project weāve tackled, and still my favorite room in our house. Most recently, we added a foot pedal for the kitchen faucet thatās worth the upgrade. Aside from that, not much has changed in almost a decade, and I think that’s a testament to the design. Here’s how I designed a classic kitchen that still feels timeless! So what color are the cabinets?
Our Kitchen Cabinet Color
Before discussing paint matches, I want to set expectations. To be clear, I did not paint my kitchen cabinets. I designed them and selected a stock color (called Maritime) from the Diamond Cabinetry line, which is available at Lowe’s. You can read all about my cabinetry selection & design process at Loweās. I also shared my favorite readymade cabinetry colors in this blog post. Because my cabinets came finished, I turned to my paint decks for color matching…
Color Matched Swatches
If youāre trying to find a paint color similar to my kitchen cabinets, these swatches are the closest matches I found to Diamond Cabinetry āMaritime.ā
- Benjamin Moore // Navy Masterpiece
- Sherwin-Williams // Mount Etna
- Behr // Submarine Gray
- Valspar // Chimney Smoke
- Glidden // High Salute
Each of these swatches captures a similar deep, moody blue with slight variation in undertone and depth. Some lean a bit cooler, others are slightly softer, but all are very comparable options. If I were trying to replicate this color in a painted kitchen, this is where I would start.
How the Color Looks in Our Kitchen
I wanted to include a pulled back view of our kitchen so you can see how the color works in the space. This shade has a lot of depth and shifts subtly depending on the light. At times it reads more saturated, and in other moments it feels almost neutral. That versatility is part of what drew me to it initially.
Seeing the Swatches in Real Life
You can see examples of each swatch throughout this post, but all are very close in person. Keep in mind that paint reflects its surroundings. Lighting, countertops, backsplash, and even flooring will influence how a color appears in your home compared to mine. Thatās why I always recommend ordering samples and testing them in your own space before making a final decision.
Painting Tips for a Seamless Cabinet Finish
If you’re planning to use one of these colors for your own cabinets, here are a few painting tips to keep in mind. These steps will help you achieve a polished and long-lasting finish:
- Lightly sand the cabinets before painting.
- Use a quality primer.
- Always order a swatch and test the paint before committing.
- If possible, spray the cabinetry to apply paint for a smoother finish.
- Choose a paint designed specifically for cabinetry, or opt for lacquer or enamel (for durability).
- If you can’t spray the cabinetry and you’re using a roller, opt for a high density foam roller and apply the paint in thin layers, applying multiple coats.
Why I Chose a Dark, Moody Cabinet Color
I know white and bright kitchens tend to be more popular than dark and moody ones, but I couldn’t resist this deep, rich color when designing our kitchen. I’m so happy with the decision I made and would choose this color over and over again. It’s unique, feels like us, has so much depth, and really tells the story of our aesthetic. This space is my happy place, and the color is a big part of what makes it beautiful.
Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is choosing a color based only on how it looks online. Even within this post, colors can shift depending on your screen. What looks like a perfect match digitally may feel slightly off in person. Always test before committing, especially for cabinetry. Finish will influence how the color reads. A satin or soft semi gloss tends to feel the most aligned with cabinetry and helps maintain that depth. Lighting will also play a role, especially with darker colors. I always recommend testing samples in your own space so you can see how the color shifts throughout the day.
Questions?
We used Amerock Mulholland pulls and knobs on the doors and drawers as well as on our panel ready appliances. The color is gilded bronze.
Mine isĀ Granite Grey 7026. It comes in multiple finishes and colorsĀ (easy to customize to match your kitchen.)
Choose a paint designed specifically for cabinetry, or opt for lacquer or enamel for durability. Check out my designer guide for choosing the best paint sheen or finish.
Related Posts
Looking for more helpful posts on designing a timeless kitchen? I’m going to link some of my favorites for you below…
- Overlay vs Inset Cabinets: Whatās Best for Your Kitchen
- My Top Paint Color Picks for Dark Kitchen Cabinets
- The Kitchen Dimensions Every Designer Knows (And You Should Save)
- 10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Instantly Refresh Your Kitchen
- How to Install a Hidden Kitchen Trash Can
- Cabinetry Hardware Placement Guide (With Easy Examples)
- Easy Smart Home Kitchen Cabinet Lighting Ideas
- An Honest Review of the GE Cafe Range
- How to Replace & Upgrade Your Cabinet Doors
I know how frustrating it can be to fall in love with a cabinet color and not have a clear answer for what it is. Hopefully this post was helpful for those of you wondering about the color of my kitchen cabinets! This was my way of solving that problem, both for myself and for all of you who have asked over the years. If youāre trying to achieve a similar look in your own kitchen, these paint swatches should give you a really strong starting point. Just be sure to test them in your space and see how they feel in your light. If you have any questions or thoughts, I’d love to hear them in the comment section below.
This was so thoughtful of you! (And so weird that people would ask such a personal question about your teeth?!) Since we’re talking about your cabinets and paint, I have a couple of questions. Did you receive any sort of touch-up paint? I know a factory finish is far superior to diy, but accidents and wear happen. If not, how would you address that issue? Also, would you recommend painting the insides of cabinets during a refresh? I did the insides of my (few) uppers, and I love the brightness. I didn’t have the energy though for the lowers! So many decisions to make in a kitchen, but it is the heart of the home, after all.
Have an excellent Thursday! (Maybe scheming on that guest bedroom headboard?? Have you found some exciting fabric?)š
I get asked a lot of strange questions, but the teeth question happens at least twice a day. Haha! Love your paint questions! To answer them… yes- I received a can of touch up lacquer. We haven’t had to use it yet, but I like knowing we have it (just in case… I’m sure it’ll happen eventually). In terms of painting the interior of the cabinet- it totally depends on what you’re working with (what material and look you’re going for). It’s probably most durable to not paint the interior, but if you’re using a high quality paint product and take the time to do it right, it would be just fine! I think you just have to weigh your options and determine if it’s worth it. Do you have glass front cabinetry, so you can see into the interior? If not- I’d just leave your lowers alone. The kitchen really is the heart of the home! I’m striking out on fabric for the guest bedroom. We’re waiting on trim and Emmett starting his shed build, so I feel like the guest room is going to draggggg on. Ugh! Happy Thursday :)
I think itās completely hilarious to hear about the questions bloggers and influencers get asked in their DMās and comments. So weird about the teeth, but yours are super white! š Speaking of painting cabinets…the bathroom fronts have the first coat!! Iām in love with the color!! Then itās on to the lighting plan and mirrors…lots to replace on that front! Still trying to convince Jeff that a semi-flush will be far better than the ugly recessed heat lamp in the center of the room, but I think Iāll end up winning that battle! Lol. Iām so happy the cool weather made its way here! Yesterday was amazing with the breeze blowing through the house; thatās by far the best feature of owning a Mediterranean home. Itās a great day to show some love to your house; hope everyone has an amazing Thursday!
I feel like that would make for an entertaining blog post, haha!! I’m SO glad to hear you have the first coat on your bathroom vanity and you love the color. That’s amazing! I’m laughing at your current design battle with Jeff. Also glad to hear you were able to enjoy some cooler weather and open the windows yesterday… that’s the best feeling in the summertime. Have a great day, Lauren :)
Hi, hmm question about teeth is weird, but I think that you receive even more crazy questions haha. I love your kitchen, the color, marble and those glass cabinets beauty. Even my husband was amazed (and thatās not easily done) and he is a coffee addict, so guess which part was his favorite. For me white kitchen with plain shaker cabinets is just boring and sooo unoriginal add to that a subway tile and Iām snoozing… I live in Paris right now and this kind of tiles look good in metro from 1912 not in every other kitchen.
Haha! I definitely get asked a lot of strange questions. Thank you, Kinga! The coffee bar is my favorite part too… it gets used all the time :) I think given their white popularity, white kitchens are more difficult to design right now (the good ones… in a creative, unique way), since they’re everywhere and feel unoriginal. I’m with you- I’d rather see some color in the kitchen! Hope you’re having a good week. xo
Love the colors! Wondering about where you found you amazing cabinet hardware?
Thanks Rachel! That also came from Lowe’s…. all of the sources are linked in this post: https://roomfortuesday.com/our-dark-moody-kitchen-reveal/
SO thrilled to see this post, Sarah, as Iām pretty sure Iām one of the ones who has asked about the color of your cabinets in the past! Iām dying to paint ours (white with, of course, white subway tile (at least itās matte), but not sure if thatāll be one of the projects we actually commit to. We get great light in the condo though so Iām definitely seriously thinking about it. If we canāt get our hands on a sprayer (likely) and we donāt want to paint ourselves using a foam roller, besides hiring a contractor to do it for us, do you know if we can take the cabinet doors off and take them to a cabinet maker to spray?
Too funny about the teeth whitening questions, but yours are especially white! How do you do that drinking (so much?) coffee? Iām a tea drinker and always try and use a straw, but….
Woohoo!! Happy to have a permanent resource with alllll the pretty color matches. You can definitely remove your cabinet doors and take them to have them sprayed, if that’s easier or less expensive. I’m sure there are places that do that! Ahh yes- the teeth question. Hahaha! It makes me laugh every time. I’m currently on coffee #2 and I chalk it up to genetics maybe? I just brush and floss, that’s it… no straws, no special tricks or products, I have no idea how they don’t stain… because given I run on coffee, they should. Ha! Have an amazing weekend! xo
Wow! Had I known this post was coming, I’d of waited! I went the long route, but this will be most helpful to your readers….I called Lowes, got a free sample of a “Maritime” cabinet door. I took the beautiful door to my nearest Sherwin Williams and they color matched it EXACTLY as follows! Follow along on IG as we rebuild our whole house after a fire took our whole house: kb_studio225 on IG
All Surface Enamel paint
Oil base interior
Satin
BAC COLORANT OZ 32 64 128
W1-WHITE – 15 – 1
B1- BLACK – 39 1 –
G2- NEW GREEN – 8 1 1
I’m sorry, Kristie! It was kind of a last minute post that occurred because of popular request. Thank you so much for sharing the EXACT formula. That is super helpful. Much appreciated :) So sorry to hear about your house fire.
Love your cabinet color so much. If painting at home, which paint sheen would you recommend for kitchen cabinets in this color? Thanks!
Thank you, Amanda! It totally depends what look you’re going for. Our cabinets are a “medium rub” because they’re precatelyzed lacquer. I’d say most standard cabinetry is comparable to a satin. The key is to make sure you’re getting the right type of paint, so it’s durable and lasts. Hope this is helpful :)
Hi Sarah- so we are springing for it and totally out of my comfort zone by painting our cabinets Navy Masterpiece. We do have some walls (Sheetrock) in our kitchen that wonāt have tile. Any suggestions on white/cream paint colors that would match the navy without it feeling too nautical? This is where Iām stumped. Love your kitchen and thank you for sharing. It will push me out of my comfort zone, but itās going to be fabulous!
Where did you get the brass hardware handles on the gorgeous cabinetry ?
I have all of the kitchen sources and hardware linked in this post: https://roomfortuesday.com/our-dark-moody-kitchen-reveal/
Hi. I had some water damage to my condo and the short story is that I’ll be painting the kitchen cabinets, replacing the backsplash and countertops. Where I could some advice from you (or anyone) is how navy. I love the navy/darker navy with white countertops/backsplash tile, but it’s a galley kitchen with no window or natural light. The light I get is from a glass patio door on the opposite side of the room which faces NE and I’m on a hill so sun doesn’t stream in through it. Is the blue of your cabinets going to turn it into a cave? I want something neutral but not boring. I don’t care for the lighter blues or the white uppers. I’ll also be putting in new floors and those are an antique oak that’s not yellowish. Thank you!
What tile did you use for the backsplash?
You can find it here, Laurie: https://rstyle.me/+xnrgorg8QEIE0LrEECks2A (in gray)
Hi Sarah,
You have an amazing kitchen!
Could you please let me know the color of the hardwood floor?
Thank you,
Corina
Thank you so much, Corina! Happy to share. You can find all the hardwood flooring details in this post: https://roomfortuesday.com/how-to-install-herringbone-hardwood-flooring/
Hi Sarah,
I have a wee pantry and my cabinets are being painted tomorrow ! Anchors Aweigh blue. Question..should I paint door the same as the cabinets or the fog willow white wall colour for this lil door? Jewellery is brushed gold, Corian Mac graphite speckled countertops, and Blanco black coal sink and strainer basket black. Appliances are fingerprintless stainless steel.
The fun of it all huh Sarah?!
Fan from Amherstburg Ont. Canada.
Hi Colleen! Sorry I’m just seeing this comment (hoping it’s not too late), but you could go either way- depending on the look you’re going for! I have monochromatic cabinetry, as well as color blocked options, where I’ve done the doors with a two-tone look. Hopefully you were able to land on something you love and are enjoying the fresh coat of paint. Anchors Aweigh is a great color- nice choice!
You mentioned light sanding for prep. My cabinets are stained. Is light sanding and a good primer sufficient?
Also, how do you keep your cabinets clean?
Thank you.