Your kitchen cabinets literally set the entire tone for your kitchen. They take up so much visual space that whatever style you choose for them basically determines how your whole kitchen looks and feels. I’ve seen people spend tons of money on fancy appliances and gorgeous countertops, but if the cabinets are dated or just not right, the whole kitchen falls flat. On the flip side, amazing cabinets can make even a modest kitchen look expensive and well-designed. It’s probably the single most important decision you’ll make in a kitchen renovation or remodel.

What’s great about kitchen cabinets today is that there are so many more options than just basic builder-grade wood stain. You can go bold with color, mix different cabinet styles in the same kitchen, choose interesting hardware, or keep things sleek and handleless. Shaker style is still incredibly popular because it’s classic and works with almost any design aesthetic, but there are also flat-panel modern cabinets, glass-front uppers, open shelving mixed with closed cabinets – the possibilities really are endless. And the finish you choose makes a huge difference too. Matte, glossy, distressed, natural wood grain – each creates a completely different vibe.

The color is where people often get nervous, but honestly, white isn’t your only option even though it’s been the default for years. Yes, white cabinets are timeless and bright, but navy, sage green, charcoal gray, or even black cabinets can be absolutely stunning and just as timeless if done right. Two-toned cabinets where your uppers and lowers are different colors add so much interest. And if you’re working with existing cabinets, sometimes just changing the hardware or paint color can completely transform them without the cost of replacement.

Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just dreaming about your ideal kitchen, these cabinet ideas will inspire you. From classic styles that never go out of fashion to bold choices that make a statement, let’s look at ten gorgeous ways to design your kitchen cabinets.

1. Classic White Shaker Cabinets

You really can’t go wrong with white shaker cabinets. They’re timeless, they work with literally any style from farmhouse to modern, and they make your kitchen feel bright and spacious. The simple recessed panel design is clean without being boring, and white reflects light beautifully, which is especially important if you don’t have tons of natural light. I love that you can change your backsplash, counters, or hardware over the years and white cabinets will still work perfectly. They’re also easier to sell if that matters to you. Yes, everyone has them, but there’s a reason – they just work.

2. Two-Tone Cabinets with Dark Lowers

I’m obsessed with two-tone kitchens where the upper and lower cabinets are different colors. The most popular combination is white or light uppers with dark navy, charcoal, or black lowers. It adds so much visual interest and keeps the kitchen from feeling too dark since you’re keeping the top light and bright. The dark lower cabinets are also more forgiving for wear and tear near the floor. You could also do the island in a different color from the perimeter cabinets. It’s an easy way to add personality and depth without going all-in on one bold color throughout the entire kitchen.

3. Natural Wood Cabinets with Visible Grain

There’s been this huge shift back to natural wood, and I’m here for it. Instead of painting over beautiful wood, let the grain show through with a clear finish or light stain. White oak, walnut, or even lighter woods like maple show off those natural patterns that make each cabinet unique. It brings warmth that painted cabinets just can’t match. The wood tones work beautifully with white counters and backsplash, or you can go full warm and natural with wood counters too. It feels organic and timeless in a different way than painted cabinets – more Scandinavian or Japanese-inspired minimalism.

4. Sage Green or Muted Green Cabinets

Soft sage green or muted olive green cabinets are having such a moment, and they’re actually way more versatile and timeless than you’d think. These earthy greens feel calm and organic, kind of like bringing the outside in. They work beautifully with brass or gold hardware, natural wood accents, white countertops, and white or cream subway tile. The color is interesting enough to have personality but muted enough that it won’t feel trendy or dated in five years. It’s perfect if you want color but don’t want to go as bold as navy or black. The green feels fresh and different while still being sophisticated.

5. Sleek Handleless Modern Cabinets

For a really clean contemporary look, go with handleless cabinets that have integrated pulls or push-to-open mechanisms. The completely smooth cabinet fronts create these uninterrupted lines that look so sleek and modern. Usually these are flat-panel cabinets rather than shaker style, often in a horizontal grain or high-gloss finish. No visible hardware means nothing to interrupt the clean aesthetic. It works especially well in modern or minimalist kitchens. The look is very European and sophisticated. Just make sure you’re okay with touching the cabinet fronts to open them, which means more fingerprints to wipe down.

6. Glass-Front Upper Cabinets

Replacing some of your solid upper cabinet doors with glass fronts adds so much charm and visual interest. You can display your pretty dishes, glassware, or collections while keeping them dust-free. It breaks up a wall of solid cabinets and makes the kitchen feel less heavy. You can do all glass uppers, just the cabinets flanking your range or sink, or even just one section. The key is styling them nicely inside since everyone will see what’s in there – keep it organized and display things that actually look good. Seeded glass or frosted glass gives you a similar effect with less pressure to keep everything perfectly styled inside.

7. Deep Navy or Black Cabinets

If you’re feeling bold, navy or black cabinets create this incredibly dramatic and sophisticated look. Yes, it makes the space darker, but if you have good lighting and maybe some white or light elements to balance it, it’s absolutely stunning. Black or navy with brass hardware and white counters is such a classic combination. It works in both traditional and modern kitchens depending on the cabinet style and other finishes you choose. The dark color hides imperfections and fingerprints better than white, which is a practical bonus. It’s definitely a statement, but it’s a really beautiful one.

8. Open Shelving Mixed with Closed Cabinets

You don’t have to choose between all closed cabinets or all open shelving – mixing both gives you the best of both worlds. Maybe open shelving on one wall or flanking your range, with closed cabinets everywhere else. The open shelves let you display pretty dishes, plants, cookbooks, or everyday items you use frequently, while closed cabinets hide all the random stuff that doesn’t look as nice. It adds visual interest and makes your kitchen feel more collected and personal. Just be realistic about keeping the open shelves styled and organized, because they’re always on display.

9. Colored Island with Different Cabinet Finish

Even if you want to play it safe with your perimeter cabinets, you can go bold with your island. A contrasting island color adds a focal point and so much personality without overwhelming the whole kitchen. Maybe white cabinets with a navy island, or gray cabinets with a natural wood island. The island becomes this furniture piece rather than just built-in cabinets. You could even do a different door style on the island – like shaker perimeter cabinets with flat-panel or beadboard on the island. It’s an easy way to add interest and create a custom look without committing to color everywhere.

10. Inset Cabinets for Custom Look

If budget isn’t an issue and you want the most high-end custom look, inset cabinets are the way to go. Instead of the cabinet door sitting on top of the frame like standard overlay cabinets, inset doors sit flush within the frame. It creates these beautiful crisp lines and looks incredibly custom and expensive. You see it a lot in luxury kitchens and true custom work. The downside is they’re more expensive to build and install because the tolerances have to be perfect. But if you want that furniture-quality, heirloom kitchen look, inset cabinets with quality hardware are absolutely worth it.