The Property Brothers 'elegant' cabinet color rule is the secret to a long-lasting kitchen

Updating our cabinet color is perhaps the most impactful way to transform our kitchen – but with its power comes the inevitable question of which hue is best for the job. And, while whites and neutrals have (rightly) reigned supreme for seasons, the Property Brothers urge us to look for a more unconventional (yet on-trend) tone instead.

When looking for a longer-lasting kitchen cabinet color, Jonathan and Drew Scott urge us to go dark – saying that these hues can add 'personality,' 'warmth,' and 'elegance' to any sized space. And we confess that we're totally convinced.

'Kitchens are meant to feel lived in, and they take a beating. Dark cabinets can hide some of that wear and tear,' Drew says via their blog.

After looking back at the brother's design portfolio, their revelation is somewhat unsurprising. They have been known to experiment with varying dark tones – from rich greens and blues – to deep blacks (as seen below).

'We know: Choosing a color can be scary. What if it doesn't work? What if it makes the room feel too dark? But done in the right way, a darker shade can add personality and warmth,' they explain.

'It can also be quite elegant, which is a whole new feeling for some of our clients. They think they'd never be able to "afford" a kitchen that looks like that. Well, they can, and so can you.'

And this reassurance couldn't come at a more fitting time. According to design experts, dark kitchen cabinets will sit among the most exciting color trends for 2024 – and their appeal is only growing stronger as we fall into the darker months.

'As the days get shorter and the evenings get darker, it's natural for us to want to be surrounded by deeper tones in the home to create a feeling of coziness. However, introducing these hues into your kitchen design can bring warmth and sophistication while maintaining an atmosphere that is easy to live with all year round,' adds Benchmarx Kitchens' design expert, Ruth Lavender.

'Dark blues, greens, and greys have become staple colors to create an interior scheme that embodies the 'moody' trend, and it's easy to see why,' Ruth says. Meanwhile, 'black and storm grey are gaining momentum in kitchen design, as well as warming options like copperleaf, which brings a cozy yet sophisticated finish.'

As Jonathan and Drew Scott, and Ruth note, experimenting with these hues can be nerve-wracking – but going dark doesn't mean we need to sacrifice our light or white kitchens completely.

'These hues maintain a level of softness that draws you in, working brilliantly with greys, whites, pinks, and more to create countless looks and finishes,' Ruth explains.
In many cases, we can use our dark kitchen cabinets as a solid base color, but incorporate other warmer shades, textures, metallics, and stone to create something that reflects our style.

'Alternatively, you could choose two complementing cabinet door colors, such as midnight blue and French white, to add softness to the deeper tones and brighten the space while still enjoying those moody, darker shades.'

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This book is a comprehensive guide to renovating by the design duo themselves. It covers the ins and outs of buying, selling, and renovating a house, with hundreds of full-color photos throughout. View Deal