Bold Kitchen Cabinet Colors & Natural Wood Finishes

In the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report of the National Association of Realtors, kitchen upgrades were one of the three projects that received a perfect Joy Score of 10 from homeowners who had recently renovated their homes. Realtors have seen a 48% increase in demand for kitchen upgrades over the last two years. One of the primary reasons for this is to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials. Homeowners are focusing on storage and new cabinet installations, which are up about 36% compared to last year. Storage upgrades can be in the form of new cabinet colors and natural wood finishes. Bold colors in your cabinetry are an adventurous and elegant touch to the usual flat-white colored cabinets that we used to see. Natural wood finishes can also be a trendy yet timeless option for your kitchen cabinetry. Both can reflect your personality in your kitchen, depending on your style and choices.

1. Trending cabinet colors for 2025

Color is a powerful tool in every kitchen design. Design pros observe that homeowners’ desire for bold color is extending into kitchens, balancing a warm and rich style to match the relaxing ambiance of a home kitchen.

a. Emerald

Emerald is a deep and luxurious color that captures the sophisticated atmosphere of a modern kitchen. This striking hue, with a green undertone, in your cabinetry embodies the lushness of nature and the elegance of a gemstone, creating a calm and refreshing ambiance in your modern kitchen.

b. Navy Blue

Navy blue evokes a sense of calmness throughout your entire kitchen space. Navy blue cabinets complement the neutral colors of your kitchen walls, offering a perfect balance of soft and bold tones that captivate your mood.

c. Terracotta

Terracotta is a warm, earthy color that exudes the rustic charm of your kitchen. Its combination of orange and brown hues brings energy and the feeling of vibrant summer days or calming autumn. It can be an excellent color for your kitchen cabinetry when combined with grey and cool-toned interiors, making your kitchen feel lively and inviting.

2. Pairing bold cabinets with neutral countertops and walls

The combination of different color schemes within the kitchen plays a significant role in setting the tone of the space. When deciding on a bold cabinet installation, consider what will complement the other elements in the room, such as your kitchen countertop or interior walls. In modern kitchen remodels, homeowners choose to replace the backsplash or countertop alongside the cabinets. “When it comes to design, we’re seeing a desire to pair wood cabinetry with natural stone countertops to create a clean, minimalist look,” the National Association of Realtors report notes. Modern kitchen designs that feature neutral-toned walls paired with bold-colored cabinetry can also strike the perfect balance between lively and serene, creating a balanced and visually interesting space. Your choice for a modern pair-up in your interior design reflects your style and personality, offering a lasting impact on the overall design of your home.

Fig. 1. Bold-colored kitchen cabinet in a Brentwood kitchen remodel by Modern Handymen & Remodel

3. Benefits of natural wood finishes for warmth and texture

The 2024 Kitchen Trends report by Houzz shows that white remains the most common cabinetry color, but wood is inching forward over the years. The timeless appeal of wood brings beautiful texture and a sense of warmth to kitchens. Some of the popular wood finishes for kitchens are timber veneers and wood laminates. The benefits of these natural wood finishes in the kitchen are:

a. Durability

Wood is a strong and durable material that can withstand wear and tear. Sealing wood finishes in the kitchen will make it more durable, requiring less maintenance. Staining your wood finishes can help keep them in optimal condition for an extended period.

b. Longevity

When treated with care over the years, it can last for more than 50 years. Wood does not usually warp or discolor easily, preserving its beauty and functionality for decades.

c. Affordability

A wood finish is a practical choice for kitchen surfaces, as it is more affordable while still providing the look and feel of genuine wood. It is an excellent option for budget-conscious kitchen remodels that don't compromise on quality.

d. Aesthetic Appeal

The unique finishes of wood, rich in natural grains and textures, make it an appealing choice for homeowners who want a warm and inviting kitchen. They provide a natural wood finish that enhances the appearance of your kitchen surfaces.

e. Sustainability

Wood finishes reduce waste and lessen the need for solid wood, fostering sustainable kitchen improvements. They are environmentally friendly as they maximize the use of natural resources by repurposing wood waste to decorative finishes

4. Two-tone and mixed-material cabinet styles

Two-toned and mixed-material cabinets are one of the most popular features that add visual interest and character to your kitchen space. Striking colors against neutral finishes are popular choices in a modern kitchen design. You can combine dark cabinets below with lighter ones above to bring depth and contrast to your kitchen space. These two tones create balance and harmony in the kitchen space, making it appear larger and cozier.

Combining materials is one of the most creative ways to enhance your kitchen cabinetry. Some of these popular pair-ups for cabinet styles are:

a. Metal + Wood

b. Metal + Matte Finishes

c. Glass + Wood

Fig. 2. Wood + glass kitchen cabinetry

d. Natural Stone + Wood

Fig. 3. Wooden cabinets with natural stone countertop in a Nashville kitchen

e. Open shelves + Closed cabinets

Fig. 4. Combined open shelving and closed cabinetry in a Nashville kitchen remodel by Modern Handymen & Remodel

The strong contrast of colors and different materials gives a high-end touch to your kitchen. Combining high-end options with cost-effective choices enables homeowners to maximize their kitchen remodels without compromising on aesthetics or quality.

5. Maintenance tips for bold or natural finishes

Understanding how various materials and finishes react to daily use is essential in maintaining our cabinet finishes in good condition over the years. Some surfaces, such as glossy and bold cabinet finishes, can easily show fingerprints, smudges, and cooking spills if not maintained well. On the other hand, matte cabinet finishes naturally hide fingerprints, smudges, and minor scratches, which can mean less upkeep. Some natural finishes, such as wood veneers, can be more susceptible to scratching, chipping, or moisture penetration, which necessitate sealing and prompt drying after liquid spills. Matte laminates can be more durable and offer lower maintenance. In cleaning your cabinet finishes, take note of these tips:

a. Dust off your cabinets regularly to prevent dust build-up.

b. Wipe down cabinet surfaces quickly after cooking to prevent grease build-up and stains.

c. Apply the cleaner to the cloth—not directly onto the surface —to prevent potential damage.

d. Ensure that the surfaces are thoroughly dried to prevent trapped moisture.

e. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners (such as vinegar or scouring pads) to prevent damage to your cabinet finishes, including their sealants and accessories.

f. Utilize eco-friendly cleaning options to maintain a sustainable kitchen environment.

Choosing the right cabinet colors and finishes can be a challenging task when planning a kitchen remodel. Consider recommendations from kitchen remodel experts, such as Modern Handymen & Remodel, in Tennessee. With fast response times and clear communication, you can expect reliable and professional recommendations on how to level up your kitchen cabinetry while working on time and within budget. Add depth, character, and style—find the cabinetry color and finish that completes your kitchen with Modern Handymen & Remodel. Call us at 615-200-8071 and start your kitchen transformation with us today!