Should you go the safe route with your kitchen design, or something a little riskier? Here's how to choose between a dark or white kitchen.
Dark vs. White: What to Paint Your Kitchen in 2025, According to Experts
Published on Jun. 12, 2025
For the last few years, white kitchens have dominated the interior design space. When remodeling, most people (me included!) opted for white cabinets, white countertops, and even a white backsplash.
While white kitchens still have their place, dark and moody kitchens have entered the chat. Dark green cabinets, rich black countertops, and espresso wood tones are becoming more and more common. So the question is, dark vs. white kitchen—which one should you choose?
We’re exploring both options so you can make the decision that best fits your personality and kitchen style.
Should I Paint My Kitchen White?
“White kitchens are beloved for a reason,” says designer Teri Simone. “They feel clean, timeless, and bright, and they tend to make even small kitchens feel more open and airy.” If you have a small and cramped kitchen, going all-white might be your best choice.
White Kitchen Pros
- Makes a small kitchen feel bigger
- Blank canvas for other decor
- Generally considered a timeless design
White Kitchen Cons
- Shows dirt and smudges
- Can feel sterile or boring
- Not unique
Tips for a White Kitchen
To avoid a boring or one-note look, be sure to include interesting artwork and other unique decor. “White is a great backdrop for layering in personality through colorful accessories, warm wood accents, or bold hardware,” says Simone. She also advises on bringing in texture with things like rattan furniture, wood accessories, and handmade backsplash tile.
Should I Paint My Kitchen a Dark Color?
“Dark kitchens can be so stunning and dramatic! A deep navy, forest green, or charcoal can create a cozy, moody vibe that feels rich and elevated, especially when paired with brass or matte black hardware,” says Simone.
Dark Kitchen Pros
- High-impact look
- Cozy vibes
- Hides dirt and smudges
Dark Kitchen Cons
- It can make a small kitchen feel cramped
- Might feel dated in a few years
- Requires a lot of natural light
Tips for a Dark Kitchen
If not designed correctly, dark kitchens run the risk of feeling like the walls are closing in on you. “Balance things out with light countertops, metallic accents, or glass cabinet fronts to keep the space feeling open,” says Simone. And while lighting is always important in a kitchen, it’s even more essential in a dark space. “Under-cabinet lights, pendants, or even a little table lamp on the counter can make a dark kitchen color scheme feel thoughtful and inviting,” says Simone.
White vs. Dark Kitchen: Which Color Should I Paint My Kitchen?
Just like any decorating decision in your home, ultimately, the choice between a dark vs. white kitchen comes down to your personal taste. Picture yourself living in both a light and dark kitchen; which one brings you joy?
My white kitchen might not be the most exciting design, but I love its bright openness. It feels clean and crisp when the rest of my house can often be cluttered with kids belongings. However, a dark kitchen might be what works best for your style and needs. If you’re drawn to dark colors in other areas of your home, you’ll probably prefer a dark kitchen. Just be sure you have enough natural light in the space to support a dark color palette.
And remember, “No matter which palette you choose, contrast and texture are key!” says Simone. In a white kitchen be sure to bring in warm tones (my kitchen island is natural oak) and plenty of interesting texture with accessories and furniture. In a moody kitchen, if both the walls and cabinets are dark, opt for lighter flooring or a light countertop to provide contrast.
About the Expert
- Teri Simone is the Head of Design at Nieu Cabinet Doors. Nieu is a bespoke cabinet doors company providing designer-advised, custom-made cabinet doors, drawers, panels, and trim for kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. She is an expert in creating functional yet beautiful home design solutions and is also a wealth of information on interior design trends -old and new.
