Kitchen cabinet colors continue to evolve, and Phoenix homeowners have unique considerations thanks to our abundant natural light and desert surroundings. If you’re considering professional cabinet painting, here are the trending cabinet colors we’re seeing in 2026.
The Enduring Classics
Pure White
Why It Works:
- Maximizes Arizona’s natural light
- Creates clean, fresh aesthetic
- Complements any countertop
- Timeless appeal
Best Shades:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White
- Dunn-Edwards White
Warm Whites
Why They’re Trending:
- Softer than pure white
- Adds warmth to modern kitchens
- Hides wear better than stark white
- Complements natural wood tones
Popular Choices:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
- Dunn-Edwards Cottage White

Neutral Ground
Greige
The perfect blend of gray and beige continues strong in Phoenix kitchens.
Why Phoenix Loves It:
- Works with desert color palettes
- Neither too warm nor too cool
- Sophisticated and modern
- Pairs with multiple countertop options
Top Picks:
- Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Dunn-Edwards Fossil Gray
Soft Gray
A step cooler than greige for contemporary spaces.
Trending Shades:
- Light gray for all-over coverage
- Medium gray for lower cabinets
- Works beautifully with white uppers
Bold Statements
Navy Blue
Navy continues to dominate as the go-to bold cabinet color.
How Phoenix Uses It:
- Lower cabinets with white uppers
- Island focal points
- Butler’s pantry statements
- Pairs beautifully with brass hardware
Best Navy Options:
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Sherwin-Williams Naval
- Dunn-Edwards Blue Suede
Forest Green
Emerging as 2026’s unexpected favorite.
Why It Works Here:
- Brings nature indoors
- Complements desert landscapes
- Sophisticated alternative to navy
- Pairs with natural wood and brass

The Two-Tone Trend
Two-tone kitchens remain popular, offering the best of both worlds.
Popular Combinations
White + Navy
- White uppers, navy lowers
- Classic and timeless
- Creates visual interest
White + Warm Gray
- Subtle contrast
- Sophisticated look
- Works in traditional and modern spaces
Wood + Painted
- Natural wood uppers or island
- Painted perimeter cabinets
- Organic, warm aesthetic
Emerging Colors for 2026
Sage Green
Softer than forest green, sage is having a moment.
Appeal:
- Calming, spa-like quality
- Complements Arizona plants
- Works with both warm and cool tones
- Fresh alternative to gray
Warm Putty
A sophisticated neutral with depth.
Why It’s Trending:
- More interesting than white
- Warm and inviting
- European influence
- Timeless appeal
Soft Black
Not quite true black, more of a very dark charcoal.
How to Use:
- Lower cabinets only
- Island statements
- Modern farmhouse aesthetic
- Requires careful lighting
Color Selection Tips for Phoenix
Consider Your Light
- South-facing kitchens: Colors appear more vibrant
- North-facing: May need warmer tones
- West-facing: Intense afternoon light affects perception
Test Extensively
- Paint large samples (not just chips)
- View at multiple times of day
- Consider how countertops affect color
- Live with samples for a week
Think Resale
If selling within 5 years:
- White and warm whites safest
- Light grays appeal broadly
- Bold colors may limit buyers
- Neutral base with colorful accents
Hardware Trends to Match
With White Cabinets
- Brushed brass (warm)
- Matte black (modern)
- Polished chrome (transitional)
With Colored Cabinets
- Brushed brass with navy/green
- Black with bold colors
- Copper accents emerging
With Gray Tones
- Chrome or nickel
- Matte black
- Mixed metals trending
Our Color Consultation Process
Choosing cabinet color can be overwhelming. Our process helps:
- Discuss your style - Modern, traditional, transitional?
- Assess your lighting - How does light move through your space?
- Consider existing elements - Counters, flooring, backsplash
- Provide samples - Large enough to evaluate properly
- Offer honest feedback - What works best for your specific kitchen
Making It Last
Regardless of trend, choose colors you love:
- Trends come and go
- Classic colors endure
- Your kitchen, your choice
- Quality application matters more than trend
Whether you’re drawn to timeless white, sophisticated gray, or bold navy, professional cabinet painting transforms your kitchen at a fraction of replacement cost.
Ready to explore colors for your Phoenix kitchen? We’d love to help you find the perfect shade.
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John Claude Painting
With over 20 years of experience in the painting industry, our team at John Claude Painting AZ shares expert insights to help Phoenix homeowners make informed decisions about their painting projects.
Learn more about our team