Reinvent Your Kitchen with the Latest Cabinet Paint Trends
- calvyn7
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Your kitchen is more than just a cooking space; it's a central hub of home life. Updating your kitchen cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to revitalise the entire room. With Excelsior Paints’ range of kitchen cabinet paint, you can achieve a stunning, long-lasting transformation that reflects your personal style.
From bold hues to minimalist neutrals, these nine trending ideas will inspire your next renovation, whether you're refreshing an outdated look or starting from scratch.
1. Deep, Moody Blues and Greens
Jewel tones, such as navy, forest green, and emerald, are dominating modern kitchen design. These rich colours bring sophistication and drama to cabinetry while still feeling grounded. Pair with brass or gold hardware for a luxe finish.
Recommended Excelsior Paints finish: Satin or eggshell for a refined sheen and easy maintenance.
2. Warm Neutrals and Earthy Tones
Neutral doesn't have to mean boring. Shades like mushroom, clay, and taupe are replacing stark whites in modern kitchens, offering a warmer, more natural palette.
Why it works: These tones pair beautifully with wood, stone, and metal finishes, making them ideal for transitional kitchens.
3. Two-Tone Cabinetry
Split the colour scheme: light upper cabinets with darker base cabinets are a great way to add contrast and interest without overwhelming the space.
Pro tip: Use Excelsior Paints’ high-quality kitchen cabinet paint to achieve consistent coverage across multiple tones.
4. Matt Finishes for Modern Minimalism
Glossy finishes once ruled, but matt is taking over for a softer, contemporary look. Matt paint hides imperfections better and adds a touch of elegance.
Excelsior Paints’ advantage: Our durable matt paint resists fingerprints and smudges, which is ideal for high-use areas like the kitchen.
5. Greige: The New Classic
A mix of grey and beige, greige offers the perfect neutral foundation for cabinets. It's timeless and sophisticated and plays well with nearly any design style, from modern to farmhouse.
6. Bold Black Cabinets
Sleek, dramatic, and forever stylish black cabinets make a strong statement. When paired with light countertops or backsplashes, black becomes the perfect anchor for a chic kitchen.
7. Vintage-Inspired Pastels
Soft pastel tones, such as mint, baby blue, or blush, are making a comeback in retro-inspired kitchens. These colours create a cheerful, nostalgic vibe and pair well with patterned tiles or antique hardware.
8. Open Shelving and Painted Backs
Open shelves remain popular but with a twist. Painting the back wall of open shelving in a contrasting or complementary colour adds depth and a pop of personality.
Try this with A satin finish in a bold colour from Excelsior Paints’ custom tint range.
9. Sustainable, Low-VOC Paint Choices
Today’s homeowners are more eco-conscious than ever. Excelsior Paints offers low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) kitchen cabinet paint options that are better for indoor air quality without compromising on quality or finish.
Why Choose Excelsior Paints for Kitchen Cabinets?
Durable and easy-to-clean finishes
Extensive colour range, including custom mixing
Low-VOC options for health-conscious homes
Satin, eggshell, matt, and gloss finishes to suit any style
Locally manufactured in South Africa with a reputation for excellence
Whether you're repainting old cabinets or adding colour to brand-new units, Excelsior Paints provides all the professional-grade products you need for a flawless finish.
FAQs About Kitchen Cabinet Paint
What type of paint is best for kitchen cabinets?
High-quality acrylic or alkyd-based paints, such as those from Excelsior Paints, with a durable finish, are ideal for kitchen cabinet paint due to their resistance to moisture, stains, and scratches.
Do I need to sand my cabinets before painting?
Yes, lightly sanding helps remove gloss and allows the new paint to adhere better. Clean the surface thoroughly before applying primer and paint.
Can I paint laminate kitchen cabinets?
Yes, but you must first apply a high-adhesion primer to ensure the paint bonds properly to the laminate surface.
How many coats of paint do I need?
Typically, one coat of primer and two coats of kitchen cabinet paint are recommended for best results.
How long does cabinet paint take to dry?
Most cabinet paints are dry to the touch within a few hours, but complete curing may take up to a week. Avoid heavy use or cleaning until fully cured.
Can I use wall paint on my kitchen cabinets?
Not recommended. Wall paint lacks the durability needed for frequent handling. Use specialised trim, cabinet, or furniture paint from Excelsior Paints for long-lasting results.
Ready to Refresh Your Kitchen?
Let your cabinets do the talking. With our top-tier kitchen cabinet paint, you can embrace today’s trends while creating a finish that lasts for years.
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