White Is No Longer a Top Cabinet Color, but Is It Really Out of Style in 2025?

Picture this: You're standing in your kitchen, staring at your outdated cabinets and wondering, "Are white kitchen cabinets out of style, or can I update my space design?" You're not alone in this thought process, and this question pops up in countless homes every day. The good news? White cabinets haven't vanished from modern kitchens; they've simply evolved.

As Chicagoland cabinet refacing experts, we stay on top of design trends to deliver quality work and to guide our customers through the ever-changing world of kitchen style. Whether you've decided on white or are curious about new colors, we have the insights you need.

The Current State of White Kitchen Cabinets in 2025

Modern kitchen design has shifted, but white cabinets aren’t extinct; they have evolved. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the leading trade association that sets industry standards and tracks design trends, 29 percent of homeowners still choose classic white kitchens.

White's New Role in Kitchen Designs

While white cabinets no longer dominate every kitchen showroom, they've found their sweet spot in modern design. The NKBA's 2025 report reveals that 71 percent of homeowners now want personalized kitchens with color, but here's the reality: white makes the perfect canvas for these personal touches.

Key trend alert: White oak cabinets are having a major moment, with 59 percent of designers naming them as this year's top choice.

Are White Kitchens Out of Style in 2025?

To answer the question directly: white kitchens aren't out — they just look different. Today's white kitchens feature warmer whites, creative two-tone designs, and mixed cabinet styles that add depth and interest.

The shift toward natural colors and earth tones doesn't mean white is gone. It means white now plays nicely with wood accents, colorful islands, and textured backsplashes.

White cabinets remain a practical choice, especially when you add modern touches to keep them feeling fresh. If white isn’t your preferred choice, explore some new colors that are increasingly popular with homeowners.

What Colors Are Replacing Traditional White in Modern Kitchens?

While white remains a sound option, a rainbow of new options is capturing homeowners' hearts. These aren't just random colors; they help create personalized spaces that are connected to nature.

The Rise of Nature-Inspired Hues

The NKBA report shows green leading the charge at 76 percent, followed by blue at 63 percent and brown at 56 percent. These aren't your grandmother's avocado green appliances. Instead, think sophisticated sage, deep forest tones, and calming moss shades.

Sherwin-Williams, the paint industry giant that helps set color trends each year, released its 2025 Color Capsule featuring nine carefully chosen shades. Their palette includes Grounded, Sunbleached, Chartreuse, Bosc Pear, White Snow, Rain Cloud, Clove, Malabar, and Mauve Finery — all reflecting our hunger for harmony and natural minimalism.

Warmer Whites Take Center Stage

Pure, stark white is giving way to warmer neutral tone alternatives. For example, Sherwin-Williams' White Snow offers a softer take on traditional white, adding just enough warmth to feel cozy without looking dated.

The 1970s are coming back into style, with moss greens and earth tones that feel surprisingly fresh in modern spaces.

Mix and Match Magic

Today's hottest trend? Natural-colored perimeter cabinets paired with bold island colors and fascinating cabinet door styles. This approach lets you dip your toes into color without diving headfirst.

Maintenance Reality: Are White Kitchen Cabinets Hard to Keep Clean?

If you’ve decided that white cabinetry is your choice, you may now be worried about maintenance. Let's figure out whether white cabinets will be a blessing or a burden for your situation.

Common White Cabinet Challenges

White cabinets can be tricky to keep clean in the kitchen. Fingerprints show up like uninvited guests, cooking splatters are seemingly unavoidable, and time can yellow even the brightest whites.

However, modern materials have changed the game entirely.

Thermofoil: The White Cabinet Game-Changer

Let's clear the air about thermofoil — this isn't cheap laminate. Modern thermofoil is a high-tech material that wraps your cabinets in a durable, seamless finish that resists everything your kitchen throws at it. Think of it as armor for your white cabinets — beautiful armor that happens to make cleaning a breeze.

Cabinet refacing transforms white cabinet maintenance. This innovative material creates a smooth, non-porous surface that laughs at stains and wipes clean with basic soap and water.

Some thermofoil benefits that matter:

• No paint chips or peeling edges
• Moisture rolls right off (when properly installed)
• Heat-resistant for normal kitchen use
• Yellowing becomes a non-issue with quality materials

Painted vs. Thermofoil: The Maintenance Showdown

Traditional painted cabinets need touch-ups, careful cleaning products, and constant vigilance. Thermofoil cabinets, however, only require a damp cloth to stay clean, and they look fresh years later.

Pro cleaning tip: Mild dish soap and warm water tackle 99 percent of white cabinet cleaning needs — no fancy products required.

Professional Cabinet Refacing: Your Path to Updated White Cabinets

Cabinet refacing strikes the perfect balance for homeowners who value their budget, care about the environment, and want to stay current with the latest trends. Why? Here's what makes refacing superior to replacement.

3–5 Day Complete Kitchen Transformation

It can be difficult to lose access to your kitchen for days, let alone weeks or months. Professional refacing transforms your entire space in just 3–5 days, keeping your kitchen functional throughout the process.

No demolition dust, no contractor chaos — just swift, stunning results.

Save 30–50% Without Sacrificing Quality

Get the high-end look of new cabinets while keeping thousands in your pocket. Cabinet refacing costs between $4,000–$9,500 compared to $25,000–$30,000 for full replacement.

Smart money stays in your bank account, not in the dumpster.

Eco-Friendly Choice for Modern Homeowners

Keep perfectly good cabinet boxes out of landfills while achieving your dream kitchen. Refacing uses 85 percent less material than replacement, making it the sustainable choice for environmentally conscious Chicagoland families.

200+ Customization Options at Your Fingertips

From two-toned designs to matching that perfect Sherwin-Williams shade, modern refacing offers endless possibilities. Want to keep white upper cabinets but add navy lowers? No problem. Prefer transitioning from traditional raised panels to sleek modern slabs? Done.

Your style, your rules — we just make it happen.

Expert Color Trend Guidance Included

We don't just install; we consult. Our team stays current with NKBA reports and design trends to help you choose finishes that will look fresh for years, not months. Professional refacing delivers everything you want in a kitchen update: beauty, value, and peace of mind. Ready to see the possibilities?

Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen

White cabinets remain popular, but they need modern touches to truly shine in 2025–2026. Your choice between keeping white or switching to color depends on your style, your home's character, and where you see yourself in five years.

Here's the truth: there's no wrong choice when it comes to your kitchen. Classic white kitchens and trendy bright colors are both suitable. The key is to find what makes you happy day in and day out. Kitchen Cabinet Guys is here to help you find that perfect match, whether it's refreshing your white cabinets or diving into this year's hottest hues. Contact us today, and let's breathe new life into your cabinets together.