This Is the New "It" Color for Kitchen Cabinets: Here's How to Pull It Off

Decorate Color & Painting

Key Takeaways

Warm yellow kitchen cabinets create a cozy and vintage feel, adding a welcoming atmosphere with hues like Benjamin Moore's Golden Hills 262.
Pairing mustard yellow cabinetry with dark wood and black countertops adds warmth and a utilitarian feel to the kitchen design.
High-shine finishes in strong, saturated yellows like Gamboge provide durability, reflectivity, and a traditional look with a twist.
Mixing monochromatic materials, like sleek cabinets and textural tiles, enhances interest and visual tension in a yellow-drenched kitchen.

There’s something about warm yellow kitchen cabinets that just makes you feel happy—like walking on sunshine. (And don't you feel good?) We think so too. From muted, earthy yellows to bright, shiny finishes, there's a shade of yellow for everyone. Check out these kitchens that embrace the butter yellow trend, and get inspired to try these buttery hues in your own space.

1. Create a Cozy, Vintage Feel

Buttery yellow cabinets give this Portland kitchen by Reath Design a welcoming vibe. The creamy color (Benjamin Moore's Golden Hills 262) fills the space with a constant sunny glow—a perfect way to counteract the often rainy Oregon weather. It also brings a sense of vintage charm, particularly when paired with grooved flat-panel cabinets and simple round knobs. A wood-topped island with turned legs feels like a piece of furniture; its sepia-toned finish balances out the yellow.

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2. Pair Simple Design with Bold Color

The warmth of mustard yellow envelops this London kitchen. Interior designer Natasha Quick combined sunny cabinetry (in Scullery Yellow by deVOL) with dark wood and black countertops, creating a cozy, utilitarian feel. A matching range hood and wall shelves pull the look together. Instead of upper cabinets, Quick used pot rails to showcase the homeowner's copper cookware collection. A matching rail on the island holds kitchen towels, adding both color and movement to the yellow scheme.

3. Reach for a High-Shine Finish

This style is traditional—with a twist. Interior designer Veere Grenney’s cozy London kitchen features glossy cabinets in a bold, saturated yellow (Gamboge by Paint & Paper Library). The high-shine finish is durable and reflective, adding a subtle glow to the galley layout. A matching painted flip-down table on the other side makes smart use of space and ties the look together visually.

4. Mix Monochromatic Materials

This vibrant kitchen by Hommeboys Interiors features a striking mix of yellow hues, with varying textures adding depth and interest. Smooth, flat-panel cabinets (painted in Dylan by Portola Paints) contrast nicely with the irregular zellige tile backsplash by Zia Tile. A bold, faceted range hood adds a sculptural element. Personal touches throughout, like pieces of art and ceramics with deep, almost-black details, add visual tension and keep things interesting.