What Is A Good Budget For Kitchen Cabinets?

White cabinets have dominated kitchens for centuries, and there's genuine science behind their staying power. According to UK building regulations on natural light and ventilation, proper lighting in kitchens is essential for both safety and wellbeing, and white cabinetry amplifies available light better than any other colour.

I've specified white cabinets in Victorian terrace renovations, modern new-builds, and everything between. They work.

But not all whites are created equal, darling. Brilliant white (the kind you'd paint a ceiling) can feel stark and clinical in a kitchen. The whites that truly stand the test of time have subtle undertones: warm whites with hints of cream or ivory, or cooler whites with barely-there grey notes. These nuanced whites adapt beautifully to different lighting conditions throughout the day.

The practical advantages are significant too. White cabinets make small kitchens feel more spacious, they pair seamlessly with every worktop material imaginable (from marble to butcher block), and they provide the perfect backdrop for displaying colourful dishware or cookbooks. When my clients worry about white showing dirt, I remind them that quality paint finishes and proper kitchen ventilation (as outlined in government guidance on indoor air quality) actually make maintenance quite manageable.

Grey has become the modern neutral over the past fifteen years, and unlike some trends, it's genuinely earned its place in the timeless category. Medium to dark greys offer sophistication without the starkness of black or the potential yellowing concerns of some whites.

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Beyond white, there are three colours that have genuinely proven themselves across decades of design evolution. I've watched these colours work in homes I designed twenty years ago, and they're still specifying them for new projects today.

1. Soft Sage Green

Green might surprise you, but hear me out. Soft, muted sage greens have appeared in kitchens since the Georgian era. Rather like how certain blue-and-white pottery remains perpetually chic, these gentle greens carry an inherent naturalness that transcends trends. The key word is "soft", we're not talking about bright apple green or deep forest tones, but those subtle, greyed-down greens that feel both calming and sophisticated.

I used a custom sage mix in a Grade II listed cottage kitchen seven years ago. The homeowner recently sent me photos of how they'd updated the space with new copper handles and a terracotta tile backsplash. The green cabinets? Still absolutely perfect, actually enhanced by the changes around them.

Sage works because it's nature-inspired (and nature never goes out of style), it pairs beautifully with wood tones, and it brings colour without overwhelming a space. It's particularly lovely in kitchens with limited natural light, where it adds interest without darkening the room.

2. Warm Greige

This is where grey meets beige, and done well, it's magic. The best greiges have enough warmth to feel inviting but enough grey to feel contemporary. They're the Switzerland of cabinet colours, neutral territory that works with virtually everything.

I've specified greige cabinets in both ultra-modern loft conversions and traditional Victorian terraces. The colour adapts to its surroundings remarkably well. In the modern space, it felt sleek and minimalist. In the Victorian home, it provided a softer alternative to stark white while maintaining that light, airy feel.

The longevity of greige comes from its complexity. It's not trying to be one thing, which paradoxically makes it work with many things. Pair it with cool marble, and it leans slightly grey. Add warm wood, and those beige undertones emerge.

3. Soft Black or Charcoal

This might seem counterintuitive, but very dark cabinets have remained stylish across centuries. Think of traditional butler's pantries, historic Shaker kitchens, or even Victorian sculleries. Deep charcoal or soft black (not pure black, which can feel harsh) provides drama and sophistication that weathers design trends.

The trick with dark cabinets is balance. I typically use them on lower cabinets only, pairing them with lighter uppers or open shelving. Or in larger kitchens, dark cabinets on a central island create a stunning focal point while perimeter cabinets stay light.

Dark cabinets hide wear and tear beautifully (unlike white, which can show every scuff). They make a strong architectural statement that actually becomes part of the home's character rather than a dated design choice. A well-designed dark kitchen from 2005 can still look absolutely current today.

Here's a practical comparison of how these classic colours perform in real-world conditions:

How Timeless Cabinet Colours Perform Over Time

This table shows why white dominates when clients prioritise maximum flexibility and resale value. However, the other colours offer distinct advantages that make them equally timeless in the right contexts. Darker colours actually hide daily wear better, while mid-tones like greige and sage offer the sweet spot between practicality and personality.