Your kitchen is one of the biggest investments in your home, and the last thing you want is to choose a cabinet color that makes it look cheap. If you’re wondering which kitchen cabinet colors look most expensive, designers say the answer comes down to two timeless options — white and beige.
You could spend hours browsing through endless kitchen color ideas, but if a luxurious look is your goal, experts often lean toward either a bright, classic white or a soft, warm beige.
Here’s everything you need to know about both shades — plus expert tips to help you decide which one will elevate your kitchen design.
Which Kitchen Cabinet Colors Look Most Expensive?
There’s something undeniably elegant about a neutral kitchen. No matter how trends shift, the appeal of these hues endures — giving your space that refined, high-end look. While white and beige might seem similar at first glance, they create distinctly different moods.
White is bright, crisp, and effortlessly versatile. It works beautifully in any setting — from a cozy cottage to a minimalist or modern kitchen.
“White has a timeless quality that works beautifully in kitchens because it reflects light and enhances the sense of space,” says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe. “It provides a clean canvas that allows the architecture and materials to take center stage.”
She continues, “When used well, white cabinetry can feel effortless and sophisticated — especially when paired with natural stone, unlacquered brass, or subtle textures that add depth and warmth. The key is variation: a honed marble worktop, a glazed backsplash, or timber accents can prevent it from feeling too stark.”
This versatility is what makes white cabinetry so irresistible. It’s timeless, easy to style, and instantly brightens a room.
“It’s the perfect color for a natural, light-filled kitchen,” says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens. “It complements light and dark countertops, brass or silver fittings, and both traditional and contemporary spaces. Sometimes simplicity is the ultimate luxury.”
Beige: The Softer Side of Sophistication
Where white feels crisp and architectural, beige brings warmth, depth, and understated elegance. It’s the sophisticated alternative for those who crave something less stark but equally luxurious.
“Ever versatile and timeless, beige adds warmth and depth to any space,” explains Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore. “These neutral shades pair beautifully with wood tones, enhancing comfort and tranquility while balancing cooler hues like blues and greens.”
She adds, “Earthy and grounded, these tones add visual texture without overwhelming the space. Their understated elegance allows other design elements to shine while creating a cohesive, welcoming environment.”
Beige exudes quiet luxury — a sense of relaxed refinement that feels right at home in both classic and modern kitchens.
“Beige and warm neutrals have become increasingly popular because they offer a relaxed, country-house look,” says Lauren. “When executed with high-quality finishes like hand-painted joinery or limewashed timber, they feel inherently luxurious.”
Beige also plays beautifully with light. It transforms throughout the day, creating a dynamic, inviting atmosphere.
“It pairs effortlessly with natural materials like oak, travertine, and veined marble,” Lauren adds. “These combinations give a kitchen subtle richness without feeling overdesigned.”
What’s the Difference Between White and Beige Kitchens?
Though both neutrals, white and beige, bring entirely different energies to your kitchen. The contrast lies in undertone, warmth, and the atmosphere they create.
“White offers a bright, clean atmosphere that feels open and modern,” says Hannah. “Crisp shades like White Heron OC-57 make a kitchen feel spacious and fresh, pairing effortlessly with a wide range of materials. It’s a timeless choice for cabinetry.”
Beige, meanwhile, introduces comfort and character.
“Soft neutrals work beautifully with butcher block surfaces or creamy wall colors,” Hannah adds. “They create a cozy, harmonious aesthetic that feels both calming and inviting.”
Lauren sums it up perfectly: “The difference lies in the atmosphere they create.”
White kitchens evoke a sense of cleanliness and precision, emphasizing structure and proportion. Beige kitchens, by contrast, feel warm, tactile, and soothing.
“White can feel more architectural,” Lauren explains, “whereas beige leans into mood and comfort. Both can feel luxurious — it all depends on light, materials, and how they integrate with the rest of the home.”
How to Choose Between White and Beige Cabinets
Both white and beige are timeless, elegant options for cabinetry — but choosing the right one depends on your lighting, materials, and design goals.
“The kitchen is where multiple materials converge, so planning is key,” says Hannah. “Start with a mood board to ensure all elements work together. Always test samples in your space — view them against countertops, floors, and walls.”
Lauren agrees, emphasizing harmony and lighting.
“Consider how your cabinetry color relates to other finishes,” she says. “Lighting plays a massive role. North-facing rooms, for instance, can make cooler whites feel flat, while warmer neutrals enhance light beautifully.”
Ultimately, luxury isn’t just about how your kitchen looks — it’s about how it feels.
“Choose a tone that feels authentic to your home,” Lauren advises. “Don’t just follow trends or what looks good on Instagram.”
White and beige both exude timeless sophistication. The choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer crisp modernity or soft, organic warmth. Either way, both kitchen cabinet colors promise an elegant, high-end finish.
Best Paints to Try
If you’re ready to explore, check out the best white and beige paint shades for kitchens — curated by designers who’ve tested them in real homes. From Benjamin Moore’s White Heron OC-57 to Farrow & Ball’s Jitney, these hues prove that subtle tones can transform an entire kitchen.
FAQs
Q: Which kitchen cabinet color hides dirt better?
A: Beige tones are slightly more forgiving than white when it comes to fingerprints and daily wear, but both clean up easily with the right finish.
Q: Does beige make a small kitchen look smaller?
A: Not at all. A warm beige can actually make a small kitchen feel cozier and more inviting, especially with soft lighting.
Q: Are white kitchens going out of style?
A: Never completely. White remains a classic that adapts with changing trends through accessories, hardware, and finishes.