The Cabinet Colors That Give Your Bathroom An Instant Upgrade

If your bathroom is feeling outdated, it might be time for a little refresher. Thankfully, if you're looking for a quick fix that doesn't involve a full renovation, something simple like painting your bathroom cabinets can make a world of difference, and it only take a little bit of your time and money. Of course, determining what colors to choose is harder. There are a lot of options, especially if you decide to choose something bolder than the typical neutrals. To get this question answered, House Digest talked exclusively with two different experts. The first was Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar. The second was Stephanie Pierce, who is the director of design and trends at MasterBrand. Despite working for different companies, both had the same suggestion. It came down to two overarching colors: blue and green. 

"A biophilic blue or green will instantly update a bathroom vanity or cabinets because these colors evoke feelings of wellness, calm and reprieve and update the space from the traditional neutrals that have dominated bathrooms and kitchens in years past," said Kim. Pierce chose the same colors, though she focused on slightly different shades. "Some cabinet colors that will give a bathroom an instant upgrade are soft, earthy green, think muted sage or a nature-inspired olive or light pastel blues that are inspired by classic French Country palettes," Pierce told us. 

During her exclusive interview with House Digest, Stephanie Pierce explained what makes these colors such great options. "Earthy green cabinets ... invoke a sense of sophisticated renewal and serenity," she said. "Pale blues are inherently calm, and immediately shift the mood of a bathroom, bringing a sense of tranquility and lightness while still feeling elevated and cozy."

In a similar vein, Sue Kim offered up her opinion on why these colors work, and even provided a few suggestions on shades to start with during her exclusive interview. "Updating bathroom cabinets with water-inspired or atmospheric blues, such as Renew Blue 8003-37D and Encore 8002-45G, or mid-tone greens like Warm Eucalyptus 8004-28F inject personality while still pulling from nature to create a soothing atmosphere in this hardworking and functional space," she told us.

In short, shades of blues and greens help add a connection to nature, bring a sense of peace and calmness, and look beautiful. They also add a modern touch you may be craving and hoping to get from repainting your cabinets, while also injecting a bit of personality and character. It adds the flair similar to a themed space, without relying on the bathroom decorating trend that completely outdates your home. If you can't decide between the two colors, there is no reason you can't choose both. Blue and green work very well together. Or, you can use a mix of the two, like the popular paint color that creates a more serene living room. 

Now that you've picked your cabinet color, you have to make sure it works with the rest of your kitchen. Stephanie Pierce thankfully offered some advice on that as well during her exclusive interview with House Digest. "Green paired with warm wood accents or saturated neutrals can bring the space together by giving it depth," she told us. "Blue paired with creamy whites or light stain can exude tranquility or step into curated classics. Both also work seamlessly with hardware finishes such as brushed nickel or champagne bronze."

Sue Kim also explained some good pairing options during her House Digest exclusive. "Lean into the biophilic nature of blues and greens by styling these hues with natural materials like a creamy stone for the cabinet countertop, warm woods in flooring and in decor as well as warm metals in the vanity pulls and faucet," she said. She also said that you can help bring your bathroom together by continuing your paint throughout the space.

While you don't have to drench the room, you can use the colors in minimal ways, such as a pattern on the wall. Additionally, you can look at adding the color to unique bathroom design ideas you shouldn't overlook, containers for your necessities, or even your shower curtain. This is especially useful in bigger rooms where your cabinets don't take up a lot of room, and you need ways to carry the color through.