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

Published on May 22, 2025

There’s something about warm yellow kitchen cabinets that just feels happy—like walking on sunshine. (And don’t it feel good?) We think so. From muddy, muted yellows to ultra-vibrant, high-shine finishes, it seems there’s a yellow for everybody. See how these kitchens are jumping on the butter yellow trend, and take notes on the buttery hues to try for yourself.

1. Create a Cozy, Vintage Feel

Buttery yellow cabinets make this Portland kitchen by Reath Design just feel welcoming. The creamy color (Benjamin Moore's Golden Hills 262) fills the space with constant sunshine—a welcome reprieve from rainy Oregon weather—and imparts a sense of vintage nostalgia, especially when used on a grooved flat-panel cabinet and finished with a simple round knob. A wood-topped island on turned legs acts like a piece of furniture; its sepia-toned shade is a palette cleanser that tones down the yellow.

2. Pair Simple Design with Bold Color

The warmth of mustard yellow envelops this London kitchen. Interior designer Natasha Quick paired 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 ties the space together. In lieu of upper cabinets, Quick used pot rails to display the homeowner's beautiful collection of copper cookware. A matching rail on the island holds kitchen towels, adding color and movement to all the yellow.

3. Reach for a High-Shine Finish

This look is traditional—with a twist. Interior designer Veere Grenney’s petite London kitchen features glossy cabinets in a strong, saturated yellow (Gamboge by Paint & Paper Library). The high-shine finish  is both durable and reflective, bringing a bit of glow to this galley layout. A matching painted flip-down table on the other side makes clever use of space and bridges the visual gap.

4. Mix Monochromatic Materials

This dynamic kitchen by Hommeboys Interiors is drenched in yellow hues; textural differences create interest. Sleek, flat-panel cabinets (painted in Dylan by Portola Paints) contrast with the irregular zellige tile backsplash by Zia Tile. A bold, faceted range hood adds a sculptural note. Personal details throughout, like art and ceramics with their deep, almost-black details, create visual tension and interest.