Blue Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing blue paint colors for kitchen cabinets can feel risky. A navy sample may look rich in the store but almost black at home. A soft blue may look calm online but turn gray, green, or purple beside your countertop, backsplash, and kitchen lighting. These changes can make homeowners worry about wasting time, money, and effort on a color that does not work. When reviewing cabinet color choices, the best results usually come from studying the room before choosing the paint. Natural light, kitchen size, countertops, flooring, hardware, and paint undertones all matter. This guide helps you choose the right blue cabinet paint for your kitchen, from light blue and blue-gray to blue-green, navy, and dark blue shades. Blue is only one option within a wider kitchen color plan, so it helps to compare it with other cabinet color ideas before choosing a final shade. Blue Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets- Short Summary: Blue paint colors can give kitchen cabinets a calm, modern, or timeless look. This guide helps you choose light blue, blue-gray, blue-green, navy, and dark blue shades based on your kitchen lighting, size, countertops, backsplash, and hardware. It also shares practical tips for testing paint, preparing cabinets, and choosing the right finish. Quick Takeaway Choose a light blue or blue-gray for a small or low-light kitchen. Choose navy or dark blue for a bright kitchen, a kitchen island, or lower cabinets. Always test blue paint samples beside your countertop, backsplash, flooring, and hardware before painting every cabinet. What Is a Good Blue Paint for Kitchen Cabinets? The right blue cabinet paint depends on your kitchen light, style, and existing finishes. These are strong starting points: A classic dark navy: Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 A flexible blue-gray: Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray HC-165 A soft blue-green: Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144 A warm muted teal: Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal 2136-40 A moody medium blue: Sherwin-Williams Smoky Blue SW 7604 For a safe choice, use a muted blue-gray or classic navy. These shades work with many countertop, backsplash, and hardware styles. Why Blue Is a Tricky Cabinet Color to Pick Blue is a flexible color, but it can change a lot in different rooms. A navy blue may look rich in a bright kitchen. The same color may look almost black in a dark kitchen. Blue paint also has undertones. Some blues have gray undertones. Others have green, purple, or black undertones. Before painting your cabinets, test a sample on a cabinet door. Look at it in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Also check it under your kitchen lights. How to Choose the Right Blue for Kitchen Cabinets Think about your kitchen before choosing a paint color. Always test blue cabinet paint in daylight and under your kitchen lights. Check Your Natural Light North-facing kitchens often receive cooler, indirect light. Test blue paint samples beside your countertop and backsplash. A muted blue with a soft green or gray undertone may feel less icy than a sharp, bright blue. South-facing kitchens get warm sunlight. Navy and blue-gray cabinet colors often look balanced in this type of room. East-facing kitchens get bright morning light. A soft blue can look fresh and clean in this type of kitchen. West-facing kitchens get warm afternoon light. Dark blue cabinets can look warmer and richer later in the day. If you want a warmer and more natural look, explore earthy cabinet shades that work well with wood, cream tile, and stone finishes. Consider Your Kitchen Size Light blue cabinets can make a small kitchen feel open. Blue-gray colors are also a good choice for smaller spaces. Dark navy can work in a small kitchen when the room has enough light and contrast. Use it on lower cabinets or an island. Balance it with pale walls, a light backsplash, and reflective countertops. Look at Your Existing Finishes Your countertop, backsplash, flooring, and hardware matter. White quartz works well with navy blue cabinets. Marble countertops look beautiful with soft blue or blue-gray cabinets. Butcher block adds warmth to blue-green cabinets. Brass hardware gives navy cabinets a classic and luxury look. Chrome or brushed nickel hardware works well with light blue cabinets. What Is LRV and Why Does It Matter for Blue Kitchen Cabinets? LRV means Light Reflectance Value. It shows how much light a paint color reflects. A low LRV means the color is darker. A high LRV means the color is lighter. This matters because blue paint can look very different in each kitchen. A dark navy may look rich in a bright room. In a darker kitchen, it may look almost black. Use this simple guide when choosing blue cabinet paint: LRV below 15: Very dark blue. Best for bright kitchens, lower cabinets, or a kitchen island. LRV from 15 to 40: Medium blue. A good choice for kitchens with balanced natural light. LRV above 40: Light blue. Helpful for small kitchens or kitchens with limited daylight. Always test the paint sample near your countertop, backsplash, and flooring. The same blue can look lighter or darker based on nearby colors and lighting. Choose Your Blue: Quick Kitchen Match Guide If Your Kitchen Has... Choose This Blue Family Good Paint Examples Small size or low natural light Light blue or soft blue-gray Ice Cap, Palladian Blue, Boothbay Gray White quartz or marble countertops Navy or blue-gray Hale Navy, Naval, Van Courtland Blue Warm wood floors or butcher block Blue-green or muted teal Aegean Teal, Rainwashed, Middle Ground Brass hardware Navy, dark blue-green, or teal Hale Navy, Hague Blue, Mount Etna Black hardware and modern cabinets Blue-gray or deep navy Smoky Blue, Rainstorm, Hale Navy White upper cabinets Navy, blue-gray, or blue-green lower cabinets Naval, Boothbay Gray, Moody Blue A dark or north-facing room Medium blue-gray or soft blue Debonair, Van Courtland Blue, Woodlawn Blue Best Blue Cabinet Paint Colors for Small Kitchens A small kitchen can still look beautiful with blue cabinets. The key is to choose the right depth of blue and balance it with lighter finishes. Light blue and blue-gray cabinet colors are often easier to use in small kitchens. They can make the room feel more open. Good options include Benjamin Moore Ice Cap, Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue, and Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray. If you prefer dark blue, paint only the lower cabinets or the kitchen island. Keep upper cabinets white, cream, or light wood. Add white quartz countertops, a pale backsplash, and good lighting to keep the room balanced. Best Light Blue Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets Light blue kitchen cabinets can make a kitchen feel peaceful and bright. They are a good choice for coastal, farmhouse, and traditional kitchens. Light blue cabinets can make a small kitchen feel calm, open, and fresh. Farrow & Ball Cook’s Blue No. 237 Cook’s Blue is a cheerful and clean blue. It has a bright look without feeling too bold. It works well in kitchens with white walls, white tile, and natural wood details. Sherwin-Williams Icelandic SW 6526 Icelandic is a light and airy blue. It is a nice choice for small kitchens and kitchens with limited natural light. Pair it with white countertops and chrome hardware. Benjamin Moore Ice Cap 1576 Ice Cap is a soft pale blue with a cool look. It can make a kitchen feel clean and fresh. Use it with white subway tile and light oak flooring. Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144 Palladian Blue is a soft blue-green paint color. It has a calm and welcoming feel. This color looks beautiful with marble counters, warm white walls, and brass cabinet pulls. Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue HC-147 Woodlawn Blue is a muted light blue with gray and green undertones. It works well in a farmhouse kitchen or a coastal kitchen. It also pairs nicely with cream backsplash tile. Best Blue-Gray Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets Blue-gray kitchen cabinets are easy to decorate around. They feel softer than navy but still add color to the kitchen. Blue-gray cabinets are a flexible choice for modern, farmhouse, and low-light kitchens. Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray HC-165 Boothbay Gray is a popular blue-gray paint color. It can look more blue or more gray based on lighting. It works well with white quartz countertops, black hardware, and light wood floors. Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray 2126-30 Anchor Gray is a darker blue-gray color. It gives cabinets a calm and modern look. Use it in a kitchen with white walls and a light backsplash. Behr Blueprint S470-5 Blueprint is a medium blue with gray undertones. It feels balanced and fresh. It works well with stainless steel appliances and white marble countertops. Sherwin-Williams Debonair SW 9139 Debonair is a muted medium blue. It has a soft gray undertone that makes it easy to use in many kitchen styles. It looks good with brass, black, or nickel hardware. Farrow & Ball De Nimes No. 299 De Nimes is a deep blue-gray paint color. It has a relaxed but elegant look. This shade works well in traditional kitchens and modern farmhouse kitchens. Benjamin Moore Van Courtland Blue HC-145 Van Courtland Blue is a classic blue-gray with a slight green undertone. It is a good choice if you want a soft color that still has depth. Pair it with white counters and warm wood accents. Blue-Gray Cabinet Paint Colors for Low-Light Kitchens Blue-gray cabinet colors can work well in kitchens with limited natural light because they feel softer than very dark navy shades. Choose a blue-gray with a medium or higher LRV if your kitchen feels dark. Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray, Benjamin Moore Van Courtland Blue, and Sherwin-Williams Debonair are useful starting points. Avoid choosing a very dark blue-black paint for every cabinet in a low-light kitchen. If you love a dark shade, use it on lower cabinets, a pantry cabinet, or an island instead. Add warm white walls, a light backsplash, and layered lighting. Under-cabinet lights can also help blue cabinets look clearer and less gray. Best Blue-Green Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets Blue-green cabinet colors bring a natural and relaxed look to the kitchen. They work well with wood, cream, brass, and stone finishes. Benjamin Moore Mystic Lake CSP-745 Mystic Lake is a rich blue-green color. It has depth but still feels calm. It works well on a kitchen island or lower cabinets. Farrow & Ball Middle Ground No. 209 Middle Ground is a muted blue-green shade. It has a warm and earthy look. Use it with natural oak cabinets, beige tile, and antique brass hardware. Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal 2136-40 Aegean Teal is a popular blue-green paint color. It feels warm, soft, and modern. It looks great with creamy white walls, natural wood, and warm metal finishes. Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed SW 6211 Rainwashed is a soft blue-green with gray undertones. It is a good choice for a calm kitchen. It pairs well with white subway tile and brushed nickel hardware. Sherwin-Williams Moody Blue SW 6221 Moody Blue is a deeper blue-green shade. It can make a kitchen feel cozy and stylish. Use it with white quartz countertops and brass hardware. For a deeper and more organic kitchen look, you can also compare blue-green shades with rich green paint ideas for cabinets and walls. Blue-Green Kitchen Cabinets With Warm Wood Floors Blue-green cabinets are one of the easiest choices for kitchens with warm wood floors, oak cabinets, or butcher block countertops. The green undertone helps connect the cool blue paint with warm natural materials. Blue-green cabinets connect cool paint tones with warm wood and brass finishes. Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal, Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue, Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed, and Farrow & Ball Middle Ground are good options for this look. Use warm white walls, cream tile, natural wood stools, and aged brass hardware. These details help the kitchen feel balanced instead of too cool. Best Navy and Dark Blue Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets Dark blue kitchen cabinets can make a strong statement. They look beautiful in bright kitchens with white countertops and light backsplashes. Deep navy cabinets feel timeless when paired with bright white surfaces. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 Hale Navy is a classic, very dark navy. It works well for kitchen cabinets and islands. Pair it with white quartz, marble, brass hardware, and warm wood floors. Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244 Naval is a rich navy blue. It has a bold but balanced look. This color is ideal for a kitchen island, lower cabinets, or full cabinets in a bright kitchen. Sherwin-Williams Salty Dog SW 9177 Salty Dog is a strong navy with a slightly brighter blue tone. It can make a kitchen feel classic and polished. Pair it with white tile and gold hardware. Sherwin-Williams Rainstorm SW 6230 Rainstorm is a deep blue with gray undertones. It looks modern and moody. It is a good choice for kitchens with lots of natural light. Farrow & Ball Hague Blue Hague Blue is a deep blue-green shade. It can look almost black in low light. It is best for large kitchens, kitchen islands, or lower cabinets. Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue HC-155 Newburyport Blue is a classic medium-dark blue. It has a traditional feel and works well with white walls, brass hardware, and marble counters. Sherwin-Williams Mount Etna SW 7625 Mount Etna is a deep blue-green paint color with a moody look. It works well in a kitchen with white quartz countertops, warm wood flooring, and brass hardware. Use it on lower cabinets, pantry cabinets, or a kitchen island if you want a darker statement color. Farrow & Ball Inchyra Blue No. 289 Inchyra Blue is a dark blue-green shade with gray undertones. It can look different throughout the day, depending on your kitchen lighting. This color works well in traditional kitchens, modern farmhouse kitchens, and spaces with natural wood, stone, or aged brass details. Best Navy Blue Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets Navy blue cabinets can look timeless, clean, and high-end. They are a good choice for homeowners who want a strong color without using black cabinets. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy and Sherwin-Williams Naval are classic navy choices. Sherwin-Williams Salty Dog is a brighter navy option. Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue is a softer medium-dark blue that can work in traditional kitchens. Use navy cabinets with white quartz, marble, white subway tile, and warm white walls. Brass hardware adds warmth. Polished nickel gives a more classic look. Black hardware creates a modern contrast. Blue Kitchen Cabinets With White Countertops Blue kitchen cabinets and white countertops are a timeless combination. The white surface keeps the kitchen bright, while the blue cabinets add depth and personality. Navy blue cabinets look especially good with white quartz and marble. Blue-gray cabinets also work well with white countertops because the colors feel calm and balanced. For a clean look, add a white subway tile backsplash. For a more detailed look, use marble tile or soft cream zellige tile. Best Blue Cabinet Colors With Brass Hardware Brass hardware can make blue cabinets feel warmer and more polished. It works especially well with navy blue, dark blue-green, and muted teal cabinet colors. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal, Farrow & Ball Hague Blue, and Sherwin-Williams Mount Etna all pair well with brass handles and knobs. Choose brushed brass or aged brass for a softer look. Choose polished brass if you want a more formal or classic kitchen style. Blue Kitchen Cabinet Colors by Kitchen Style Modern Kitchens For a modern kitchen, choose blue-gray or dark blue cabinet paint. Sherwin-Williams Smoky Blue, Rainstorm, and Benjamin Moore Hale Navy are good choices. Use simple cabinet doors, black hardware, and white quartz countertops. Farmhouse Kitchens For a farmhouse kitchen, choose soft blue or muted blue-gray colors. Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue, Boothbay Gray, and Van Courtland Blue work well. Add butcher block counters, white tile, and warm brass or black hardware. Coastal Kitchens For a coastal kitchen, choose light blue or blue-green paint colors. Palladian Blue, Rainwashed, and Aegean Teal can create a relaxed coastal look. Use white walls, light wood floors, marble counters, and natural woven details. Traditional Kitchens For a traditional kitchen, use classic navy or muted blue-gray cabinets. Hale Navy, Newburyport Blue, and De Nimes are strong choices. Add brass handles, marble countertops, and a white backsplash. What Colors Go With Blue Kitchen Cabinets? Blue cabinets look best when they are balanced with lighter finishes. Best Countertops for Blue Cabinets White quartz is one of the best countertop choices for blue cabinets. It creates a clean contrast. Marble also works well with navy, blue-gray, and soft blue cabinets. It gives the kitchen a timeless look. Butcher block countertops add warmth. They are especially nice with blue-green cabinets. Best Backsplash for Blue Cabinets White subway tile is a safe and classic choice. It works with almost every shade of blue. For a more stylish look, use marble tile, zellige tile, or a soft cream backsplash. Avoid using a busy backsplash with dark blue cabinets. Let the cabinet color stay the main feature. Best Hardware for Blue Cabinets Brass hardware adds warmth and contrast. Black hardware gives a modern look. Chrome hardware looks clean with light blue cabinets. Brushed nickel works well with blue-gray cabinets. Blue Cabinet Color Pairing Guide Blue cabinet colorBest countertop choicesBest hardwareBest wall colorsLight blueWhite quartz, pale marble, light stoneChrome, brushed nickelWarm white, soft creamBlue-grayWhite quartz, gray stone, marbleBlack, brushed nickel, brassSoft white, light greigeBlue-greenCream stone, butcher block, warm white quartzAged brass, blackCream, warm beigeNavy blueWhite quartz, marble, light graniteBrass, polished nickel, blackCrisp white, warm whiteDark blue-greenWhite marble, creamy quartz, natural woodBrass, antique bronzeCream, soft beige Should You Paint All Kitchen Cabinets Blue? You can paint all kitchen cabinets blue, but it depends on the size and lighting of your kitchen. Full navy blue cabinets work best in a large or bright kitchen. If your kitchen is small or dark, paint only the lower cabinets blue. Keep upper cabinets white, cream, or light wood. A blue kitchen island is another easy option. It adds color without making the whole kitchen feel dark. Two-tone kitchen cabinets are also popular. Try blue lower cabinets with white upper cabinets for a balanced look. Blue Lower Cabinets With White Upper Cabinets Blue lower cabinets with white upper cabinets are a smart choice for homeowners who want color without making the kitchen feel heavy. Blue lower cabinets with white uppers add color while keeping the kitchen bright. This two-tone kitchen cabinet style keeps the upper part of the room light. It also makes dark navy, blue-gray, and blue-green shades easier to use in small kitchens. Use navy lower cabinets for a bold contrast. Choose blue-gray lower cabinets for a softer look. Pair them with white quartz, a white backsplash, and simple hardware. Ways to Use Blue Beyond Kitchen Cabinets Blue does not have to cover every cabinet in the kitchen. You can use it in smaller areas to add color without making the room feel too dark. Paint Lower Cabinets Blue Blue lower cabinets create a grounded look. Keep upper cabinets white, cream, or light wood to make the kitchen feel brighter. This is a good option for small kitchens. It also works well if you want navy blue cabinets but do not want the whole room to feel dark. Add a Blue Kitchen Island A blue kitchen island can become the main feature of the room. Navy, blue-gray, and blue-green paint colors all work well on an island. Pair a blue island with white perimeter cabinets for a clean two-tone kitchen design. Use Blue on Pantry Cabinets Blue pantry cabinets can add character to a kitchen. This works especially well when the pantry cabinets sit on one wall or near the kitchen entry. Choose a darker navy for a bold look. Choose a soft blue-gray for a calm and classic look. Add Blue Open Shelving Blue open shelving is a simple way to bring color into a white kitchen. It looks great with white dishes, glass jars, and warm wood details. Use the same blue as your lower cabinets or kitchen island for a connected look. Try a Light Blue Kitchen Ceiling A light blue ceiling can make a kitchen feel open and airy. It works best with white walls and light cabinets. Choose a pale blue with gray or green undertones. This will keep the ceiling from looking too bright. Add Blue Tiles or a Blue Backsplash Blue tiles can add color without painting every cabinet. Use blue subway tile, handmade-look tile, or soft blue patterned tile. A blue backsplash works well with white cabinets, light wood cabinets, or navy lower cabinets. Before You Buy Blue Cabinet Paint Use this quick checklist before choosing your final paint color: Check your kitchen light in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Look at your countertop, backsplash, flooring, and cabinet hardware. Choose two or three similar blue samples, not only one. Test samples on a large board or the back of a cabinet door. View samples in natural light and under your kitchen light bulbs. Decide if you want all-blue cabinets, blue lower cabinets, or a blue island. Check that your paint and primer work with your cabinet material. Read the paint label for dry time and full cure time. Test several blue paint samples beside your fixed kitchen finishes before painting cabinets. Before You Paint Blue Kitchen Cabinets Painting kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh new look. However, good preparation is important for a smooth and durable finish. Identify Your Cabinet Material Check if your cabinets are solid wood, veneer, laminate, thermofoil, or previously painted. Different materials need different preparation. Wood cabinets usually need light sanding. Laminate and thermofoil cabinets may need a bonding primer before painting. Remove Doors and Hardware Remove cabinet doors, drawer fronts, handles, knobs, and hinges. Label each door so it is easy to put everything back in the right place. Painting cabinet doors flat can help you get a smoother finish. Clean Away Grease and Dirt Kitchen cabinets often have grease near the stove and handles. Clean every surface well before sanding or priming. If grease stays on the cabinets, the primer and paint may not stick properly. Repair Chips and Dents Fill small dents, cracks, and old hardware holes before painting. Sand the repaired areas until they feel smooth. This step helps the blue paint color look even and clean. Sand or Degloss the Surface Lightly sand glossy cabinets so the primer can grip the surface. If sanding is not suitable for your cabinet material, use a liquid deglosser if the paint system allows it. Always follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Use the Right Primer Use a primer made for your cabinet material. A bonding primer is often helpful for slick or factory-finished surfaces. Primer can also help dark blue paint look more even and rich. Test Your Blue Paint Color First Paint a large sample board or the back of one cabinet door. Look at it during the day and at night. Check how the blue looks next to your countertop, backsplash, flooring, and hardware. Allow Enough Cure Time Cabinet paint may feel dry before it is fully cured. Give the paint enough time to harden before placing heavy items inside cabinets or cleaning them often. Follow the paint label for the full cure time. Best Paint Finish for Blue Kitchen Cabinets Choose a cabinet-rated coating that is suitable for your cabinet material. Wood, laminate, thermofoil, and previously painted cabinets may need different cleaning, sanding, bonding-primer, and paint steps. A satin finish gives a soft sheen. It hides small marks better than gloss paint. A semi-gloss finish is easy to clean. It is a good choice for busy kitchens. Before painting, clean the cabinets well. Sand the surface lightly and use the right primer. Let the paint cure fully before using the cabinets every day. Which Blue Cabinet Paint Is Right for Your Kitchen? Choose light blue if you want a bright, calm, and open kitchen. It is a good choice for small kitchens, coastal kitchens, and rooms with limited daylight. Choose blue-gray if you want a flexible color that feels soft and easy to match. It works well with white quartz, marble, stainless steel appliances, and modern or farmhouse kitchens. Choose blue-green if you have warm wood floors, butcher block, cream tile, or brass hardware. It adds color while keeping the kitchen warm and natural. Choose navy or dark blue if you want a bold, timeless look. Use it in a bright kitchen, on lower cabinets, or on a kitchen island. Pair it with white countertops and a light backsplash for balance. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Popular Blue Paint Color for Kitchen Cabinets? Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is a classic dark navy that many homeowners use for kitchen cabinets and islands. It pairs well with white countertops, marble backsplashes, and brass hardware. Will Navy Cabinets Make My Kitchen Look Dark? Navy cabinets can make a kitchen look darker if the room has little natural light. Use navy on lower cabinets or an island if your kitchen is small. Add white walls, light counters, and a bright backsplash. Why Do My Blue Cabinets Look Purple at Night? Blue paint may look purple under warm artificial lighting. Nearby finishes and violet undertones can also change the way blue paint looks. Test the paint under your kitchen lights before making a final choice. What Hardware and Countertop Go Best With Blue Cabinets? White quartz, marble, butcher block, and light stone countertops work well with blue cabinets. Brass, black, chrome, and brushed nickel hardware can also look great depending on the blue shade. Are Blue Kitchen Cabinets Still in Style? Yes, blue kitchen cabinets remain a popular choice. Navy, blue-gray, and blue-green shades are especially flexible because they work with many kitchen styles. Final Thoughts Blue kitchen cabinets can give an old kitchen a fresh new look without the cost of a full remodel. The right shade can make a small kitchen feel brighter, add warmth to wood floors, or create a bold focal point with a navy island. However, the paint color that looks perfect in a photo may look very different in your own kitchen. For more help planning a complete color scheme, visit our kitchen paint guide and compare blue with other cabinet color families. From reviewing cabinet paint choices and kitchen color combinations, the most reliable approach is to match the blue shade to your kitchen light and fixed finishes. Test two or three large samples beside your countertop, backsplash, flooring, and hardware. Check them during the day and at night before painting every cabinet. This extra step helps you avoid a blue that looks too dark, too cold, or too purple once the project is complete. About Kitchenoro Kitchenoro is your trusted partner for complete kitchen remodeling, renovation, and elegant design. We specialize in premium cabinet installation, countertops, and transforming kitchens into luxurious, functional spaces. With expert craftsmanship and tailored solutions, Kitchenoro turns your vision into reality. Contact us to elevate your kitchen’s style and functionality!

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Blue Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets: 20 Beautiful Ideas

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