Are you planning your future home remodel or new construction and are undecided on what finish is right for your kitchen cabinetry? From our expert showroom consultants to interior designers, we have gathered the latest releases, newest trends, and professional insight to bring you the inspiration you have been looking for.
Types of Cabinet Finishes
When selecting a finish for your kitchen cabinets, there are two main families for cabinetry finishes to be categorized by.
Color
Painted color cabinetry offers a wide selection of hues and shades for unmatched personalization and a smooth, evenly toned finish.
Wood Tone
Embracing the natural finish of the wood material, stains and washes are used to bring out the grain and depth of the wood tone. These stains are available in a matte or satin sheen.
Finishing Touches
Glazes
Glazes may be used to add dimension and highlight the woodwork of your cabinetry. Glazes can be used on both stains and paints and can be applied using the flooded or penned method. Flooded glazing is applied to the entire cabinet door and then wiped to be removed from everywhere except for the highlighted areas. Penned glazing is a delicate hand-application process in which the glaze is placed only on the highlighted areas.
Sanded Edges
For a rustic touch, sanded edges can bring a worn-in, well-loved feeling to your new cabinetry.
Pro-Tip:
The final finish of your color or wood tone may vary depending on the material used for construction. See how Schrock Cabinetry’s Buckskin wood tone finish takes to these different wood materials.
The Latest from Masterbrand
In addition to a wide selection of paint and stain options, these cabinet lines have recently welcomed new shades to their arsenals.
Schrock
Tropic
Tropic is an airy blue that creates a bright and tranquil atmosphere.
Grainstone
Grainstone’s warm, light-toned stain allows for the wood’s natural grain to shine through.
Sleepy Blue
Sleepy Blue is a soft, youthful blue that offers a refreshing alternative to traditional light shades.
Mantra
Rosemary
Rosemary is a medium muted green that brings a natural, calming touch to any space.
Trending Cabinet Finishes for 2026
Designers are anticipating that warm neutrals, deep brown wood tones, and bold jewel tones are set to take over the design sphere in 2026, with bright whites stepping back to make way for warm off-whites and creams.
Two Toned Cabinets
If you are finding it difficult to settle on one cabinet finish, opting to use more than one shade for your cabinetry can add visual depth and interest to your kitchen’s design. Placing color for emphasis, creating contrast between your upper and lower cabinets, or selecting a statement color for an island, range hood, or coffee bar are just a few of the ways selecting multiple cabinet shades can transform your space.
Pro-Tip:
If you are not sure about making a long-term commitment to color, consider implementing your statement color as an island or accent that can be easily replaced if you change your mind in the future.
Looking for two toned cabinetry inspiration? Try one of these stunning cabinet color combos.
Retreat + Coastline – For the Contemporary
Retreat’s delicate gray-green hue pairs beautifully with the light-to-medium brown stain of Coastline.
Rosewood + Sleepy Blue – For the Bold
Rich Rosewood offers warmth and depth to balance the delicate whimsy Sleepy Blue.
Kanga + Peppercorn – For the Classic
Peppercorn’s medium gray color perfectly complements Kanga’s mid-tone wood finish.
Consultant Recommendations
We consulted with the professionals on what cabinet finishes they would recommend.
Tundra on Oak
The Tundra stain from Schrock brings out the rich grain of Oak cabinetry.
Regatta
Peppercorn’s medium gray color perfectly complements Kanga’s mid-tone wood finish.
Grainstone
As a new addition, Grainstone has already proven to be an immense success, and pairs well with about anything.
Color by Number
Do you have a specific color in mind that is not offered in the catalog? Schrock’s Color by Number program has you covered. This program offers you the option to select a shade from any of the thousands of paint swatches in the Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore Paint families for your kitchen cabinetry. Colors in the Color by Number program will cost more than those in the main catalog but bring endless customizability to ensure that the shade you select is exactly what you envision.
Pro-Tip:
Keep the space you have in mind when selecting a finish for your cabinetry. Considering your kitchen layout, size, light-level, and personal style is important in ensuring that your kitchen cabinetry compliments your space and works harmoniously with the rest of your home. Rely on the expertise of our showroom consultants to help you find the right cabinetry finish for you and your home. Contact your local DKB Designer Kitchens and Baths showroom to get started.