Cabinet colour sets the entire tone of your kitchen. Get it right and everything else falls into place. Your benchtops look more expensive, your hardware shines, and the whole space feels considered and sophisticated.
When it comes to creating a luxurious feel it isn't about choosing the most expensive option. It's about understanding which colours deliver that high-end look and why they work.
We've narrowed it down to five cabinet colours that consistently deliver luxury, whether you're doing a full renovation or just want to elevate what you've already got. These aren't trendy colours that'll date quickly - they're sophisticated choices that work now and will still look amazing in five years.
Navy cabinets are one of those choices that just works. There's a reason you see them everywhere from high-end architectural homes to renovated Queenslanders - they deliver that instant "expensive kitchen" feeling without trying too hard.
Here's why navy is brilliant: it's bold enough to make a statement but safe enough that you won't regret it in five years. Unlike trendy colours that scream "2019 reno," navy has been around in classic interiors for decades and it's not going anywhere.
The real magic happens when you pair navy with the right materials. White marble or light stone benchtops absolutely pop against deep blue cabinetry. Add brass or gold hardware and you've got warmth and richness that elevates the whole space. Even simple chrome or stainless steel works if you're after a cooler, more modern vibe.
The magic of deep navy blue and natural wood - rich cabinetry meets organic warmth for a kitchen that feels both elevated and inviting. Image: Kitchen Informant
If you want something more interesting than light grey but aren't quite ready to commit to black, charcoal is your answer.
Charcoal grey cabinets give you drama and depth without the intensity of full black. They ground your kitchen and create visual weight, but they won't make a small space feel like a cave. This is particularly useful in Aussie homes where natural light can be harsh - charcoal softens that brightness without disappearing entirely.
What makes charcoal genuinely practical is its incredible versatility with benchtop materials. Seriously, it works with everything. Black granite? Sophisticated. Timber or butcher block? Warm and interesting. Even concrete or terrazzo. You can't really go wrong, which gives you options if you're renovating in stages or want to change things up later.
Charcoal also does something clever with light - it looks slightly different throughout the day depending on your natural and artificial lighting. This creates depth and interest rather than just being one flat colour. And it's the perfect backdrop for showcasing statement lighting, interesting hardware, or that expensive tapware you splurged on. Unlike light colours that can compete with accessories, or black which can overwhelm them, charcoal just lets your chosen features shine.
Charcoal cabinetry with timber benchtops - this is how you do dark cabinets without making your kitchen feel like a cave. Image: Renovation builder Northern Beaches, HMS Projects.
Right, this one's not for everyone. But if you're after a kitchen that makes people stop and actually notice, burgundy cabinets deliver in spades.
This deep, wine-toned red creates a genuinely unique space. You won't find them in every second display home or renovation show, which means your kitchen will actually feel like yours. There's something inherently luxurious about burgundy - it suggests old European estates, grand libraries, centuries of refined taste. But they also feel surprisingly current when done well.
The key is confidence. Burgundy isn't a colour you choose by accident or because the paint was on sale. It requires commitment, but it rewards you with a kitchen that has serious character and presence. These tones create an intimate, enveloping atmosphere that makes your kitchen feel like an event, not just a functional space.
Here's what works: pair burgundy with natural materials. Timber floors, marble benchtops, brass hardware - these combinations feel rich and layered. You can go warm with brass and gold, or cool things down with black hardware if you want a more contemporary edge. Against white or cream stone benchtops, the contrast is absolutely stunning.
Burgundy cabinets with brass hardware and patterned tile flooring - a masterclass in moody, characterful design. Image: Homes & Gardens/Future
If you love the idea of white cabinets but find pure white too stark or clinical, cream and ivory are your secret weapon.
These soft, warm off-whites give you all the brightness and openness of white kitchens but with actual warmth and character. They don't feel like you just chose the default option - they feel considered and sophisticated. There's a reason cream cabinets feature heavily in European kitchens and high-end Australian homes: they just look more expensive than plain white.
The practical advantages are real too. Cream is significantly more forgiving than bright white. It doesn't show every fingerprint, smudge, or imperfection the way stark white does.
Cream creates inviting, lived-in spaces rather than showroom-perfect ones. Your kitchen feels like somewhere people actually cook and gather, not a sterile space you're afraid to use. This warmth is particularly important in open-plan homes where the kitchen flows into living areas - you want cohesion and comfort, not a cold white box.
When combined with natural materials like marble, timber, or stone, cream creates a harmonious, effortless-looking palette. Everything just works together without trying too hard. Add brass or aged gold hardware and you've got timeless elegance sorted.
Soft cream cabinets elevate this kitchen with understated luxury, proving that you don't need bold colors to make a statement - just quality materials and a refined neutral palette. Image: Bedrosians
Sage green cabinets hit that sweet spot between safe neutrals and bold colour choices. They're interesting enough to feel current and considered, but subtle enough that they won't date quickly or overwhelm your space.
The immediate effect is calm. Sage creates this spa-like, serene atmosphere that makes your kitchen feel like a retreat rather than just somewhere you frantically pack school lunches at 7am. There's something inherently soothing about this muted, grey-green shade that just works in Australian homes.
What makes sage particularly clever is how naturally it pairs with organic materials. It loves marble, timber, rattan, stone - anything with texture or natural variation. This makes it perfect for that relaxed, nature-inspired look that's everywhere in Australian interior design right now. But unlike some trendy colours, sage has enough historical precedent that it won't feel dated in five years.
Sage green in Australian light - subtle enough to feel timeless, but interesting enough to not be ‘boring’. Image: Newcastle Architect, Craggspace.
Choosing a luxury cabinet colour isn't about picking the most expensive paint or following whatever's trending on Pinterest this month. It's about finding a colour that works for your specific space, your lighting, and the overall feel you're after.
The five colours we've covered - navy, charcoal, burgundy, cream, and sage - all deliver that luxurious feel, but they do it in different ways. Navy and charcoal are versatile workhorses that suit most homes and styles. Burgundy is for those wanting something genuinely distinctive. Cream offers timeless elegance with practical benefits. Sage brings calm sophistication with a contemporary edge.
Consider your home's existing colour palette, the natural light in your space, and how the kitchen connects to your outdoor areas. The best luxury kitchen is one that not only looks stunning but works beautifully for your lifestyle. After all, true luxury is about living well, not just looking good.
