Sneak Peak Color Trends 2026

Painting your cabinets can completely transform your kitchen or bathroom, but to get durable long-lasting professional results, it's critical to understand a little bit about the difference in cabinet coatings. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know before you paint in the order of durability: Types of Cabinet Coatings Acrylic Paint (water-based) -Examples: Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane, Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel Pros: Easy-to-use, fast drying, can readily purchase at retail store, less expensive, DIY non-professional use Cons: Less durable than oil-based, 2 component (2k), solvent based products. Hand oils break down coating over time. Alkyd Paint (synthetic oil-based or water-based) -Examples: Behr premium urethane alkyd enamel, Benjamin Moore Advance Pros: hard, durable finish suitable for high traffic areas, relatively fast dry time, UV resistant Cons: longer cure time, longer-lasting smell, hand oils can break down finish. Lacquers -Examples: Sherwin Williams Sher-Wood Kem Aqua, General Finishes Enduro, Lenmar, Pros: quick drying, used in professional applications, smooth finish, high gloss capability, moisture/chemical resistant if catalyzed. Cons: if not catalyzed, can become brittle and yellow over time. Polyurethanes (solvent or water-based) -Examples: ICRO, Renner, Milesi, Ilva, Sherwin Williams Gallery Series, Centurion Pros: quick-drying, extremely durable, can be catalyzed for more durability, UV/chemical resistant, low VOC, manufacturer-like finish, high-traffic use. Designed to be sprayed, but can also be rolled with correct technique. Cons: more expensive, must be professionally applied. Conversion Varnish -High-end, factory-applied finish, professional application only Pros: long-lasting, most durable finish available Cons: Factory shot, most refinishing shops don't shoot this type of finish. At A La Carte Cabinet Painting we understand that choosing the right product for finishing cabinets involves balancing functionality, aesthetic preferences, skill level and overall budget. That's why we've chosen to specialize in eco-conscious, Italian-made water-based polyurethane wood coatings-a premium solution that delivers both beauty and durability. We proudly offer: Eco-friendly Italian Polyurethane Finishes: designed for long-lasting performance, these coatings are not only environmentally responsible but also guaranteed not to yellow, chip, or peel when properly applied. Professional Spray Application : Doors and drawers are professionally sprayed for a smooth, factory-quality look. You also have the option to choose between spray or rolled cabinet boxes, depending on your needs and budget. Partnership with Hartley Group Distributors: as one of the first adopters of these premium European products in the U.S., we've partnered with The Hartley Group of Cornelius, NC to bring this innovative coatings system to the Raleigh, NC market. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, or built-ins, our high-performance water-based finishes are a smart, stylish and sustainable choice!

The year 2025 welcomes a collection of warm, neutral, and natural hues. In this blog, we delve into several key signature elements anticipated in today's designs. Design and Layout: Expect minimalistic, clean, and uncluttered spaces featuring concealed pantries, preparation areas, and sculleries that effectively hide messes, enhancing the experience of entertaining. Incorporating drawers throughout lower cabinetry provides additional storage, improved organization, and a practical solution for accommodating heavy pots and pans. Expansive islands equipped with built-in appliances and seating merge form and function, creating a shared space for both gathering and cooking seamlessly. Full overlay European-style cabinetry takes the center stage with it's sleek, modern appeal while traditional partial overlay takes a backseat in 2025. Open Shelving to neatly display plates, glasses, or cool trinkets and artwork add structural visual interest to and open up otherwise crowded wall space. Under Cabinet Lighting highlights countertop and backsplash and brightens the space Color Trends: Warm tones are in vogue while cool hues have taken a back seat. The era of stark white, sterile kitchens is a thing of the past; inviting warm shades encourage friends and family to congregate in a more welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, combinations of diverse textures and colors are trending. Rich, stained wood paired with gentle off-whites, greiges (a blend of grey and beige), or striking deep colors are all the rage this year. Below are some of our top color selections: Off Whites: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (Light Reflectance Value 83), Benjamin Moore White Dove (LRV 83), Benjamin Moore Seapearl (LRV 78) and Benjamin Moore Ballet White (LRV 72) Greiges: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (LRV 73), Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (LRV 55), Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (LRV 58), Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (LRV 63) and Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (68) Moody Darks: Sherwin Williams Rosemary, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze, Sherwin Williams Naval, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and Sherwin Williams Black Magic Two-toned Kitchens: Natural woods mixed with painted cabinetry Finishes: Uniform finishes across the board are a thing of the past. Incorporating a blend of sheens and metals to create a subtle yet complementary contrast with cabinet colors introduces both interest and sophistication to the area. Warm metals such as antique brass can be beautifully combined with classic bronze or satin nickel, while polished brass provides a striking complement to polished chrome. Design professionals advise a maximum combination of 2-3 metals to achieve both interest and harmony within the space. At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we provide complimentary expert color consultations designed to assist our clients in selecting shades that perfectly reflect their personality and design aspirations. We also order up to three Samplize color swatches for our clients, allowing them to visualize their preferred color options within their own space. These oversized peel and stick swatches are crafted from genuine paint by Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Farrow and Ball.