Tired of the sea of white and gray kitchen cabinets? You’re not alone. While classic neutrals will always have their place, a surprising and warm shade is making a bold statement in homes everywhere. If you clicked here, you’re curious about the unexpected color that designers and homeowners are falling in love with. Let’s explore this beautiful trend.
The Surprising Shade: Earthy Terracotta
The unexpected color taking over cabinets is terracotta. Evoking sun-baked clay, desert landscapes, and rustic pottery, this warm, earthy shade is a dramatic departure from the cool tones that have dominated interior design for the past decade. It’s a sophisticated choice that feels both ancient and modern, bringing incredible character and warmth to the heart of the home.
Paint brands have embraced this trend with a range of stunning options. You might see it called burnt orange, clay, or rust. To be specific, look for popular shades like:
Sherwin-Williams “Cavern Clay” (SW 7701): A versatile, warm terracotta that was their 2019 Color of the Year and remains incredibly popular.
Benjamin Moore “Spiced Pumpkin” (2169-20): A rich, deep hue that makes a confident and cozy statement.
Farrow & Ball “Red Earth” (No. 64): A classic, gentle red-based terracotta that feels timeless and welcoming.
Behr “Canyon Dusk” (S210-4): A softer, muted version of the trend, perfect for a more subtle approach.
Why is Terracotta Suddenly Everywhere?
This trend isn’t random. Several design shifts have aligned to make terracotta the perfect color for right now.
A Move Toward Warmth
For years, home design has been dominated by cool grays, bright whites, and stark blues. While clean and modern, this can sometimes feel sterile or cold. Homeowners are now craving spaces that feel cozier, more inviting, and personal. Terracotta is the ultimate warm hue, instantly making a kitchen feel more like a welcoming gathering space.
The Rise of Natural and Organic Design
Biophilic design, which seeks to connect our living spaces with nature, is a major influence. Terracotta is a color pulled directly from the earth. It pairs beautifully with other natural elements that are currently popular, such as:
Natural Wood: Light oak or dark walnut shelves, butcher block countertops, and wood flooring all look stunning next to terracotta cabinets.
Stone Countertops: Creamy white quartz, warm marble, or even dark soapstone create a beautiful contrast.
Indoor Plants: The deep green of houseplants pops vibrantly against a terracotta background.
Versatility in Style
You might think such a bold color only fits one aesthetic, but it’s surprisingly versatile. It can be adapted to fit several popular design styles:
Bohemian/Eclectic: Paired with patterned tiles, vintage rugs, and lots of plants.
Modern Farmhouse: Used on a kitchen island, it adds a rustic yet updated touch when combined with white shiplap and black hardware.
Southwestern: The most natural fit, creating a warm, desert-inspired vibe.
Mid-Century Modern: Complemented by clean lines, teak wood tones, and brass accents.
How to Incorporate Terracotta Cabinets in Your Home
Going all-in on a bold color can feel intimidating, but there are several ways to bring this trend into your kitchen, from a small accent to a full transformation.
The Full Commitment: All Terracotta
For a truly dramatic and enveloping look, paint both your upper and lower cabinets in a terracotta shade. This works best in kitchens with plenty of natural light to keep the space from feeling too dark. To balance the look, opt for a light, neutral wall color like a creamy off-white and a simple backsplash, such as a classic white subway tile or a textured zellige tile.
The Two-Tone Approach
A more accessible way to use the color is in a two-tone kitchen. This is a very popular and stylish option.
Terracotta Lowers, Neutral Uppers: Paint your lower cabinets terracotta and keep the uppers a light color like white, cream, or a very light greige. This grounds the space with warmth while keeping the top half feeling light and airy.
Terracotta Lowers, Wood Uppers: For an even more organic feel, pair terracotta lower cabinets with open shelving or upper cabinets in a natural light wood finish.
The Accent Island
If you’re not ready to commit to a full wall of color, painting just your kitchen island is a fantastic solution. It creates a beautiful focal point without overwhelming the room. The rest of your cabinets can remain a neutral color, allowing the terracotta island to truly shine.
Tips for a Professional-Looking Paint Job
Repainting cabinets is a rewarding DIY project, but success is all in the preparation.
Preparation is Everything: Start by removing all doors and hardware. Label everything so you know exactly where it goes back. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner to remove any kitchen grime.
Sand, Sand, Sand: Lightly scuff-sand all surfaces. You don’t need to strip the old finish, just rough it up enough so the primer can grip. A 120-grit sandpaper is usually sufficient. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.
Use a High-Quality Primer: This step is non-negotiable for a durable finish. A high-adhesion, stain-blocking primer is essential. It prevents the old color from bleeding through and ensures the paint sticks properly.
Choose the Right Paint: Don’t use regular wall paint on cabinets. You need something much more durable. Look for a cabinet-specific paint, often called an alkyd enamel or urethane-alkyd enamel. Benjamin Moore’s ADVANCE and Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel are two top-tier products known for their hard, factory-like finish.
Apply Thin Coats: Whether you’re using a brush, roller, or sprayer, apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick one. This prevents drips and results in a smoother, more professional finish. Allow for adequate drying time between coats as recommended by the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will terracotta make my kitchen look dated in a few years? While it is a trend, terracotta is also a timeless, classic color found in design for centuries. Because it’s rooted in nature, it has more staying power than a synthetic, fad color. Paired with classic elements, it will age gracefully.
What hardware finishes work best with terracotta? You have many great options. Matte black creates a modern, high-contrast look. Brushed brass or gold adds warmth and a touch of glamour. Aged bronze complements the rustic feel, while brushed nickel can provide a cooler, more contemporary contrast.
My kitchen is small and doesn’t get much light. Can I still use this color? Yes, but you might want to use it more sparingly. Consider painting only the lower cabinets or just the kitchen island. Pairing it with bright white upper cabinets, a light countertop, and good under-cabinet lighting will keep the space feeling bright while still enjoying the warmth of terracotta.