When you make the decision to go with white cabinets, you probably think that everything else will easily fall into place. But answers to the questions that follow aren’t always so obvious, like: What color should I paint the walls? White—go figure—is a popular choice, but there are (what seems like) a million shades out there to choose from. Of course, you can go in a more colorful direction—think: navy, citron, cherry—but only a handful of saturated tones lend themselves to a sophisticated space. 

Finding the right pairing for your cupboards can feel a bit like rocket science, so we looked back at some of our favorite kitchens to figure out the exact shades that work. (Psst: Pink and green are surprising matches.) Here are a handful of the best kitchen paint colors that go with white cabinets.

The Best Kitchen Paint Colors With White Cabinets

All White, Farrow & Ball

True to its name, this hue contains no other pigment yet somehow still creates a soft backdrop without the cold undertones, and in this London kitchen it pairs perfectly with the deep blue backsplash.

Whisper, Dunn-Edwards

For an airy appeal in this A-frame cabin in Big Bear Lake, California, designer Shannon Wilkins chose this shade to set the stage for cohesion. It warms up the cabinets, the walls, and even the floors.

Simply White, Benjamin Moore

Featuring just a touch of yellow undertones, this popular pick plays nicely with wood and woven accents—think: rattan pendant lamps, butcher block counters, and pine open shelving. Designer Holly Waterfield’s Brooklyn kitchen is a prime example of exuding warmth without veering too creamy. 

Super White, Benjamin Moore

Considered to be the brand’s whitest white, this one achieves a crisp look thanks to the fact that there are no visible undertones. In this space, designed by the Brooklyn Home Company, the walls, cabinets, and vent hood are all covered in the cool hue.

Figueroa, Portola Paints

If you are set on painting your cabinets and walls the same white, have some fun with the finishes. In Amber Lewis’s kitchen, the cupboards are satin enamel, but the walls have a contrasting roman clay treatment that has a rustic, textured look to it. 

Alabaster, Benjamin Moore 

The right finish not only can create character where there previously was none, it can spotlight existing textures. The creamy white brick wall and ceiling in this kitchen, designed by Marie Flanigan, are swathed in a semigloss finish, accentuating the grooves in the material. 

Fog Mist, Benjamin Moore

Off-whites like this look right at home in traditional farmhouses, such as the one designed by Katie Martinez that’s got shiplap paneling, a plate rack, and beam work for days. 

The Solid Colors

First Light, Benjamin Moore

A refreshing alternative to white and beige, this barely there pink adds personality without being too obvious about it. Do like Gina Gutierrez and let the sunset hue inspire your lighting and textiles. 

Love & Happiness, Benjamin Moore

Turn the pink dial up one notch and you’ll end up with this blush hue. It works wonders in a tiny galley or U-shaped space that’s lacking natural light (it gives the nook that much-needed brightness). 

Soft Green, Benjamin Moore

Transport your white kitchen to the tropics with this aqua shade that Malene Barnett used in her Brooklyn brownstone. Make it really pop with a backsplash tile in the same color family. 

Castle Gray, Farrow & Ball 

Go full-on cottagecore with a classic green-gray that creates a ton of depth in a space with low ceilings. Name a better duo; we’ll wait.