Ask any colour expert and they’ll agree that there’s nothing more soothing on the eye than soft shades of green. And, while green works well in most rooms across the home, choosing sage green kitchen cabinets has already been a popular choice in 2025 according to kitchen designers.
Throw into the mix the fact that Valspar recently announced Eucalyptus Green as their colour of the year 2026, and we’re predicting the trend for biophilic shades in kitchen ideas is only going to grow. But, do the experts agree and if so, how can you best use green to make sure it doesn’t date or look dull?
Find out more in our guide to why sage green kitchen cabinets could be the kitchen colour that doesn’t drain you, or your budget, for years to come.
Sage green vs other shades of green
So what makes sage green kitchen cabinets a good choice compared to painted kitchen cabinet ideas in other colours?
“Sage green is a very good choice for kitchen cabinetry because it has a soft, understated quality that feels welcoming, while still being sophisticated enough to suit both traditional and more contemporary homes,” says Richard Davenport, managing director at Davonport. “Unlike bolder colours, it doesn’t dominate the space, but instead brings a gentle sense of calm that works well in the heart of the home.
“Because sage has an underlying silver-grey tone, it behaves almost like a neutral,” he adds. “That means it’s less likely to feel dated compared with stronger, more saturated greens.”
But, how best can you use it in a kitchen and should it only feature on your kitchen cabinets or are there other places it can work as well?
Shop sage green kitchen cabinet paint
Rust-Oleum Sage Green Matt Kitchen Cupboard Paint 750ml
Update your kitchen cabinets with this multi-surface paint that can be applied to with melamine, wood and gloss cupboards
A classic chalk and mineral sage green paint with a touch of soft grey that is self-priming and self-sealing
Available in a variety of different finishes so you can use it on your kitchen cabinets, walls and ceilings
Richard Davonport is a luxury cabinetmaker and designer, and the founder and Managing Director of kitchen specialists, Davonport. The company designs and makes bespoke kitchens from its workshop in the heart of East Anglia.
How to use sage green in the kitchen
The main appeal of sage green to kitchen designers and homeowners can perhaps be best described if we think of it as a shade of green that has chameleon-like qualities.
“Sage green is a versatile shade; earthy and elegant, and it gives a classic twist to traditional neutrals, while adding depth and balance,” says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. “It’s a colour we associate with the outdoors and can breathe life into the heart of the home. Sage has a timeless appeal that transcends trends.”
That said, it’s neutral like appeal doesn’t make it boring, bland or dated and there are ways of making it have impact.
“Create a statement with sage green by using it liberally throughout the cabinetry,” suggest Al. “You can continue this colour up into a painted shiplap splashback and keeping the walls free of units allows the green to take centre stage without overpowering the space. For added impact, keep with the same shade on the kitchen island,” he adds.
And, although it’s considered a neutral shade in itself, that doesn’t mean it needs too much of a boost to make a difference. “We’ve found that sage works particularly well when paired with natural materials such as oak or stone, which further enhances its longevity,” says Richard Davonport.
But, if you are keen to inject some other colours into the mix, what are your options?
Personally, I’m a huge fan of pale pink and sage green. It’s a combination that’s fresh, inviting and yet still feels warm when the seasons change. Throw in some brighter pink and darker green accessories and it’s like enveloping yourself in a cosy striped jumper in autumn. But, in much the same way that pink bathroom ideas aren’t for everyone, pink kitchens might not suit everyone either, so are there other shades that can work just as well?
“In terms of pairing, sage green also complements a wide spectrum of colours, from warm taupes and creams through to cooler greys, soft yellows and earthy browns,” suggests Richard.
“Paint the walls a soft neutral tone that will lift the space, making the ceilings appear much taller, while the green base cabinetry will harmoniously balance the scheme,” is Al’s advice.
And, it’s the perfect colour pop if you want to find a way to find a clean and fresh partner to white.
“A popular way to achieve a clean, inviting aesthetic is by pairing sage green cabinets with white countertops or backsplashes,” says Al. “This timeless combination creates a fresh, open look where both colours complement each other rather than compete.
“For added sophistication, you can introduce woods such as oak or ash, which add depth, transforming the kitchen into a welcoming gathering place,” he adds. “This combination also introduces a playful contrast that keeps the overall design dynamic and visually engaging. Complement this natural colour palette with houseplants or herb gardens, amplifying the calming effect and inviting a sense of tranquillity.”
The benefit of being able to pair sage green kitchen cabinets with a number of colours? Less need for expensive new kitchen costs on a regular basis, explains Richard.
“Combinations allow you to refresh the look over time without changing the cabinetry itself. The key to ensuring a sage kitchen remains timeless lies in the cabinetry style. A classic shaker kitchen in sage, for example, will never fall out of favour, because it draws on a lineage of craft and proportion that transcends short-lived trends.”
Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, began his career 25 years ago studying to be a cabinet maker at college. His natural skill in the craft of cabinetry and keen business acumen saw him quickly rise up through the ranks of the handmade kitchen industry. With a natural flair for design and a deep passion for the industry, Al finally opened his own Shaker kitchen company in 2018.
Sage green kitchen ideas
Keen to see how sage green could suit your new kitchen extension ideas or self build? Here’s some of our favourite sage green inspired kitchen ideas, along with options for using the shade somewhere other than kitchen cabinets.
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So is sage green the only green kitchen idea that homeowners are requesting, or is green a kitchen trend that shows no signs of abating?
“Sage has certainly been one of the most popular greens in recent years, though we are also seeing requests for deeper, moodier shades such as olive and forest green, particularly in kitchens where clients want a bolder statement,” says Richard Davonport.
“That said, sage sits beautifully alongside traditional joinery, but can equally be given a more modern edge when paired with industrial-influenced details, such as stainless-steel appliances or aged bronze hardware. Its adaptability is what makes it such a reliable and enduring choice,” he confirms.
If, like me, you’re now seriously considering a kitchen re-vamp, take a look at our guides to kitchen respray costs and replacement kitchen unit doors to find out how much you need to budget for welcoming sage green kitchen cabinets into your home.
View the original article and our Inspiration here
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