Anonymous wrote:It also really depends on the cabinet itself. White cabinets with arches will look dated, because the style is a trend. But a shaker cabinet with straight clean lines will always look timeless, no matter the color. Overall, if all you're really worried about is being able to change the color over time, get cabinets that are natural wood and you can paint them over and over again, with each passing trend.

Shaker style is very much a trend.

It also really depends on the cabinet itself. White cabinets with arches will look dated, because the style is a trend. But a shaker cabinet with straight clean lines will always look timeless, no matter the color. Overall, if all you're really worried about is being able to change the color over time, get cabinets that are natural wood and you can paint them over and over again, with each passing trend.

Why is gray any more likely to be "out" soon than brown, or white, or shaker style?

It's a neutral color. It's nothing new.

I have grey cabinets on my island and white everywhere else with Cambria Torquay (fake marble) countertops. Grey subway tile backsplash. I love it.

That being said, at some point I'm sure my kitchen will look like I did it when "grey was in"

If I get sick of it, I'll redo it.

OP, I have three little boys and have the same concerns as you about the durability of white cabinet paint. We are building our house and are considering doing white cabinets on perimeter but a gray or black island. Another look is having dark (espresso or black) lower cabinets with white uppers. Both of those are easier to maintain than either white or gray paint. No question, gray is trendy, and all gray can be overwhelming unless you love that color.

White isn't just one shade- so with that said, depending on the time of day, and what lighting we are using, our grey cupboards are white, or grey, or blue, or violet or mauve. I cannot get enough of how the colour changes. This is in a very bright kitchen with one wall of windows/calacatta marble counters/linear marble slab backsplash. Flooring is hardwood which gives it warmth. Cushions and pillows on the windowseat give lots of bright colours and the island is painted a bright colour. \

Since we redid our kitchen this summer I've been waiting to see if there will be a point at which I don't love our choices- cold winter light and all that... but so far its been beautiful in the fall and winter.

I like to think there's something for everyone... to love or hate!