Contemporary kitchen color schemes
37 Kitchen Color Schemes for a Modern Cooking Area
By Simona Ganea | Published on Reviewed by Lance Crayon
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All-white kitchens have become the hottest paint color trend in recent years. There are many kitchen color schemes for contemporary kitchens that look fresh. Each one adds more than a pinch of personality.
If you don’t want to commit to an all-white style, create contrast with your favorite colors.
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With Benjamin Moore paint, there is no reason why your contemporary kitchen shouldn’t look like the work of a professional interior designer. If you find yourself asking what is the best color to paint my kitchen, keep reading and check out the examples for inspiration.
What Is The Best Color To Paint A Kitchen?
This is a question that every homeowner wrestles with for as long as they own a home. The answer is that there isn’t an answer. There are thousands of ideas you can choose for inspiration, or you can ignore them and do whatever you want. The answer is how it is entirely up to you when it come to choosing the best colors to paint your kitchen.
Here, we’ll look at 20 kitchen color schemes pulled from audience insights that you may have thought about when considering neutral colors or a classic color combination.
History Of Gray KitchensIt wasn’t until the beginning of 2010 when US kitchens went gray. By then, the “graying of America” was in full force. Before gray, the hottest kitchen color was beige.
Gray Kitchen Color Scheme
View in gallerylightinghouseA monochromatic kitchen color scheme provides a modern look with gray undertones, and the kitchen is no exception. If monochromatic neutral space is what you’re after, be sure to mix the tones and tints of the paint color.
Notice the variation between the gray undertones of this airy kitchen color for the floor, cabinetry, countertops, and a lighting fixture.
When combined, the effect offers great visual depth.
White And Gold Color Combo Scheme
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If you enjoy a white kitchen color but wanted to stray from the trending white paint color fad, add a subtle color. Maintain the cozy kitchen feel with clean windows, marble countertops, kitchen cabinets, backsplash, and a white farmhouse sink to maintain a home gardens vibe. You could keep the white cabinets or switch colors for something edgier.
Apply just a touch of pale grey-green color onto the dark cabinets, then accent with metallic hardware, fixtures, and accessories. The result is a kitchen that feels almost ethereal without being all white. A Benjamin Moore gray undertone would work well with the green. If you have a kitchen island, accent the space with a sky blue tone.
Leather And White Kitchen Color Scheme
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Just like white and gold colors, a white and leather-guided kitchen may appear similar where colors are concerned.
However, the effect is different.
Leather is used as the cover to the fridge and on the chairs. Light to medium wood shades are elsewhere to carry the neutral color palette. While this kitchen is contemporary, with its sleek lines and straight design, it has a rustic charm thanks to the leather.
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For the record, leather equals luxe. Look at the stitching around these leather drawer faces.
Red, White, And Blue Paint Color
View in galleryrobertkanerVariations of a cool blue kitchen with white walls hold the colors together to provide a modern and mature vibe, and more so than any playroom. The light blue offsets the other blue hues. A heavy dose of Benjamin Moore white in the corner tempers the kitchen’s boldness into a happy space.
Honed Slate, Honey, And Cherry Red And Wood
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This rich, color-infused kitchen color combo is warm, cozy, and welcoming with Benjamin Moore paint. Each paint color works best with a natural light source because the colors are at darker end of the spectrum.
This updated kitchen is from the post-mid-century modern era (70s), but it couldn’t be more relevant to today’s aesthetic.
Modern Red-Orange And Goldenrod
View in gallerylda-architectsKitchens have a lot “going on,” so a color scheme can be subtle yet effective. The transparent goldenrod suspension lamp (pendant) above the modern red-orange dining chairs around a white Saarinen tulip table are the first-impression highlight and provide a fresh, invigorating kitchen color scheme with natural light.
Shades of gray, ranging from black to light gray tones in the monorail track lighting system, tall narrow windows, bar stools, and appliances are neutral. Wood floors, upper cabinetry, and a wood-faced credenza provide a much-needed balance to the space. This setup would work well for a small kitchen with Benjamin Moore paint.
Poppy Orange And Ebony
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A striking and classic kitchen color combination that, in one way or another, has recurred throughout time.
This paint color combo is great in a stylish kitchen. It creates the opportunity for sheen contrasts.
High-gloss kitchen cabinets combined with matte ebony walls and shelving for a visual feast. Bookending the intensity of the color scheme between white floors and ceiling is a great design choice.
Fuchsia And Light Neutrals
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If your kitchen is designed so that an entire wall can be one paint color, then you’re set choose a vibrant kitchen color to kickstart your modern palette. Because kitchen walls are broken by white cabinetry, appliances, backsplashes, even bold colors will have a muted look.
Do you want to know how to choose a kitchen wall color? Well, look at the colors that are already in your kitchen. With this example, you can choose just a touch of pink for an accent color without worrying about the paint color being overwhelming. Also, natural light wouldn’t diminish the interior look. If you don’t like pink, try saturated green.
Coral And Steel
View in gallerydematteiThis is a more subtle paint color variation of the classic red-black-white color scheme. The effect is modern and fresh, and a good option if you don’t want a white kitchen. Maintaining the white paint color on the kitchen cabinets and walls with the steel elements in appliances helps maintain the coral center island.
When you add an accent color like the thick white countertop, you create cohesion, even with white cabinetry. This is a key element, and one of simplicity and amid modern designs.
Aqua And Red
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Although invigorating, aqua and red is not a paint color duo associated with kitchens, but that could change. The effect is energetic and cheerful. The light blue kitchen tones from Benjamin Moore provide a color palette that’s soothing, with clean color transitions and a few accents.
A kitchen designed with red bar stools, draw the eye and set the contemporary, sleek tone. Fresh flowers and large vibrant art finish the décor.
Dark cabinets would also be a nice touch if you wanted to contrast the soft blue wall.
Aqua And Chartreuse
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When you add color, make it bold and fresh. You want the colors to invigorate and invite, which are excellent ways to introduce color. The lower cabinets are wood which help make this a cozy kitchen. Cobalt blue and green are analogous colors. They are also found together in nature, so they look good in a kitchen.
Plenty of neutral materials like wood and steel and concrete, make up the bulk of the coloring. An important ratio in keeping the kitchen energetic and appealing without being overpowering or distasteful. Try this look with a small kitchen and watch the magic take over. The colors and design are in line with home gardens concept. A sky blue backsplash would also work well.
Teal, White, And Wood
View in galleryalterstudioNatural wood isn’t a color. We’ve seen examples where wood is in a small kitchen but not part of the color scheme.
In this instance, the natural wood tone and color are vital in enhancing and rounding out the glossy, clinical look of white and teal. The sky blue lower cabinets and white walls give this kitchen a soft vibe and follow the color wheel order. With white walls, the space is brighter.
The colors are reminiscent of ice and water and meld with warmer natural tones. A simple, sleek, earth-centered color palette for any kitchen. Try a dark wood from Benjamin Moore if you wanted to create a different tone.
Blue And Tan
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Speaking of earth-centered, you won’t find a more natural feeling than blues and tans with kitchen color schemes like this. This paint color pair has been around since water and beaches first met, but the balance of elements is key to this modern kitchen’s appeal.
Alchemy and concrete countertops add much-needed fire elements. Glass subway tiles are unique in their mosaic presentation, and the lines are simple and straightforward.
This is a great kitchen color scheme.
A dark blue would also work if you like darker colors. The kitchen designed by brennanarch shows how blue and tan, when combined, can turn your kitchen into a celebration of paint color. Plus, the natural light would add ambiance.
Aquamarine And Tan (Wood)
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Few paint color combinations are as historic as the aqua-and-sand kitchen color schemes. But the palette is relevant in kitchen color schemes. Various aqua tints appear on the light blue backsplash and countertops to add depth and warmth to the kitchen. Better homes know through market research that lighter colors help improve products. Also, the aqua tile backsplash is soothing on the eyes.
Wood provides balance amid bold colors. The paint color is striking without showing off. This kitchen designed by designgroupthree shows the best way to pull off the colors.
Lime, Grey, And White
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A bold color among kitchen color schemes doesn’t mean the entire space has to revolve around that hue.
A strategic vibrant pop of paint color is enough to make it part of the color palette. For a color accent against while walls or a tile backsplash, add a pastel for your window treatments.
While other neutral color schemes maintain a sense of modernity and sophistication. The Benjamin Moore lime green kitchen backsplash and cabinet interiors in accomplish the overall affect. If you don’t want a solid green kitchen, then a lighter hue offers a better option.
Chartreuse And White
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Chartreuse is a retro-modern color that looks historic and hip. Glossy kitchen cabinetry on one wall in chartreuse adjoining matte, blonde wood-like kitchen cabinetry on the other wall provides balance and crisp lines. The chartreuse color plays a vital role in sharpening the pale paint color schemes. The colors come to life when combined with natural light, but as always you can go with your personal style for a completely fresh look.
Yellow, White And Charcoal
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We’ve seen grey and yellow kitchen color schemes in living rooms, home offices, bedrooms, and nurseries.
But kitchen paint shouldn’t be excluded from the list where this color scheme looks updated. This three-way color combination creates a gray-green vibe. The wall color reinforces the power of the overall design.
There’s a good blend of depth with the charcoal tones, punched up and infused with positive chi by the yellow. White accents round out the overall kitchen color by Benjamin Moore paint. This is a fun, crisp color scheme for a kitchen.
Vermillion, Magenta, And Pale Blue
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Bright white is a key player in this colorful kitchen, but the color schemes are the attraction. A unique vermillion farmhouse sink brings personality and spunk to the kitchen. The repeated magenta skirts create a charming, retro, friendly vibe. If you wanted to add more style, you could accent the kitchen with sky blue light fixtures. If you wanted an all-white kitchen, be prepared to spend more time cleaning than cooking.
And the pale blue paint color tile backsplash tempers the stark contrast and paint color schemes between bright jewel tones and the white cabinets.
If you wanted something darker, you could try a cobalt blue. This kitchen designed by thecrossdesign demonstrates the beauty of a well-balanced color scheme. The kitchen island also offers a studious vibe.
Color-blocked Lime, Plum, And Aqua
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A discussion of modern color schemes wouldn’t be complete without an example of paint color blocking. Vibrant hues appear in large groups, separated by the most neutral of tones, dark wood. The Benjamin Moore cobalt blue makes for a soothing kitchen tile backsplash. The colors make this design an airy kitchen worthy of Laura Moss. The base cabinetry fits with the countertops.
The richness and depth of plum near the floor help ground this paint color scheme; aqua glass tiles create the illusion of water, and an interior lime cabinet provides the perfect pop of shock. It’s energetic, youthful, and contemporary.
Earthy Tones
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Brown tones combined with grays and hints of green or other natural color schemes give a kitchen an organic and inviting look.
It’s nice to pay attention to the materials, finishes, and the textures used throughout the space. The granite backsplash also adds depth to this design. The dark kitchen cabinet colors complement the cream color island.
Natural Wood And Neutrals
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Natural wood is a beautiful material. In the kitchen, it can help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and it can be used for the flooring, furniture, and other design elements. Combine it with neutral color schemes to draw more attention to it beauty. The kitchen cabinet colors match the soft brown monochromatic vibe.
Contrasting Neutrals
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Just because a paint color is neutral and doesn’t stand out in a vibrant manner doesn’t mean it isn’t interesting. One idea is to combine two or more neutrals and highlight the differences between them. This way they each stand out by contrasting with the other colors. With this look, natural wood cabinets add modern charm.
Matte Black
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Matte black is an elegant and beautiful kitchen paint color, but there’s something about the combination of black and matte finishes that makes this kitchen color stand out.
This is also a look that suits modern and contemporary styles. This design features a classic color style. The kitchen cabinet colors shift from black to dark brown to create a dark industrial vibe.
Simple Colors And Rich Finishes
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Colors can be simple, and you can still give your kitchen an interesting look. This kitchen color scheme takes its color cue from brown hues. The trick is to add texture and play with different finishes to create a balanced design. Check out how rich this décor is even though it has a subdued color scheme that feels warm.
Airy Kitchen Subtle Color Variations
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Another interesting idea is to use different nuances of the same base color. You can rely on different finishes to create a diverse and interesting kitchen color design. This kitchen look offers inspiring ideas.
Light Gray And Bright YellowView in gallery
Gray and yellow are two colors that go well together.
Gray is a neutral color and overlooked. Yellow is the opposite. The rich and vibrant color is full of energy. Together, they’re a perfect match. The gray mixes well with light colors, but yellow might be its best partner.
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When the colors are simple and subdued or not interesting, it can be fun to play around with various patterns to add life to a décor. This kitchen is not lacking character.
Metal AccentsView in gallery
The kitchen is a space often filled with various types of appliances, accessories and various fixtures which could quite easily become an important element in the overall color scheme of the room. Consider using stainless steel or other metal accents in the design.
Light And Dark NuancesView in gallery
When using both light and dark colors it’s common to have them placed next to one another to highlight the contrast between them.
However, if you want a more subtle transition, consider adding in-between nuances like a dark blue and concentrate the extremes in different areas.
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There are colors that share certain elements and are similar but also different. Some Benjamin Moore colors schemes are for show purposes. Brown, beige, and other variations could look quite interesting when combined.
Balanced PalettesView in galleryWhen working with multiple colors, proportions are very important. A lot of times a kitchen would have a base color and an accent tone. However, that’s not the only option. Here you can see light natural wood mixed with matte black, light gray tones and a bit of white. Everything is balanced.
Organic ConnectionsView in gallery
The colors used here may not be the nuances you might consider putting together but they look nice in this context. The key with colors that don’t go together is to create organic connections and transitions.
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Do you want to know what is a good color for a kitchen? Here’s one answer that goes deep. Look how this bright yellow wall would be overpowering if it wasn’t for the gray wall unit in front. Since a small part of the wall is for show purposes, it looks pleasant and adds energy to the kitchen.
From Top To BottomView in gallery
When you ask what is a good color to paint a kitchen, you must consider a several factors. One strategy is to dedicate specific areas to different colors. The high ceiling in this kitchen provides an opportunity to divide the room horizontally.
Here you can see how gray is used for the upper section and white for the lower one. With improved products in design and paint technology, a sharper style is achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Should Kitchen Soffit Be Painted Same Color As Walls?
Many people believe soffit and trim should be the same color.
If the soffit and ceilings are textured, then the soffit should match the ceiling. When the ceiling is only textured, the soffit should be the same color as the wall.
What Color Kitchen Cabinets Go With Almond?
If you have an almond kitchen, paint your cabinets with teal. Another option would be Robin’s egg blue with almond cabinets and almond subway tiles with a pickled bead board ceiling.
What Is A Good Color To Paint A Kitchen?
What is a good color for a kitchen will depend on the kitchen and you. Most US kitchens are white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green. According to home design experts, the color schemes contribute something unique to the space. One thing they have in common is they help create a welcoming homes gardens environment. It is believed that warmer colors like red can stimulate appetites. Also, with any kitchen never underestimate the power of a hot tile backsplash.
What Is The Next Trend In Kitchens?
For 2022, interior design experts and decorators have said that colorful cabinetry, a tile backsplash, and high-class accented details will be popular.
What Colors Make A Kitchen Look Bigger?
Bright white or light colors are more reflective than dark tones. White walls in a kitchen will make it appear bigger and open with colors like white and lime green. Lighter blues, greens, or pale yellows will also make your space look bigger than what it is. A light colored tile backsplash would also give your kitchen depth.
What Are The Modern Colors For A Kitchen?
Although the popular kitchen colors are white, blue, yellow, red, green, and orange, the hues can be modernized, and even more so with a small space. For a real modern look, blue is the go-to shade for a cooking space.
Should Kitchen Cabinets Be Lighter Or Darker Than Walls?
A light cabinet color will provide a kitchen space with an immaculate and open feel, while darker hues offer a more dramatic look. When a kitchen has a wall that is a different color than the other walls, you should see it as an opportunity to create contrast. With a red brick wall, for example, a color combination for your cabinets would add depth.
You can pair the cabinets with a tile backsplash contrast for dramatic effect.
When selecting a color or any kitchen color scheme, you now have plenty of information on which colors are best. Should you want a minimalist or industrial look, a gray kitchen with stainless steel appliances would be best, but there’s no such thing as a perfect design. Go with a statement wall and design around that if you’re nervous about painting your entire kitchen. Then again, there’s nothing wrong with creating a neutral space.
If you have a kitchen island, take advantage of its position, and show purposes. Or if you wanted to give your kitchen a unique color accent or subtle pattern, a blue kitchen island would provide the right touch. If you wanted a warm cozy feel, a green kitchen might be the right fit for you and your family. Instead of colors, there’s also décor, like wood cabinets to consider.
When adding color, don’t hesitate to use kitchen paint color contrasts or make a bold statement with a tile backsplash, even if you’re working with a small space.
More than anything, you want your dining area to feel warm. Remember, it’s your home, which means you don’t work on paid commissions. Also, there are plenty of kitchen cabinet ideas that offer variety of style.
Whatever you decide, when making a bold statement, add personality where it counts.
25 color schemes for your kitchen |
(Image credit: Future)
Finding the right kitchen color ideas that you will love for years to come has never been more important, with the kitchen now a multi-purpose room designed as much for living as it is for cooking.
Neutrals aren’t for everyone, and the sizeable cost of a new kitchen shouldn’t dictate that you play it safe. It’s more a case of choosing how and where to introduce color, picking spots that can be easily updated, and introducing shades that mirror the color palette in the rest of your home – these are just a few kitchen ideas to choose from.
'It’s amazing how a change of paint color or some new tiles can give a colorful kitchen or painted kitchen a completely fresh look, picking up on different accents within the home,' adds Rob Whitaker, creative director at Fired Earth .
Kitchens are rife with color opportunities, from appliances and flooring, to window treatments and cabinets. Start by deciding how much of permanent commitment you are willing to make to room color ideas. One of easiest and least expensive options is to paint a wall that can be easily updated should you tire of it.
Kitchen color ideas
For a classic, timeless kitchen idea, we sometimes err on the side of safety and choose a completely neutral scheme, forgetting that a little lift of color can cheer up a room immensely. Painted finishes work well for timeless schemes, and of course, can be updated at a later stage if you’re confident enough with a paintbrush.
Our curated collection of the best kitchen color ideas and painted schemes will inspire you to give your kitchen a bold new look.
1. Go for a classic blue and white color combination
(Image credit: Future)
Blue kitchen ideas are a tried-and-tested color pairing that works beautiful in both country and modern kitchens.
Blue room ideas are perfectly suited to kitchens. It may be bold but this deep blue tone is timeless and simple to use. This shade sits happily with other hues of the color for a harmonious, layered look and is beautifully offset with pale tones and warm neutrals, as well as stark white or black.
Think about incorporating rough, touch finishes, too. Schemes with intense, solid color demand texture, like raw wood, battered metal, distressed paintwork and linen to introduce a laid-back element.
2. Go for green-on-green
(Image credit: Future)
Inspired by the natural world, green kitchen ideas are restful with a touch of heritage. Strong yet soothing, it brings an enveloping feel but can also sit quietly and allow bold kitchen furniture to shine.
'Mixing different shades of olive green works surprisingly well,' says Charu Gandhi, founder and director, Elicyon. 'I personally love painting a combination of wall and woodwork in olive green, or using a green tiled backsplash in a kitchen.
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3. Warm up with brown
(Image credit: Crown)
Decorating with brown is no longer the detested color it once was. While rich caramel hues definitely belong to the neutral color family, they are anything but plain – there is a luxuriousness to them that is at once refined but also bold.
‘We feel this tone is perfect for domestic spaces, such as kitchens and pantries, where you don’t want the color to be a protagonist,' says Bruce Hodgson, founder, Artichoke. 'A client chose it for a recent project and it works really well in rooms that don’t benefit from lots of natural light, as it manages to be warm and welcoming without overpowering.’
In this brown room, a warm tan, saturated with caramel tones, this hue manages to be neither too bright nor too overpowering.
4. Weave in earthy tones
(Image credit: Samantha Todhunter)
Earthy tones are a top trend for this year, so incorporate rich and warming brown tones and clay shades into your kitchen color ideas and painted kitchen ideas.
This kitchen balances these paler earthy cabinet and pale worktops for a light touch. Your chosen kitchen countertop ideas are an integral part of your kitchen color scheme, even if you’ve chosen white.
In fact, white is a fabulous choice if the rest of your scheme is colorful, as it will create balance and order. In this scheme, designed by London-based Samantha Todhunter , the white seamlessly flows up the walls.
'In this kitchen, the joinery is painted in Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster which is a favourite shade of mine, as it’s pink without being pink. Painting units creates a great feature that sits against a canvas of clean white walls and countertop, finished with bold artwork that adds color in a confident yet cohesive way to create an easy sophistication.'
5. Don't hold back with black
(Image credit: Future/Darren Chung)
'Dark colors and black kitchen ideas are becoming more mainstream in modern kitchens and, at Crown, we find that this adds drama, strength and solidity to the space.
A versatile look, it also can portray an edginess in your interiors,' says color consultant Judy Smith at Crown .
She adds: ‘Black also has the ability to put a contemporary spin on even the most traditional looking space or furniture.
'If you incorporate black into your kitchen scheme in a subtle way, such as painted cabinetry, it will give the scheme definition and add depth to the room without having to completely change the space.
'Black is a classic tone that can be easily brought into an interior scheme and used alongside existing pieces already inside the home.'
6. Go bold with yellow
(Image credit: Future/James Merrell)
'Known as the "heart of the home", the kitchen is the space in our homes where many of us tend to spend most of our time. It’s a place to cook, snack, and perch as we mindlessly scroll on our phones and socialise.
'It’s also one of the main rooms where the design and style can affect your property’s value. Therefore we often suggest opting for colors that offer a more playful and punchy tone for the kitchen to bring about energy,' says home interior expert Natasha Bradley from Lick .
'Yellow affects our emotions and is a great choice for kitchens, particularly if there is a lack of natural light. It’s bright and cheerful and brings positivity to the heart of the home.'
These vibrant kitchen cabinet ideas guarantee to give an instant pick-me-up every time a person walks into the room. Alternatively, opt for two-tone kitchen ideas for double the design impact.
7. Make your island pop
(Image credit: Kate Lester Interiors/Lauren Pressey)
Natasha adds, 'Another recommendation which works extremely well if you've got an island is to change the color.'
This could either be with a totally different color, or by going for a brighter or darker version of a shade that's been used in the rest of the room. This is just one of many kitchen island ideas you can play about with.
The beauty of this trick is that it injects color but still gives you a light and breezy feel.
Painting your island, like Cali based interior designer Kate Lester has here, will work like an accent color does – you’re just using it on a larger item.
You can then link that color through into your accessories, like tableware, casserole dishes, lighting and rugs. To complete the Cali look, add in some rattan and natural wood.
8. Opt for a calming gray
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
'When it comes to gray in the kitchen, it’s a classic color, very timeless and safe. We often feel very secure in gray because it doesn't ask anything from us. If you are quite a hectic person, and you want your kitchen to blend into the background and be very elegant and subtle, it’s a lovely option,' says Natasha from Lick.
She explains that one brand's most popular greys is Grey 07 – the darkest one – and the green undertone works very well with white walls.
This Tom Howley kitchen shows how this often cold color coupled with terracotta can create a space that feels warm and welcoming – a boost for anyone looking for gray kitchen ideas for a north-facing space.
‘It’s important that, when it comes to making a bold design choice, it fits within your home and with your tastes,’ says Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley .
‘Rather than persuade the client to step away from a more traditional paint color to follow a trend, often we will speak with the client and find out their requirements and their likes. Once a decision has been made about stepping away from a more neutral color palette, it’s all about deciding how much of a statement the client wants to make.
'Neutral color palettes in the kitchen will never disappear. Clients can look to add color and personality to their spaces through styling, accessorizing and even kitchen flooring.
'But for those clients that want to add a stronger injection of color, black, gray and blue kitchen ideas still remain very popular and can be contrasted with light color work surfaces and flooring.’
9. Color block horizontally
(Image credit: Future/Simon Brown)
Color blocking is the pairing of two or three different colors to give a totally unique look, and is a great way to give a contemporary edge to more traditional rooms.
The blocking effect gives this cottage kitchen a modern twist, with blue and cream kitchen ideas paired to perfection.
10. Keep it classic with white
(Image credit: Future/Anna Statham)
Natasha, from Lick, says: 'Classic for a reason, white paint is known for its light-reflecting properties, making your walls "recede" and opening up small spaces.
'Our top picks include the creamy White 03 - a soft white with yellow undertones that can open up your kitchen while keeping those warm, cozy vibes. If you want the ultimate in light reflection, White 01 is a brilliant white but with gray undertones that can boost the energy levels of any small kitchen ideas.
'White creates a feeling of calmness. When used in a kitchen, it can make the space feel clean, sophisticated, and elegant.' There's so much scope when it comes to white kitchen ideas, with endless options to choose from.
11. Add colorful splashes to neutrals
(Image credit: Future/Polly Wreford)
Judy adds: 'We often choose to keep kitchen units and appliances to tones of white and gray, with materials for floors and worktops like stainless steel, polished concrete and wood, because these are expensive items that we don't want to have to replace very often – yet they form a great neutral basis to which we can add personal touches.
'They are the perfect base for vibrant color that will add personality and style, yet which can be inexpensively changed and updated in the future.
'Really bright colors work well – shocking pink, orange, electric blue – and these can be painted on to cupboards if you prepare them first by sanding down and using a primer, behind a clear perspex backsplash, or as whole walls of color.'
This kitchen does exactly that, with a vibrant mismatched backsplash and pink pastel kitchen cabinet color, along with eye-catching accessories.
12. Black too stark? Try navy
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
Blue kitchens are perennially fashionable, and darker shades can give a dramatic edge. If you want to strike a balance, team it with a lighter worktop and a light wood floor to add a bit more brightness.
(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)
If you want to start experimenting with bold colors, a good way to do it is through a statement wall. This will give a splash of excitement, but won't overwhelm the entire room.
This modern kitchen idea keeps contemporary cabinets white, letting the feature wall speak for itself.
14. Join the dark side
(Image credit: Neptune)
Practicality and beauty go hand in hand in this kitchen from Neptune, whose colors and mood are evocative of old Dutch paintings.
Simple kitchen shelving ideas and a freestanding dresser, rather than wall-hung cabinets, offset the rich chocolate palette for an open, relaxed feel.
The dark walls work to absorb imperfections and even out textures, but there are still some tactile elements. Brooding, dark colors often work best when used dramatically and uncompromisingly. Painted kitchens with a rich brown-black on both walls and cabinetry create a bold statement that feels as historic as it does chic.
15. Go for green in your kitchen
(Image credit: Little Greene)
Green is very much the color of the moment, and we predict that it isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
In this kitchen by Little Greene, Aquamarine is used on the island and lower half of the wall, then the color is taken up a notch on the door frame and island trim, then down again for the upper wall, resulting in a harmonious effect.
When it comes to green kitchen ideas, look for paler, cool shades like this for sunny rooms that get plenty of natural daylight; north-facing rooms or those with poor daylight will benefit from warmer tones.
16. Add color with tiles
(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)
Handmade and artisan kitchen tile ideas will bring a unique mix of color, pattern and texture to any kitchen scheme, adding instant character to walls and floors.
There’s something about tiles – their tactile quality, the potential for adding color, pattern and personality – that few other surfaces can match. Decorative tiles fell out of favor for a while, but they are most definitely back and with a huge choice of forms and finishes.
Here, a selection of glazed tiles in an Azure blue sit prettily in an alcove space. They make an interesting foil to neutral colors and seamless finishes, enlivening your kitchen and making it feel totally yours.
17. Paint in a pink palette
(Image credit: Future / Carolyn Barber)
This muted color combination has given pink a whole new identity.
No longer super-girly, the murkier tones of blush pink teamed with industrial gray have a stronger, gender-neutral appeal.
A slim shelf is ideal for displaying pretty plates above a worktop. Here, shades of dusky pink and mole tone beautifully with the pale gray marble surface below.
18. Decorate with a sea of blue
(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)
Making a color part of the scheme rather than the focus of it offers a more contemporary feel.
This kitchen backsplash idea looks every bit like it’s been created using hand-made tiles but is actually a wallpaper, while subtle hints of ice blue and punchy red balance the look.
19. Create contrast with color
(Image credit: Neptune)
Contrasting black or deep gray with white is the most effective way to create impact in a predominantly white kitchen, but the key is to vary the proportions.
A 50/50 black and white kitchen split could feel cold; instead, pair dark cabinets with marble and another vital ingredient: texture.
Grain-rich timber doors and accessories will break up the space beautifully, as shown in this Henley kitchen by Neptune .
20. Be brave with a daring color scheme
(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)
A bold red kitchen idea is often considered a daring choice for interiors, but used creatively it can introduce a welcome burst of energy and excitement.
A poppy-red kitchen cupboard is ideal for lifting a dark green-gray scheme, while accessories sporting the same shade create a sense of cohesion.
If you're looking for ideas for how to choose a kitchen color scheme that uses bold shades subtly, this is a great option.
21. Be cocooned in an emerald green kitchen
(Image credit: Hubert Zandberg)
Green is having something of a resurgence in the kitchen design space. 'Shades of green are an increasingly popular choice for kitchens,' says Helen Shaw, Benjamin Moore's UK Director. 'At the center point of the color wheel, green can adapt to both cool and warm schemes, working to tie varying hues together.
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‘The brief for this kitchen was to bring the greens of the garden indoors,’ says designer Hubert Zandberg. The glazed kitchen wall tiles set off the industrial notes, and natural wood provides a richly textured look.
A well-lit room with clever kitchen lighting ideas will also help the color scheme stand out – take inspiration from the vintage-style pendant lights in this space.
22. Introduce shimmer and shine
(Image credit: Future / Damian Russell)
With its warm, burnished lustre, brass is once again in the ascendant, lending a polished edge to interiors.
A dark background is ideal for showing off the gleaming beauty of brass. Here, it forms a counterpoint to a statement mirror-like panel that adds a glamorous note to a modern kitchen island.
23. Use toning colors to create a cohesive scheme
(Image credit: Ledbury Studio)
This kitchen has base cabinetry in a dark blue, but the use of a toning color on the walls – here a bright turquoise – creates a much bolder finish.
This is a clever technique, choosing painted kitchen cabinets that are easy to redecorate around, timelessly fashionable and easy to sell to future buyers, but adding pep with a wall color that can be quickly and easily changed when the scheme needs a switch up.
24. Be bold with a toned down red
(Image credit: Plain English)
Red kitchens are back in fashion – but they're far from brassy. Instead, toned down reds that edge towards terracotta or deep reds such as cherry are having a moment.
That doesn't mean that lipstick red can't be on your list – but this bold shade works best for flat-fronted, contemporary kitchens, while the earthier and berry shades are more suited to traditional spaces.
25. Go for a pure white scheme
(Image credit: Lisa Staton Interior Design/Haris Kenjar)
White kitchen ideas are still the biggest selling 'color' in the kitchen market place, and there's no denying that choosing white cabinets does make it considerably easier to adapt and tweak color schemes at a later date.
Avoid the 'clinical' look by making sure that there are some elements of natural materials in the room – perhaps wooden flooring, or a timber table top and chairs.
What are good colors for the kitchen?
Of course everyone has their own personal style , but what are the most popular kitchen color ideas?
‘A trend that is growing in popularity is warm shades of grays,’ explains Jamee Kong, head of design at DesignSpace London . ‘Unlike some of the sharper colors, gray tones work well in both matt and gloss finishes and are very versatile. For example, matt warm gray tones could create a distressed look by bringing rustic charm to a design.’
Color is a powerful design tool – not only can it completely alter the mood of a kitchen, how much or how little you add will affect which parts of the room you’re drawn towards. ‘The rule of thumb is to use color sparingly and in clearly defined areas,’ says Gordon Boyd, area sales manager for Nolte Küchen .
‘Colors should serve a purpose rather than be used at random.
Go for a basic color and then use another to accent certain areas. Alternatively, try corresponding pairs, such as shades of green or blue, or play with natural tones and add a more vibrant color to certain elements, for example a shelf, a sideboard or a bench.’
The shades you choose are just as important as how you use them. While it can be tempting to opt for your favorites, it’s advisable to restrict strong colors to elements that are easy to update, such as installing a backsplash, and opting for those that have greater longevity across large areas.
Whether your kitchen design is starting from a preferred shade, taking its lead from an heirloom piece of furniture or statement appliance, or simply a color that echoes the style of your home, selecting a second or third tone can alter the look drastically.
‘Choosing two colors that work well together means either choosing complementary colors – colors next to each other on a colour wheel – or choosing contrasting colors from opposite sides of the color wheel,’ reveals David Mottershead, MD at Little Greene .
‘Contrasting colors will be energizing, while complementary colors create a calm space.’
How do I choose a color scheme for my kitchen?
Choosing color is such a personal experience – in fact no one knows for sure whether we all even see the myriad shades in the same way. Mark Wilkinson, Founder of Mark Wilkinson Furniture , believed that the colors we choose automatically are naturally influenced by current fashions.
‘The color in a kitchen – be it on walls or fittings – should last for at least five years, minimum, so try to look beyond immediate trends and choose a color that will keep you feeling good long term,’ Mark advised.
The real secret of using color well is to use it carefully. While trends help to inspire, it’s best not to follow them too slavishly. Take time to think about how color might affect the mood of your room, for instance, warm ‘advancing’ colors, such as reds and yellows tend to be energising and stimulating, while cooler colors that ‘recede’ including blues and greens will feel more calming and soothing.
Kitchens are rife with color opportunities, from appliances and flooring, to window treatments and cabinets.
Start by deciding how much of a permanent commitment you are willing to make. One of easiest and least expensive options is to paint a wall that can be easily updated should you tire of it.
A more permanent option is to opt for striking worktops. Solid surfaces such as Corian and Silestone are available in a wide palette. Glass backsplashes are another popular option, and can be supplied custom back painted in virtually any shade.
What colors make a kitchen look bigger?
While light colors are generally recommended for compact kitchens, remember that a small space also has less opportunity to express its personality, so introduce a pop of color where you can, or try pretty pastels. They can prove a great compromise between bright primary colors and boring neutrals. Dusty oyster pinks and pale yellows are currently in vogue and will lift the spirits in a sun-filled kitchen.
Hi-gloss finishes will also help to bounce the light around, helping to create a sense of openness. They’ll need to be regularly wiped though to clear off finger marks so might not be best suited for family schemes. Matt finishes are popular right now, as are more textured ceramic-look doors. These will lend a little softness to the color and, best of all, require less cleaning.
Avoid cool colors in north facing kitchens as they tend to be too chilly for comfort. If your kitchen lacks natural daylight, consider going with the gloom by choosing dramatically dark colors. Jewel tones like deep emerald and rich garnet are on-trend and will lend character in the style of a private members club.
What are modern kitchen colors?
In the past, there may have been an all or nothing approach to color in the kitchen – remember shades of lime green and orange being so popular in the 1970s? The new palette is a little more restrained and considered, with pale blues, shades of grey and darker, inky shades proving popular.
‘Hybrid greys – where the grey is mixed with another color – are on trend for 2022. For example, brown-grey or taupe will maintain grey’s modern look but bring warmth to a scheme,’ explains Kiran Noonan, Marketing Director at John Lewis of Hungerford .
Adding an accent color is as popular as ever and here, yellow comes into its own, particularly in play with darker shades of grey.
‘The rule of thumb is to use color sparingly and in clearly defined areas,’ says Gordon Boyd of Nolte Küchen . ‘Go for a basic color then use an accent shade to highlight certain areas. Alternatively, try corresponding pairs, such as shades of green or blue, or play with natural tones and add a more vibrant splash to certain elements, for example a shelf, sideboard or bench.’
Painting your walls and also cabinets is an easy and modern way to transform a room, and when you inevitably get bored with your chosen color in years to come, it is an easy refresh job.
Gathering together paint cards is a good place to start and, as many cards and brochures now feature ‘complementary’ shades, they’ll also help you to find accent and toning colors, too.
If you’re planning to refresh an existing scheme or don’t want to commit with your cabinetry then accessories are an effective way to add a pop of color. Pick an accent shade and then visit the high street, speak to an interior designer or go online to look for fabrics, china, glassware and small appliances in your chosen shade. A feature wall in the same color will help to bring the whole look together.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
Color solutions for the kitchen
Choosing a color scheme for a kitchen where the family spends a lot of time is not easy. It is even more difficult to take into account the combination of shades of the kitchen set, walls (including the floor and ceiling) and furniture, resulting in a harmonious whole space. But recommendations and useful tips will help solve this issue.
Whom to entrust the choice?
The choice is guided by several factors:
• personal tastes of the hostess and family members; nine0003 • design advice;
• opinions of psychologists on the influence of color on the psyche;
• fashion trends (feng shui, modern trends in interior design, etc.).
Personal ideas about the ideal kitchen can be easily combined with design practice, usually taking into account knowledge of the color palette and the effect of color on a person. And, adding fashionable chips to this, work out a solution.
Example for clarity.
The hostess likes light shades. The kitchen in the house is small. Psychologists recommend green as a pleasant color for the eyes. In fashion - Provencal style. nine0003 We combine and get the following:
A small kitchen will visually appear larger due to the use of bleached oak in the design of facades and light green blotches (for example, an apron and individual decorative elements), golden furniture, brown tiles on the floor and a white ceiling, against which it is beautiful look neutral light wallpaper. Design in Provencal style is ready!
Basic rules for choosing the color of the kitchen
Designers recommend taking into account two main factors when choosing a color:
1. The size of the kitchen is small or quite spacious.
2. The degree of illumination - which side of the world the windows face: sunny or shady.
If the kitchen is small.
Light, muted tones are definitely suitable: golden, beige, pinkish, lavender, salad shades.
Light furniture, the tone of the walls and ceiling - will create the effect of air, space.
Dark shades will make the kitchen even smaller. However, with love for dark tones, elements of your favorite color are introduced by designing darkened drawings on the facade, wall, and apron. nine0004
Big kitchen owners, take note.
Cosiness and intimacy will be given by dark or bright pure colors: red, blue, dark green, the color of natural wood (oak, walnut). The background for dark furniture will be the natural tones of the walls and ceiling - gray, pearl, sandy, ocher, dark gold.
We compensate for a lot of light with “cold”.
Sunlit rooms need hues that will optically cool the room: blues, lilacs, ice greens, blue greens, grays and crimsons. nine0003 Dark saturated colors are also suitable for "southern" kitchens, since in this case the abundance of light will prevent dark shades from reducing the space.
Bright (maroon, scarlet, dark blue, rich green) accents will play a role in creating coziness: curtains, tablecloths, napkins, textile parts of furniture (upholstery of a kitchen sofa or chairs).
Dark rooms - lighten up.
"Northern" kitchens need a warm range, but not muted, but clean and bright. Suitable yellow (but not lemon shade), orange, red, ocher, olive tones. nine0003 Another trick is to make the floor light, to match the ceiling and walls. In this case, visually the kitchen will seem lighter.
Dark light spots are contraindicated due to the fact that they "steal" the light. Textiles, napkins, accessories - a tone darker or lighter than the main range.
Five successful color combinations
Interesting ideas to help you choose:
1. Red (pure shade, no raspberry or cranberry impurity) is combined with black and gold. Red facades of kitchens will look more elegant against the background of black tiles.
nine0003 2. White designers advise to use it carefully, not to abuse it (especially considering white household appliances). But in combination with pale blue, golden, light green and classic black, it is suitable for the kitchen.
3. A gray kitchen with splashes of bright accents in gold, black or white is a noble option.
4. Natural wood colors ranging from dark oak to golden alder are classics that never get old. Good contrasts of warm wood and metal accessories (handles, roof rails, etc.). nine0003 5. Orange combined with blue or black is a design hit, popular in famous cafes and restaurants. Why not apply at home, creating an atmosphere.
These techniques of using color combinations, from classic to modern, will help you make the right choice without compromising the individuality of the owners of the kitchen.
color solutions for designing and shaping the kitchen and set
The color of the kitchen is the embodiment of the mood that the kitchen interior carries.
Different shades affect our psychological state and can drastically change our mood. Since the kitchen is the place where we stay for a long time, the choice of its color should be approached thoughtfully. nine0004
Choosing a particular color can be difficult, so let's dwell on the main points that can determine this choice.
How color influences appetite
In the group of colors for the kitchen, which evoke in us "appetizing" associations, there are orange, bright green and red. They remind us of ripe fruits and other goodies. Therefore, if you are trying to lose weight or just watch your figure, then you should carefully approach the use of these shades in the interior of the kitchen. One possible way out is to combine them with other colors. nine0004
Conversely, there is a list of colors used in kitchen design, with the opposite effect: blue, black, light blue, dark green and gray. The kitchens, where the combination of black and white is used in the design, have the same effect.
Therefore, for those who want to lose weight, it is better to choose a color from this list for the kitchen or use a combination of several tones. Looking at the photos of such headsets, the appetite does not appear.
The intermediate shades are neutral, that is, they have no effect on the feeling of hunger. These are various variations of beige and white. If the color scheme of the kitchen is based on beige, then the interior will have a calming effect. nine0004
Our selection of photos at the end of the article presents the solutions of professional designers, after reading which it will be easier for you to choose the desired color for the kitchen.
The color and degree of lighting of the kitchen
The choice of color for decorating the kitchen also depends on how well the kitchen room is lit by natural light. If there is not enough light (for example, the window faces the north side or trees block it), then the furniture and walls should be as light as possible.
With this in mind, the most suitable colors are yellow, cream, white, pink, blue and others. A great way out is a combination of white with any of these colors, which can be seen in the photo below. nine0004
South-facing kitchens usually have more than enough light. In such cases, you can use darker colors that absorb light well: black, cherry, dark orange, blue, swamp and others. A nice trick is to use metallic-colored surfaces, which will effectively reflect the sun's rays.
It is also worth considering how well the room warms up. If the kitchen is cool, then it is better to choose sunny colors: yellow, red, orange. If the room is almost always warm and even hot, then “cool” shades will do: blue, green and others. The photo shows solutions in which these colors are involved. nine0004
Small and large kitchen: how to choose colors
Proper selection of kitchen colors allows you to visually optimize the space. For a small room, very light colors are suitable: cream, white, light blue, etc.
They will visually make the ceiling higher and the walls further apart. This effect can be enhanced by using mirrored and glossy furniture elements (for example, the steel surface of the tabletop).
Spacious kitchen gives you more options for choosing colors. To remove the effect of excessive openness and emptiness of space, it is better to choose one of the following colors: dark brown, black, purple, dark blue, dark orange. nine0004
If the size of your kitchen is optimal and suits you, you can choose one of the neutral tones: purple-red, green or gray.
Professional color advice
- Several colors can be chosen for the kitchen design. However, designers recommend that there be no more than three of them, otherwise there is a risk of getting a lurid interior. The combination of colors is a rather subtle thing that requires the right approach. You can look at the photo in our gallery for various color combinations.
nine0120 - The walls should not merge in color with the kitchen set: even if they are the same color, the shade of the furniture should be at least 2-3 shades darker.
A good move is to choose shades for the countertop and backsplash that contrast with the color chosen as the main one. This combination of opposites will avoid the effect of monotony. - If the entire furnishings and walls of the kitchen are done in neutral, soft colors, then individual details of (curtains, upholstery of chairs, dishes) can be made bright to diversify the overall picture. nine0120
Colors and their names
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How to diversify a monochromatic kitchen
To prevent all parts of a monochromatic kitchen from visually merging together, you can use the following tricks.
- In addition to the main color, you can choose one or two additional ones, which can be present in different quantities depending on your taste .
