What color paint for kitchen

55 Best Kitchen Paint Colors

Tessa Neustadt

1 of 55

Olive Green + Warm Wood Tones

Though designer Tammy Randall Wood is a believer in hiding appliances and other kitchen essentials away behind closed doors, she also makes a strong case for allowing the enclosures to shine with a bold paint color that nods to nature.

Shop a similar shade of green paint below:

BUY NOW Valspar Satin Brisk Olive, $44

Heidi Caillier Design

2 of 55

Black and Charcoal

This kitchen designed by Heidi Caillier is only separated by an archway, so to create visual separation without totally clashing, she chose a bold and dark color scheme for the kitchen. The wood-paneled walls are painted black and a charcoal-hued natural stone material serves as a backsplash and also frames the windows for an extra punch of style.

Shop a similar shade of black below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Pitch Black $46

Heidi Caillier Design

3 of 55

Pale Icy Blue and White Brick

Heidi Caillier painted the cabinets an icy blue hue and the brick walls white for a brighter aesthetic and then secured a small piece of artwork to bring some moody depth. The brass hardware and fixtures speak to the gilt frame.

Shop a similar shade of blue paint below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Graupel, $110

Read McKendree

4 of 55

Pale Yellow

The cabinets climb almost all the way up the wall in this coastal kitchen by Kevin Isbell, but that didn't stop the designer from applying a soft shade of pale yellow paint to the top of the wall and ceiling. This cheerful shade contrasts with the blue painted floors just enough!

Shop a similar shade of yellow paint below:

BUY NOW Backdrop Disco Nap, $45

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

5 of 55

Khaki Green, Gray, and Pink

The rest of the home designed by Nicole Dohmen of Atelier ND is dominated by rosy hues, so to prevent it from taking over the kitchen while still ensuring flow with the surrounding rooms, she opted for earthy tones on the cabinets. Violet still makes an appearance in the Calacatta marble counter and backsplash zellige tiles, and a dusty blush tone veils the ceiling.

Shop a similar shade of neutral paint below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Mouse's Back, $115

Emily Hart

6 of 55

Midnight Blue

Oklahoma designer Kelsey Leigh McGregor used charcoal gray Negresco granite on the backsplash and countertops of this kitchen so they would nearly disappear against the dark paint color used on the walls, hood, and cabinets. Though it's dark navy, it appears black in certain lighting.

Shop a similar shade of paint below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue, $110

Karyn Millet

7 of 55

Light Pink and Burnt Orange

A super light shade of pink applied in a plaster-like finish and paired with a burnt orange island makes a statement in this small New York City kitchen designed by Celerie Kemble. The faux finish channels the texture of wallpaper.

Shop a similar textured paint below:

BUY NOW Portola Paints Specialty Finishes

James Merrell

8 of 55

Eggplant

In this striking London kitchen, design Rita Konig opted for cabinets from her own colorful line for Plain English in a shade of purple dubbed Burnt Toast. Calacatta Viola, a mauve-streaked marble, brings out the inky eggplant.

Shop a similar shade of purple paint below:

BUY NOW Rita Konig Burnt Toast cabinets

William Abranowicz

9 of 55

Forest Green

Polished concrete gets a surge of warmth from the green cabinets and abstract blue artwork in Kathleen McCormick's home. It's the perfect combination of edgy and homey.

Shop a similar shade of green below:

BUY NOW Valspar Peacock Green, $30

Katie Newburn

10 of 55

Marigold and Brick Red

The cheerful yellow wallpaper in Shavonda Gardner's kitchen proves that you don't need tons of windows and natural light to make your kitchen feel sunny. The red range and lower cabinets add a fun and unexpected contrast while the unlacquered copper pots, soapstone counters that quickly patina, and wood tones tine the two warm colors together.

Shop a similar shade of red below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Pelt, $110

Nicole Franzen

11 of 55

Pale Blue-Green

In this tiny Brooklyn apartment, Patrick McGrath sectioned off the kitchen from the living space with a freestanding island but he also did so visually by painting the wall of cabinets a soft blue-green shade.

Shop a similar shade of light blue below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Polar Sky, $55

Emily J Followill

12 of 55

Navy Blue

This kitchen designed by Melanie Milner gets the royal blue treatment, which is glamorous on its own, but even more so with the bronze, mahogany, and natural stone materials used throughout.

Shop a similar shade of light blue below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Deep Royal, $55

Heidi Caillier Design

13 of 55

Greige, Cream, and Muted Mint

A greige tone is used for the cabinets while a cream tone is used on the ceiling and accent wall. But the color-blocking fun doesn't stop there in this Heidi Caillier-designed kitchen—the door is painted in a muted mint shade that picks up on the unique color of the range.

Shop a similar neutral shade below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball California Sand, $110

William Abranowicz

14 of 55

Marigold + Terracotta

Paint isn't the only way to bring color to your kitchen. In this impressive hacienda kitchen, The vaulted ceiling is covered in terracotta tiles while the marigold zellige tiles assert a sunny atmosphere.

Shop similar yellow tiles below:

BUY NOW Clé Tiles Saffron Zellige Tiles, $20

JARED KUZIA

15 of 55

Cream + Dark Green-Blue

Designer Karen Swanson limited the number of cabinet uppers she installed in this English countryside-inspired kitchen, explaining that, "so many people want to blanket the wall in cabinets, but that can make a kitchen feel heavy and claustrophobic. " Instead, she left a windowed wall bare so light can pour in, and so she could hang artwork. Dark cabinet lowers and storage columns pick up on the dark green in the still life but don't overwhelm the room.

Shop a similar shade of cream below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Sugar cookie, $55

Annie Schlechter

16 of 55

Sky Blue

In this kitchen by Sheila Bridges, a shimmering blue wallpaper is accentuated by glossy sky blue paint. If you're tempted to paint a small kitchen all white to make it feel larger but also find yourself craving color, consider this space your sign to the plunge with a pastel.

Shop a similar shade of blue paint below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Grandma's Sweater, $46

George Ross

17 of 55

Fire Engine Red

Birgitte Pearce designed a hidden pantry to keep stored items discrete behind sliding doors with textured glass—but once open, the pocket doors reveal a bright red surprise (a great introduction to the world of bright paint colors for the uninitiated!). The wood floating shelves and brass door handles warm up the saturated colors.

Shop a similar shade of blue paint below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Heritage Red, $90

Emily Followill

18 of 55

Cadet Blue

Because the kitchen sits at the center of this home designed by Meredith McBrearty, she used the same blue-gray color in adjacent rooms and then hung lime green pendant lights to inject a splash of fun.

Shop a similar shade of blue paint below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Normandy, $46

Thomas Loof

19 of 55

Glossy Green

Kati Curtis opted for jewel tones throughout this old Tudor home to open it up and give it that surge of energy that only saturated colors can accomplish. The lush green paint is even richer in this high-gloss finish. The custom matte metal panels over the refrigerator is a welcome surprise next to such shiny materials.

Shop a similar shade of blue paint below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Shamrock Green, $46

David Tsay

20 of 55

Pale Green

A pale green blends seamlessly between the kitchen and dining area of this "jungalow," by Justina Blakeney, especially when paired with the Moroccan clay tile backsplash and ombre dining bar stools in the living room.

Shop a similar lacquer finish below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Cooking Apple Green, $110

deVol Kitchens

21 of 55

Marigold

In this DeVol kitchen, the warm marigold paint is grounded by cool gray cabinets. The floor tiles speak to the gray tones while the gold hardware complements the yellow for a cohesive whole. For a similar feel, opt for a yellow paint that's clean and bright but also rich enough to be warming.

Shop a similar shade of yellow paint below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Babouche No. 223, $110

Douglas Freidman

22 of 55

Peach Lacquer

This showstopping kitchen by by Michelle Nussbaumer is not afraid to play with color. The blush pink/peach and deep aqua lacquered cabinets are reflective, which means they make the space feel large (like the classic mirror trick, but colorful!).

Shop a similar lacquer finish below:

BUY NOW Fine Paints of Europe Hollandac Brilliant, $155

House Beautiful

23 of 55

Lavender

This kitchen is unique yet timeless, glamorous yet grounded. The lavender swirls of paint on a buttercream backdrop complement the elaborate blue chandelier, too. Then the classic, neutral cabinets and island ground the space.

Shop a similar shade of purple paint below:

BUY NOW Glidden Violet Shimmer, $23

MIKHAIL LOSKUTOV

24 of 55

Cobalt Blue

In his Brooklyn apartment, Crosby Studios designer Harry Nuriev powder-coated the surfaces in a cobalt blue for a bold, durable finish.

Shop a similar shade of blue paint below:

BUY NOW Behr Dark Cobalt Blue, $16

Douglas Freidman

25 of 55

Crimson

Feeling adventurous? Take a cue from this kitchen. Interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer chose a warm color palette and packs plenty of texture-rich materials into the small space to make it feel less stark. The red anchor brings a full and sultry feel to the room.

Shop a similar shade of blue paint below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Incarnadine, $110

Arent & Pyke

26 of 55

Marine Blue

An inky, marine blue will ground a kitchen in an open space and feel more formal than a light color without being as moody and as dark as black. We also love the idea of painting the interior cabinets a color that corresponds with an accent piece in the room, like this orange cabinet designed by Arent & Pyke to match the carpet.

Shop a similar shade of blue paint below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball De Nimes, $110

Nicole Franzen

27 of 55

Coral

This coral pink kitchen is like being on vacation all year long. With rattan and bamboo elements and a fresh coat of cheerful pink paint, it's quirky, upbeat, and unique without being too over-the-top.

Shop a similar shade of pink paint below:

BUY NOW Glidden Coral Silk, $22

2LG Studio

28 of 55

Baby Blue

In this kitchen designed by 2LG Studio, the cabinets are soothing baby blue hue. The inverted circular cabinet pulls add to the gentle, sweet personality.

Shop a similar shade of blue paint below:

BUY NOW Glidden Blue Ice Age, $17

Danielle Colding Interiors

29 of 55

High-Shine Yellow

If you want a super shiny statement in your kitchen but don't want to paint the whole room, opt for a glossy lacquered backsplash or back-painted glass, as seen in this kitchen by Danielle Colding Design. A pop of yellow never fails to cheer up a room.

Shop a similar shade of yellow paint below:

BUY NOW Fine Paints of Europe Hollandac Brilliant, $155

Fantastic Frank

30 of 55

Matte Black

There's nothing sexier than matte black when it comes to kitchen paint colors. Expect, that is, when you cover the bottom of the overhead cabinets a gold mirrored material.

Shop a similar shade of black paint below:

BUY NOW Glidden Onyx Black, $22

65+ Best Kitchen Paint Colors — Top Paint Colors 2022

Above: A kitchen in a Bay Area home designed by Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis.

A delicious, mouth-watering meal might be the star of a kitchen, but that doesn’t mean style has to be placed on the proverbial back burner. Thanks to a rush of form-meets-function design trends, it is possible to have a culinary space that look as good as it operates. While great light fixtures and a fearless backsplash are great ways to get started, a pop of color can seemingly transform a space overnight. (Or however long it takes for the paint to dry.)

That said, selecting the right paint color for a kitchen is a huge design decision—one that should not be taken lightly. While a versatile white or gray can give your space a soothing spin, bolder shades like red, blue, or the ever-trending green, can give your kitchen that “wow” factor. And, as if finding a color you like isn’t challenging enough, you’ll also have to consider other factors like the paint finish, natural lighting, and your room’s artificial glow.

To help point you in the right direction, we asked the industry’s top talents to share their favorite kitchen paint colors. With over 65 shades to choose from—ranging from sweet pastels to an electric orange—you’re just a few clicks away from creating a delectable and well-designed kitchen.

Benjamin Moore Stormy Monday 2112-50

Benjamin Moore

“We tend to keep our kitchens clean, crisp, and modern. Nothing is trendy or ‘of the moment,’ so our clients can grow with the space and not feel that it needs a refresh after a few years. Our favorite go-to kitchen color is Benjamin Moore’s Stormy Monday. It feels reminiscent of Karl, the famous San Franciscan fog. It is not just about the color. It’s also about the finish you choose. The combination of both can change the color dramatically.” —Gioi Tran, Applegate Tran

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Farrow & Ball Down Pipe No. 26

Farrow & Ball

“A dark and moody kitchen really sets the stage for beautiful finishes and details. Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe not only creates a great backdrop, but also lends itself to a person who is not ready to commit to a black kitchen. We love that it reads differently in every room, finding and suiting itself for the interior it’s in: It can be almost black in some interiors, grayer in others, and almost blue in some spaces. It lends itself to modern and more classic styles alike and creates an almost effortless feel to the space.” —Shelly Lynch Sparks, Hyphen & Co.

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Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge 1635

Benjamin Moore

“One of the hallmarks of our work is the intelligent use of layered and textural neutrals punctuated with thoughtful uses of color. However, lately, we have been drawn to punch our kitchens by highlighting either the island or our famous coffee stations in a pop of thoughtful color, as kitchen design is a massive part of our business. We have been using soft blues and are particularly drawn to Benjamin Moore’s Water’s Edge. We recently paired this color, in high gloss, with antique mirror inset cabinet fronts. We love the juxtaposition between the fresh paint and antiqued glass!” —Hillary Kaplan, Mimi & Hill

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Farrow & Ball Minster Green No. 224

Farrow & Ball

“I love a green kitchen. Recently, I used Farrow & Ball’s Minster Green in a kitchen, and the effect was inviting and fresh with a nod to tradition. It’s the perfect timeless color for a kitchen and won’t go out of style—think of how many foods are naturally green! I always find any color or finish that is connected to nature is going to stand the test of time.” — Hema Persad

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Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17

Benjamin Moore

“Picking just one favorite paint color is so hard because every space is different. But, I have a favorite for anyone looking for a white kitchen with dimension and that’s Benjamin Moore's White Dove. It translates beautifully in both traditional and contemporary spaces, and the color reads beautiful with both warm and cool tone finishes. I love it paired with cooler Carrara countertops as much as I do with warm [matte] brass hardware. A win-win always!” —Jessica Kain Barton, J Kathryn Interiors

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Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth No. 283

Farrow & Ball

“Farrow & Ball’s Drop Cloth and French Gray are two of my favorite paint colors when it comes to kitchens. Both have depth and create a bit of moodiness but are neutral enough that they can be combined with most anything when it comes to the rest of the space. They also have great staying power and are easily adaptable, so you can update other elements in your kitchen over the years without changing your paint color.” — Heidi Caillier

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Sherwin-Williams Indigo Batik SW 7602

Sherwin-Williams

“Blue has become the new gray. For people who are scared to foray into painted kitchens, a blue can be a safe neutral to bring color into the space. Indigo Batik by Sherwin-Williams is a beautiful, rich blue that looks great in any room. The color comes to life in a kitchen filled with natural light and becomes dark and moody in low-light environments. I also like how this color pairs well with white and wood tones for dual-color kitchens. Additionally, brass hardware pops beautifully against this color.” —Swati Goorha

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Farrow & Ball Pointing No. 2003

Farrow & Ball

“I love to use Farrow & Ball’s Pointing for kitchen cabinetry in either a satin or hand-painted finish. This creamy ivory has a warmth and richness that makes a space feel more intimate than a crisper white does. It works especially well for eat-in kitchens that serve as both a cooking and dining space.” —Madeline Merin

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Farrow & Ball Joa’s White No. 226

Farrow & Ball

“For most of our clients, the kitchen is where ‘everything happens,’ so we like to design kitchens with personality—typically introducing beautiful stone and custom cabinetry in rich, muted tones. If the stone is dark, we tend to contrast that with a lighter cabinet color, like Farrow & Ball’s Joa’s White, which we are currently using in a Brooklyn home.” —Sarah Mendel and Risa Emen, Cochineal Design

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Benjamin Moore Orange Burst 2015-20

Benjamin Moore

“Orange is such a bold move for a kitchen, especially for a whole wall of cabinetry. I love that Benjamin Moore’s Orange Burst is richly saturated but with undertones that evoke cooked squash—so its energy is still grounded in the culinary.” —Noz Nozawa

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Farrow & Ball Dead Salmon No. 28

Farrow & Ball

“One of our favorite kitchen colors right now is Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball. Although a shade of pink, it’s a surprisingly calming neutral buff color that looks great with nearly every natural countertop material from Soapstone to Breccia Capraia marble, with its dramatic eggplant and dark gray veining. ” —Heide Hendricks, Hendricks Churchill

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Benjamin Moore Concord Ivory HC-12

Benjamin Moore

“We love using a bold color in a kitchen in an otherwise neutral home, and Benjamin Moore Concord Ivory HC-12 was the perfect fit.” — Marguerite Rodgers

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Benjamin Moore Old Navy 2063-10

Benjamin Moore

“Some navy colors are more timeless than others, and Benjamin Moore’s Old Navy is just one of them. I love it for its depth without being boring. It is a perfect choice for custom kitchen cabinets or built-in millwork.” —Rozit Arditi

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Sherwin Williams Rainwashed SW 6211

Sherwin Williams

“The loveliest aqua blue, with a hint of richness to it. We’ve used it in kids’ rooms and kitchens, and it works beautifully in both. ” —Rachel Cannon

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Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154

Benjamin Moore

“A bold, classic statement that can be used on both walls and cabinets. Love seeing this color in a matte or satin finish mixed with matte black pulls on cabinets for a contemporary nod.” —Cathy Nyarkoh, designer at Block Renovation

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Benjamin Moore Potpourri Green 2029-50

Benjamin Moore

“Sometimes you just have to go bold, like this kitchen where we embraced green, our client's favorite color. It is a bold choice that offsets the off-white trim and subway tile, while highlighting the green within the marble counters.” —Kendall Wilkinson

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Benjamin Moore Wolf Gray 2127-40

Benjamin Moore

“The perfect blue for any kitchen. It works really well with a lighter countertop and wood tones. It definitely pulls more blue in person, but it really is the perfect blue-gray vibe.” —Shaolin Low

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Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart

Benjamin Moore

“I’m having a love affair with dark kitchens right now. They feel more like a living space and less like a utilitarian space. Cheating Heart makes a space feel grander and warmer.” —Phillip Thomas

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Benjamin Moore Baby Fawn OC-15

Benjamin Moore

“I love a good putty-colored kitchen cabinet. Baby Fawn by Benjamin Moore OC-15 is the perfect putty color for kitchen cabinets. It’s softly sophisticated and looks brilliant against white marble. This is the perfect color to use when you want to achieve an elevated, light, and airy look.”—Christina Kim

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Behr Little Black Dress PPU24-23

Behr

“I love creating “tuxedo kitchens” because they have such an elegant and timeless look in what I consider the heart of the home. I love using Behr’s Little Black Dress for my darker shade in those projects. This paint color is bold, but it has blue undertones that give it some warmth and added depth. I think that’s important in a kitchen. You always want to choose colors that are inviting instead of tones that feel stark or cold.” —Breegan Jane

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C2 Stream C2-937

C2

“A mossy gray green is a current favorite in the kitchen. C2’s Stream C2-937 is the perfect balance of a neutral, timeless color that still delivers on the clients request for a pop of color.” —Kristen Peña

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Benjamin Moore Hamilton Blue PM-6

benjamin moore

“I love a dramatic color on cabinets to bring a sense of energy to the kitchen. In a recent project, I painted the base of the kitchen island Hamilton Blue, and it brings such incredible new life to the space. Whatever the color story of the kitchen is, we are definitely seeing a departure from all-white kitchens, which are often rather sterile.” —Allison Babcock

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Farrow & Ball Ball Green No. 70

Farrow & Ball

“I’m all about Farrow & Ball’s Ball Green right now. Blending effortlessly, it’s the perfect color to energize a kitchen designed with organic materials in need of an agreeable, but noticeable, color contrast. To me, Ball Green is a new neutral that has a classic yet modern vibe.” —Cortney Bishop

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Farrow & Ball Treron No. 292

Farrow & Ball

“Treron is gorgeous when paired with warm oak millwork throughout a kitchen. It looks beautiful with lacquerless fixtures and raw materials.” —Corinne Mathern

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Benjamin Moore Linen White 912

Benjamin Moore

“I use Benjamin Moore Linen White for warmer wall tones; color hues that balance the warm tones selected in the cabinetry, lighting, fabric, and landscape. ” —Gustave Carlson

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Benjamin Moore Whispering Spring 2136-70

Benjamin Moore

“I find that pale blues tend to have gray undertones, but Benjamin Moore’s Whispering Spring is a gorgeous exception that doesn’t skew gray at all. This color is a timeless option for kitchen walls, but I personally would paint the cabinets this cheerful shade, in a satin finish. It would suit a traditional or modern cabinet style equally well.” —Tara McCauley

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Sherwin-Williams Cascades SW 7623

Sherwin Williams

“This rich, deep green hue is versatile and classic and adds the most amazing depth to cabinetry. It can play across many styles of kitchens and changes moods throughout the day as the lighting changes.” —Sara Malek Barney

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Benjamin Moore Harbor Gray AC-25

Benjamin Moore

“Harbor Gray by Benjamin Moore gives the kitchen just enough color so it’s not stark white. It’s the perfect neutral that works with brass, lots of marbles, and other colors. There’s so much going on in the kitchen, and it can take it all.” —Suzanne Ascher

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Benjamin Moore Galápagos Green 475

Benjamin Moore

“Galápagos Green is a decadently rich deep green. It is elevated and perfect for added drama to butlers pantry’s or powder rooms.” —Alison Pickart

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Farrow & Ball Pegnoir No. 286

Farrow & Ball

“Pegnoir is a beautiful soft lavender with a base of gray. It is a fun unexpected color for the kitchen, and a modern twist to basic gray.” —Alison Pickart

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Farrow & Ball All White No. 2005

Farrow & Ball

“All White is the perfect creamy white for a classic kitchen! Works well with both warm and cool tones and isn’t too ‘bright’ when looking for a white for your cabinets that works well with the ever popular Carrara and Calacatta marble countertops!” —Alison Pickart

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Benjamin Moore Raccoon Fur 2126-20

Benjamin Moore

“For kitchens with lots of natural light and elevated ceilings, I like to use Raccoon Fur from Benjamin Moore (2126-20). After applying a few hand-brushed coats, I have it sanded and waxed so that the finished texture is beautifully chalky and uneven.” —Dan Scotti

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Farrow & Ball Mizzle No. 266

Farrow & Ball

“For color, I love Farrow & Ball’s Mizzle; it is a dusty, gray green, again, a very versatile color. It’s soft, yet fresh at the same time and feels super earthy. Mizzle is a super flexible color that plays well with so many different finishes. There is also a timelessness to this color; I could see it as being original to a turn-of-the-century butler’s pantry.” —Amy Sklar

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Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172

Benjamin Moore

“Revere Pewter is the perfect gray-beige color for cabinets that looks beautiful with brass hardware and Calcutta marble countertops. It is still fresh and bright but a nice alternative to white. ” —Shelley Johnstone

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Benjamin Moore Lucerne AF-530

Benjamin Moore

“When adding color to a kitchen, we typically use blue, and we love Benjamin Moore Lucerne. The color has a little punch, adds a bit of personality to the space, and pairs well with black and brass accents.” —Shannon Wollack and Brittany Zwick, STUDIO LIFE.STYLE

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Benjamin Moore Moroccan Spice AF-285

Benjamin Moore

“An earthy red is always appetizing. Painting the island Moroccan Spice by Benjamin Moore provides a dramatic focus in the kitchen.” —Karen Vidal

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Benjamin Moore White Ice 2139-70

Benjamin Moore

“Benjamin Moore’s White Ice changes with the different lights of the day. The look of the kitchen is bright and fresh in the morning and moodier in the afternoon. ” —Lilly Bunn

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Farrow & Ball Off Black No. 57

Benjamin Moore

“I am currently loving Farrow & Ball’s Off Black for cabinetry. It looks stunning with brushed polish chrome and nickel.” — Nicole Fuller

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Farrow & Ball Cornforth White No. 228

Farrow & Ball

“When we’re looking for a moodier vibe, Farrow & Ball Cornforth White No. 228 is always a success. It’s fun to watch this paint throughout the day, as it subtly picks up the surrounding colors and light. It pairs well with just about every color and material and is really sophisticated.” —Aimee Less

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Behr Restless Sea PPU13-20

Behr

“In my view, a navy kitchen will never go out of style. This particular shade, Restless Sea, is classic without being dull, and colorful without trying too hard. Plus, it’s not too dark. I’d pair this with brass accents for a sophisticated and stylish look.” —Will Taylor

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Farrow & Ball Shaded White No.201

Farrow & Ball

“I’m pondering changing my lower kitchen cabinets to Farrow & Ball’s Shaded White from a medium true gray. The warmth of this beige-gray color with brass hardware and natural stone is hard to beat in a classic kitchen. It also plays beautifully with many different wood tones since it's more beige than gray.” —Erin Gates

“I love to use Farrow & Ball’s Shaded White for wall tones. It’s the perfect tone of white for warmth, yet keeps a clean fresh look. Shaded White also plays well with other whites, as well as darker colors and wood to make your cabinets the star of the show.” —Ben Deaton

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Sherwin-Williams Red Barn SW 7591

Sherwin-Williams

“It takes me back to a classic red barn in the countryside, the perfect complement to farm-to-table cuisine. I’m also a sucker for the quintessential classic red KitchenAid mixer. Also, think beyond red paint on the wall and consider painting barstools, chairs or even window trim.” —Leigh Spicher

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Benjamin Moore Chatsworth Cream 225

Benjamin Moore

“For those looking for a subtle, supple shade, Benjamin Moore’s Chatsworth Cream might be just the ticket. It’s the prettiest warm white.” —Christine Markatos Lowe

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Farrow & Ball Pitch Black No. 256

Farrow & Ball

“I love Farrow & Ball Pitch Black. Pair it with a white marble with lots of veins to give the kitchen a timeless yet ultrachic look.” —Kara Smith, SFA Design

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Benjamin Moore Midnight Dream 2129-10

Benjamin Moore

“Nothing is more classic than a black and white palette in a kitchen. Recently we used Benjamin Moore’s Midnight Dream on our client’s island to contrast with the surrounding white envelope. It is a beautiful black with just the right hint of peacock blue to give it a bit more depth and drama.” —Studio Gild

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Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil SW 9165

Sherwin-Williams

“This color is the perfect neutral. It’s a chameleon that can go with everything and doesn’t pull focus away from the cabinetry or backsplash. It looks great with natural wood and also works well with black. Paint color should never be the star in the kitchen.” —Donna Mondi

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Sherwin-Williams Knitting Needles SW 7672

Sherwin-Williams

“I recently used Sherwin Williams’s Knitting Needles for all the cabinetry in a kitchen and the results are amazing. This is a light gray that manages to be not too green or too blue, a color that manages to be sophisticated and contemporary, but not boring. The satin finish from Sherwin Williams is beautiful for cabinetry and very durable. I paired the cabinet color with antique brass hardware and the contrast is stunning.” —Jeff Andrews

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Benjamin Moore Downpour Blue 2063-20

Benjamin Moore

"I am loving the colored lower cabinetry trend. A deep, glossy blue adds unexpected polish and pop, while still feeling classy and classic. A sure bet is Benjamin Moore Downpour Blue on the lower cabinetry paired with Benjamin Moore CO-17 White Dove on the upper cabinets. The best part is that this color combo is enhanced by either polished nickel or polished brass hardware — it's versatile and unique.” —Emilie Munroe

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Benjamin Moore Feather Down 953

Benjamin Moore

“This is a go-to of mine. It’s a perfect warm neutral for walls to offset clean white cabinetry and millwork. It looks beautiful on cabinetry as well when we want a creamy look. It’s just enough gray and brown to pair perfectly with warmer or cooler tones.” —Wendy Labrum

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Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue No. 281

Farrow & Ball

“This is a fantastic color for a kitchen. The elegant and timeless color conjures images of nature, the depth of the sea and the vast sky. The color’s tonality works well with Paonazzo marble and burnished brass hardware. It also complements colors such as green, lilac, and gray. It is dramatic while being peaceful, which is the perfect combination.” —Sara Story

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Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green No. 81

Farrow & Ball

“For kitchen walls, I love Farrow & Ball’s aptly named Breakfast Room Green. For the woodwork in the kitchen, I adore using Farrow & Ball’s Tanner Brown. It’s the perfect combo for a super chic kitchen.” —Ken Fulk

“There is something about green in a kitchen that I find so appealing. Whether it is used as an accent color on the kitchen island or you totally go for it and paint all the cabinetry green, it’s a very soothing and fresh color. I’ve been loving Farrow & Ball’s Breakfast Room Green—it’s the perfect shade to complement your lettuce.” —Bruce Fox

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Benjamin Moore Navy Masterpiece 1652

Benjamin Moore

“Benjamin Moore’s Navy Masterpiece in a matte finish has limitless depth. If you want a lighter kitchen experience try bleached raw oak cabinetry on a Navy Masterpiece backdrop. You can't go wrong.” —Don Stewart

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Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC-166

Benjamin Moore

“A dark kitchen island is always timeless. It lays the foundation for the kitchen and creates a strong presence.” —Katie Hodges

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Benjamin Moore Regent Green 2136-20

Benjamin Moore

“A very dark green works beautifully in older homes and with more traditional cabinetry. It’s bolder and moodier than what the cabinets probably were originally, but still feels period appropriate, whereas black might read too modern or too masculine.” —Michelle Smith

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Farrow & Ball Drawing Room Blue 253

Farrow & Ball

“On a recent project, I was inspired to use a bold blue on my client’s kitchen cabinets. We custom mixed the color, but it was very similar to Farrow & Ball’s Drawing Room Blue 253. In flat form, it is a very pretty deep blue that stops just short of purple territory, but using it in a high gloss, like I did, offers a much stronger impact. I paired it with an antiqued mirror subway tile from Ann Sacks on the backsplash and white Caesarstone countertops. The end result was a bit glam, a bit modern, and anything but dull.” —Amanda Nisbet

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Benjamin Moore La Poloma Gray 1551

Benjamin Moore

“The warm quality can have a brownish stone undertone that pairs well with white.” —Highlyann Krasnow

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C2 Pond Ripple BD 82

C2

“All of the colors from Barry Dixon’sNaturals palette from C2 are incredible. Right now my favorite is Pond Ripple. It’s a mossy green with a clay undertone. It would look incredible in a kitchen with unlacquered brass hardware and honed Calcutta Gold marble countertops.” —Jon Call

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Farrow & Ball Cabbage White 269

Farrow & Ball

“It’s a delightful, versatile neutral that pairs brilliantly with blues, greens, and grays. The hint of green elicits thoughts of the first days of spring and the taste of fresh garden vegetables.” —Sarah Barnard

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Benjamin Moore London Fog 1541

Benjamin Moore

“This is my favorite paint color for a kitchen, or anywhere for that matter. It’s the perfect color: It enhances any room by changing subtly with the lighting and surrounding colors.” —Robin Baron

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Benjamin Moore Inner Glow 348

Benjamin Moore

“So many kitchens today are white and gray, to which yellow is often the perfect complement. This color works very well with white cabinets, white marble Calacatta and Carerra. I’ve even paired it with very casual concrete countertops.” —Lindsey Coral Harper

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Sherwin-Williams Creamy 7012

Sherwin-Williams

“Homeowners are embracing white cabinets and Creamy is a great color for this use. It’s a clean white that will not look dingy or yellowed when mixed with your countertop or backsplash.” —Becki Kerns

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Portola Paints Dolphin

Portola Paints

“I love to use a muted gray color for kitchens. It is a calming color that you end up loving more and more with time. I never worry about my clients tiring of it after a year. It is also a particularly great complementary color with darker tones if you are, say, using two different colors for the cabinets and island.” —Alison Palevsky

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Farrow & Ball Plummett No. 272

Farrow & Ball

“I crave juxtaposition, so I am envisioning bleached out, reclaimed, herringbone wood floors combined with kitchen cabinets painted in Plummet by Farrow & Ball. I would use a full gloss finish to add a modern element into the design and to reflect light. I would accent the minimalistic details of the millwork in a gilded paint and select simple brass pulls to play into the element of a classically rich, yet simplistic design.” —Katie Scott

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Benjamin Moore Baltic Gray 1467

Benjamin Moore

“A hand-brushed painted finish done in an enamel-based paint is strikingly beautiful. The process takes patience and is a true art, several layers of application with focused sanding between coats. Benjamin Moore Baltic Gray 1467 is a favorite. It’s a lovely mid-tone gray.” —Christine Gachot

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Benjamin Moore Super White PM-1

Benjamin Moore

“Super White by Benjamin Moore allows us to play with millwork and furniture, adding patterning and texture while keeping the kitchen fresh. We are also able to change the mood of the kitchen by adding different accent colors through accessories. ” —Greg Natale

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Farrow & Ball Lamp Room Gray No. 88

Farrow & Ball

“Lamp Room Gray by Farrow & Ball is one of my favorite colors to use in an interior because it looks great next to Carrera marble and also plays nicely with Fornasetti pieces. For a more modern look, I like to pair it with brass accents; otherwise, nickel offers a more traditional feel. Overall, it’s a very versatile shade of gray.” —Trip Haenisch

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Kelsey Mulvey Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others.

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