What is the best color scheme for a dark kitchen?

Author: Rowena Brekke  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

It's probably no surprise that warm whites are an eternal favorite when it comes to paint colors to lighten a dark kitchen. However, they pair beautifully with a huge range of colors – and for something brighter, blues and greens are timeless choices.

What is the best color to paint a dark kitchen?

Go for pale shades of grey and blue for maximum lightening effect. If it's warmth you're after, don't be afraid to use light terracotta or yellow paint colours – a sunny hue can brighten and warm a dark, dingy space. Just be careful not to clutter the room with brown furniture so the scheme doesn't become overpowering.

How do I get more light in my dark kitchen?

Over-cabinet and under-cabinet lighting add general light and highlight key areas, while plinth lighting brightens darker floors and adds dimension.” “Pendant lighting is elegant and practical, bringing light closer to where you need it, especially in kitchens with high ceilings.”

What colors go best with dark kitchen cabinets?

Paint Colors That Go Well with Dark Wood
  • Warm neutrals. Paired with dark cabinets, neutral kitchen paint colors can soften the intensity of the dark cabinets and make the space cozy and inviting. ...
  • Cool neutrals. For woods with cool undertones, you can pair cool neutral colors. ...
  • Bright colors. ...
  • Bold whites.

How to dress a dark kitchen?

One of the key things with dark kitchens is to balance the dark shades with lighter and metallic colours. Go too heavy with the dark colours and you'll end up with a kitchen that's moody and downright depressing.

5 Kitchen Colour Combinations That Just Work 🎨

How do you accessorize a dark kitchen?

Accents and Accessories: Use contrasting colours to break up the dark tones. Metallics like brass, copper, or stainless steel can add a touch of glamour, while light-coloured worktops or backsplashes can create visual interest. Textures and Materials: Incorporate a mix of textures to add depth.

What color floor with black kitchen?

For floor tiles, we recommend natural stone tiles like marble, slate and limestone, rustic terracotta and patterned tiles – black and white tiles work especially well. Wood effect and concrete style or grey floor tiles are also excellent options.

How to brighten a kitchen with dark cabinets?

Maximize Natural Light
  1. Install Reflective Surfaces. ...
  2. Use Light-Colored Paint. ...
  3. Consider Adding a Window or Skylight. ...
  4. Overhead Lighting. ...
  5. Under-Cabinet Lighting. ...
  6. Recessed vs. ...
  7. Switch to Higher-Wattage Bulbs. ...
  8. Energy-Saving Tips.

What color flooring goes best with dark cabinets?

If you love the look of dark cabinets, choose a hardwood that's at least 1-2 shades lighter than your cabinets. In general, white and grey woods go well with black, dark blue, and green cabinets, while natural woods, like oak and maple, will match dark brown, burgundy, and burnt sienna cabinets.

What color hardware looks best on dark cabinets?

For instance, bright metallic finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or gold can pop against a dark backdrop, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. Matte black hardware can also be incredibly striking against dark cabinets.

How do you make a dark kitchen cozy?

10 Brilliant Ways to Improve Your Way-Too-Dark Kitchen
  1. Add a mirror. ...
  2. Hang a clamp lamp. ...
  3. Use brighter bulbs. ...
  4. Turn recessed lights into pendant lights. ...
  5. Stick up some under-cabinet lights. ...
  6. Add pops of color. ...
  7. Create contrast with an accent detail. ...
  8. Add something metallic that will reflect light.

Is it a good idea to have a dark kitchen?

All kitchens get their fair share of wear and tear, but some show it less than others. A dark kitchen is a good choice if you think your cabinets are going to need to stand up to frequent spillages and knocks. A dark surface can be more forgiving than a light one, and won't instantly show up scuffs and stains.

Can you put mirrors in a kitchen?

By using mirrors as a backsplash, on cabinet doors, or above your sink, you can play with perspective and maximise the visual impact of a compact space. Designing a small kitchen can be a challenge but it also gives you the opportunity to get creative.

What color is in for kitchens in 2024?

Green continues to be a favoured colour trend in 2024. Integrating this hue into your kitchen offers an opportunity to re-establish a connection with nature. It has a remarkable, uplifting effect on the home, embodying balance, wellbeing and serenity.

What color to paint a room with no natural light?

Vibrant yellows are especially effective at reflecting artificial light, making them the ideal options for windowless rooms. Swap darker flaxen shades for buttery, brighter mixtures like Hot as Mustard, and add extra warmth with white accents and light wood details.

What is the most timeless color kitchen?

What is the most timeless kitchen cabinet color? Designers say that white cabinets are bound to stand the test of time. “A white kitchen will never go out of style,” Collins says.

What color furniture goes with dark cabinets?

If you're looking to add a bit of boldness and vibrancy to your kitchen, bright colors are the way to go. Light hues like white or gray work especially well when paired with dark cabinets.

Should kitchen flooring be lighter or darker than cabinets?

Darker flooring will give your kitchen a dramatic and moody flair, especially when paired with lighter cabinets. Meanwhile, lighter flooring paired with darker cabinets will also add contrast, but the space will feel much brighter and open.

Are dark kitchen cabinets in style?

According to the pros, dark wood cabinets aren't going anywhere anytime soon, despite the colorful kitchen cabinet trend.

How to add more light to a dark kitchen?

6 ways to brighten up your kitchen space
  1. Use light colours for cabinets. Light colours help to create a bright space. ...
  2. Introduce reflective surfaces. Shiny, reflective surfaces help bounce light around a room, just like light colours do. ...
  3. Add contrast with pops of colour. ...
  4. Rethink lighting. ...
  5. Clear clutter. ...
  6. Maximise natural light.

How do you update dark kitchen cabinets?

14 Easy Ways To Modernize Brown Cabinets
  1. Upgrade The Hardware. ...
  2. Upgrade to Stainless Steel Appliances. ...
  3. Paint The Walls White. ...
  4. Embrace Natural Wood. ...
  5. Try Two-Tone Brown and White Cabinets. ...
  6. Opt For Modern Lighting. ...
  7. Install a New Backsplash. ...
  8. Switch Up The Countertops.

How to make a north facing kitchen brighter?

Choose a paint colour with a warm undertone

Off white and neutral paint colours with a subtle yellow or red undertone will add warmth to a space. Colours like Sandy Castle or Marbles carry a warmth that makes them perfect for north facing rooms.

What is the best colour for a dark kitchen?

If you're kitchen barely gets any natural light – whether it's the direction the room faces or a lack of windows, a bright white paint color is your best chance at creating a lighter scheme. 'Simply White OC-117 is my go-to crisp white for brightening up a dark room.

What color flooring go with dark kitchen cabinets?

In this case, opt for light coloured flooring. White is a failsafe option and can have a contemporary look when paired with black cabinets. Alternatively, ash grey provides a subtler contrast, while a pale wooden finish creates a welcoming feel.

What countertop goes with black cabinets?

For a timeless kitchen with a clean and crisp aesthetic, pairing white quartz worktops with black cabinets is a design choice that never goes out of style. The classic combination of light and dark tones creates a striking and sophisticated look that can adapt to various design styles, from modern to traditional.

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