When it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space. Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens.
However, by far the most popular monochrome colour for a kitchen is white. White is clean, minimalist, timeless and perfect for calming, Scandi-style kitchens. Of course, there are actually many different shades of 'white', from pure bright whites to cool ivories, warm creams, light greys and greige.
60 – 30 – 10 Rule
Many designers utilize the 60 – 30 -10 rule. Where 60% of your space is a base color (for your walls, and large furniture) , 30% as an accent color (through accent chairs, and area rugs) , and 10% as pops of color (in art pieces or other decorum).
Think About How You Use Your Kitchen
For example, if you're an avid entertainer and an adventurous cook you might opt for more exciting colors that spur creativity and bring lively energy to the room; if you're looking to create a calming environment for family meals, you might prefer cool tones.
To make a kitchen appear larger, use pale colours like white or light blue. If you prefer a more dramatic look, consider navy blue, dark green, or even black as your modular kitchen design colour. To create a warm, inviting atmosphere, opt for shades of yellow, orange, or red.
In 2024, we're seeing a lean towards warmer greys that add a cozy feel to the kitchen. In fact, Sherwin Williams has named "Upward," a soft, midrange blue with gray undertones, as its 2024 Color of the Year.
4 Colors to Avoid When Painting Your Kitchen
Allen agrees, noting that very bright and bold colors, such as red or orange, should be avoided, as they can be overwhelming for the space. Allen also notes that homeowners are better off skipping the darker hues.
The classic white kitchen is sometimes criticized for being boring—but it will never go out of style! According to Houzz, 43 percent of renovating homeowners opt for white cabinets.
White is arguably the most common colour for kitchen decorating, and this simple and stylish palette embraces this traditional style while adding some clever modern touches. Small features of wood create a warm, inviting feel that complements white walls perfectly.
It's no secret that the most popular kitchen paint colors are neutrals—white, navy, beige, and wood tones—but these days many design clients are seeking out hues from the entire color wheel. In fact, one of the hottest interior design trends emerging for 2025 is a bold 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.
Incorporating white in cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes and walls is not only striking, but it also gives an impression of space without boundaries. Lighter kitchen colors can make it look bigger. A palette of lighter, low-contrast colors—such as pale yellows, grays and greens—will have a similar feel of openness.
What colors are trending for kitchens? White kitchens have their place, but lately, bold colors (like black, charcoal, navy, terracotta, and teal) are becoming increasingly popular (especially when paired with white) for kitchen cabinets and walls.
In smaller kitchens, lighter cabinets and walls can create the illusion of space and make it feel larger and more airy. On the other hand, in larger kitchens, darker cabinets can anchor the space and prevent it from feeling too expansive. Style: Your style is a major consideration in the debate of light and dark.
Together, these colors bring a sense of balance and elegance to the kitchen. One of the key advantages of using gray and brown in your kitchen is their compatibility with a wide range of materials and textures.
Off-whites, neutrals, blues, grays and greens are all timeless kitchen paint colors. The color palette below brings together 12 of the best kitchen paint colors—all tried-and-tested hues that homeowners love.
Bright Red
More than a few designers agreed this shade is best left out of the cook space. “Most colors can work great in a kitchen depending on the space and the look you're going for, but I'd always shy away from something like fire-engine red,” says Dallas, Texas, designer Lisa Henderson.
The consensus is that neutral colors like white, gray, and beige sell the best.
Some popular neutral paint colors for the kitchen include white, beige, gray and sage. White is a classic kitchen color. It's crisp and clean, and it goes hand-in-hand with the part of the house where food is prepared.
Consider using white on your walls and cabinets and adding warmer accents via your countertops, backsplash and window treatments. Creamy neutral shades such as beige, oatmeal, khaki and other earth colors also work well in the kitchen.
Beige is emerging as the new go-to neutral, adding warm and inviting tones to interiors. In this article, we'll explore why beige is taking over and how to use it in your home. Beige is replacing gray as a popular interior color, offering warmth and versatility for various design styles.
White Kitchen Cabinets
White is the most timeless cabinet color of all, with popularity dating back over half a century. It's hard to beat the crisp, clean beauty of bright white cabinets.