Picking the right kitchen colors can transform your space. Here's a quick guide to help you choose:
- Assess your kitchen's features (light, size, existing elements)
- Select colors you personally love
- Create a cohesive color plan
- Start with cabinet colors
- Choose complementary countertop colors
- Pick floor and backsplash colors
- Add wall colors and finishing touches
Key points to remember:
- Light affects color appearance
- Your favorite colors are a good starting point
- Cabinet color sets the tone for the entire kitchen
- Contrast or match countertops with cabinets
- Use floors and backsplashes to tie everything together
- Small items can add pops of color
Quick Comparison:
| Element | Color Tip | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | Set the tone | White for clean, navy for drama |
| Countertops | Complement cabinets | Light granite with dark cabinets |
| Floors | Match or contrast | Dark oak with white cabinets |
| Backsplash | Add personality | Patterned tiles for pizzazz |
| Walls | Tie it all together | Soft gray with white cabinets |
| Accents | Final touches | Copper hardware, colorful dishes |
Remember: There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Test different ideas and see what works best in your space.
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Look at Your Kitchen's Features
Before picking colors, check out your kitchen. The space itself can guide your color choices.
Check Natural Light
Light changes how colors look. Here's what to know:
- South-facing: Strong light. Pale colors might wash out, dark colors pop.
- North-facing: Soft light. Dark colors might darken, light colors mute.
- East-facing: Bright morning, darker later.
- West-facing: Dark morning, golden afternoon.
Try this: Paint small samples on different walls. Look at them throughout the day. You'll see how light affects the colors.
Think About Kitchen Size and Shape
Your kitchen's size and shape can help with color choices:
| Kitchen Type | Color Tip |
|---|---|
| Small | Light colors for bigger feel |
| Large | Dark colors for coziness |
| Open Plan | Use color to define areas |
| Galley | One color for length |
Note Existing Parts
Look at what's staying:
- Flooring
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Backsplash
These affect your color choices. Blue floor tiles? Pick colors that work with blue.
Your kitchen colors should match what's already there. This creates a cohesive look.
2. Pick Colors You Like
Choosing kitchen colors is personal. Go for shades that make you smile and match your style.
Find Your Favorite Colors
What colors do you love? Designer Grace Mitchell asks:
"When you were young, what crayon did you always pick first out of the Crayola box? If you loved cornflower blue then, you're going to love cornflower blue today...and tomorrow."
Use your favorite colors as a starting point. Don't be shy about it.
Color Effects Matter
Colors can change how a room feels:
| Color | Effect |
|---|---|
| Red | Energy, warmth |
| Blue | Calm, relaxation |
| Green | Freshness, health |
| Yellow | Happiness, energy |
Test colors in your kitchen. Paint small patches and see how they look as the light changes.
Set the Mood
What vibe do you want?
- Warm? Go for reds, oranges, yellows
- Cool? Try blues, greens, purples
- Neutral? Stick with whites, grays, beiges
Mix it up to create your perfect kitchen atmosphere.
Green cabinets took off in 2023. Amber Guyton, owner of Blessed Little Bungalow in Atlanta, says:
"Green is gender-neutral and soothing, and pairs well with so many neutral colors, whether warm or cool."
3. Make a Color Plan
You've picked colors you like. Now let's create a solid color plan for your kitchen.
Learn Color Basics
Colors work together in different ways:
| Color Combo | Effect |
|---|---|
| Complementary | High contrast, vibrant |
| Analogous | Harmonious, relaxing |
| Monochromatic | Subtle, sophisticated |
Use the color wheel to find complementary (opposite) or analogous (next to each other) colors.
Popular Kitchen Color Combos
- Green + Gold: Green cabinets or walls, white surfaces, gold accents.
- Dark Blue + Light Blue: Mix blue shades for a timeless look.
- Dark Gray + Green: Gray for permanent elements, green for swappable accents.
Light colors can make small kitchens feel bigger. Designer Laura W. Jenkins used mint and pastel pink in a tiny space.
Pick Main and Accent Colors
- Main color: Use for big areas (cabinets, walls).
- Accent color: Add in at least three places (towels, window treatments, decorative plates).
Pro tip: Use neutral tones for expensive, hard-to-replace items. Add color through cheaper updates like paint and accessories.
"The right kitchen accent color directs the eye around the room and creates visual interest." - O'Hanlon Kitchens
4. Pick Cabinet Colors First
Cabinets dominate your kitchen's look. Their color sets the tone, so choose it before anything else.
Why Cabinet Color Matters
Cabinet color impacts your entire kitchen:
- Sets the mood
- Affects perceived space
- Needs to match your home's style
Kauffman Kitchens warns:
"If they're painted a color that you don't absolutely love, you may be stuck with regret for years to come."
Cabinet Color Choices
In 2024, all-white is out. Here's what's in:
| Color | Effect |
|---|---|
| Moody blues and greens | Sophisticated |
| Warm earthy tones | Cozy |
| Matte black | Modern |
| Two-tone | Creative |
| Soft neutrals | Timeless |
Plain & Fancy Cabinetry notes:
"Soft green cabinets were a big hit in 2023, and, while this remains an excellent option, we're seeing a subtle shift towards integrating hints of blue into these tones."
Match Cabinets and Counters
To make cabinets and counters work together:
- Pick cabinet color first
- Choose a matching counter
- Test samples in your kitchen's lighting
Kristin Kong from K Kong Designs suggests:
"Opt for a countertop that gives you plenty of cabinet color options, including gorgeous green kitchens."
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5. Choose Countertop Colors
Picking countertop colors is crucial. It can make your kitchen pop or flop.
Match Counters with Cabinets
Your countertops and cabinets need to play nice. Here's how:
- Bring cabinet samples when shopping for countertops
- Check samples in your kitchen at different times
- See how colors look under various lights
Got white cabinets? Try dark countertops like black granite or navy quartz for contrast.
Think About Counter Materials
Different materials, different color options:
| Material | Colors | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | Lots | Unique patterns |
| Quartz | Consistent | Easy care |
| Marble | Whites, grays | Fancy look |
| Wood | Warm | Natural vibe |
Helen Parker from deVOL says:
"Wood is great – feels nice, looks strong. Each piece is unique, making rooms feel more real."
Contrast or Match?
Two main choices:
1. Go for contrast: Light cabinets, dark counters (or flip it)
2. Keep it similar: Use close shades for a smooth look
Mor Krisher from Caesarstone suggests:
"Black counters look awesome with lighter wood cabinets and metal touches like brass and steel."
6. Pick Floor and Backsplash Colors
You've nailed your cabinet and countertop colors. Now, let's tackle floors and backsplashes. These can make or break your kitchen's look.
Floor Colors
Two main options:
- Match with cabinets and countertops
- Go for a contrast
Got white cabinets and counters? A dark oak floor can add warmth. One Quora user said:
"We used a dark stained quarter sawn oak to match our cabinets."
Popular flooring options:
| Material | Good | Bad |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | Tough, easy clean | Pricey |
| Vinyl | Cheap, water-resistant | Looks budget |
| Laminate | Scratch-proof, affordable | Shorter lifespan |
Backsplash Colors
Here's your chance to add flair. Tips:
- Test samples in your kitchen
- Check under different lights
- Busy countertop? Simple backsplash. Plain counter? Go bold.
Hot backsplash trends:
- Big tiles for sleek looks
- Earthy tones like terracotta
- Patterned tiles for pizzazz
Tie It All Together
Create a cohesive look:
- Use a color wheel for complementary shades
- Try running countertop material up the backsplash
- Mix materials carefully (wood floors + stone backsplashes)
Don't sweat exact matches. Similar shades can look great together.
Last tip: Think about cleaning. Some materials need more TLC than others. Choose what fits your lifestyle.
7. Add Wall Colors and Extras
You've got your cabinets, countertops, floors, and backsplash sorted. Now, let's put the finishing touches on your kitchen color scheme.
Pick Wall Colors
Wall colors can make or break your kitchen's look. Here's how to choose:
- Match the mood: Sunny yellow for energy, cool blue for calm
- Consider light: Bright colors for small or dark kitchens, rich tones for larger spaces
- Coordinate with cabinets: Gray walls with white cabinets, navy blue for drama in all-white kitchens
| Wall Color | Best For | Suggested Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Gray | Crisp look with white cabinets | Paparazzi Flash MQ5-18 (Behr) |
| Navy Blue | Drama in all-white kitchens | Hale Navy HC-154 (Benjamin Moore) |
| Light Green | Playful touch with white cabinets | Gleeful SW 6709 (Sherwin-Williams) |
Add Color with Small Items
Small touches can pack a punch:
- Swap out hardware for copper or gold handles
- Display colorful dishes or vases
- Hang vibrant artwork or a bold clock
Mix Bold and Soft Colors
Balance is key:
- Strong cabinet colors + soft wall tones
- Bold accessories against neutral backgrounds
- Try unexpected combos like blue and yellow
"Blue and yellow are complementary colors, so it's no surprise that sunny yellow pendant lights are the perfect contrast to high-gloss blue cabinets." - Troy Spurlin, Designer
Conclusion
Picking kitchen colors isn't just about looks. It's about creating a space that feels right for you. Here's a quick recap:
- Check your kitchen's features
- Choose colors you like
- Make a color plan
- Start with cabinet colors
- Pick countertop colors
- Choose floor and backsplash colors
- Add wall colors and extras
There's no one-size-fits-all solution. What works in one kitchen might flop in another. The key? Try different ideas and see what clicks.
Here's a quick guide to get you started:
| Kitchen Element | Color Tip | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | Set the tone | White for clean, navy for drama |
| Countertops | Complement cabinets | Light granite with dark cabinets |
| Walls | Tie it all together | Soft gray with white cabinets |
| Accents | Add personality | Copper hardware, colorful dishes |
Don't be scared to play with color. Test bold ideas with a small painted area or removable wallpaper. And remember: lighting changes how colors look, so check at different times of day.
As Bob Bakes from Bakes & Kropp says:
"A kitchen's color should harmoniously blend with the rest of the home's visual narrative."
So think about how your kitchen fits into your home's overall story. It's your space - make it work for you.
FAQs
What is the most popular color for a kitchen?
White tops the list for kitchen colors. Here's why:
- It's clean and minimalist
- It never goes out of style
- It makes spaces feel bigger
But "white" isn't just one color. Check out these shades:
| Shade | Vibe |
|---|---|
| Pure bright white | Modern and crisp |
| Cool ivory | Elegant and soft |
| Warm cream | Cozy and inviting |
| Light grey | Subtle and sophisticated |
| Greige | Grey meets beige |
White kitchens shine in Scandinavian designs. They bounce light around, making your kitchen feel open and airy.
"White is perfect for calming, Scandi-style kitchens." - Miranda Estes, Author
Pro tip: Test different whites in your space. A pure white might feel stark, while cream could cozy things up.