Knowing what colour to paint your kitchen isn’t always the easiest task. After all, what shade are most kitchens anyway? It’s not obvious when you think about it.
In reality, most kitchens have “themes” – arrangements of several colours that complement each other. The texture of the underlying materials (like granite, tile, wood, and marble) can also play a role, helping to complete the aesthetic.
The purpose of this post is to provide you with some trendy kitchen colour ideas and guidance on choosing the right paint for the room. Then, we look at some wall paint ideas (assuming you aren’t tiling or wallpapering the entire space) and various cabinet trends.
Trendy Kitchen Colour Ideas
Let’s start by looking at some trendy kitchen colour ideas. These concepts combine colours to give your room a unique look.
Beige and Brass
Beige and brass is one of the most popular small kitchen colour ideas thanks to its ability to evoke a rustic ambience. It fills the room with warmth, encouraging people to sit down for breakfast or supper.
Yellow and Pink
For a more playful feel, you might want to experiment with yellow and pink. It looks gorgeous when paired with wood or added to an already-boho interior, offering something a little different from the norm.
Blue, Green and Yellow
Blue, green and yellow impart a semi-tropical feel to kitchens, turning them into more spa-like spaces (not unlike something you might find in a bathroom). Designers often combine these colours in highly experimental ways, like adding leafy yellow and green wallpaper as a statement to one of the walls to contrast against baby blue cabinets. It’s positively botanical!
Red and Black
Red and black is a classic kitchen combination often seen in Georgian properties. It adds an air of style and sophistication that is hard to achieve in standard contemporary interiors.
Most homeowners achieve the red+black look by using a black stone countertop (often marble or granite) and red paint for the backsplash. But you can experiment with these kitchen colour ideas however you want.
Consider Light Levels In Your Kitchen
Start by considering the light levels in your kitchen. If you have plenty of natural light, you can experiment more with moody or dark colours (like the red+black combination discussed above).
If light is scarcer or your kitchen is north-facing, lighter colours are the better option. These allow any indirect incoming light to bounce off the interior surfaces, preventing the space from feeling dank. Go for creams, whites, and neutrals for the optimal effect.
Choose A Theme That Fits Your Psychology
At the same time, also choose a theme that complements your psychology. Don’t opt for anything that won’t support your mood.
Beiges, light greys, and whites are best for people who want a sense of volume and airiness in their kitchens. These colours can affect bijou spaces profoundly, helping them open up and feel less claustrophobic.
If airiness isn’t a problem, you might want to focus more on creating a cosy or hygge space. This approach makes your kitchen feel more inviting and less harsh. You can achieve a warmer feel by using peaches and pale terracotta. Light oranges and subtle blush reds make you want to stay for hours.
Match Your Kitchen Cabinets To The Room
Any new kitchen paint ideas should also match your cabinets. You don’t want the walls to clash with the fittings.
If you have dark cabinets, choose a lighter paint, and vice versa. The safest option is to use your cabinets’ current tone and then pick a colour a few shades lighter. You can also use a colour wheel, but make sure you know what you’re doing first. Clashing tones are a significant risk.
Wall Paint Inspirations
Here are some inspirational wall paint ideas for your kitchen:
- Light lime green – Creates a rustic effect and is popular in Georgian homes and farmhouses
- Sage green – Enables a charming and relaxing ambience, pairing with wood and cream
- Light pink – Suitable for old-fashioned kitchens with copper pots, pans, and accessories
- Off-white – Great for kitchens with vinyl flooring and wall-mounted TVs
- Mindful grey – Suitable for people who want to feel more Zen in the morning while eating breakfast
- Navy blue – An intense colour (usually reserved for a single statement wall) that makes the kitchen feel cosy at night
- Bronze – A luxurious colour with classical overtones that evokes a sense of peace and relaxation
- Sea salt – A fresh and uplifting colour that’s suitable for those who need to wake up early in the morning for work
Cabinet Colour Trends
Kitchens regularly go through colour trends (as mentioned). However, cabinets have their own subculture and fashion cycle.
Dark Mahogany
Dark mahogany is popular nowadays thanks to its deep, luxurious look. It immediately adds intense sophistication to the room, complementing neutral kitchen wall paint ideas and hardwood floors. It also pairs elegantly with soft furnishings like wicker, cotton, and wool.
Brilliant White
Brilliant white is another star in our kitchen cabinet colour ideas lineup. It makes the entire room sleeker and works well on push-to-open cabinets (instead of conventional pull varieties).
Most homeowners use brilliant white in contemporary kitchens. However, it can also work in fusion-style concepts. It just depends on how you use your imagination.
Corrugated Charcoal Grey
You could also experiment with corrugated charcoal grey kitchen cabinets. These stunning fittings give the room a more bar-like feel while adding texture.
Wrapping Up
In summary, figuring out what colour to paint your kitchen and cabinets is challenging. But our advice is to avoid monotone. Instead, use complementary colours, either of the same tone or in opposite corners of the colour wheel. Mix textures and shade intensity to generate something that feels natural and complete.