The best part of renovating your kitchen (and possibly the most fun!) is planning the kitchen colour scheme.
While choosing your colour scheme can be an enjoyable task, it can also be rather time-consuming. It’s an important decision. Colour schemes can date, and it’s a good idea to think carefully before you start painting and decorating, especially if you’re looking to sell your house and you’re refreshing your kitchen to help you get what the property is worth. It’s also wise to think about the surrounding rooms, because choosing a kitchen colour that does not blend with nearby rooms (particularly if you have open plan areas) can look disjointed.
With so many shades, paints and patterns to choose from, it’s no wonder that choosing a kitchen colour scheme can be difficult. Of course, there’s no right or wrong way to design your own kitchen – what matters most is how you feel about the colours you choose and how much you enjoy the decorating process. But if you’re looking for some kitchen colour ideas to inspire you, read on!
Monochrome
Monochrome is often a popular choice for those giving their kitchen a makeover. Simple, elegant and timeless, a mix of monochrome tones makes a kitchen look modern and chic, but can still add interest and character to your space.
If you are worried about the stark contrast between black and white, introducing grey tones can help to soften the difference.
Although it’s a great focal point for modern kitchen colour schemes, remember that black is a very strong tone, and even though it can create a striking impact it might also make a room look smaller. If you have a small space, introduce black sparingly or think about introducing a monochrome colour scheme in a large room that can carry such a strong hue. For more small kitchen space tips, check out our article on making the most of your compact kitchen.
Neutral
Neutral colour schemes for kitchens continue to be popular, and for good reason. Warm, inviting and timeless, neutral tones partner well with splashes of other colour and, because of that, are extremely versatile.
As they tend not to be strong or too bold, they act as a great foundation for bolder accessories and tones. However, perhaps the biggest advantage of a neutral kitchen is that it can be adapted to any number of kitchen decorating ideas, from shabby chic to contemporary. Choosing neutral tones of beige, cream, magnolia and warm greys will work well, whatever your style.
Blue
A blue colour palette is extremely versatile. Often associated with calmness and peace, it makes a wonderful kitchen colour scheme – particularly if you find your kitchen to be the busiest room in the house!
When choosing blue hues, there are a variety of different shades to consider and each will bring something different to your space. For example, a lighter shade will create a clean and fresh finish, whereas a darker blue like navy is bold and sophisticated, but best left for big spaces.
Whether you’re looking to create a seaside ambience to your kitchen, or want to pair your blue shades with rich whites, creams and natural materials for a country kitchen vibe, blue is certainly a hue to consider.
Red
A red colour palette is bold, energetic and playful and works well to transform your kitchen space. Whatever your interior design style, red shades can complement and enhance your room to create something really special.
For modern kitchens and contemporary spaces, bold, bright reds work particularly well. When paired with crisp whites and well-designed furniture, bright red shades create a striking look.
For those looking to create an opulent and elegant space, deeper shades of burgundy and maroon look particularly tasteful. We think these rich hues look elegant when accessorised with slate grey tones and opulent fittings. It’s worth noting that these deep shades can be a little bit overwhelming in small spaces, so it may be better to introduce these colours in small amounts.
To create space that invites an atmosphere of cosy companionship, dark red – especially when paired with soft lighting – gives your kitchen a great atmosphere, perfect for staying up late and chatting with friends.
Grey
Grey is fast becoming a popular shade in interior design. Calling to mind peace and balance, it’s easy to introduce to the home. Stylish, and wonderfully versatile, grey tones look great in kitchen spaces and can help you create a wonderfully elegant room.
Whatever your style, there is a grey tone to suit you and your tastes. To create the illusion of space and to brighten up your room, paler shades with a hint of blue can help your kitchen feel more open. If you’re looking to create a cosy atmosphere that you won’t want to leave, darker shades with warm, brown tones look great when paired with soft lighting.
When you’re working with grey, match it with a warm and natural material like wood. A contrasting colour, such as deep and buttery yellow, also works surprisingly well and will make sure the coolness isn’t overpowering.
Pink
Pink isn’t the obvious choice when it comes to kitchen colour schemes, as many imagine it to be too girly, too heavy on the vintage vibe, or too bright. But make it subtle, perhaps by introducing a grey-pink or pastel shade, and you’ll find something that really works.
The key to introducing pink into your kitchen is to choose the right shade that suits you and the space you are creating. If you want a romantic and relaxing space, soft, muted shades of pastel work well. If you are looking to create something bold and luxurious, combing glossy pink with a little bit of gold creates a beautifully opulent look.
Green
Green is a fairly cool colour, and like blue, it introduces a sense of calm to the kitchen. Colour schemes based around green shades are associated with nature and the earth, lending a subtly fresh feel to the room.
Again, different tones will create different atmospheres in the room. Yellow-based greens tend to be more inviting, and they bring in a hint of the outdoors. While a bright green tone works well in a modern kitchen, a softer, minty green makes a kitchen feel more vintage. An olive or sage tone is classic and a little different, making it a great focal point.
Yellow
Warm, sunny and inviting, yellow is one of the most popular colour schemes for kitchens. For those looking to create an energetic and lively space, yellow is certainly the colour of choice. With so many shades of yellow to choose from, you’re sure to find a hue to suit your kitchen and your style.
For those with larger rooms, bright and bold shades look particularly striking. If your room can handle such vivid splashes of colour, it’s certainly worth introducing bright yellows – the result will be truly wonderful.
If you have a smaller space, pastel yellows or light yellow hues are a good choice. Brighter, zestier colours can overpower your kitchen if it is compact. Lighter shades will help to create the perception of a brighter, lighter kitchen.
Orange
While perhaps not always considered, an orange colour palette can help to create a bold and beautiful room. Whatever look you are trying to create, it’s certainly worth considering orange tones for your kitchen – it’s unusual, but can look exquisite.
The orange palette can range from citrus and bright hues to earthy and rich terracotta tones. Whatever hue you choose, orange can add a sense of warmth, playfulness and brightness. If you’re worried about orange overpowering your space, it’s a good idea to balance it with another colour – both grey and white would work well. This helps to ensure that the colour doesn’t drown everything else out, and will keep your space looking chic.
General tips for choosing kitchen colour schemes
If you’d like to spruce up your kitchen without going for a complete refurb, there are a number of ways to introduce new colours into your kitchen. Different coloured accessories and appliances are readily available on the high street, and these usually come in a wide variety of shades. Changing the colour of your fridge or cooker can completely change the look and feel of the space, and they can really add something special to your kitchen. Even simply putting a lick of paint on your kitchen cupboards can add a new lease of life to your space.
If you’re on a budget, a great way to add striking colours to your kitchen is to keep expensive items like countertops, cupboards and flooring neutral – grey, brown and white are popular choices – and save the colour for things that you can easily change. Tea towels, plates and wall decorations are cheaper to replace than appliances, so you can have as much fun as you want with them.