I love an all-white kitchen just like the next person, but what I love even more is a layered, dynamic kitchen that reflects your personality. and Personal style. From hardware and fixtures to cabinets and countertops, there are so many ways to achieve this. If you're looking for inspiration, you've come to the right place. We surveyed top interior designers to share their favorite kitchen color ideas and how they combine them in their own spaces.
1. Olive green, black, and rustic wood
This kitchen by Kate Marker Interiors in Barrington, Illinois, features a natural mix of colors and materials: Olive green, black, and rustic wood combine to create a “masculine” palette that's calming, yet refreshing and always dynamic.
2. Blue and white
Blue and white is always right, most designers will tell you. Nicole Pier, owner of the eponymous design firm in Cleveland, Ohio, brings this classic combo to life with light, bright perimeter cabinetry set against a pale blue island. But there are countless ways to pair the two together, including blue cabinets with white quartzite countertops or white cabinets with navy tile.
3. Blue, white and warm wood
“White kitchens are timeless, but we try to find moments to add character and depth,” say Colette Archambeau and Karen Cacciatore, co-owners of Hunters Hill Interiors in Boston, Mass. The duo intentionally chose complementary colors based on the landscape surrounding this coastal cottage kitchen, but its appeal extends far beyond the seaside.
4. Black, white oak, white
This modern palette is quickly becoming more popular, and Marker attributes it to the striking contrast it creates. “Letting the wood's natural grain show off only adds to the beauty,” he adds. If you're not a fan of dark cabinets, check out these great black kitchen ideas.
5. Sage and cream
To design a kitchen that's both warm and inviting, Meredith Huck, owner of House of Huck in Milford, Connecticut, chose a palette of sage and cream. She says the two muted hues work even better together. FYI: Green is the cabinet color trend of 2023 and shows no signs of slowing down. Here's what to look out for.
6. Green and Pink
“Green is a calming color for both genders and pairs well with many neutrals, both warm and cool,” says Amber Guyton, owner of Blessed Little Bungalow in Atlanta, Ga. When combined with its most striking partner, pink, green is a fun, uplifting color.
7. White and cream
Adding warmth to a white kitchen is easy with cream accents that add depth while still maintaining lightness. To achieve that specifically in this space, Pia chose the Taj Mahal Quartzite and Seagrass Stools from Restoration Hardware. You can also achieve the same effect with tile, stylish decor, art, cabinetry, and more.
8. Richwood and Cream
Warmer, richer hues of wood that showcase grain and natural characteristics are becoming increasingly popular, according to Julie Ray, owner of Truss Interiors in Denver, Colo. “For more approachable designs, you'll see cream cabinets, light-colored striped stone, or accent glass cabinets paired with other softer materials for balance,” she explains.
9. Moody Jewel Tones
Rachel Peck, owner of the Austin, Texas, interior design firm of the same name, says she's seeing more clients looking to add color to their kitchens. She recommends going for bold finishes with jewel tones that bring energy to the space (and a sheen for extra pop).
10. Cream, gray, and navy
According to Pear, this isn't your typical kitchen combo, but it still exudes a timeless look. “We broke up the neutral palette with navy accents on the seating and range,” she explains. This subtle accent takes the muted color scheme to another level.
11. Smoky blue, white oak, white, black
Neutral ground is everytime Use a pop of color: Not coastal or navy, smoky blue is an unexpected neutral that “pairs great with white, black, and white oak,” says Merker. If you don't want to commit to something as permanent as cabinetry, consider incorporating it with decorative pieces or stools.
12. Blue on Blue
Blue on blue: Peck calls this “the Canadian tuxedo of the kitchen.” If you want to tone things down with a non-neutral color, beloved blue is a great choice. Pair it with brass or polished nickel hardware for a cool, trendy look.
