A poppy-red kitchen cupboard is ideal for lifting a dark green-gray scheme, while accessories sporting the same shade create a sense of cohesion.
If you’re looking for ideas for how to choose a kitchen color scheme that uses bold shades subtly, this is a great option.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LLt3cuRGL_Z7UFX_UICgjA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/f2825a3eaa4d47a3a6051c74729b5f47 class=caas-img data-headline=”20. Be brave with a daring color scheme”> Contrasting black or deep gray with white is the most effective way to create impact in a predominantly white kitchen, but the key is to vary the proportions.
A 50/50 black and white kitchen split could feel cold; instead, pair dark cabinets with marble and another vital ingredient: texture. Grain-rich timber doors and accessories will break up the space beautifully, as shown in this Henley kitchen by Neptune.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/s2105vwYbOnch7kDzesM9g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/fca01e5d0d53e0d3e0e0415be069dfa2 class=caas-img data-headline=”19. Create contrast with color”> Making a color part of the scheme rather than the focus of it offers a more contemporary feel.
This kitchen backsplash idea looks every bit like it’s been created using hand-made tiles but is actually a wallpaper, while subtle hints of ice blue and punchy red balance the look.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OJfyoVymLi63DDiRjNoZIA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/76ce56f19423c798e73cbe1808d3c4c0 class=caas-img data-headline=”18. Decorate with a sea of blue”> This muted color combination has given pink a whole new identity. No longer super-girly, the murkier tones of blush pink teamed with industrial gray have a stronger, gender-neutral appeal.
A slim shelf is ideal for displaying pretty plates above a worktop. Here, shades of dusky pink and mole tone beautifully with the pale gray marble surface below.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/b4A7fPlK5spGVes3hLcqng–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/0e9d79cec167204e009793b7fd38e051 class=caas-img data-headline=”17. Paint in a pink palette”> Handmade and artisan kitchen tile ideas will bring a unique mix of color, pattern and texture to any kitchen scheme, adding instant character to walls and floors.
There’s something about tiles – their tactile quality, the potential for adding color, pattern and personality – that few other surfaces can match. Decorative tiles fell out of favor for a while, but they are most definitely back and with a huge choice of forms and finishes.
Here, a selection of glazed tiles in an Azure blue sit prettily in an alcove space. They make an interesting foil to neutral colors and seamless finishes, enlivening your kitchen and making it feel totally yours.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FDJbPrtahfZu6DVaquJnCA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/f5b1421329c4c0a30a0ab189c97afcf8 class=caas-img data-headline=”16. Add color with tiles”> Green is very much the color of the moment, and we predict that it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
In this kitchen by Little Greene, Aquamarine is used on the island and lower half of the wall, then the color is taken up a notch on the door frame and island trim, then down again for the upper wall, resulting in a harmonious effect.
When it comes to green kitchen ideas, look for paler, cool shades like this for sunny rooms that get plenty of natural daylight; north-facing rooms or those with poor daylight will benefit from warmer tones.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Ldpbjl98bQu9GLhzyNNcEw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/a3e927341b0eb71d8cc63d3083c0b33e class=caas-img data-headline=”15. Go for green in your kitchen”> Practicality and beauty go hand in hand in this kitchen from Neptune, whose colors and mood are evocative of old Dutch paintings.
Simple kitchen shelving ideas and a freestanding dresser, rather than wall-hung cabinets, offset the rich chocolate palette for an open, relaxed feel.
The dark walls work to absorb imperfections and even out textures, but there are still some tactile elements. Brooding, dark colors often work best when used dramatically and uncompromisingly. Painted kitchens with a rich brown-black on both walls and cabinetry create a bold statement that feels as historic as it does chic.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QGsqcvnSdB.wokDMXz7j2g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/49f68c79b2d6213419c675ef1db8eb86 class=caas-img data-headline=”14. Join the dark side”> If you want to start experimenting with bold colors, a good way to do it is through a statement wall. This will give a splash of excitement, but won’t overwhelm the entire room.
This modern kitchen idea keeps contemporary cabinets white, letting the feature wall speak for itself.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wD0m6dbNw3Evf_utT5XJvA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/06c27d3d8724cb5530f307df8e77e05d class=caas-img data-headline=”13. Have one statement wall”> Blue kitchens are perennially fashionable, and darker shades can give a dramatic edge. If you want to strike a balance, team it with a lighter worktop and a light wood floor to add a bit more brightness. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0.a8xM72Ujhi8khl1leN.A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/3f5db1a7e95249a749a998b97e7d6612 class=caas-img data-headline=”12. Black too stark? Try navy”>
Judy adds: ‘We often choose to keep kitchen units and appliances to tones of white and gray, with materials for floors and worktops like stainless steel, polished concrete and wood, because these are expensive items that we don’t want to have to replace very often – yet they form a great neutral basis to which we can add personal touches.
‘They are the perfect base for vibrant color that will add personality and style, yet which can be inexpensively changed and updated in the future.
‘Really bright colors work well – shocking pink, orange, electric blue – and these can be painted on to cupboards if you prepare them first by sanding down and using a primer, behind a clear perspex backsplash, or as whole walls of color.’
This kitchen does exactly that, with a vibrant mismatched backsplash and pink pastel kitchen cabinet color, along with eye-catching accessories.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.qm_pemT2dgagXsNuo1HWQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/2d56a67ff935dbeb2015bdd37ee960be class=caas-img data-headline=”11. Add colorful splashes to neutrals”> Natasha, from Lick, says: ‘Classic for a reason, white paint is known for its light-reflecting properties, making your walls “recede” and opening up small spaces.
‘Our top picks include the creamy White 03 – a soft white with yellow undertones that can open up your kitchen while keeping those warm, cozy vibes. If you want the ultimate in light reflection, White 01 is a brilliant white but with gray undertones that can boost the energy levels of any small kitchen ideas.
‘White creates a feeling of calmness. When used in a kitchen, it can make the space feel clean, sophisticated, and elegant.’ There’s so much scope when it comes to white kitchen ideas, with endless options to choose from.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Q7.iKyGEsINusO5OYKrmEA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/400bc5147d0bae3cff8ee0cc89c59067 class=caas-img data-headline=”10. Keep it classic with white”> Color blocking is the pairing of two or three different colors to give a totally unique look, and is a great way to give a contemporary edge to more traditional rooms.
The blocking effect gives this cottage kitchen a modern twist, with blue and cream kitchen ideas paired to perfection.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/uvaUvlMfoJ5a5hvHjjV.dA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/291c8df5d2f99a735ceec6b9ffd8388f class=caas-img data-headline=”9. Color block horizontally”> ‘When it comes to gray in the kitchen, it’s a classic color, very timeless and safe. We often feel very secure in gray because it doesn’t ask anything from us. If you are quite a hectic person, and you want your kitchen to blend into the background and be very elegant and subtle, it’s a lovely option,’ says Natasha from Lick.
She explains that one brand’s most popular greys is Grey 07 – the darkest one – and the green undertone works very well with white walls.
This Tom Howley kitchen shows how this often cold color coupled with terracotta can create a space that feels warm and welcoming – a boost for anyone looking for gray kitchen ideas for a north-facing space.
‘It’s important that, when it comes to making a bold design choice, it fits within your home and with your tastes,’ says Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley.
‘Rather than persuade the client to step away from a more traditional paint color to follow a trend, often we will speak with the client and find out their requirements and their likes. Once a decision has been made about stepping away from a more neutral color palette, it’s all about deciding how much of a statement the client wants to make.
‘Neutral color palettes in the kitchen will never disappear. Clients can look to add color and personality to their spaces through styling, accessorizing and even kitchen flooring.
‘But for those clients that want to add a stronger injection of color, black, gray and blue kitchen ideas still remain very popular and can be contrasted with light color work surfaces and flooring.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bEvVkV5xfHA5_Phb4Y8F9Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyNTA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/46adee8353e0e61feb4aee72ff273a02 class=caas-img data-headline=”8. Opt for a calming gray”> Natasha adds, ‘Another recommendation which works extremely well if you’ve got an island is to change the color.’
This could either be with a totally different color, or by going for a brighter or darker version of a shade that’s been used in the rest of the room. This is just one of many kitchen island ideas you can play about with.
The beauty of this trick is that it injects color but still gives you a light and breezy feel.
Painting your island, like Cali based interior designer Kate Lester has here, will work like an accent color does – you’re just using it on a larger item. You can then link that color through into your accessories, like tableware, casserole dishes, lighting and rugs. To complete the Cali look, add in some rattan and natural wood.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AY8ORDJAqPhyjPJJFKxt6g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/dd26c556f2efdf60181a3fb76dd14758 class=caas-img data-headline=”7. Make your island pop”> ‘Known as the “heart of the home”, the kitchen is the space in our homes where many of us tend to spend most of our time. It’s a place to cook, snack, and perch as we mindlessly scroll on our phones and socialise.
‘It’s also one of the main rooms where the design and style can affect your property’s value. Therefore we often suggest opting for colors that offer a more playful and punchy tone for the kitchen to bring about energy,’ says home interior expert Natasha Bradley from Lick.
‘Yellow affects our emotions and is a great choice for kitchens, particularly if there is a lack of natural light. It’s bright and cheerful and brings positivity to the heart of the home.’
These vibrant kitchen cabinet ideas guarantee to give an instant pick-me-up every time a person walks into the room. Alternatively, opt for two-tone kitchen ideas for double the design impact.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SFh_GjhYpcdosidev4MIbA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/1ad6d926e5879a969860a22dafafeb84 class=caas-img data-headline=”6. Go bold with yellow”> ‘Dark colors and black kitchen ideas are becoming more mainstream in modern kitchens and, at Crown, we find that this adds drama, strength and solidity to the space. A versatile look, it also can portray an edginess in your interiors,’ says color consultant Judy Smith at Crown.
She adds: ‘Black also has the ability to put a contemporary spin on even the most traditional looking space or furniture.
‘If you incorporate black into your kitchen scheme in a subtle way, such as painted cabinetry, it will give the scheme definition and add depth to the room without having to completely change the space.
‘Black is a classic tone that can be easily brought into an interior scheme and used alongside existing pieces already inside the home.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CAMLSvbblmRTJEL_2XqSAQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/46a06f3686260eaa41702181ef6a49db class=caas-img data-headline=”5. Don’t hold back with black”> Earthy tones are a top trend for this year, so incorporate rich and warming brown tones and clay shades into your kitchen color ideas and painted kitchen ideas.
This kitchen balances these paler earthy cabinet and pale worktops for a light touch. Your chosen kitchen countertop ideas are an integral part of your kitchen color scheme, even if you’ve chosen white.
In fact, white is a fabulous choice if the rest of your scheme is colorful, as it will create balance and order. In this scheme, designed by London-based Samantha Todhunter, the white seamlessly flows up the walls.
‘In this kitchen, the joinery is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster which is a favourite shade of mine, as it’s pink without being pink. Painting units creates a great feature that sits against a canvas of clean white walls and countertop, finished with bold artwork that adds color in a confident yet cohesive way to create an easy sophistication.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5Cxqxu.8vwwPPodI7qmjGQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/a6e753a9db2491d888143e5f1941ec99 class=caas-img data-headline=”4. Weave in earthy tones”> Decorating with brown is no longer the detested color it once was. While rich caramel hues definitely belong to the neutral color family, they are anything but plain – there is a luxuriousness to them that is at once refined but also bold.
‘We feel this tone is perfect for domestic spaces, such as kitchens and pantries, where you don’t want the color to be a protagonist,’ says Bruce Hodgson, founder, Artichoke. ‘A client chose it for a recent project and it works really well in rooms that don’t benefit from lots of natural light, as it manages to be warm and welcoming without overpowering.’
In this brown room, a warm tan, saturated with caramel tones, this hue manages to be neither too bright nor too overpowering.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HIrq7KAGuAJoSB4Nsqpnxw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/738c3d12747ba46a4e80d81b5f6ab383 class=caas-img data-headline=”3. Warm up with brown”> Inspired by the natural world, green kitchen ideas are restful with a touch of heritage. Strong yet soothing, it brings an enveloping feel but can also sit quietly and allow bold kitchen furniture to shine.
‘Mixing different shades of olive green works surprisingly well,’ says Charu Gandhi, founder and director, Elicyon. ‘I personally love painting a combination of wall and woodwork in olive green, or using a green tiled backsplash in a kitchen.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PEvq4E4ZqoTJW_4laSoXAA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyNDg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/0e34274a1e67c1fa8c0fb5286ba68ec1 class=caas-img data-headline=”2. Go for green-on-green”> Blue kitchen ideas are a tried-and-tested color pairing that works beautiful in both country and modern kitchens.
Blue room ideas are perfectly suited to kitchens. It may be bold but this deep blue tone is timeless and simple to use. This shade sits happily with other hues of the color for a harmonious, layered look and is beautifully offset with pale tones and warm neutrals, as well as stark white or black.
Think about incorporating rough, touch finishes, too. Schemes with intense, solid color demand texture, like raw wood, battered metal, distressed paintwork and linen to introduce a laid-back element.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kQAbn_uSzkvY4ULEo8r1gg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyNDg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/7a5e880f0431687cdb29ee31a340dc1f class=caas-img data-headline=”1. Go for a classic blue and white color combination”>
