Creating the Perfect Palette for Your Kitchen

Choosing the right colour palette for your kitchen is crucial to creating a space that feels welcoming, functional, and reflective of your unique style. Think about how you use your kitchen—whether for cooking, family gatherings, or socialising with friends—as this can guide your palette choices. Here is our advice for finding the perfect kitchen colour scheme.

Start with a Vision for Your Kitchen

Begin by visualising what you want the kitchen’s atmosphere to convey. Whether you prefer an energetic, bright kitchen or a cosy, rustic vibe, identifying your overall goal will make choosing colours much easier. Think about your style preferences, like modern, traditional, country or contemporary, as these can help factor into certain colour schemes. If you’re unsure, check out our Inspiration Gallery for some examples of various styles and colours!

Strada Matte – Marine | Jacobsen – Taupe Grey & Light Teal | Madison – Vintage Pink

Consider your Kitchen Size and Layout

From large open-plan spaces to narrow galley kitchens, your kitchen size and layout can impact how colours can look and feel. For larger kitchens, consider darker, richer colours such as Deep Forest or Marine for your cabinets for a cosy feel, or experiment with a colour duo across walled cabinetry and an island, such as Shell and Antique Red. Go for lighter shades such as Brilliant White, Light Grey or Shell in a smaller kitchen to create the illusion of space. Using lighter or darker shades strategically can transform how your kitchen feels, so don’t be afraid to play with contrast, especially in open or multifunctional spaces.

Colour Inspiration

Neutral Shades for a Timeless Look

A classic choice, neutral shades such as beige, greys and whites are incredibly versatile, providing a clean, airy and timeless look. Shades such as Shell and Light Grey are ideal for adding both warmth and neutrality, while Porcelain is perfect to pair with a bold accent colour such as Heritage Green to create depth without overwhelming the space.

Clifden – Porcelain & Heritage Green

Cool Colours for Calm & Balance

Fresh greens and soft blues evoke a sense of calm, making them great for kitchens, and allowing you to relax while cooking. Shades of green such as Reed Green and Cardamom reflect a sense of health and balance, while shades of blue such as Airforce and Slate Blue create a calming backdrop for a muted, more refined look.

Pembridge – Reed Green | Georgia – Airforce

Warm Earthy Tones to Energise and Invigorate

Earthly colours add warmth and can stimulate energy and appetite, which can benefit kitchens. Antique Red, Lava and Stone are ideal for a rustic feel or can be used as accents alongside a warm, neutral shade. Pair these colours with natural wood elements, open shelving, or brass accents for warmth.

Lawrenson – Shell & Antique Red

Contemplate Lighting Conditions

Lighting is essential to how colours appear in your kitchen. Here’s how to consider your kitchen’s light sources:

• Natural Light: In kitchens with abundant natural light, deeper colours like Indigo and Graphite won’t make the space feel dark or cramped, but cool-toned colours may appear more vibrant or cooler in bright sunlight.
• Artificial Lighting: For kitchens relying on artificial lighting, warmer shades or those with warm undertones, like Cashmere or Willow, can balance the light. LEDs or under-cabinet lighting also help accentuate your palette.
• Accent Lighting: Pendant lights over an island or wall lighting near open shelving can highlight specific colours or textures. Consider using a darker shade above cabinetry that transitions to a lighter shade lower down to prevent a boxed-in effect.

Pembridge – Indigo | Harborne – Heritage Green | Zola Soft-Matte – Cashmere & White

Bringing It All Together

Once you’ve chosen the right paint colours, consider how they pair with other elements in your kitchen, such as countertops, backsplash, appliances, and cabinetry. A harmonious kitchen colour palette isn’t only about paint; it’s about creating a unified aesthetic.

Use these tips to guide your palette selection and make sure each colour and finish reflects both functionality and style. With the right combination of colours, lighting, and finishes, you’ll create a kitchen that not only looks beautiful but also feels like the heart of your home.

Ready to start your kitchen transformation? Book a Design Appointment with one of our expert retailers for personalised guidance and to explore more options tailored to your space