Best Colors to Paint a Kitchen

Discover the best paint colors to use in your kitchen.

Blue and white kitchen features antique area rugs and green pendant.

Contemporary Kitchen With Navy Cabinets, Marble Countertops and Opulent Bronze Hardware

This home's bold color story continues in the kitchen, where upper and lower cabinets, a spacious island and a custom range hood feature a crisp coat of navy paint. An olive green vintage-inspired pendant adds a bit of contrast, as does patterned fabric above the window, white subway tile and a pair of intricate rugs.

Photo by: Kacey Gilpin

Kacey Gilpin

Choosing paint colors can be a time-consuming and frustrating process when there are so many shades to choose from. The good news is that are certain colors that work best in specific rooms.

Choose Warm and Welcoming Colors

When it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space.

Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens. Red is incredibly versatile and there are multiple shades that would really pop in a kitchen, either on the cabinets or the walls.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

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White Kitchens Feel Cleaner

Most people start their days in their kitchens, and white can really energize a room. It feels fresh and clean, and an all-white kitchen will really wake you up the minute you step in it. You can also have more fun with your countertops and backsplash in an all-white kitchen and choose brighter colors or designs for those.

The Rising Popularity of Gray


Gray is a neutral that's been taking center stage lately in many homes. It often gets categorized as being too cold, but with the right shade, it can work wonders in a kitchen. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with a wide array of other colors and is the perfect base to build upon in a kitchen. It also works well as a countertop or cabinet color.

Catching Up: Blue Kitchens

Blue is another color that works well in kitchens. When lighter shades of blue are used, they can create a crisp, clean look and are recommended for walls, cabinets, or even the ceiling. Blue is an invigorating color and works best when used sparingly; otherwise it can overpower a room. Dark blues also work well in kitchens, but it's important to accent the rest of the room with hints of white, gray or other neutral tones to keep it from feeling too intense and dark.

Classic, Happy Yellow

Like a ray of sunshine, yellow can instantly brighten up a room. Also believed to make people hungry, yellow has a soothing quality and will instantly make people feel calm and happy in your kitchen. A good option for small spaces, yellow can make rooms feel bigger and brighter, and it pairs well with white and gray accents.

The Trend for Organic, Natural Elements Spells Green

Green is also a smart shade to use in the kitchen. There are many different shades to choose from including mint and apple green, which pair nicely with white and wood accents. If you're willing to be more adventurous, try a rich emerald green. A striking shade, it can add a jolt of energy to the kitchen when used for an accent wall, cabinets, an island or even the floor.

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