Bold and Sparkling Jewel-Toned Kitchens Are Trending

A classic, white kitchen is timeless, but cookspaces with more color are on the rise. Jewel tones are becoming top choices for cabinets, islands, backsplash tiles and other kitchen furnishings. "There has been a noticeable shift in client preferences, with many more now leaning towards more color for their kitchens," says designer Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. "They are asking for bold yet sophisticated colors to create a sense of luxury and vibrancy."

Read on to get inspired by these sparkling spaces, and get tips from designers about how to incorporate jewel tones into your kitchen.

As the name implies, jewel tone colors are inspired by the dazzling hues of gemstones — like sapphire, citrine, amethyst and emerald. "Jewel tones evoke a sense of warmth, comfort and elegance," Linda says. To explain the recent shift towards these opulent hues, she says "the desire is often to add a touch of drama while maintaining a sense of elegance and timelessness."

The increase in remote and hybrid work situations plays a part as well. "As people spend more time at home, they seek ways to create spaces that feel both luxurious and inviting. These rich, vibrant colors add personality and depth to a room without being overly loud."

Jewel tones are extremely versatile. "They can add an air of opulence or act as a grounding element in a room," says Linda. "Jewel tones can be warm or cool, and they pair beautifully with both modern and traditional styles."

And that's not all. "The intensity of these colors works well in all lighting conditions, enhancing natural light and making a kitchen feel inviting," she says. "They’re also incredibly flattering against various materials like marble, gold, black and brass, which elevates the entire design."

If you want to use a gemstone shade for kitchen cabinets, how do you decide which one is right for your room? "It’s important to keep the overall feel and size of your space in mind," says Linda. "Rich hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, amethyst purple or ruby red can bring drama and warmth to the kitchen, but balance is key." Her recommendation: "For smaller kitchens, go with deeper, more muted jewel tones. In larger kitchens, you can experiment with bolder shades."

Size is not the only factor when selecting a jewel tone for cabinets. Lighting plays a major role, too. "Jewel tones look their best in spaces with plenty of light, so make sure your kitchen gets enough daylight, or add some bright lighting to enhance the vibrancy," Linda suggests.

"A jewel-toned tile backsplash can add depth and character without overwhelming the space," says designer Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchens and Baths. In this sapphire kitchen, glazed blue subway tiles laid in a herringbone pattern catch the light to create an iridescent effect that subtly contrasts the solid blue cabinets.

Once you've settled on the jewel tone you want to use, you can begin building a palette around it. "Complementary colors are crucial to creating a visually appealing space," says Linda. If a more peaceful look is your goal, Linda suggests pairing a rich jewel tone with warm neutrals, like soft gray, beige or creamy white.

"If you want a more dynamic look, pair jewel tones with contrasting colors from the opposite end of the color wheel," she says. Her advice for a polished finish: "Make sure the complementary colors are in moderation, such as a bold accent wall or colorful accessories, rather than overtaking the entire space."

Selecting bold hues, kitchen appliances, lighting and decor that all work together in the same space is not an easy feat. It all comes down to harmony.

"The key is to balance the richness of the jewel tones with the simplicity of the neutral elements," says says Linda. Her pro tip: "Use a variety of textures like matte finishes for cabinets and shiny tiles or countertops to help balance the intensity of the colors." She also suggests opting for sleek cabinet hardware in gold or brass. "These finishes complement the richness of the colors."

If you're not ready to go all-in with jewel tones, consider starting with a small corner of your kitchen. "We love incorporating these colors in a coffee bar or pantry," says Tanya. Using one of these luxurious hues in a small space creates a dazzling, jewel-box effect and turns a functional corner into a stunning focal point.

Another way to add jewel tones to your space: Bring in new art and furniture. "Hang artwork featuring jewel tones to tie in with the rest of the kitchen decor, or add jewel-toned bar stools or chairs," says Tanya. This is a simpler way to highlight jewel tones "without committing to a complete overhaul." In this dramatic gray and black kitchen, the citrine banquet and coordinating art make this breakfast table feel bright all day long.