Warm Paint Colors for Kitchens
Warm paint colors work wonders in homes and can make kitchens feel especially inviting. Bold and spicy, these shades will energize your space and are smart choices for people who like to entertain.
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Not sure what counts as a warm color? Red, orange and yellow are all warm colors that are believed to raise blood pressure and body temperature—and ultimately make people feel warmer. All three of these colors can make large rooms feel cozier. Reminiscent of sunlight, sand, fire and heat, warm colors can help brighten up a room as well.
Yellow is a warm shade that will instantly wake up a drab kitchen. There are many directions you can go with this warm and sunny shade. For a cheerful vibe, try using a bright yellow paint color on your walls and pair with white cabinets and stainless steel accents. Lighter shades of yellow can create a soft glow and help brighten a space. Pair these lighter shades with gray accents for a sophisticated look or with light blues for a French country feel.
Orange is another warm shade that can instantly transform your kitchen. There are many orange options, from terracotta tones to rich pumpkin. Orange can have a calming effect on your kitchen and often shows up in Tuscan-style cooking spaces.
If you want a warm paint color with lots of personality, red is the way to go. Believed to stimulate the appetite, this spicy hue is striking and bold. It can add drama to a boring space and there are many different ways to incorporate it. For a country kitchen, choose a lighter, washed-out shade that isn't too overwhelming and pair it with white cabinets or lots of distressed wood. If you want to be more adventurous, consider cranberry red, reddish violet or even coral.
If you like warm and cozy colors, but prefer to keep your cooking space neutral, brown shades reminiscent of coffee or chocolate chips can also work well. If you do go a darker route, make sure to incorporate lots of lighter neutrals such as creamy white cabinets and countertops.
If you want to use warm paint colors in your kitchen, but you don't want them on your walls, try painting a table or chairs a cherry red or sunny yellow—or choose accessories in these colors. You won't have to commit to them forever, and you can easily swap in new items when you're ready for a change.
Still stumped on which warm paint colors would work best in your space? A good rule of thumb is to select shades that are next to each other on the color wheel and pair them with a grounding neutral. It's also helpful to balance warm tones with a cool color or two. To find complementary shades, choose ones that are opposite your favorite warm colors on the color wheel.
