Paint Colors for Kitchens

Learn how to devise a paint palette for your kitchen.

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Kitchen of the HGTV Dream Home 2013 located on Kiawah Island in South Carolina.

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There's no set rule on where to start when it comes to choosing a color palette for your kitchen, but your wall color can help dictate how you design the rest of the room.

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Some popular paint colors for kitchens include yellow, red, blue, white and green. Overall, lighter wall colors tend to work well in kitchens and can create an airy and inviting atmosphere.

When deciding on a color palette for your kitchen, it's important to think about the overall design of your home and the vibe you're trying to achieve. Ask yourself how you want your kitchen to feel. Is it country chic? Modern and sleek? French bistro? There are many different pieces of your kitchen that need to coordinate, including your cabinets, countertops, backsplash, wall color and even appliances.

The color of your cabinets can also have a major effect on the overall design of your kitchen. Many people play it safe and go with white cabinets, a fresh and classic look. Others gravitate toward wood cabinets in a range from blond to brunette while other options include dark gray, navy blue or even bright red.

If you definitely want to paint your cabinets a color, consider using a lighter color on top and the deeper color on bottom, or vice versa. Or, if you have an island, just paint the bottom of that a different color and keep the other cabinets neutral. This will help the kitchen from feeling overpowered by one hue.

Countertops are another area in the kitchen where you can incorporate some color. Available in a wide array of natural materials and bold custom colors, countertop options are endless. Classic marble or butcher-block-style wood are neutral choices that work well with a variety of wall and cabinet colors, while granite, quartz and other surfaces come in a wide range of colors.

Backsplashes are another way to add some color to your kitchens, and there are many different directions to go. You can choose from simple white tiles to more intricate and colorful designs. If you're set on using bold colors in your kitchen, your backsplash is a safe place to do it, and it can help liven up more neutral cabinets and countertops.

One of the safest ways to add color to your kitchen is via your walls and kitchen accessories. Chalkboard walls are in style right now and they can make a great addition to a kitchen. A classic black chalkboard is one option, but there are other colors you can choose from that might work better in your particular space.

If you have a table in your kitchen, consider painting the chairs a bright contrasting color. A colorful standing mixer, vibrant dishtowels, a cheerful window treatment, a quirky light fixture or colorful hardware can also help brighten the space.