Kitchen paint colours: finding the right colours for your kitchen

'A room with a hue' may be just what the interior designer ordered for an old or tired kitchen, but understanding the effects of particular colours can be important when choosing your kitchen colour scheme.

Popular colours in the kitchen

The kitchen is an ideal canvas for colour – assuming you get it right. Interior designer Fay Cooper of Cooper Robinson Interiors says neutral bases teamed with touches of bold colour are the current trends when it comes to kitchen colours.

"Latte, coffee, chocolate, charcoal and white are popular bases, with an injection of colour used to spice up the area," she explains. "For example, chocolate benchtops, white cabinets and stone floors can be set off with a bright red, citrus or orange splashback."

Because colour has an emotional presence, understanding our 'mood for hues' is the key to choosing a successful combination of kitchen paint colours. But not only can it influence the feel of the kitchen, the right colour can also make a kitchen feel larger or lighter.

Warm colours

"Warm colours include reds, oranges and yellows," says Fay. "These colours convey passion, fire and optimism. People who aren't afraid to be bold and decisive are often attracted to this kind of kitchen colour scheme." In a dark kitchen with poor light, yellow can have a warming effect, making it appear brighter and more inviting. 

Neutral kitchen colours

Inoffensive neutral kitchen paint colours include whites, browns and greys. "Neutrals are for people who want to achieve a balanced and practical look with their surroundings," Fay explains. "Neutral colours also allow the freedom to change accessories to suit your mood."  

As white is highly reflective, it's fantastic for maximising the available light in a kitchen that is not blessed with abundant natural light. There are many options with the neutral palette, from warmer to cooler tones. Beige and biscuit are some of the most popular - they are warm, inviting and effortlessly chic.

Cool kitchen colours

"Cool shades include green and blue, and are suited to people who want to achieve visual peace and harmony," says Fay. "Blues and greens are known for their refreshing, invigorating, cooling and calming effects." 

Cooler kitchen colour schemes can include a range of hues: Pale duck-egg blues to gelati tones of icy blue and pale sherbets lead the way in this palette, and the right tones can evoke a very feminine interior. Pale blues and greens are always fresh and clean and can look great as a feature splashback colour.

Dark kitchen colours

"Dark shades include purple and black – these colours appeal to people who desire a sophisticated, powerful, or glamorous look," Fay explains. While black is often used in Japanese-style kitchens, it can also add impact to a minimalist, pared-back kitchen design.

"Accents of aubergine or raspberry work very well in a black kitchen, as does the classic combination of black and white - another timeless scheme," says Fay.

For more colours for the kitchen, find a paint store in your area: