White and light-colored wood cabinets along the perimeter of a large kitchen with lots of natural light and a kitchen island with a marble countertop in the center.

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your kitchen. For example, bright colors like yellows and reds energize a space, while cool blues and greens create a sense of peace. Of course, with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which colors will help you achieve the desired effect while pairing nicely with the rest of your home’s decor.

If you’re staring at paint swatches and wondering where to start, this guide can help. We’ll break down everything you need to consider when choosing the perfect paint color for your kitchen.

Tips for Selecting Kitchen Paint Colors

Whether you're aiming for a cozy and inviting space or a sleek and modern look, the right color can set the mood and tie together your kitchen’s entire design. All you need to do to make the best choice for your space is to consider a few different elements, such as the style of your kitchen cabinets and existing light sources.

Consider the Overall Style of Your Kitchen

Country-chic kitchen with gray walls, white shaker style cabinets, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and matte blue kitchen island.

Your kitchen’s style should serve as a foundation for your paint color choice. If you have a farmhouse kitchen, soft pastels or earthy tones can enhance the rustic charm. For a contemporary kitchen, neutral tones like gray or white paired with bold accent colors can create a chic, modern vibe. Keep your current design elements in mind as you narrow down your options.

Pay Attention to Your Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most impactful elements of your kitchen is your cabinetry. The cabinets occupy a large portion of visual space, so their color or finish should complement your wall color. For example, if you have white cabinetry, consider pairing them with soft grays, light blues, or warm beige tones to create a harmonious balance. If your cabinets are already painted a bold hue, opt for a more neutral wall color to avoid overwhelming the space.

Do you have wood-style cabinets? Consider the undertones of the wood. Cherry or mahogany cabinets with reddish tones look stunning against greens or creams, while light oak pairs beautifully with pastel shades or clean whites.

Thinking about changing your cabinetry? Custom kitchen cabinetry offers endless opportunities to personalize your space and perfectly match your chosen wall color.

Assess the Amount of Natural Light

A small kitchen with only two windows and lots of overhead lighting fixtures (including recessed lighting) that has been designed with white and gray cabinets, tile backsplash, and white walls.

Lighting plays a huge role in how a paint color appears. Kitchens with plenty of natural light can handle darker shades like navy or royal blue or even forest green without feeling cramped. However, if your kitchen relies on artificial light, stick with lighter colors to brighten the space and make it feel more open.

Consider the Mood You Want to Create

Think about how you use your kitchen and the atmosphere you’d like to foster. Do you want a lively social hub for family and friends? Opt for warm and vibrant colors. Prefer a serene space to relax while cooking? Cool tones like soft blues or muted greens can help create that calming effect.

Take Room Size Into Account

The size of your kitchen should also influence your paint color decision. Smaller kitchens can feel more open and airy with lighter shades like soft whites, light grays, or pastel colors. On the other hand, larger kitchens can handle bolder or darker hues without feeling cramped. If you’re working with a small space, avoid overly dark tones that might make the room feel even smaller.

Coordinate With Connecting Rooms

A contemporary-style kitchen that has been designed with white cabinets, white walls, chrome fixtures, and a light-colored wood island. A white couch is in the foreground, showing the kitchen's design pairs well with the living room.

If your kitchen opens up to other areas, like a dining room or living space, ensure the paint colors complement each other. Cohesive color schemes create a harmonious flow between rooms. For instance, if your adjacent room features cool tones, consider using a complementary or lighter variation of that color in your kitchen. Conversely, contrasting yet balanced colors can add a dynamic look to your home.

Test Before Committing

Never commit to a kitchen paint color without testing it first. Buy sample-sized cans of a few shades and paint swatches directly on your walls. Observe how the colors change throughout the day under different lighting conditions. This small step can save you from choosing a color you regret later.

Popular Kitchen Color Schemes

Still need help narrowing your options down? You can never go wrong with any of these kitchen paint colors:

Classic White: White is a timeless choice for kitchens, as it provides a clean and airy feel. You can pair white walls with white cabinets for a monochromatic look or add warmth with beige or taupe accents.
Subtle Neutrals: Neutral tones like beige, taupe, and light gray are great for creating a calming and sophisticated kitchen. These shades provide a perfect backdrop for colorful accents and work particularly well with wood cabinetry and stone countertops.
Soft Blues and Greens: Cool shades like pale blue or sage green bring a soothing atmosphere to the kitchen. These colors are especially popular in coastal and farmhouse-style kitchens, as they evoke a connection to nature. Pair these tones with white or light wood cabinetry for a fresh and inviting look.
Bold, Dark Blues and Greens: For those looking to make a statement, rich colors like navy blue, charcoal gray, or deep emerald green are striking choices. These bold tones add depth and drama to larger kitchens and can be balanced with a light-colored tile backsplash or cabinetry to avoid feeling too dark.
Sunny and Warm Yellows: Yellow adds a cheerful and welcoming vibe to any kitchen. From soft buttercream to vibrant mustard, this color works well in traditional and rustic kitchens and pairs beautifully with white tile backsplashes and wood cabinetry.
Earthy Terracotta and Clay Tones: Warm, earthy hues like terracotta and clay are trending in kitchens. These colors complement natural materials like stone and wood and offer a unique and grounded feel.

Enhance Your Kitchen With Custom Cabinetry

A modern kitchen design with custom cabinets, light green tile backsplash, and dark wood floors.

While choosing the perfect paint color can dramatically transform your kitchen, sometimes the best way to elevate your space’s style and functionality is to invest in new cabinetry. Custom cabinets allow you to tailor every detail to your taste, from the material and finish to the layout and storage features. Whether you prefer classic wooden cabinets or bold, painted designs, Sean’s Cabinetry specializes in creating stunning cabinetry that promises to complement your vision.

With beautifully crafted cabinets and the best kitchen paint color, your dream home is within reach. Ready to get started? Contact Sean’s Cabinetry today to schedule a consultation for new cabinets.

How to Choose a Paint Color for Your Kitchen