Ready to add a splash of colour to your kitchen? With so many shades available, it’s hard to pick one. KBB journo Charlotte Luxford explores which truly work best…

Being someone who works in the world of interiors, it’s hard not to be tempted by the latest trends, and I often find myself lured by beautiful imagery of colourful kitchens. At the moment, it’s those earthy ochres, olive greens and dusky pinks that have got me musing over whether I should repaint my own kitchen.

I chose Mylands’ Museum shade when I painted my cabinets a couple of years ago, and despite being on the ‘safer’ end of the colour spectrum, I stand by it. It’s not quite green, not quite grey, nor blue, yet it picks up on tones that are elsewhere in my open-plan space – so I love it for its versatility.

What are the most popular kitchen colours?

Perhaps, unsurprisingly, the big hitters of the kitchen industry told me – almost unanimously – that their best-selling colours were in fact greens, blues, greys and neutrals. When I asked why, Melissa Klink, creative director at Harvey Jones, said it’s simply because they’re easier to live with. “Muddied versions of these neutral tones tend to work best, as they act as more of a backdrop rather than competing with other shades,” she reveals. “Choosing very intense mid-tones can sometimes feel overpowering, so they’re best used as accents. Maybe on an island unit or inside a cupboard, rather than the main colour in a kitchen.”

Dominic Myland, chief executive officer at Mylands, and Shehryar Khan of Sheraton Interiors, among others, also cited the fact that these top colours are grounded in nature, offering a calm and organic feel that resonates with homeowners, as well as providing that innate sense of timelessness.

Interestingly, what’s also been made abundantly clear is that, when choosing a scheme, homeowners are now drawn towards softer, warm-toned hues rather than the cooler shades favoured a decade ago. These tones create a welcoming and convivial space to entertain, with plaster pinks used increasingly as a neutral, as well as green-tinged blues and red-toned greys. 

So, what kitchen colours should you choose?

In terms of colours to avoid, while many agree that you should choose the shade that ‘speaks’ to you, there are some that are just harder to live with or you may tire of more easily. “I would say a really bright blue, red or bright pink are probably our least popular shades,” reveals Rebecca Nokes, design director at John Lewis of Hungerford. 

Of course, your colour choice will depend a lot on the space itself and your lifestyle. If you’ve got little ones like me, lighter shades that show up sticky finger marks and scrapes from ride-on cars zooming around the island (or is that just in my kitchen?) might be best avoided in the high-traffic zones and best saved for wall units.

Conversely, super-dark colours are notorious for showing dust and smudges, so there’s a fine line as to what’s practical. The finish will also determine what’s best. Hard-wearing eggshell or satin finishes are a safe bet for painted kitchens while contemporary kitchens with slab or handleless doors may be better suited to sprayed matt finishes.

Lighting

Different lighting conditions – natural light, artificial light and the direction of light – can dramatically affect how colours look in your kitchen, too. Check which direction your kitchen is facing, as north-facing kitchens will most likely require warmer tones to avoid it feeling cold, whereas in a south-facing kitchen, you’ll have more flexibility. The best thing to do is to make sure you pick up samples and try them in your space at various times of the day so you can see how the colour looks in different lights. 

Obviously, it’s not just the colour of the units but the walls, too, that will have an impact on your overall scheme. Some companies, including Little Greene, helpfully have colour scales that make it easier to choose a paint shade that’s a tonal variation of your kitchen colour, or a colour consultant can help you choose a complimentary shade that will work with your kitchen cabinetry.

Colour drenching your kitchen

Increasingly, more people are opting for the bolder choice of colour drenching their kitchens, where the units and walls blend into one another – it’s particularly effective in smaller kitchens, where a darker colour will make the space feel cosy, whereas a lighter colour will help bounce the natural light around, making it feel more spacious. Again, if you go for this option, it’s important to mix it up texture-wise to ensure there’s plenty of visual interest. Another way to introduce a surprise pop of colour without committing to a bold shade for your kitchen is to highlight architectural details, such as architraves, doors and window frames within your kitchen space.

What are some ‘safe’ options?

If you choose one of the ‘safer’ colours, it’s best to ensure there’s textural variation, according to Will Durrant of Herringbone Kitchens, which will stop it from looking flat and one-dimensional. “You can use stained wood, heavily veined worktops, reeded glass, open shelving, timber or stone flooring, or patterned tile splashbacks,” says Will.

“Introducing a second colour will also add instant interest. Depending on the colour combinations, a two-tone kitchen can bring harmony, contrast or boldness to the space, which will make you want to spend even more time there.” 

Whatever you decide, it’s all about achieving the right balance and hierarchy, according to Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune. “Consider the visual weight of your chosen work surface against the cabinet colour; is it a comfortable pairing or does the cabinet colour dominate? Is the colour warm or cool? Consider the warmth of a timber work surface or the sleek coolness of Carrara marble to find the right balance. If you are using a patterned tile for the splashback, it will help if there is a touch of the cabinet colour represented in the design. Gather your samples together and create a moodboard where you can see all the materials together. This will help you identify any weak spots in your design before you commit.”

Your kitchen, your way

Ultimately, your kitchen is probably one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. The colour you choose should truly resonate with you. As long as you won’t fall out of love with it, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s a safe or sellable shade. However, if you’re on the fence or feeling indecisive, it’s best to stick with a more neutral choice overall which you can pep up with pops of colours later on. 

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