Bold, bright and fun, red is perfect for making a statement in your kitchen – dare to be brave?

Red is known to promote an energised and joyful feeling. However, decorating with this statement tone can quickly overpower a kitchen, so you need to carefully consider your colour palette in order to achieve a stylish and balanced design.

Bear in mind that glossy red finishes are best avoided in contemporary kitchens as they can date easily. The common thread of this inspiration gallery is that the designers have used a semi-matt or even a fully matt finish. It is a clever way of toning down and desaturating a bold red shade, and thus making it easier to work with.

Red looks striking in modern Shaker-style kitchens – whether introduced through a vibrant range cooker, a shy pop of colour in a cupboard interior, or full-on painted units. Earthy tones, such as terracotta, rusty reds and deep ochres, are also rising in popularity, especially when paired with dark-stained woods and antique brass finishes.  

What colours go with a red kitchen, I hear you ask? Lighter shades are the main go-tos for toning down vibrant red shades while earthy hues, natural greens and deep black can help you achieve a stand-out design.

Now let’s dive into the inspiration, shall we?

Burgundy and wine-coloured kitchens

Burgundy kitchens are having a moment. Intrigued? This colour is timeless, and it looks great when daubed across both modern and classic cabinetry. From handleless to Shaker, this deep and rich shade is sure to add some intrigue and character to your design.

Want to see more of this burgundy kitchen? Click here for a full tour

We know welcoming this dark hue into your home may seem tricky. But you can pare back burgundy cabinets by combining with lighter tones, such as pinks, creams and whites.

Or – if you love a moody aesthetic – opt for dark woods, statement tiles and matt black appliances. For this particular look, super-matt finishes are ideal.

Rust and terracotta

Rusty reds and terracotta tones have been having a real resurgence since 2022 and they work particularly well with classic Shaker cabinets. When combined with other earthy neutrals, this burnt shade offers a relaxed, country-inspired feel.

Picture a mix of terracotta units with a run of matt black cabinets, dark and chunky appliances, a farmhouse-style sink and pop of brass through the tap, lights and handles. Sounds dreamy, right?

Scarlet and bright red

Turn the vibrancy up in your space and create a rich red kitchen design. Pairing red with white is an iconic blend; it helps tone down the boldness of red and brings more light into the space.

Scroll down to get inspired by red kitchens that ooze character and warmth.

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