Whether you are planning a kitchen redesign or your existing island needs a refresh but can’t decide on a paint shade, here is why green makes a strong contender…
Thanks to its varied tones, from light sage, muted olive, to dark forest, green is one of the most popular shades in kitchen design. And, it is certainly having a moment right now, says Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company. “As a colour we associate primarily with nature, this grounding shade has an incredible way of reconnecting us with our surroundings, creating moments of calm and positivity,” he says.
Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt, adds, “Regarded as the new neutral, all shades of green continue to grow in popularity and given their strong association with health and wellbeing, the colour green is a great solution for introducing the look and feel of nature in the home.”
Inspired from nature, calming, yet rejuvenating, this colour works well in both contemporary and classic interiors, from sleek handleless units to dark country-style designs. “Shades of green can work particularly well for spaces which involve cooking, socialising and entertaining guests, and so they are a great option for a kitchen island,” advises Josie Medved, design manager at Symphony and Laura Ashley Fitted Kitchens.
The design options are limitless. For example, you can drench both your island and cabinetry in a sumptuous green for a cohesive look. Or you can use contrasting paint, such as a lighter hue on the cabinets and a darker tone on the island, to add depth to your space. Alternatively, make a statement by keeping your cabinetry neutral and painting the island in your favourite shade of green.
So, don’t rush. Grab a bunch of paint swatches, from earthy hues to rich shades, and play around with undertones in different lighting to find your perfect green. “Selecting the right shade is key and it’s important to consider both your personal style and the light within your space. Warmer shades like olive or moss green can help soften the cool light of north-facing rooms, while brighter, south-facing spaces can carry off deeper tones like forest or emerald with confidence,” explains Megan Baker, kitchen design specialist at MyFittedKitchen.com.
Now, to show you what’s possible, I’ve rounded up some striking green kitchen island ideas, from light to dark…
Inspiration gallery
Do you love a light and bright scheme? Opt for a sage, mint, or pistachio green to embrace this nature-inspired kitchen colour. The Devine collection in Moonstone, from £25,000, Tom Howley.Soft and sophisticated, this kitchen by Claire Totman Designs has a sage green island as the heart of the space. It also features Trendtime 6 Oak Mistral Grey Laminate flooring by Parador. Photography: Sarah Griggs.Add visual interest to your kitchen and enhance the tactile experience with a reeded green island. Bespoke kitchen from Makers. Kitchens start from £40,000. Interior design by VBK.Sleek and modern, this kitchen by Roundhouse is drenched in a nature-inspired green. It is complemented by wood accents while the dark coloured worktop draws the eye to the island. Prices start from £35,000.Project by The Vawdrey House. The kitchen includes a multi-functional island painted in a zesty green with wood worktops and leather banquette seating. Photography: Siobhan Doran.This charming kitchen by Herringbone House mixes creamy neutral cabinetry with a striking green island, topped with veiny surfaces. The cabinetry is Rye Style. From £35,000.“A bespoke L-shaped, split-level island offers striking contrast in both form and finish. One side features green contemporary flat-fronted handleless cabinets, while the other showcases simplified cream timber Shaker drawers with elegant brass pull handles,” says Amy Hicks, lead designer at Blakes London. “Topping the design are contrasting worksurfaces: a bold, chunky concrete-effect man-made stone paired with a sleek, low-profile natural marble.”Designed with Fiona Watkins Design Ltd, this Hetherington Newman kitchen features an island with framed cabinets hand-painted in Hornblende Green, reflecting the natural tones of the Lake District countryside that it looks out onto.Are you drawn to statement, opulent designs? Why not go for a luxurious coloured-stone unit. This kitchen mixes nature-inspired elements, and is flooded with natural light. Lava Chevron bespoke flooring, price on application, Havwoods.Achieve a seamless look by matching your island paint colour to the main kitchen cabinetry. Harwood by Laura Ashley Kitchen Collection from Symphony in Hunter Green, from £9000.This pretty and practical island, painted in Farrow & Ball‘s Studio Green, stands out against the white cabinetry. “Studio Green works particularly well because it shifts subtly with the light. In brighter spaces, it reads greener and more botanical, while in the evening it deepens to a near-charcoal hue, giving the room a sophisticated softness,” says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport. Holkham kitchen range, from £40,000, Davonport.Fluting is not going anywhere – welcome the trendy finish into your kitchen with tactile cabinetry. Athena kitchen in Buckingham Green from Wren Kitchens & Bedrooms.
