A kitchen redesign presents the perfect opportunity to add personality with color. Whether you prefer a minimalist style or something more eclectic, thoughtful use of color can transform the heart of your home into a warm, welcoming space that reflects your aesthetic. From cabinetry to counters to backsplashes, each design element offers a chance to incorporate hues that excite you.

When working with color, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. White and gray schemes are popular, but for many homeowners, nothing beats the visual pop of deep blues, vibrant greens, and sunny yellows. Integrating multiple colors often yields the most compelling designs, though single standout shades can also have a big impact. Consider your goals for the new kitchen as you evaluate the color possibilities.

Selecting a Color Scheme

Choosing a color palette sets the tone for the whole kitchen design. Keep the following tips in mind as you put together your palette:

• Consider the mood you want to create. Warm reds, oranges, and yellows evoke energy and cheer. Cool blues, greens, and purples create a more relaxing vibe. Neutrals like white, black, gray, and brown promote simplicity.
• Complement your home’s existing architecture and finishes. Look at colors used in adjacent spaces and on fixed elements like floors and countertops to guide your choices.
• Factor in the amount of natural and artificial light. Bold colors show best in bright spaces, while soft hues are more soothing in dim environments.
• Focus on one or two main colors. Limiting the palette prevents chaos. Tie it together with consistent secondary shades.
• Allow your personal preferences to shine. Choose hues you find beautiful and uplifting. An eclectic look that expresses your style will feel more cohesive than forcing colors you don’t genuinely love.
• Consider resale value. Neutrals offer the widest appeal if you plan to sell soon, but for long-term homes, don’t shy away from bolder choices that make you smile.

Cabinet Color Ideas

Cabinetry covers significant visual real estate in most kitchens. Whether you opt for painted or stained wood, laminate, or thermofoil, cabinet color dramatically impacts the room’s look and feel.

Popular Cabinet Color Trends

Some of today’s most popular kitchen cabinet color choices include:

• White – Clean, bright white creates a light and airy look. It also acts as a blank canvas for integrating other colorful accents.
• Gray – From light pewter to dark charcoal, gray offers a sophisticated and neutral option. Pair with contrasting metals and textures to keep the look from becoming monotonous.
• Black – Striking and dramatic, black cabinets make a bold stylistic statement. Accent with lighter metals, marbles, and glass for contrast.
• Navy blue – Deep blue cabinetry immediately draws the eye. Complement with brass hardware, marble counters, and warm wood flooring.
• Green – An unexpected but versatile cabinet color, green ranges from soft sage to vivid emerald. It pairs well with natural wood and stone.

Creative Uses of Color

Beyond traditional cabinet colors, some creative options include:

• Two-toned cabinets – Mix a neutral base with a colorful upper for an updated twist. Try white below, navy blue above.
• Ombré – Gradating from light to dark or one color to another provides visual interest. For example, fade white cabinets up into a blue or green upper.
• Color blocking – Use squares or rectangles of different colors on cabinet faces and sides. Adhere to a color scheme for cohesion.
• Vibrant colors – Make a statement with a fully saturated color like cadmium red, canary yellow, or cobalt blue. Keep other elements simple to prevent overwhelm.

Countertop Color Pairings

Countertops cover significant visual real estate and should coordinate with your cabinetry. Here are some top color combinations:

• White cabinets + marble countertops – This classic pairing exudes timeless elegance. The white and gray veining of the marble pops against the bright cabinet backdrop.
• Espresso cabinets + quartz countertops – Rich espresso cabinetry allows you to integrate a colorful quartz countertop with a bold pattern or bright hue, like deep teal or crimson.
• Navy cabinets + butcher block – Complementing the bold navy with natural butcher block warms up the look. The wood’s varying tones add dimensional contrast.
• Black cabinets + white quartz – A crisp white quartz counter transitions seamlessly from black cabinet bases, creating a clean and dramatic contrast.
• Green cabinets + soapstone – Soapstone’s dark grayish-green shade beautifully coordinates with both light and dark green cabinetry while providing an earthy elemental contrast.

Backsplash Color And Pattern Ideas

Ceramic, metal, glass, and stone backsplashes elevate a basic back wall into an eye-catching focal point. Consider these approaches for integrating color through backsplashes:

• Tiling a focal area – Tile the entire wall, or highlight just behind the cooktop or around a window. Opt for a bold pattern or vivid colors.
• Tiling with color variations – Use differently colored tiles in the same hue family, like light and dark blues or soft and saturated greens. Vary matte and glossy finishes.
• Multicolor mosaics – Intersperse tiny tiles of different colors and shapes to form kaleidoscopic patterns. The smaller the tiles, the bolder you can go with bright colors.
• Metallic mosaics – Alternating metallic glossy and matte tiles in colors like bronze, silver, gunmetal, and copper create modern sparkling designs.
• Plain metal sheets – For a sleek industrial look, install large metal panels like zinc or stainless steel. The neutral metallic color pairs well with any cabinetry.

Flooring Color Choices

Kitchen flooring covers a wide area, impacting the room’s overall aesthetic. Consider how floor color complements your cabinetry and counters:

• Same color family – Choose floor tile or linoleum in the same color family as the cabinets for a cohesive effect. For navy blue cabinets, lay deep blue tile floors.
• Contrasting color – Use floor color to provide contrast and definition. For white cabinets, stain the floors a dark espresso. Tile in the secondary palette color also works well.
• Wood floors – Hardwood imparts natural warmth. For cool-toned cabinets like blue or green, pick a wood with golden undertones like oak. With gray cabinets, go for ash or maple.
• Patterned floors – Make a statement by laying tile with bold patterns and multiple colors. Use unified colors like blue and aqua or red and orange so it doesn’t clash.
• Neutral floors – You can never go wrong with timeless options like black and white checkerboard tile, beige stone, or light hardwood. They allow cabinets and counters to take center stage.

Appliance Color Options

Kitchen appliances represent major purchases that you’ll live with for years. Luckily, appliance colors now go far beyond basic white and bisque to offer a full spectrum of possibilities.

Playful Pops of Color

Introducing brightly colored appliances into a neutral kitchen makes for an instant focal point while injecting personality:

• Red appliances – A red refrigerator, oven range or dishwasher provides retro flair against a black, white or chrome palette.
• Blue appliances – Shades like cobalt, teal and navy create brilliant contrast against marble and wood. Stainless remains versatile.
• Yellow appliances – From pale buttercup to bright taxi cab, yellow attracts the eye while exuding cheer. Pair with white cabinetry for crisp definition.
• Green appliances – Lime green blends well with cool grays, while emerald complements navy cabinetry. Deep green pops against light wood floors.
• Orange appliances – Copper, pumpkin and terra-cotta appliances stand out without overwhelming adjoining neutrals. White and chrome metals keep them grounded.

Coordinated Suites

For a unified look, select coordinating appliance suites featuring your preferred hues:

• Black stainless – Sleek black stainless fridges, ovens, dishwashers, and microwaves project modern minimalism. Accent with wood floors and concrete counters.
• White suite – All-white appliances emit crisp, clean refinement. Allow colorful backsplashes and patterned cabinetry to be the focus.
• Retro pastels – Cottage-inspired mint green or baby blue suites evoke 1950s charm. Update with brass hardware and farmhouse sinks.
• Saturated colors – Fully commit to your favorite hue with a single-color appliance suite. Provide balance with wood cabinets, marble counters and natural textiles.

Paint Color Combinations

Don’t neglect walls, trim, ceilings and accent elements when integrating color. With cabinets, counters and appliances in place, identify ideal paint colors to unify the look.

• Neutral backdrop – Paint walls and ceilings a light neutral like tan, light gray, or cream. Allow colorful cabinetry, counters, appliances and decor to pop in the foreground.
• Bold wall color – Make a dramatic style statement with intensely saturated accent walls in colors like eggplant, coral, turquoise or chartreuse. Keep other elements quiet.
• Tonal color scheme – Use multiple shades of one color on walls, cabinetry and textiles for subtle harmony. Try light to charcoal grays or pale yellow to mustard.
• Contrasting trims – Frame colorful walls with bright white trims and ceilings to add definition. Or echo wall colors with deeper hues on moldings and baseboards.
• Patterned paint – Incorporate color and visual interest by painting geometric patterns, ornate stencils or murals using two or more complementary hues.

Creative Color Accents

Don’t overlook the power of smaller details like stools, pendant lights, vases and window treatments to provide color accents:

• Stools – Sitting areas benefit tremendously from colorful seating. Try clear acrylic or colored plastic stools, or upholstered seats in vivid patterns.
• Lighting – Hang pendant lights and under-cabinet fixtures in metallic hues like gold, rose gold, bronze and gunmetal to inject shine.
• Window treatments – Hang patterned curtains or roman shades using your accent colors and materials like colorful chintz, ikat or batik fabrics.
• Rugs – Define kitchen zones by placing vibrant patterned wool, cotton, jute or leather rugs around sinks, counters, and tables.
• Accessories – Display your favorite hue prominently with countertop appliances like stand mixers, fruit bowls, and knife blocks.

Achieving Balance

When working with an extensive color palette across multiple elements, maintaining balance is key. Follow these guidelines:

• Vary color intensities – If the cabinetry is intensely colored, choose softer backsplash and accent hues. With a neutral foundation, use bolder accents.
• Limit high-contrast combinations – Pairing extremely dark and light values can create harsh tension. Add midtone colors as transitions instead of stark contrasts.
• Unify with recurring colors – Repeat a single accent color in multiple places, like lighting, stools and rugs, to create coherence.
• Maintain visual flow – Arrange color in logical ways that don’t interrupt sightlines. Progress through the color scheme as you move through the kitchen.
• Consider sheen – Balancing matte, satin, and glossy surfaces avoids overwhelming glare. Match appliance and lighting sheens to adjacent cabinetry.
• Check lighting effects – Colors appear different in daylight and artificial light. Preview paints, fabrics and finishes under both conditions.

Psychological Effects of Color

Beyond just aesthetics, color choices impart moods that affect how people interact with the space on a subconscious level. Consider these common associations:

Warm Colors

• Red – Stimulating, energetic, passionate, appetite inducing
• Orange – Uplifting, creative, youthful, enthusiastic
• Yellow – Joyful, bright, fresh, friendly
• Brown – Natural, wholesome, grounded, reassuring

Cool Colors

• Blue – Calming, peaceful, comforting, orderly
• Green – Restorative, stable, focused, tranquil
• Purple – Sophisticated, spiritual, mysterious, nostalgic
• Gray – Balanced, practical, solid, secure

Neutrals

• White – Clean, simple, open, clarity enhancing
• Black – Bold, sophisticated, dramatic, defining

Keep these emotional influences in mind as you evaluate colors for your new kitchen. The right hues can both uplift your mood and support the activities performed in the space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular kitchen color schemes?

Today’s most popular kitchen color schemes include:

• White cabinetry with neutral backsplashes and metallic accents
• Dark cabinetry with light marble counters and wood floors
• Navy blue cabinetry with brass fixtures and white counters
• Black cabinetry with wood floors and stainless steel appliances
• Earthy schemes with green cabinetry, butcher block, and ceramic tiles

How do I choose cabinet colors?

Choosing cabinet colors involves considering the existing architecture, the amount of light, your preferred color scheme, intended activities, resale value, and personal style preferences. Neutrals like white, gray and wood are common, but don’t overlook navy, green, black, or two-toned options if they suit your aesthetic.

What colors look best with quartz countertops?

Quartz counters come in nearly endless colors from neutrals to bold hues. For light quartz, choose darker cabinet colors like navy blue, black, gray or wood. For darker quartz, pair with light cabinets like white, beige or light wood. Colorful quartz counters look best against white or neutral cabinets.

Should floor and cabinet colors match?

It’s not mandatory for floors and cabinets to perfectly match, but the colors should coordinate. Use floor materials in the same color family as the cabinetry, or opt for contrasting colors that complement them. Similar tones with different textures also work well. Just avoid clashing colors.

What is the most popular color for kitchen appliances?

For decades, white and bisque have been the most popular kitchen appliance colors by far. However, stainless steel and black stainless are now also in demand for their sleek, modern look. Vibrantly colored appliances are an emerging trend, especially retro hues like red, light blue and mint green.

What color cabinets are in style for 2023?

According to design experts, popular 2023 kitchen cabinet colors include light gray, blue-gray, sage green, navy blue, black, white, wood tones, and two-tone combinations. Soft, organic hues and materials like wood will edge out the ultra-sleek industrial look. Unique colors that express personality are also in.

Conclusion

The ideal kitchen artfully blends color across cabinetry, counters, backsplashes, appliances and accent elements to produce a cohesive, inspiring aesthetic. Whether you prefer a soothing oasis or vibrant showpiece, thoughtful color choices greatly enhance both the room’s beauty and your enjoyment of the space. Take time to consider how different hues fit your goals, architecture, lifestyle and personality as you design your dream kitchen. With so many possibilities, you can confidently infuse color that energizes, uplifts and delights.

A Kitchen That Cooks With Color and Creativity – Detailed FAQs

What colors make a kitchen look modern?

Some popular color choices that create a modern look in the kitchen include:

• Crisp white cabinetry paired with black stainless steel appliances and chrome fixtures
• Dark charcoal gray cabinets with glossy white or black countertops
• Navy blue cabinetry with brass accents and marble counters
• Black cabinets with wood flooring and pops of bright color from appliances and decor
• Soft sage green cabinets with light natural wood accents and white counters

In general, limiting the palette, using high-contrast colors, shiny finishes, and sleek lines will convey modernity.

How do you mix and match kitchen colors?

Focus the color scheme around one or two main colors, like your cabinet and counter hues. Then integrate complementary colors from the same side of the color wheel for accents. For example, navy blue cabinets with a marble counter could include brass fixtures, sky blue decor, and touches of emerald green and golden yellow. Keep secondary colors lighter and less saturated so they don’t overpower the main colors. Unify everything with consistent paint colors.

What color cabinets make a small kitchen look bigger?

Light, bright colors enlarge a visually small kitchen. White or light gray cabinets appear airier and reflect light around the room. Glass cabinet doors help continue sightlines. For contrast from floors to ceiling, avoid choosing cabinet colors too similar to existing finishes. Deep hues like navy blue can work with sufficient light, but very dark cabinets reduce the sense of space.

What is the most popular backsplash color for 2023?

Earthy, organic backsplash materials are expected to trend in 2023. Choices like stone slabs, marble and travertine in natural cream and gray hues are increasingly popular. Terracotta tiles and wood backsplashes are also growing on-trend. If using ceramic tile, blended multi-colored mosaics will edge out stark white subway tile.

What color backsplash goes with dark cabinets?

Several backsplash colors beautifully complement dark espresso, charcoal or black cabinets, including:

• Bright white or light gray subway tiles
• Beige and cream marble, travertine or limestone
• Multicolor stone and glass mosaics
• Rustic wood planks
• Metallic tiles like hammered copper or stainless steel

Avoid matching extremely dark cabinetry with equally dark backsplashes, as the kitchen may become