Painting your kitchen walls green can add a fresh, lively ambiance to the space. With so many shades to choose from, green offers tons of options to match any style. Here are some of the best green paint colors to consider for your kitchen.
Sage Green
A soothing sage green evokes thoughts of the outdoors. It works well with natural materials like wood cabinets and granite countertops. Sage green pairs nicely with colors like cream, beige and terracotta. It’s a relaxing hue perfect for cottage or farmhouse kitchens. Try Sherwin-Williams Jojoba or Behr Silverdrop.
Avocado Green
Avocado green is back in style after being popular in mid-century modern kitchens. Today it feels retro yet current. Deeper than sage, avocado greens are vibrant without being overpowering. It can be dressed up with brass hardware or turned earthy with dark wood accents. Pair it with deep oranges or sunny yellows. Consider Behr Guacamole or Valspar Velvet Avocado.
Olive Green
The muted hue of olive green is versatile enough for any kitchen. It’s earthy without feeling drab or dark. Olives complement traditionally masculine spaces with darker woods as well as bright, eclectic spaces equally well. Pair olive greens with terracotta tile, butcher block counters or navy cabinetry. Check out Olive Sprig by Valspar or Full Steam Ahead by Sherwin-Williams.
Mint Green
Mint green is a cool, inviting choice for kitchens. Its crisp hue feels energizing but not over-stimulating. Mint looks great with white, gray and even peach for a preppy, cheerful vibe. Or accent with metallics like bronze and gold for an elegant, artistic ambiance. Think Valspar Mint Chocolate or Sherwin-Williams Mineral Spring.
Emerald Green
For drama, choose a rich emerald green. Its deep jewel tone makes a bold statement. Emerald works best with lots of natural light, where it almost glows. Pair it with marble, brass and gold accents for an opulent feel. Or temper its intensity with creamy white. Consider Behr Emerald Isle or Sherwin-Williams Everglade.
Kelly Green
Kelly green pops with its bright, energetic hue. This leprechaun-green instantly livens up any space. Use it sparingly on an accent wall or interior door to add surprise. Kelly green looks great with crisp white trim or ebony cabinetry for contrast. It pairs well with citrus tones too. Explore Behr Shamrock or Greensleeves by Sherwin-Williams.
Lime Green
For the boldest of bold, there’s lime green. This vibrant, zesty hue electrifies any space. Use sparingly on a backsplash or single wall unless you really want to make a statement. Lime green looks best against neutrals like white, gray and black. Add texture and natural materials to soften its intensity. Options include Sherwin-Williams Chartreuse or Behr Electric Lime.
Picking the Perfect Green
When selecting the perfect green, consider the size of your space and how much natural light it gets. Bold, bright greens like lime or kelly are best reserved for small spaces or accent walls. Go for muted hues like sage or olive in larger, bright rooms. Deeper emeralds and avocados work well in dim spaces. You’ll also want to factor in cabinetry, countertops and flooring to find a complementary color. Be sure to look at paint swatches at different times of day since greens can shift in tone based on lighting. With so many green options, you’re sure to find one that brings a fresh, lively feel to your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Kitchen Paint Colors
What are some popular green paint colors for kitchens?
Some top green paint colors for kitchens include sage, avocado, olive, mint, emerald, kelly and lime green. Classic mid-century colors like avocado are back in style along with energetic brights like kelly green. Earthy hues like sage and olive are always relaxing options.
What color cabinets go well with green walls?
White or light wood cabinets pair nicely with green kitchen walls, as do dramatic dark woods like ebony. Stick with neutral countertops and floors to keep the green as the focal point. Accent with metallics like brass or bronze hardware for a luxe vibe.
Should I paint all my kitchen walls green?
Green can be overwhelming if overused. Consider painting just one or two walls green, keeping the others a neutral white or beige. An accent wall behind the stove or sink is a good spot. For a bold look, use green on upper cabinets with white lowers.
What type of green should I avoid for my small kitchen?
Avoid going too dark or bold in a small space. Deep emerald and kelly greens can feel imposing. Stick to lighter, brighter greens like mint, chartreuse or sage so the space still feels open. Also avoid using green on every wall in a small kitchen.
What paint finish works best for kitchen walls?
A satin or eggshell paint finish is best for kitchen walls. They are washable and stand up to moisture and cooking splatters. Flat paint stains too easily and gloss shows imperfections in the walls. An eggshell or satin green will give a soft velvety feel.
Should I use a primer before painting my kitchen?
Always prime before painting a kitchen! Priming seals the walls so paint adhesion is better. It blocks stains from bleeding through your new paint. And it helps hide any imperfections. Use an oil-based primer for best results on heavily used kitchen walls.
Conclusion
Green is a lively, uplifting choice for kitchen walls. Whether you opt for relaxing sage or bold kelly green, there are so many options. Look at paint swatches throughout the day to find the perfect green that complements your space. Consider placement carefully in relation to size and lighting. Combine green walls with neutral cabinetry, metallics and natural or bright accent colors. With the right shade, green can make your kitchen feel fresh and vibrant.
