It can be quite challenging to pick kitchen colors, especially when you are unsure if you should be daring or stick with classic white cabinets and soft walls. Is it better to paint your cabinets or leave them as natural wood? I’ll explain in this guide how some inspiring colors are being used in kitchens today. You can find furniture to fit any space, no matter if it’s small or open.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets For a Fresh Start
You can easily update your kitchen by painting the cabinets which is both cost-effective and noticeable. When clients want to change their homes without tearing anything down, I suggest it. When you paint your old brown or white cabinets, you can match them with the new colors of your home’s interior design. It is best for individuals who want a new look but don’t want to change all the fixtures.
We gave a light olive green color to some wooden cabinets and matched them with brass handles in one project. The walls were left white to let in more sunlight and oak floating shelves were installed to give the room character. The use of a cream-colored ceramic backsplash linked the colors and kept everything in balance. The countertop was left simple so it didn’t compete with the new cabinets.
I have observed clients become excited about their kitchens after something as easy as painting. Elle Décor reports that earthy green and moody blue are the colors to choose for a modern look that’s not too bold. These tones suit a variety of settings, whether in the countryside or in a city.
I would change one aspect by adding matte black fixtures to make the contrast more noticeable. They would enhance the look and go well with a bold color such as green or navy better than brass.
The kitchen is modern, with olive green cabinets that have been recently painted, white walls, oak floating shelves, a cream ceramic backsplash, a modular design, brass handles, earthy decor and matte black light fixtures.
Small Kitchen Color Ideas That Maximize Space
Picking the correct colors is very important when your kitchen is small. It helps to use soft beige or off-white walls along with white cabinets and shiny surfaces inside the room to give the feeling of more space. I believe that choosing the right colors can both brighten the room and make it seem less crowded.
Recently, I painted the walls a pale gray, put up white cabinets and used a light ash laminate for the floor. A white modular island with chrome details was used for preparing food and keeping items. I chose a navy decor option by painting the pantry door which made the kitchen look taller. The use of this color makes the room look taller and more open.
I’ve found that this color scheme works very well in both city apartments and tight homes. Apartment Therapy suggests that small kitchens look best with just two strong colors and I find this advice very helpful. When done right, it creates cohesion rather than clutter.
One thing I would have liked to include in the kitchen was under-cabinet lighting. Having a little more light and shadow would have made the simple color scheme more interesting and made cooking at night more pleasant.
This is a modern kitchen with white cabinets, pale gray walls, a light ash floor, a white island with chrome details, a navy pantry door and subtle lighting.
Timeless Appeal of White Kitchen Cabinets
White cabinets remain a favorite because they are always in style. I have used them at least once in almost every home I’ve designed, thanks to how flexible they are. White cabinets look good with natural wood, soft walls or bold countertops in any type of interior design, including rustic or modern.
I was particularly fond of a design that used white shaker cabinets, matte black handles, taupe walls and a reclaimed oak floor. The combination of a big farmhouse sink, a stainless steel range and light birch open shelves made the space look well-balanced. The use of soft pendant lights in brass brought an elegant touch and was also very practical. It suits both open-concept homes and smaller houses really well.
I have found that white cabinets look best when paired with stone, wood or matte metal. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that using various finishes in an all-white kitchen brings more depth and prevents it from looking too plain.
Should I refine the design, I’d place more weight on the earthy side by including clay-tile walls and placing terracotta plant pots around to give it contrast.
The kitchen has white shaker cabinets, taupe walls, oak wood flooring, matte black handles, a farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, birch open shelving and brass pendant lighting.
Bold and Cozy: Brown Kitchen Cabinets
Brown cabinets have become very popular again in recent times, especially in places that value coziness and richness. They help me achieve a warm and lasting feeling in my home. Combined with creamy-colored walls and brass or bronze fixtures, brown cabinets create a rich style impossible to get with other materials.
We chose to use chocolate-brown cabinets with gold handles and paired them with walls in a linen color. Above the prep area, rustic wood was used for the shelves and vintage-style jars were placed on them. The island was also brown, but slightly darker which made the image more interesting. The woven jute rug and clay bowls decorated with eucalyptus stems made the whole idea complete.
I think brown cabinets are more interesting than white, especially in homes where the kitchen is open to the living room. HGTV suggests using light colors to avoid making the room look heavy and I follow this advice too.
Next time, I’d try adding some metal parts such as iron brackets or copper pans, to the backsplash to make it more interesting.
The kitchen has modern chocolate brown cabinets, gold hardware, linen-colored walls, rustic wood open shelves, earthy decor items, a jute rug, eucalyptus accessories and realistic lighting.
All-White Kitchens That Shine With Simplicity
A kitchen with all-white surfaces can be very beautiful when the design is well thought out. I usually suggest my clients include different textures and soft colors to avoid a cold or sterile atmosphere. By using white cabinets, soft neutral walls and stylish fixtures, this style becomes both classic and elegant.
I created one kitchen with high-gloss white cabinets, eggshell white walls and polished quartz countertops. The flooring was made of white oak to create a cozier atmosphere. A matte white hood was placed above the range and it was highlighted by simple open shelves. Silver hardware and lights under the cabinets finished the look and added more space to the room.
Small spaces and houses that lack light benefit a lot from a white kitchen due to its brightness. Real Simple suggests that adding soft lighting and warm metals can make a white kitchen look even better and I think they are right. These little details elevate the space.
Adding some color would make the room more welcoming but still keep the monochromatic environment.
The kitchen features white cabinets, eggshell walls, white quartz countertops, white oak flooring, silver fixtures, a matte white range hood and simple shelves.
Open Kitchen Color Schemes for Airy Vibes
Open kitchen layouts thrive on smart color coordination. Since the kitchen and living room are not separated by walls, the colors used should fit with the nearby space. I like to use light colors with some contrast to keep the energy flowing in all the shared spaces. Using this approach is ideal for modular furniture and flooring that blends well.
I really liked the look of soft green on the kitchen walls, white cabinets and a waterfall marble island. In the living room, the cushions and vases were in the same color to match. Dark walnut shelves that seem to float in the kitchen and a slate backsplash bring a new sense of depth without looking out of place with the rest of the space.
Dwell professionals suggest using the same undertones in all nearby spaces which I have found very important in all my open-plan designs. A mixture of light and dark colors allows the area to be airy and still well-designed.
It’s a good idea to add a dedicated banquette or breakfast area to set off the dining area without interrupting the open floor plan.
The kitchen has an open design, soft green walls, white cabinets, a waterfall marble island, walnut floating shelves, a slate backsplash, a modular living area and similar decor.
Rustic Kitchen Color Palettes With Warm Charm
A rustic kitchen can be modern and not just based on country themes. If done correctly, it offers a lot of detail, history and a warm feeling. A space looks charming when I mix living room furniture with cabinets made from reclaimed wood, neutral walls and vintage decor. Think “farmhouse chic” meets contemporary comfort.
One of my clients wanted open brown cabinets made from old barn wood and I installed them. We selected a soft beige color for the walls and put up some aged copper light fixtures above. Having modular counters in butcher block made the kitchen practical and a country-style apron sink made it look genuinely authentic. Wicker stools and patterned runners completed the scene.
In my opinion, rustic kitchens should celebrate imperfection. HGTV suggests that adding natural textures helps keep the design simple and I agree with that. The details such as handmade pottery, wrought iron hooks and uneven surfaces, make the place charming.
The room would look more rustic if you added a vintage rug and some hanging dried herbs or garlic braids.
There are brown cabinets made from reclaimed wood, beige walls, aged copper fixtures, butcher block counters, a country sink, wicker stools and a vintage runner in the rustic kitchen.
Earthy Tones That Ground Your Kitchen Design
Earthy color schemes provide a comforting, grounded presence in any kitchen, whether it’s small and intimate or part of a larger, open concept. These colors such as clay, terracotta, olive and sandstone, help form a bond with nature that adds peace and stability. I usually suggest these colors to clients who want something classic yet trendy that fits with sustainable and natural styles.
A recent kitchen I designed had olive matte walls, wood cabinets and a sandstone quartz countertop. The base of the island was clay-colored and it had rattan-front drawers to add texture. Above the island, amber-glass pendant lights added warm glow. The display of handmade ceramics and spice jars on open shelves went well with the decor and did not overpower the area.
Clients have mentioned that as soon as they enter, these colors make them feel calm. According to Architectural Digest, earthy colors are leading kitchen trends in 2025 since they make a kitchen more relaxing and match well with wood, stone and metal surfaces.
If I could make changes to this kitchen, I’d add natural linen window treatments and a green vertical herb wall to make the biophilic design more noticeable.
Prompt:
This kitchen has olive walls, wood cabinets, a sandstone quartz countertop, a clay-tone island with rattan drawers, amber-glass pendant lights, open shelving with ceramics, a green herb wall and natural textures.
Wall Paint Colours Interior Design Experts Love
The colours interior designers suggest for walls are usually quiet but very effective. I usually prefer soft neutrals, moody greens or warm clay tones, as each of them can change the atmosphere in a kitchen. A suitable paint color can blend with bright cabinets, brighten white ones or become the centerpiece in a simple room.
In a project I am especially fond of, I put up dusty blue walls with matte white cabinets and a warm walnut island. The ceiling was painted in a gentle ivory to help reflect light and the brushed gold handles gave the kitchen a modern look. We added a big framed art piece to divide the wall and improve the overall decor.
For me, walls should be treated as a canvas instead of something you just add at the end. Michelle Slatalla, an interior design journalist, has said that the color of your walls “determines the atmosphere in every room you spend time in,” and I completely agree. The paint you choose will decide if your room is cozy or clean.
I would also suggest using wall sconces in different styles or adding a green or charcoal backsplash to add more depth and interesting areas to the room.
Prompt:
kitchen has dusty blue walls, matte white cabinets, a walnut island, an ivory ceiling, brushed gold handles, a large piece of wall art, elegant decor and contrasting accents.
Unique Kitchen Color Combinations to Try
Some kitchens are designed with strong and unique colors that mix creativity with order. It’s possible to take a kitchen to the next level by combining unusual colors, like navy and blush, forest green and copper or white and eggplant. If you want something different than white or neutral colors, this is the area to try out new ideas.
We chose teal for the bottom cabinets, white for the upper cabinets, a blush-colored tile backsplash and a copper vent hood in one special design. Soft gray was chosen for the walls to make the bright colors stand out. Light maple floating shelves and a green-veined marble modular island both gave this home more functionality and style. I used gold mesh lighting and old-style bar stools to further develop the playful, carefully selected style.
Clients usually worry about mixing colors, but I let them know that contrast is what adds character to a space. Elle Décor states that color is a key element in making your kitchen unique, showing who you are.
A way to improve this look would be to add patterned cement tiles to the floor or colorful bar stools to complete the mix-and-match effect.
Prompt:
kitchen featuring teal base cabinets, white upper cabinets, a blush tile backsplash, a copper vent hood, soft gray walls, a green-veined marble modular island, gold mesh pendant lights, light maple floating shelves and retro decor.
Best Wall Colors to Complement Kitchen Fixtures
When you choose walls paint colours, interior design experts think about how to make your home look better, not just about picking a nice colour. Before choosing wall paint, I pay attention to the color of the cabinets, the shade of the floor and the type of fixtures. The goal is harmony, not competition. No matter if your cabinets are brown, your hardware is stainless steel or your decor is vintage, the wall color should be subtle.
In my latest project with brown cabinets and dark countertops, I chose a warm greige for the walls which went great with both the cabinet color and the matte black faucet. The floor was made of oak which matched the wood tones of the cabinets. I introduced metallic sconces to tie the room together. The overall effect was modern, grounded, and elegant.
In my view, not paying attention to the walls until the end is a big mistake in kitchen design. When you plan colors well, your room looks cohesive and House Beautiful recommends choosing them together with your hardware and cabinetry. This makes everything feel more curated and intentional.
Adding a floor runner in tones that complement the rest of the room can help maintain the overall theme, fill the space visually and offer a soft area to step on.
Prompt:
A kitchen that includes brown cabinets, greige walls, a matte black faucet, soft oak flooring, metallic sconces, modern fixtures, coordinated decor and a geometric rug has realistic warm lighting.
Coordinating Wall and Cabinet Paint Like a Pro
A detail that is often missed in kitchen design is how the wall colors match the cabinets. I often tell my clients that the aim is to coordinate, not to match. A good contrast can improve the look of the room and highlight each element. I usually begin by choosing paint colours for the walls that work well with the cabinets but don’t take away from them, using either soft or sure neutrals. Consider having furniture or walls in taupe and use soft sage colors for your kitchen cabinets or vice versa. The goal is cohesion, not uniformity.
I usually combine white cabinets with soft gray or blush walls and use earthy colors such as warm beige or muted clay, for kitchens with rustic or country styles. A solid design makes you comfortable, not uncomfortable, as you look at it. Texture also matters. Matte paint on the walls opens up small areas and semi-gloss paint on cabinets gives a neat contrast.
I often take a sample door from the cabinet to the paint store and put swatches of paint next to it to help me decide. Vern Yip from HGTV suggests that having some differences in colors and textures is more striking than using the same thing everywhere. That’s proven true every time.
It would be helpful to suggest accent walls in bold colors such as deep teal or charcoal, to offer more contrast for confident homeowners.
Small Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Feel Big
Working with a small kitchen? Color is the best way to make a room seem larger. I usually choose light colors that make the room look more open. A soft white, light taupe or buttery pastel color can help you get the look you want. The trick is to avoid overwhelming the eye. In places where white cabinets or light wood tones are used, the room looks both airy and clean.
I often like to combine painting cabinets in a pale mint or sky blue with shiny ceramic backsplashes. In the case of extremely small kitchens, opting for slab-style cabinets in matte white or cream is very effective. Using narrow brass handles instead of knobs makes all your drawers look less cluttered. Use few colors and keep the height of the cabinets and walls balanced.
I painted the upper cabinets white and the lower ones pale green in my studio and it made the room look charming and roomy right away. Nate Berkus, an interior designer, suggests that you should choose colors that fit the room, no matter how big or small.
You could also add mirrored backsplashes or lights under the cabinets to make the area look even bigger for those who want to do that.
Refreshing Your Look by Painting Cabinets
A fast and easy way to change your kitchen is to paint the cabinets. If your cabinets or finishes are old or outdated, a good paint job can give everything a modern look. I find this is a good solution when you can’t do a full renovation in a rental unit. Choosing the right color can make your kitchen match the latest trends or your own taste.
For homes that are not new, you can paint the bottom cabinets navy or dark green and the top cabinets white. With this style, the kitchen is given a solid base and a contemporary feel. If you’re going bold, consider burnt orange or charcoal against earthy stone countertops. I apply an enamel-based satin finish because it lasts well and is easy to clean.
I suggest that you take off the cabinet doors, sand them well and then add a primer coat. Don’t forget about the knobs or pulls; they can help complete the makeover. Better Homes & Gardens points out that after wall color, the color of your cabinets makes the biggest difference in the room, so give it the attention it deserves.
It is important to mention here that families with kids or pets should use paints that are non-toxic and have low VOC levels.
Elegant Color Choices for White Cabinets
Although white cabinets are timeless, you should choose intentional colors for the other elements, so the space does not look dull or lifeless. I suggest using muted sage, warm sand or even blue-gray on the walls to make the area more pleasant. It combines elegance with the freshness you get from white cabinets. Organic materials such as butcher-block counters or wood cabinets can make the balance in the kitchen better.
For me, using white cabinets with blush-colored walls is the perfect match; it adds a bit of warmth that stands the test of time. Using brushed gold or matte black fixtures enhances the look of the room. You might want to choose shaker-style cabinets, quartz countertops and soft lighting, as they blend well with this color scheme.
A client of mine used to think white cabinets should not have color, but after we added muted moss green on the walls, the kitchen took on a new look. Emily Henderson, a designer, believes that white kitchens become interesting when you add warmth and texture to them.
This part of the guide could be improved by showing different combinations of tiles or flooring such as herringbone wood and light travertine.
Harmonizing Brown Cabinets With Stylish Hues
Styling brown cabinets may be difficult, but the right colors can make them look both cozy and elegant. I find it interesting to combine their richness with a wall paint colour like olive, storm blue or greige. These colors bring out the wood’s character and make the room feel cozy but not outdated. No matter if you go for a classic or a mix of styles, this combination always looks great.
Dark brown cabinets are a good match for stone countertops that are cool in color and simple white or light gray walls. If you want to update your bathroom, introduce industrial lighting, black fixtures and either concrete or exposed brick surfaces. Having fewer upper cabinets will make the darker lower cabinets more noticeable.
In the past, I worked on a kitchen in the craftsman style, using mahogany cabinets, smoky blue paint and oil-rubbed bronze hardware. The result felt deeply grounded but fresh. Architectural Digest often suggests using this technique to stop rooms from feeling too crowded and uneven.
Adding some examples of ceiling treatments or crown molding that match brown cabinets would enhance and highlight the overall design.
Light and Open Kitchen Colors That Breathe
The first step in making a light and airy kitchen is to use colors that let in light. I prefer white, soft earthy colors and almost transparent pastels to make a room feel light and open. You can achieve this feeling by using skylights, large windows and reflective surfaces. For tight kitchens, using certain colors can make the space look bigger.
I like to paint the walls with warm white and put soft gray or greige cabinets next to them. If you want a modern touch, you could select pale celery green or powder blue. Open shelving, smooth surfaces and few things on display make the area look bigger. You can also choose frameless modular cabinets that have built-in handles to make the space more organized.
I painted the walls of my friend’s kitchen a pale lavender-gray and her cabinets white and she says it looks much bigger now. Shea McGee, an interior designer, usually combines color and form to make smaller rooms appear brighter.
Some examples of suitable window treatments or sheer curtains that let in natural light and enhance the room’s appearance would help this section.
Unique Cabinet Colors That Make a Statement
Occasionally, I enjoy doing something that goes against the rules. Selecting distinctive cabinet colors is a good method for adding your own style to the area. Think forest green, terracotta, or even matte plum. These aren’t for the faint of heart, but they instantly elevate a space into something memorable. If used correctly, bold cabinets can be the main feature in a room with neutral colors.
I tend to mix colorful cabinets with white walls and simple hardware so the color is the main focus. You could also try navy wood cabinets with brushed gold handles and match them with mustard-yellow and warm wooden floors. In this situation, the rest of the design should be simple—flat countertops, uninterrupted modules and few upper cabinets.
I once created a kitchen that was next to the living room and had coral pink cabinets and sandy beige walls. The plan looked risky at first, but it ended up being bold and balanced. Even the trend-setting Architectural Digest has called out strong cabinet colors as a main trend for 2025.
It would be helpful to mention that testing bold colors with peel-and-stick samples can help reduce the risk of making a mistake.
Pure and Crisp: White Kitchen Color Styles
A white kitchen is always popular, but you can make it modern by adding different textures and contrasts. I enjoy working on these spaces since they allow me to highlight the beauty of light and different materials. The use of white cabinets against matching or close-tone walls can open your kitchen and make it look serene and organized. These kitchens photograph beautifully and feel clean year-round.
I prefer to focus on the small things such as white cabinets, matte subway tiles for the backsplash, light stone countertops and nickel or black hardware. A brown kitchen island or a reclaimed wood cabinet can give the room the depth it needs and prevent the space from looking too plain. You can see a unique change in your kitchen just by choosing white grout with a white tile design.
I had a client who wanted their white kitchen to avoid being dull. We chose textured white walls, light fixtures made of rattan and oak floors for the house. The color scheme was the same, but it became more interesting to look at. Domino Magazine explains that a monochrome kitchen looks great when different shades are used.
One more point to add is recommending durable finishes and paint that won’t stain, since these are often needed in busy homes.
Rustic Wood Finishes With Muted Paint Combos
There’s something comforting about rustic kitchens. The natural grain, warm colors and aged looks of wood cabinets give the room a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere. Using light shades of sage, mustard or beige on the walls helps create the natural style I want. The key is avoiding anything too glossy or synthetic-looking. Instead, embrace matte finishes and raw elements.
I usually use knotty pine or reclaimed oak cabinets, hammered metal drawer pulls, farmhouse sinks and vintage-style lighting in rustic homes. Using subdued greens or faded gray-blue on cabinets can add a new look to a rustic theme. Bricks or stones used as decorations pipe up the cozy and country atmosphere.
I once designed a room that had open wood shelves, brown cabinets and olive green walls. It felt timeless yet fresh. Joanna Gaines often says that a rustic kitchen should be honest and not feel heavy. And I agree. The colors used should match the natural world: dusty, warm and welcoming.
The section would be improved by including some examples of flooring that suit the palette such as wide-plank wood or terracotta tile.
Interior Wall Paint Colours for Country Kitchens
I always pay special attention to the walls when planning a country kitchen. The color of the walls helps determine the style of the cabinets and the dishes displayed on shelves. The best country kitchens are decorated with paint colours that make the walls seem soft and brightened by sunlight. Try to imagine colors like pale butter yellow, faded mint, chalky blue or warm cream. These hues feel cozy and nostalgic without being outdated.
If you use white shaker cabinets or natural wood cabinets, these colors will make your home feel warm and cozy. Brown cabinets look nice when they are combined with beadboard paneling and checkered linens. I often use old-fashioned door handles, simple rustic stools and a big central table in my designs. They all combine to make the area practical and still traditional.
In a Vermont renovation, we went with cream walls, white cabinets and vintage copper decorations. The result felt lived-in and welcoming. I agree with Southern Living when they say that country kitchens are more about feeling than about being exact.
For an even better result, we might consider including small modern touches, for example, energy-saving lighting and faucets that turn on and off without touching.
Indian Kitchen Color Schemes Rich in Tradition
Indian kitchens are full of life, express who they are and are linked to the culture. I always think about how colors will be used and what traditions they represent. Saffron, deep brown, turmeric yellow and peacock blue are the first earthy colors that come to mind. The restaurants usually encourage guests to cook together and serve dishes that show the happiness and warmth of the food.
I go with strong, modular cabinets in brightly colored lacquer coatings or wooden grains for durability and impressiveness. Using terracotta or patterned tiles on the walls makes the space more attractive and white cabinets provide a clean contrast. Deep green or crimson accent walls can highlight different areas in the room without making it seem smaller. The use of brass or copper enhances the look and follows the traditional style of cookware.
I once helped a client from Mumbai who wanted storage that was both modern and in keeping with their culture. We chose maroon cabinets, sand-colored tile and brass handles for the kitchen. Architectural Digest India focused on blending tradition with modern living which is what we managed to do.
To give a better idea, this section might also suggest materials that do not absorb heat and spices, as well as colorfast paints.
Modular Kitchen Color Ideas for a Modern Touch
Modular kitchens are built to work well, but they can still be attractive. I usually choose simple, straight designs and smart storage options and color is important for creating their clean look. White, dove gray or muted brown cabinets are the best choice and I add modern touches in steel blue, charcoal or matte aubergine for a special look.
The beauty of modular layouts lies in their flexibility. For cabinets at upper levels, use high-gloss lacquer and use matte laminate or glass panels for the low cabinets. Small kitchens can look bigger with the help of under-cabinet LED lights. Slate or pearl colored walls bring everything together in the room. Appliances that are integrated into the kitchen make the area look and work well together.
I recently made a galley-style modular kitchen, using pale green for the overhead units, white for the cabinets and an exposed brick wall for some texture. According to Elle Décor, modern style can be full of detail. It’s about cohesion and efficiency.” My client was happy that her home was both modern and inviting.
It would be useful to add a few sentences about smart technology, for example, voice-controlled lighting or built-in charging areas, as they work so well with the modern colors.
