Choosing colour palettes for an inspiring kitchen update

There are many factors to consider when selecting paint shades for a kitchen scheme. These include the orientation of the space, the room size and the lighting. Most importantly, discovering the mood and atmosphere you want to create is key to your design process. Select colours that complement your preference and vision.

Explore ideas for kitchen colour schemes and find inspiration in the Paint & Paper Library palette as you plan your project.

Choosing the right colour combinations for your kitchen

A sleek kitchen painted in Blue Vein, inspired by the blue of Wedgwood Pottery, with white cupboards and a black countertop

One of the best ways to establish a clear sense of mood in your kitchen space is with your chosen colour palette. The colours you surround yourself with will often determine how you feel within that space. As such, when choosing colour schemes for your kitchen, it is essential to think carefully about how you will use the space. You should select your kitchen colour palette based on the function of the room and the atmosphere you want to create.

Wall: Blue Vein

Woodwork: Porcelain II

Shelving: Porcelain IV

Countertop: Kigali

A modern kitchen painted in rich brown, Copper Beech, with a vertical stripe of yellow-green Euphorbia

You might want your kitchen to serve as a sociable entertaining space. If that’s the case, create a vibrant and convivial setting for hosting lively dinner parties. Or perhaps you are seeking a softer, more homely environment that instils a sense of calm. With the right colour choices, you can flawlessly execute your desired atmosphere and achieve a beautiful, functional kitchen space.

Cupboards: Copper Beech

Stripe: Euphorbia

Selecting colours based on mood in your kitchen update

Kitchen painted in delicate pink, Rose Cluster. Paired with natural wood dining furniture and woodwork painted in Slate II

1. Consider delicate pink for a soft, soothing kitchen ambience

Kitchens are often rooms that experience lots of activity each day. Using colour, you can counteract this fast-paced energy and instead bring an air of calm and comfort to the space. Combine gentle shades with natural wood finishes to soften the space and create a soothing, nurturing atmosphere.

The pale pink, Rose Cluster, blends inviting warmth with an inherent freshness. The delicate colour makes it ideally suited to a kitchen setting. Pair this shade with the soft grey neutrals from the Slate Architectural Colours on the woodwork and cabinetry.

Walls: Rose Cluster

Woodwork: Slate II

Crittal Window: New Black

A paired back kitchen utility space using natural hues, including Salvia, Deep Water Green and Canvas I.

2. Combine natural shades for a fresh, tranquil kitchen design

Fresh and restorative, the natural world recalls a serenity that is unparalleled. Natural elements provide the best source of inspiration to infuse peace and tranquillity within your kitchen update. These calming influences create spaces where you can feel relaxed and inspired.

Introduce a palette of refreshing, natural hues in your kitchen scheme to evoke the restful qualities of nature. Consider tranquil blue greens like Salvia, Deep Water Green and the Glass Architectural Colours. Combine different shades on your walls, woodwork and cabinetry for a harmonious finish.

Wall: Salvia

Tiles: Glass I

Shelf: Canvas I

Units: Deep Water Green

Door: Clean White

An inviting kitchen painted in neutral Mink, paired with deep red-brown, Scarlet ‘n’ Rust on the cabinets.

3. Opt for warm, richly coloured hues for an inviting kitchen colour scheme

Many kitchens serve as host to bright, cool-toned shades, with the aim of making the space appear larger. However, this approach can often produce an environment that feels rather cold and clinical. Instead, consider substituting a palette of warm, sumptuous hues. These rich colours will envelop the space and create a luxurious, inviting kitchen setting.

On your kitchen walls, embrace cocooning neutrals that exude warmth, such as Mink, Truffle or Caddie. Accompany with a dark, statement shade on the cabinetry for added depth and richness. Scarlet ‘n’ Rust works well in the Architects’ Gloss finish to bring a touch of allure to the scheme.

Walls: Mink
Cabinets: Scarlet 'n' Rust

Ceiling: Clean White

Explore more inspiring warm neutral schemes, for the kitchen and beyond.

A bold kitchen painted in vibrant orange, The Long Room, paired with peachy Roben’s Honour on the cabinets and contemporary furnishings.

4. Select bold, vibrant shades for an energising kitchen colour palette

As a hub of activity, kitchens provide an opportunity to incorporate bold and impactful shades into your interior designs. If you are creating an open-plan kitchen-dining space where you will host social gatherings, consider vibrant hues. Bold colours will utterly enliven the scheme.

Introducing a statement wall colour is an excellent way to deliver instant impact. A statement wall is a bold choice that creates a talking point for guests. The Long Room is a rich burnt orange that is very striking when it features on all four walls of a space. Pair with the peach-pink, Roben’s Honour, on cabinetry for a captivating contrast.

Walls: The Long Room

Cabinets: Roben's Honour

Ceiling: Paper I

Windows: New Black

A neutral kitchen painted in Minim, with purple-grey, Opus, on the cabinets. In the centre features a large island painted in dark grey, Kohl.

5. Choose a neutral palette for a calming kitchen update

Neutrals are a much-loved choice for kitchen schemes, offering simplicity, balance and elegance. For the perfect, understated backdrop, explore neutrals with a complex combination of pigments, rather than opting for brilliant white.

Neutrals that contain a touch of umber, ochre or red oxide for warmth create a more comfortable living environment. Consider a combination like Minim with the soft purple-grey, Opus, to bring subtle warmth to your kitchen. The introduction of Kohl will ground and punctuate this scheme for a sophisticated, monochrome look.

Walls: Minim

Units and Highlight Stripe: Opus

Island: Kohl

Things to remember when creating a kitchen colour scheme

To achieve a harmonious kitchen setting, select shades that complement both the function of the space, and the atmosphere you wish to create. Consider soothing, earthy hues such as neutrals and greens to instil tranquillity and calm. Kitchens are also a suitable host for bolder shades, be they richly coloured, dark hues that evoke luxury, or energising vibrant colours.

Create an inspiring kitchen space with paint and wallpaper from Paint & Paper Library.

If you’re still planning your vision, explore the kitchen inspiration gallery.

Or browse a range of inspiring kitchen schemes on our blog.