Call us on 01480 468598
Colour plays a powerful role in kitchen design, influencing not just how a kitchen looks, but also how it feels. The right colours can make a small kitchen feel larger, a dark kitchen feel brighter, or a plain kitchen feel packed with personality. In this guide, we’ll explore how to approach colour in kitchen design, from choosing timeless shades to embracing bold new trends.
Colour isn’t just about style—it’s about creating the right atmosphere. A well-chosen palette can make your kitchen feel more inviting, energising, or calming, depending on the effect you want to achieve.
When planning your kitchen, think about:
The natural light available
The size and shape of the space
How you want to feel when you walk into the room
How the kitchen connects to the rest of your home
Getting the colour scheme right is key to making the space both beautiful and functional.
If you want a kitchen that will stand the test of time, classic colours are always a safe and stylish bet. These shades tend to suit a range of home styles and stay looking fresh for years.
White remains one of the most popular choices for kitchen design. It feels clean, bright, and spacious, making it perfect for smaller kitchens or rooms with limited natural light.
A white kitchen can be warmed up with wooden accents, textured tiles, or coloured accessories to avoid feeling too clinical.
Grey has firmly established itself as a go-to colour for modern and traditional kitchens alike. From soft dove grey to dramatic charcoal, grey is versatile, sophisticated, and easy to pair with other colours and materials.
Blue kitchens, especially in navy or pale sky tones, have seen a surge in popularity. Blue can create a calm, elegant environment and pairs beautifully with white worktops, brass handles, and natural wood flooring.
If you want to make a statement, bold colours are a fantastic way to inject energy and personality into your kitchen. Rich greens, deep blues, and even dramatic black kitchens are becoming increasingly popular for those who want something unique.
A bold kitchen doesn’t have to mean overwhelming the space. Consider:
Using strong colours on an island while keeping the perimeter units neutral
Choosing coloured splashbacks or tiles for a pop of vibrancy
Pairing bold cabinetry with light worktops and walls to balance the look
Colour confidence can transform your kitchen from simply functional to a real showpiece.
For a warm and welcoming feel, soft neutrals and earthy tones are a beautiful choice. Colours such as warm taupe, muted sage green, and soft terracotta create a sense of calm and connection to nature.
These shades work particularly well in open-plan kitchens, where you want the space to flow seamlessly into living and dining areas.
Earthy tones also pair perfectly with natural materials like wood, stone, and rattan, helping to create a relaxed, timeless style.
One of the biggest trends in kitchen design right now is the two-tone kitchen. Mixing two different colours—usually for upper and lower cabinets or for the island versus the main units—adds interest and depth to the space.
Popular two-tone combinations include:
Navy and white
Forest green and light grey
Charcoal and pale wood tones
Mixing colours allows you to be creative while still keeping the kitchen cohesive and balanced.
It’s not just the colour itself that matters—the finish you choose also affects the final look.
Matt finishes tend to create a softer, more contemporary feel, perfect for subtle or earthy tones.
Gloss finishes reflect more light, making colours appear more vivid and helping to brighten darker spaces.
Satin finishes offer a middle ground, with a slight sheen that feels both modern and classic.
Choosing the right finish can enhance the colour scheme and make sure your kitchen feels exactly the way you want it to.
Always consider the size and light levels in your kitchen before choosing a palette.
If you’re unsure, start with a neutral base and add colour through features like splashbacks, accessories, or an island.
Take samples home to see how colours look in your natural light at different times of the day.
Remember that cabinet colour, wall colour, flooring, and worktops all need to work together for a harmonious feel.
Think about longevity—will you still love a bold colour in five or ten years’ time?
Colour is one of the most exciting parts of designing a kitchen, and in 2025, there are more options than ever to express your personal style. Whether you choose timeless neutrals, embrace bold shades, or mix and match for a unique look, the right colours can transform your kitchen into a space that truly feels like home.
The most important thing is to create a colour scheme that reflects your personality, complements your lifestyle, and brings joy every time you step into the room.
