Do you need special paint for a kitchen?

You don’t need to buy kitchen-specific or specially formulated paint. However, you should use a finish that has some gloss to it. High gloss and semi-gloss are easier to clean and more durable than an eggshell or flat finish.

What colors make a small kitchen look bigger?

Generally, lighter colors make kitchens feel and look bigger. Brighter rooms feel bigger, and light colors reflect more light. For the greatest effect, paint the entire kitchen a single color. This reduces the visual barriers and breaks, helping to make the room feel bigger.

Should I paint my kitchen white?

If you like white kitchens, then, by all means, paint your kitchen white. However, don’t feel obligated to have a white kitchen if it doesn’t appeal to you. If you plan to sell your home soon, then choosing a white color scheme could help to make your home more marketable. However, if you plan to live in your home for the foreseeable future, then why not choose a paint color and express your taste and style in your kitchen?

Kitchen Paint Color Ideas (Different Color Schemes)

The kitchen is the heart of your home, where family and friends gather to share stories and delicious meals. It needs to be a comfortable and inviting place to be. The right color in your kitchen can fuel your appetite and create the right atmosphere you hope to create. The wrong color can make your kitchen feel uncomfortable and dark. When choosing your paint colors, think beyond the walls. You could paint the cabinets, island, ceiling, or floor.

These kitchen paint ideas will help you figure out which colors are the perfect addition to your kitchen.

1. Blue

Turn your white walls blue and make your white subway tile pop. Whether it’s a bright pastel or a deep, highly saturated navy, the combination of white and blue is one of the most popular color ideas. If you have a neutral farmhouse kitchen, adding blue can refresh it. Dark blue looks classic when paired with white.

Modern kitchen with blue cabinets, wood countertops, metal stove hood, dishwasher, coffee maker, and a wall-mounted clock — Source: @collettelouiseellis via Instagram

Modern kitchen with a dark blue island, three wooden stools, shelves, jars, and a vase of flowers; white countertop and ample natural light — Source: @murraysmovetothepoplars via Instagram

Spacious kitchen with a large island, dark cabinets, and wood herringbone floor; glass doors lead outside — Source: @ourlittlechapel via Instagram

Modern kitchen with light blue cabinets, wood floor, marble backsplash, and stainless steel appliances; sunlit with a garden view — Source: @johnladburykitchens via Instagram

Modern kitchen with blue cabinets, white subway tile backsplash, island with stovetop, and stainless steel appliances — Source: @thekitchenpainters via Instagram

Paint your lower cabinets dark blue and leave your upper cabinets white. Or paint your kitchen island dark blue and your wall cabinets white. For a unique approach to the color combination, paint your ceiling blue. This works for both light and dark shades of blue.

2. Brown

Don’t paint your kitchen brown. It will look outdated and dirty. A darker shade will not inspire feelings of hunger, life, or comfort. If you have your heart set on a neutral color palette, consider more earthy tones. Instead of chocolate brown, consider rust, terracotta, mustard, clay, or moss.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, black countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hanging lights — Source: @fineline.eg via Instagram

A cozy kitchen with wooden cabinets, white countertops, and a patterned rug. There is a sink and appliances along the counters — Source: @jellyjjam via Instagram

These colors aren’t brown but are in the same color family and will give you an updated look to your kitchen. For homeowners who aren’t willing to give up on brown, achieve your desired color in another way other than with paint. Choose a wood in your chosen shade of brown for the cabinets and a brown stone for the countertop.

3. Dark Green

When it comes to kitchens, dark green and white is quite a trend these days. If you’re feeling adventurous, dark green cabinets paired with a white wall make for an incredibly cozy atmosphere that many people find calming.

With dark green cabinets, you can always add a burst of color to your kitchen through some fun decor pieces — like patterned tea towels or vibrant potted plants. And if dark greens are too much for you, opt for lighter shades that still allow the white wall to stand out as the main focus of the room.

When it comes to creating the perfect kitchen color scheme, dark green and white is a winning combination.

Modern kitchen with green cabinets, wooden countertops, a double sink, appliances, and a window letting in natural light — Source: @dorset.maintenance via Instagram

4. Dark/Black

If you have dark cabinets and countertops, then you’d be wise to paint your walls a complementary dark color. If you used a light color for the walls behind the dark cabinets, you would close your kitchen in, making it feel darker and smaller than it really is. If your kitchen units are light-colored, dark walls also work for you. If you aren’t ready to paint your entire kitchen a dark color, there is another option.

Modern kitchen with a white island, brown stools, dark cabinets, hanging globe lights, and a vase of flowers — Source: @queensrenovation48 via Instagram

Paint your kitchen island a dark color. This kind of accent in your color palette gives your kitchen a fresh design while also helping to define your kitchen. The dark island keeps the dark color low so it won’t close your kitchen in. By keeping the visual weight low, the upper half of your kitchen feels bigger.

6. Gray

If you’re looking for a contemporary color that feels modern but not too sleek, then consider gray. It’s a perfect kitchen color idea for a kitchen that has broad appeal. A light gray will give you a bright design that works well with Scandinavian, contemporary, and farmhouse designs.

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a window with a view, and a star-shaped light fixture — Source: @cabinetworldpa via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, built-in oven, gas stove, and white countertops; two chairs are at the breakfast bar — Source: @carolinebridgesphotography via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, a yellow chair, and glass doors leading outside, wall clock and calendar enhance the decor — Source: @victorianterrace120 via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with green walls, hanging lights, and light wood accents featuring wicker chairs, appliances, and decorative shelves — Source: @elm_terrace_interior via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, white subway tile backsplash, wooden island, pendant lights, and open shelves displaying dishes — Source: @masterbrandcabinets via Instagram

A dark charcoal gray is perfect for giving your kitchen a more masculine and sophisticated feel. It’s softer than black, so it’s a more approachable color for an intimidating design style. The only drawback of gray is that you need to be careful with your stainless steel appliances. Choose a shade too close to the stainless steel, and your kitchen design will fall flat and look bland.

See more gray kitchen ideas here.

7. Beige

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s never more apparent than when you choose beige cabinets to be the star of the show. Beige cabinets are an amazing way to bring in a subtle warmth while still creating an atmosphere of relaxation.

The beige color will bring out wood accents and be complemented by almost any wall color, bringing a level of versatility along with timeless charm. Whether you’re adding new beige cabinets or refreshing existing ones with beige paint, your kitchen will be one-of-a-kind and beautiful.

Modern kitchen with beige cabinets, black range hood, and wooden countertops; flowers and kitchenware add decorative touches — Source: @housetohomebeverley via Instagram

Spacious modern kitchen with L-shaped black countertops, grey cabinets, built-in oven, and tiled floor under bright ceiling lights — Source: @thekitchenpainters via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, grey countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wooden flooring, bright window view — Source: @schnubitup via Instagram

9. Pink

Pink is a less common kitchen cabinet paint color. There are a few shades that people typically gravitate towards. Pastel, magenta, and mauve are popular. Depending on the interior design style you are aiming for, you will choose a different shade of pink.

Modern kitchen with pink cabinets, wooden floor, white countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a vibrant pink rug; skylight above — Source: @cf_vancouver via Instagram

Bright kitchen with a wooden island, pink cabinets, large windows with shutters, and assorted flowers and kitchen items on the counters — Source: @chalonkitchens via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with pink decor accents, white cabinets, black appliances, and a window. Pink dishes, kettle, and clock add charm — Source: @helenmoreton6996 via Instagram

A pastel-themed kitchen with light pink walls, white cabinets, wooden countertops, and a light blue fridge

Magenta is vibrant and intense, making it perfect for a glam kitchen. Pastel is soft and gentle, perfect for a farmhouse, country, or even contemporary kitchen. Mauve is muted and darker, making it a good choice for a bohemian, rustic, or retro kitchen.

10. Red

Choosing a red color for your kitchen is a smart decision. There’s a reason many restaurants choose the color for their color scheme. Red inspires energy, passion, and appetite.

Modern kitchen with red cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a washing machine; plants on the windowsill and a tile backsplash — Source: @saras_interior_homelife via Instagram

This bold color is perfect for the walls or your kitchen cabinet color. However, it doesn’t work with all interior design styles. It looks best in modern and minimalist styles. It’s a little more challenging to use with a farmhouse or vintage design, but still possible. It won’t look right in a contemporary or Scandinavian kitchen.

See more modern kitchen ideas here.

11. Yellow

Yellow is a bright and cheery kitchen paint color. It’s the color of the sun, which helps it feel energetic and youthful. To keep it from becoming too intense, choose a softer shade. Unless you’re aiming for a kindercore design, primary yellow has a limited number of applications where it looks beautiful and isn’t overwhelming.

Colorful kitchen in a bus with bright yellow cabinets, a white stove, and a vibrant patterned rug; cozy decor adds charm — Source: @berryskoolie via Instagram

Bright kitchen with yellow cabinets, a marble island with a chair, wooden shelves, and various kitchenware. Warm, inviting atmosphere — Source: @moniqueogilvie_designs via Instagram

Avoid a muted yellow shade. It will look dull and slightly dirty. A soft pastel shade is perfect for a farmhouse, country, or contemporary kitchen. It softens the look of an all-white kitchen while not detracting from the light reflecting effect.

Kitchen Paint Color Ideas and Schemes