Color is one of the most powerful design tools in a kitchen. It can completely change the mood of a space, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Light colors offer a crisp, clean look and work well on walls or cabinets. Darker shades can also be a great choice, but they should be accented with white or gray to avoid overpowering a room.

Blue and Orange

Orange might not be the first shade to come to mind when thinking of kitchen color ideas, but it’s a great choice for adding some excitement and energy to your cooking space. Pairing it with woodsmoke black creates a neutral-meets-trendy palette that’s sure to grab attention. Orange symbolizes activity and enthusiasm, so it’s the perfect option for a kitchen where you want to create a vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere.

For a more mellow eccentric look, try mixing in some different shades of blues to create an eclectic feel in your kitchen. This is a great choice if you want to avoid the bold teals that are popular right now.

If you want a more neutral kitchen color, consider a gray-blue paint shade like sage green. This soothing tone works well with many different cabinet styles, including painted cabinets. Sage green kitchen cabinets can be accented by backsplash tile and natural wood elements, such as exposed beams. A cottage-inspired kitchen can feature a warm chocolate brown accent wall to bring a richness to the space.

Pink and White

Taking on pink in the kitchen is a bold move, but it can look beautiful if done right. Choose blush pinks that aren’t neon and use them on everything from walls to cabinetry, or wallpaper your backsplash. Mix it up with whites and woods to balance the color out.

Pink and gray may not seem like an obvious duo, but it can look amazing when done right. Accents of blush, dusty rose, or bold fuchsia can add a touch of femininity and brighten up dark kitchens with gray cabinets. NKBA-certified designers can help you find the perfect paint colors for your kitchen. Get started with free kitchen design layout planning and color consultations.

Gray and Green

The natural earthiness of green combines perfectly with the calm and subdued atmosphere of gray to create a kitchen color scheme that is both welcoming and energizing. The combination is also ideal for those who prefer neutrals to bolder shades, as it creates a soft aesthetic that still feels fresh and vibrant.

Using different shades of gray for your kitchen cabinets allows you to create a subtle monochromatic effect. Pairing these colors with varying shades of white also creates a cohesive and stylish kitchen design. If you’re looking for a darker shade of gray for your kitchen, try smoky hues.

Green was one of 2023’s most popular cabinet colors and it’s still having a moment. It looks great with neutrals, especially whites and grays, but it also complements warm woods and natural-looking stone. For a more unexpected color pairing, try blue and green.

Sara McDaniel, founder of Minden Stays, used this paint color combination in one of her Airbnb properties. She chose Sherwin-Williams Lacewing for the walls and Peace Yellow for the cabinets to evoke a cottage feel. “Guests have commented that the colors make the space feel joyful, alive and calming,” she says. “And that’s exactly what I was going for.” She paired the shades with white cabinetry and wood accents to keep the color scheme from feeling overly girly.

Yellow and White

When used in kitchen paint, yellow is energizing and bright. It pairs well with a wide variety of wood finishes and countertops. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, consider lighter shades of yellow to keep it feeling light and airy. To avoid overwhelming white cabinetry, try a creamy take on the shade.  This color scheme also works with a variety of backsplashes and flooring options, too.

In nature, yellow and white flowers live together in harmony, from daisies to daffodils to sunflowers and Queen Anne’s lace. This pairing is equally appetizing in a kitchen, where it evokes the freshness and clarity of foods. It’s also a great pairing for kitchens with a lot of natural light.

Cherry Wood and Any Color

The warm red undertones in cherry wood pair well with shades of green, offering a rich and elegant look. Creamy neutrals balance the cherry cabinets’ warmth, preventing them from looking dated.

Cool blues offer a subtle contrast with cherry cabinets, evoking the serenity of clear skies. You can also bring in blue through kitchenware, curtains, or bar stools for an eclectic look that’s sure to stand out.

If you’re looking for a color that offers a more striking contrast, consider using plum or eggplant as an accent on a wall or piece of furniture. These rich hues can bring out the warm undertones in cherry wood, creating a dramatic and luxurious look that’ll definitely catch people’s attention. To make these colors really stand out, pair them with brass hardware and fixtures. This metal finish offers a touch of elegance and refinement that can complement the rich tones in your cherry wood cabinetry. This combination creates a truly unique and memorable kitchen.