Whether you dream of a sleek, modern oasis or a warm, traditional haven, your kitchen’s colour scheme sets the stage for all your culinary experiences. Our expert guide is here to help you discover how to choose the best kitchen colour scheme that not only enhances your space but also captures your unique taste.

What is a Kitchen Colour Scheme?

A kitchen colour scheme is the thoughtful combination of colours used to create a cohesive and visually appealing look in your kitchen. It involves selecting hues for various elements such as walls, cabinets, countertops and appliances to ensure they work harmoniously together.

A well-designed kitchen colour scheme not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also influences the mood and functionality of the room. Whether you prefer a vibrant, energetic kitchen or a calm, serene space, the right colour scheme can make all the difference.

Colour Theory Basics

Understanding the basics of colour theory can be a game-changer when it comes to designing your kitchen. Colour theory explores how colours interact and the emotions they evoke, helping you create a balanced and harmonious look. Here are some key concepts to consider:

Colour Wheel

The colour wheel is a circular diagram of colours arranged by their chromatic relationship. Colour wheels are essential tools for understanding which colours complement each other. Primary colours (red, yellow, blue) form the foundation, with secondary and tertiary colours branching out. This tool is essential for understanding how different colours relate to each other.

Colour Wheel

Complementary Colours

These are pairs of colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green. Using complementary colours can create a bold, dynamic look, adding vibrancy and energy to your kitchen. For example, incorporating dark blue can create a bold and inviting atmosphere. Pairing it with lighter elements like white and pink will help you maintain brightness while making a strong style statement. It’s a great way to add vibrancy and create a focal point in your kitchen design.

A kitchen with bold blue cupboards and a matching island is paired with striking orange furniture, like the island chairs, creating a vibrant and dynamic contrast.

Analogous Colours

These are groups of colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, like blue, green and yellow. Analogous colours create a harmonious and soothing effect, perfect for a relaxed and cohesive kitchen environment.

The primary blue colour of the kitchen is beautifully complemented by touches of analogous colours, like the green from the plants, and yellow accents in the painting and brass hardware.

Tonal Schemes

For a sleek, cohesive look, use varying shades of a single colour. This approach, known as a monochromatic palette, offers a sophisticated and harmonious aesthetic that’s easy on the eyes. It’s a versatile choice that works well for creating a seamless, stylish environment.

The Poggenpohl +SEGMENTO kitchen showcases an elegant blend of clean lines and soothing brown and beige tones, exuding a luxurious aesthetic.

By mastering these colour theory basics, you can confidently choose a kitchen colour scheme that enhances the beauty of your space.

Understanding Your Kitchen’s Unique Needs

Style and Mood

Warm Colours (Red, Orange, Yellow): These hues are ideal for creating an energetic and lively environment. Red can stimulate conversation and appetite, making it a great choice for a bustling, family-oriented kitchen. Yellow and orange add cheerfulness and warmth, brightening up the space and infusing it with energy. Incorporating a bold colour like burnt orange can serve as a vibrant and warm element that complements other hues, such as powder blue or natural wood accents. Additionally, using a bold colour for cabinet doors can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal, either by contrasting or blending with other kitchen elements like flooring and ceilings.

The kitchen design features warm, earthy tones like soft browns and beige, which are enhanced by the gentle, diffused lighting.

Cool Colours (Blue, Green, Purple): Cool tones bring a sense of calm and relaxation. Blue is perfect for a serene kitchen atmosphere where you can unwind. Green adds a refreshing, natural touch, promoting a restful and rejuvenating space. Purple introduces depth and luxury, adding a sophisticated flair.

The kitchen features a muted, cool green hue on the lower cabinets, offering a refreshing contrast to the dark wood and black accents.

Neutral Colours (White, Grey, Beige): Neutral shades offer a versatile, timeless backdrop that can make your kitchen feel more open and airy. They’re great for creating a classic and sophisticated look. Muted tones also allow you to play with pops of colour through accessories and accents, adapting the space to your evolving tastes.

This Callerton kitchen features a sleek neutral grey colour palette, creating a refined and contemporary look. The soft grey cabinetry is complemented by metallic accents and a light countertop, which adds depth without overpowering the space.

Size and Layout

The size and layout of your kitchen play a pivotal role in determining how colours will affect the space.

For Smaller Kitchens: Light colours can make compact spaces feel more expansive and open. Opt for reflective finishes, like glossy whites or soft pastels, to bounce light around and create a sense of airiness. To add depth without overwhelming the kitchen space, you might consider subtle patterns or textures. Another effective technique is to use a darker shade on the lower half of kitchen cabinets and lighter shades on upper walls, which can visually expand the room and create an impression of higher ceilings.

For Larger Kitchens: Embrace the opportunity to use dark tones or more saturated colours to cultivate a warm and inviting atmosphere. Rich tones can help delineate different areas within a spacious kitchen, such as a dining nook or cooking zone, providing a sense of intimacy and definition. These colours can make expansive areas feel more cosy and enclosed, enhancing the overall comfort of your kitchen.

Lighting

Understanding how lighting interacts with colour is crucial for achieving the perfect look in your kitchen. The way light plays with your chosen kitchen colour palette can significantly influence the final effect.

Natural Light: Colours look most accurate and vibrant in natural daylight. If your kitchen benefits from ample sunlight, you can confidently experiment with bolder colours, knowing they will still appear bright and lively. Consider the direction and intensity of the natural light throughout the day, as this will affect how the colours shift and change.

The ample sunlight streaming through the large windows creates a bright and airy atmosphere in this Poggenpohl kitchen.
choosing the right kitchen cabinets
The predominant use of warm white LED lights throughout the space creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, while accentuating specific elements, such as the kitchen island.

Artificial Lighting: The type of artificial lighting you use can dramatically alter how colours appear. For example, incandescent lighting adds warmth to colours, making them look more yellow or orange, while LED lighting often casts a cooler, bluish tone. Fluorescent lights can sometimes give a greenish cast. To ensure that your chosen colours look as you envision them, it’s essential to test paint samples under your kitchen’s specific lighting conditions.

Bringing Your Kitchen Vision to Life

Choosing The Right Colour Scheme

When it comes to kitchen colour schemes, there are several popular options to consider, each offering a unique aesthetic and feel:

  • Monochromatic: The monochrome kitchen scheme uses varying shades of a single colour to create a cohesive and sophisticated look. For example, different tones of grey can add depth and elegance to your kitchen.
  • Soft Pastels: These gentle shades create a soothing and inviting atmosphere. Ideal for a kitchen where you want to enjoy relaxed meals or peaceful mornings, pastel shades make the space feel light and airy.
  • Complementary: This scheme involves using colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as blue and orange. Complementary colours create a striking and vibrant look, making each colour pop. A white tile backsplash can create a clean and simple backdrop that contrasts beautifully with bold colour choices.
  • Bold Contrasts: High-contrast schemes, such as black and white or navy and gold, add drama and excitement. These colours make the space feel dynamic and engaging, perfect for a lively kitchen where entertaining is key.
  • Analogous: This scheme uses colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, like blue, green, and yellow. Analogous colours provide a harmonious and calming effect, ideal for a serene kitchen space.
    Neutral: This scheme focuses on neutral shades like beige, white and grey. Neutral colours create a clean, minimalist look that can be easily updated with accessories and accents.

Each of these kitchen colour schemes offers different benefits and can be tailored to suit your personal style and the overall atmosphere you want to create in your kitchen.

Choosing The Right Supporting Elements

Supporting elements, such as walls, floors and appliances can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your kitchen. When selecting colours for these elements, consider the following tips:

  • Choose colours that will complement the colour of your kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring.
  • Consider the style and design of your kitchen, and choose colours that will fit with this aesthetic.
  • Don’t forget to consider the colour of your kitchen accessories, such as lighting and decor, and choose colours that will complement these elements.
  • Use a colour wheel to help you select colours that will work well together.
The cohesive colour scheme in this kitchen is achieved through a harmonious interplay of neutral tones. The warm white cabinetry complements the soft beige of the countertops, while the gold brass hardware adds a touch of luxury. The natural wood flooring and rustic accents provide a grounded feel, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere.

Applying the 60:30:10 Rule

Achieve a balanced and visually appealing kitchen design by following the 60:30:10 rule:

  • 60% Dominant Colour: This is the main colour that sets the overall tone of your kitchen, usually covering the largest surfaces like kitchen cabinets or walls. It establishes the primary mood of the space.
  • 30% Secondary Colour: Add depth and interest with a secondary kitchen colour that complements the dominant one. For instance, you can use your countertops, backsplash, or larger appliances to create contrast and visual interest. For example, marble countertops can enhance the overall design and ambiance by complementing a wide range of colours and materials.
  • 10% Accent Colour: Introduce a pop of personality with an accent kitchen colour. This could be vibrant tiles, colourful accessories or striking light fixtures. These smaller touches bring your design to life and add character to your kitchen.

Summary

Choosing the best colour scheme for your kitchen is both an art and a practical task, reflecting your style while meeting your needs.

It’s important to keep in mind that kitchens are dynamic spaces that mirror your lifestyle and can evolve over time. To keep your kitchen looking fresh and adaptable, start with timeless base elements like neutral-coloured cabinets and countertops. Then, introduce bolder or trendier colours through easily changeable features, such as wall paint or decorative accessories. This approach lets you experiment with style while maintaining a classic foundation.

Get Inspired

Looking for more kitchen colour ideas? Check out our gallery of recent projects and see how different kitchen colour schemes come to life in beautiful, bespoke spaces we have created.