40 Colorful Kitchens and Designer-Approved Paint Colors to Try
Brighten your interior with these popular shades and color combinations.
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At this point, it's no secret that minimalism is out (designers have been saying it for over a year). That means stark, all-white kitchens and millennial gray are no longer the norm. Instead, designers are embracing more color — think moody hues like rich red and deep blue, or bright colors like soft pink and sage green. To help inspire a kitchen design refresh, we've rounded up colorful kitchens that appease every style — even if you want to stick to something a bit more neutral.
Experiment with a trending paint colors like dark purple, sunny yellow or shades or red. You can't go wrong with a shade of blue or green, which continue to dominate interiors. Before you paint all of your cabinetry a bright color, you can always test it out in a smaller space — paint upper cabinets, lower cabinets or a center island a bold shade, then go neutral everywhere else.
If you're upgrading your current setup, look to the surrounding elements like your kitchen flooring, lighting, countertop style and backsplash choice. Also, take notice of the layout's size and number of windows in the space. Bright colors, like cool yellow or light blue, work best in small kitchens or interiors lacking natural light. Rich tones, like emerald green or navy blue, can also make a statement in tiny spaces.
Cool Yellow
Brighten up any space with a light yellow-green paint color, just as Cortney Bishop Design does in this charming kitchen. It looks fresh and cheerful against white shiplap walls and delicate gold hardware.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Cool Yellow by Glidden
Photo by: Katie Charlotte
Cobalt Blue
Dare to go bold with a rich hue like cobalt — just be sure to choose a simple backsplash for some balance. Finish the look with chrome and stainless steel finishes, like this setup from designer Nina Carbone.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Dark Cobalt Blue by Behr
Photo by: Kelsey Ann Rose
Moody Teal
From muted to deep, teal kitchen cabinets are a popular choice. In this cozy kitchen, Heather Kirk of Kirk Riley Design somehow makes the cheerful hue feel like a neutral.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Sailing By Moonlight by Valspar
Photo by: Julie Mannell
Burnt Orange
Hunting for an unexpected hue? Try dark orange, whether it's the entire kitchen or a way to define the pantry. In this modern kitchen,
Noz Nozawa mixes warm wood cabinetry with warm orange for visual interest.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Electric Orange by Benjamin Moore
Photo by: SEN Creative
Bright Yellow
Yellow and blue are complementary colors, which means they balance each other out. Here, James Yarosh Associates goes for blue-gray kitchen cabinets and neon yellow for the center island — instant contrast.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Acorn Squash by Glidden
Photo by: Patricia Burke
Navy Blue + Bright White
Incorporate color in a subtle way with navy blue cabinetry and crisp white walls. For even more contrast, take inspiration from Berkeley Place and skip upper cabinets.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Nearly Navy by Clare
Glossy Green
If you have a second kitchen or a butler's pantry, it's the perfect opportunity to flex your creativity. Choose a vibrant shade of green, opting for a glossy finish to level up the drama.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Grasshopper by Sherwin-Williams
Light Teal
These teal kitchen cabinets are a soothing blend of blue and green. To elevate the space, James Yarosh Associates adds a dramatic marble countertop that extends up the wall.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Steamy Spring by Dunn-Edwards
Photo by: Patricia Burke
Deep Purple
Shades of purple are popping up in interiors. Glidden even named this daring shade its color of the year. A deep purple looks bold and dramatic, yet calming in the kitchen. Pair it with bright creams and whites so it doesn't overpower.
FIND THE SHADE:
Purple Basil by Glidden
Soft Pink
Pink is a unique choice for kitchen cabinets, but the right shade creates a warm, inviting space. Here, Studio DIY goes for a soft pink that leans toward neutral. Hint: Gold hardware is the perfect match for pink.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Pink Bliss by Benjamin Moore
Botanical Green
Green kitchens are all the rage — they've been trending for the last few years, but a nature-inspired hue can be timeless. Take note from Lucinda Sanford and pair a leafy shade with a botanical wallpaper.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Sage Green by Behr
Wine Red
From burgundy and auburn to muted mauve, warm rusty reds are trending this year. Here, Kelsey McGregor, founder of Kelsey Leigh Design Co., uses a wine-inspired paint color on walls, cabinets and window treatments for a monochrome moment, then weaves in gold hardware to complete the look.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Eating Room Red by Farrow & Ball
Glossy Blue + Splash of Yellow
Sunny yellow pendant lights are the perfect contrast to high-gloss blue cabinets. We love that designer Troy Spurlin ditches the cabinet hardware to further the retro style.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Cobalt Glaze by Glidden
Forest Green
Rather than commit to a single paint color, design firm Forge & Bow opts for a nature-inspired green for lower cabinets and a crisp white for the uppers.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Buffett Green by Benjamin Moore
Teal Green + Bright Coral
There's no reason not to experiment with a dramatic color combination in a kitchen. Think dark green cabinets and terra-cotta-colored upper walls, as featured in this layout from designer Michelle Bordeau.
FIND SIMILAR SHADES:
Coral Reef by Benjamin Moore
Essential Teal by Behr
Pastel Blue
Lighten up an interior with powder blue, which evokes a calm, cool feeling, especially when paired with walnut wood accents. The pale hue, chosen by Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors, is elevated by gold hardware.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
The Early Stuff by Backdrop Home
Sage Green
This kitchen, featuring attractive sage green cabinets against white walls, is a lesson in juxtaposition. Natural wood accents add a rustic farmhouse feel.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams
Sunny Yellow + Bright Blue
Reminiscent of a day at the beach, sunny yellow cabinets work well with a blue patterned tile backsplash.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Sundance by Benjamin Moore
Bold Black
Painting cabinetry black — a popular paint color this year — is an easy way to create contrast and add drama. Here, Woodland Road Design pairs the dark hue with a white tile backsplash to produce this iconic color combination.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Cracked Pepper by Behr
Seafoam Green
Recreate this bold, ocean-inspired interior with seafoam green cabinets and baby blue walls. The finishing touch: a woven pendant light.
FIND A SIMILAR SHADE:
Arsenic by Farrow & Ball
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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