10 Kitchen Colour Ideas You’ll Love: My Top 10 Kitchen Paint Inspirations from Real ProjectsLena HartwellSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Soft Sage Green2. Classic Navy3. Warm Terracotta4. Crisp White with Black Accents5. Dusty Pink6. Charcoal Grey7. Olive Green8. Sunny Yellow9. Soft Taupe10. Moody TealFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client showed me a mood board where the kitchen walls were painted fluorescent green, paired with hot pink cabinets. I’ll be honest — my eyes needed a minute to recover. But that meeting reminded me of something important: small or bold kitchens both benefit hugely from the right colour choices. Today, I’m sharing 10 of my favourite kitchen colour ideas, inspired by over a decade of real projects. Because, trust me, small kitchens can spark the biggest creativity.1. Soft Sage GreenThis gentle grey-green works wonders in compact kitchens, bringing a calm, natural vibe without feeling dull. I once used it in a studio flat, and even the tiny space felt airy. Pairing it with warm wood accents keeps it from feeling too cool, an approach I refined using a kitchen layout planner long before stepping on site.save pin2. Classic NavyNavy is rich and sophisticated, and it pairs beautifully with brass handles. It hides fingerprints well (a big win for families) but needs good lighting to avoid looking too heavy. I love using a marble splashback to balance it out.save pin3. Warm TerracottaThis earthy colour adds instant cosiness. Perfect for open-plan spaces that blend kitchen and dining. In one renovation, terracotta walls made the white cabinets pop — though I had to convince the client it wouldn’t make the space look smaller (it didn’t!).save pin4. Crisp White with Black AccentsWhite remains timeless, but I like adding black handles or lighting for contrast. The key is layering textures so it doesn’t feel sterile. A patterned backsplash can work wonders here.save pin5. Dusty PinkNot just for bedrooms! Dusty pink, when combined with grey counters, feels chic and unexpected. I used it once in a bachelor’s kitchen after showing him a quick mock-up in a free floor plan creator, and he was hooked.save pin6. Charcoal GreyDeep grey creates drama, especially with matte finishes. The trick is to use it on lower cabinets only, balancing with lighter walls above so the room doesn’t feel closed in.save pin7. Olive GreenOlive has an earthy sophistication and pairs beautifully with stone countertops. I love it for homes with a lot of natural light — it can feel a little flat if the space is too dark.save pin8. Sunny YellowThis is the ultimate morning coffee booster. Yellow cabinets or walls make a space feel warm even on gloomy days. I once recreated a client’s grandma’s 1970s kitchen vibe but gave it a modern twist, planned entirely with a 3D floor planner.save pin9. Soft TaupeA neutral lover’s dream — taupe works with practically any accent colour. It’s especially handy if you like changing decor seasonally, as it’s endlessly versatile.save pin10. Moody TealTeal is bold but somehow soothing, an ideal choice for making a statement without overwhelming the space. Just remember to keep surrounding elements simple so the colour stays the star.save pinFAQ1. What are the best kitchen paint colours for small spaces?Light tones like soft sage, taupe, and white help reflect light and make a kitchen feel larger.2. Can dark colours work in a kitchen?Yes — navy or charcoal can look amazing when balanced with good lighting and lighter surfaces.3. What’s trending in kitchen colours in 2024?Earthy neutrals, rich greens, and warm terracottas are having a big moment, according to colour forecasts from Dulux.4. Should I match cabinet and wall colours?Not necessarily — contrast can add depth. Matching works best for a seamless, minimalist look.5. How can I choose a colour that won’t date quickly?Go for timeless neutrals or muted shades, and introduce trends through accents and accessories.6. Do bright colours make a kitchen look bigger?Brighter tones can enhance light, but too bold can sometimes make walls feel closer.7. How often should I repaint my kitchen?Typically every 5–7 years, or sooner if high-traffic walls and cabinets show wear.8. Is matte or gloss better for kitchen paint?Eggshell or satin offers a balance — easy to wipe but not too shiny, recommended by Benjamin Moore.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE