2017 Kitchen Colors: 5 Small-Space Ideas: How I used 2017 kitchen color trends to transform tiny kitchens — five practical inspirations

I once painted an entire tiny galley kitchen neon coral because a client insisted it would feel "sunny all year." It felt sunny — and then we spent a weekend calming down the rest of the apartment. That blunder taught me fast: color can make or break a small kitchen, but smart choices will amplify light and space. Small spaces often force smarter solutions, and 2017 kitchen colors still hide useful lessons for today. In this article I’ll share 5 kitchen color inspirations based on my projects and what worked (and what didn’t).

1. Soft Gray with Warm Wood

Back in 2017 soft mid-tone grays paired with warm oak became a go-to for small kitchens. I used this combo on a compact apartment where the gray cabinetry acted like a neutral backdrop while the wood added texture and warmth. The advantage is timelessness and easy coordination; the downside is gray can look flat if you skip warm accents. Tip: add brass pulls or a wooden cutting board to avoid a cold finish. For quick layout trials I often sketch the plan with an online room planner to preview tones.

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2. Matte Navy Accent Wall

Navy was a 2017 favorite for adding drama without shrinking the room — when used sparingly. I recommended a matte navy end wall behind open shelves; it made the white dishes pop and didn’t overwhelm the narrow space. Pros: deep color creates depth and hides wear; cons: needs good lighting or it reads heavy. A little gloss on the backsplash balances it nicely.

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3. Sage Green Cabinets

Sage green felt fresh in 2017 and it still reads calm and inviting. I used sage in a small L-shaped kitchen to soften stainless steel and white quartz. The benefit is a soothing, nature-inspired palette that pairs with plants; the challenge is matching metals — choose brushed finishes. If you want to test different cabinet colors virtually, try a free floor plan creator to visualize combinations before buying paint.

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4. Monochrome White with Textured Accents

All-white kitchens were huge in 2017 for making tight spaces feel airy. I’ve executed several tiny flats with white cabinetry and textured tile or ribbed panels to add personality. White maximizes perceived space and reflects light, but it shows grime faster and can feel sterile if you skip texture. Practical trick: mix matte and glossy whites and use open shelving to display warm ceramics.

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5. Terracotta and Earth Tones

2017 also nudged kitchens toward terracotta and muted earth tones, which I loved for creating cozy, lived-in atmospheres in small spaces. On a tiny studio remodel I used terracotta floor tiles and neutral cabinets to frame the space — it felt rooted and stylish. These tones add warmth but can skew dated if overused; balance with crisp countertops and plenty of natural light.

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FAQ

Q: Are 2017 kitchen colors still relevant today? A: Yes — many 2017 palettes like soft gray, sage green, navy accents, and earth tones are timeless when applied thoughtfully to small kitchens.

Q: Which 2017 color makes a small kitchen look bigger? A: Light neutrals — soft gray or white — reflect more light and create an airy feel.

Q: How do I prevent deep colors like navy from shrinking my kitchen? A: Use deep colors as accents on a single wall or on lower cabinets and keep the rest light and reflective.

Q: What practical finishes pair best with sage green? A: Brushed brass or matte black hardware and warm wood accents complement sage without clashing.

Q: Are earth tones easy to resale with? A: Muted terracotta and warm neutrals usually read as intentional design and can boost perceived coziness to buyers.

Q: How do I test colors before committing? A: Use digital mockups and small paint samples on different walls; renderings from a 3D floor planner help preview lighting and finish interactions.

Q: Do any authoritative sources back these color trends? A: The Pantone Color Institute reports and trend forecasts (Pantone) document the rise of earthy and muted palettes in that era, reinforcing these choices.

Q: Can I mix multiple 2017 palettes in one kitchen? A: Yes — combine a dominant neutral base with one or two accent colors (navy or terracotta) and natural textures for cohesion.

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