Homeowners in the UK are getting braver with the use of colour and I love to see how this has gone beyond smaller rooms into larger spaces like the kitchen. We are embracing the way colour can impact kitchens both spatially and emotionally.
Google searches for kitchen colours has risen by 42% (Feb 2024 v Feb 2025). However, my advice is don’t be drawn to the latest colour trends. It’s important to approach interior design with a thoughtful understanding of colour theory. Whether you’re drawn to the harmony of the different tones or high contrast, the goal is to create a space that feels visually cohesive and emotionally inviting. With the right balance of colours, your kitchen can become a beautiful, functional space which is an extension of your personality.
The importance of colour theory
Colour theory revolves around understanding how hues relate to one another on the colour wheel. This is a fundamental tool for making informed decisions when it comes to pairing shades together.
Interior designers also use the 60-30-10 rule, which is a guide for balancing colours in a room: 60% of the space should be your dominant colour (usually a neutral), 30% should be a complementary colour, and 10% should be a disruptor colour for contrast. For example, if you have grey kitchen units and floors, adding a rich wall colour like luxurious navy and a touch of burnt orange to upholstery can enhance the space, making it feel warm and balanced.
Incorporate colour through key design elements
My advice is to choose your favourite element first and then work backwards. If that is a crazy fabric you love, use it on the backs of the chair or kitchen stools, then pull out minor colour for accents in the room, whether that’s art or even the grout colour.
Once you’ve chosen your colour scheme, it’s time to think about how to incorporate these colours into your kitchen.
Cabinets often take up a large visual space in a kitchen, so choosing the right colour for them can set the tone. Bold coloured cabinetry, such as or green or inky hues creates a statement, while lighter tones can offer a timeless, understated elegance. To create visual interest, you can also opt for two-tone cabinetry such as rich burgundy tones for the kitchen island, paired with dusky pink upper cabinets and a beautiful oak floor.
The backsplash is also a great area to experiment with colour. Tiles come in various hues and textures, so you can mix and match to create a unique design. A mosaic of deep green or a soft gradient of pastel pinks can add a touch of personality without overwhelming the room. Smaller accessories, like art, dishware, pots, or rugs, are an effortless way to infuse colour into your kitchen without making a major commitment. A collection of sunshine yellow bowls or a textured ocean blue rug can easily elevate the space and add layers of visual interest.
Balance colour with natural light
Natural light can make a significant difference in how colour appears in your kitchen. In rooms with abundant natural light, bold colours will appear more vibrant and dynamic. If your kitchen lacks natural light or it is north facing, it’s easy to think that it has to be painted bright white, but you need to add contrast. Think about adding coloured base units and white/neutral upper units. This will prevent the space from feeling too dark or cold. Consider pairing darker colours with reflective surfaces, such brass or utilise mirrors to amplify the available light.
Experiment with colour contrast and textures
Contrast is one of the most effective ways to create visual interest in your kitchen. Pairing contrasting colours can highlight specific design elements. For example, deep blue and crisp white cabinetry creates a sharp contrast that feels sophisticated, yet welcoming, green cabinets paired with a warm white and gold handles and fixings looks super luxurious.
Textures are also key in adding depth to your colour choices. Matte finishes bring a subtle, contemporary feel, while glossy finishes can create a more dramatic, high-shine effect – just remember shine shows fingerprints so isn’t ideal for kitchens! Combining different textures and finishes like smooth cabinets with a rough stone countertop creates a dynamic space that feels both tactile and visually stimulating.
Rugs are great for improving the acoustics and adding pattern, consider choosing a low pile rug that’s made from a robust fabric, whether that’s a synthetic, or one from recycled materials.
Where tiling isn’t possible, wallpaper is an effective way you can bring fresh colour, pattern and texture to your kitchen space. Wallpaper can be installed yourself; it can conceal imperfections and even protect walls from moisture. We like to lean into using stone or quartz upstands with interesting artwork or wallpaper hung above. Do remember that not all wallpaper is robust enough for this busy kitchen space where temperature rises and falls.
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