Choosing Kitchen Paint Colors
You likely spend a lot of time in your kitchen. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hosting, cleaning, and winding down at the end of the day—it all happens in that multifunctional room. Naturally you want to enjoy being in there, and a key part of making that happen is paint color.
Paint color sets the tone for your kitchen, influencing the mood, making the space feel larger or cozier, and complementing your cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. A well-chosen paint color can enhance natural light, create harmony with adjacent rooms, and even affect your appetite and energy levels.
With all that in mind, here are 10 great color options to help you make your kitchen both a productive space and a welcoming haven.
10 Great Kitchen Paint Color Options
1. Soft White
This timeless classic can give any kitchen a clean and airy feel. It works well with various design styles, from traditional to modern, and creates a bright and open atmosphere, making the kitchen appear larger and more inviting.
Benefits:
- Reflects natural light, enhancing the brightness of the room.
- Complements any cabinet color, countertop material, and appliance finish.
- Provides a neutral backdrop for colorful decor or accessories.
Popular shades include Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster.
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2. Warm Gray
This is an excellent choice for kitchens that need to balance sophistication and warmth. Unlike cool grays, warm gray has undertones of beige or taupe, giving it a cozier vibe.
Benefits:
- Provides a neutral yet elegant backdrop that pairs well with stainless steel appliances.
- Versatile enough to match with various accent colors and materials.
- Adds depth and character without overwhelming the space.
Popular shades include Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl and Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White.
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3. Navy Blue
This bold and sophisticated color adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. It's perfect for creating a dramatic look and works well with both contemporary and traditional styles.
Benefits:
- Provides a striking contrast to white or light-colored cabinetry.
- Pairs beautifully with metallic accents, like gold or brass hardware.
- Creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere, especially in large kitchens.
Popular shades include Sherwin-Williams’ Naval and Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy.
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4. Sage Green
This calming and earthy color can give your kitchen a natural feel. It's an excellent choice for creating a tranquil and inviting space that evokes the beauty of the outdoors.
Benefits:
- Blends well with natural wood tones and stone accents.
- Creates a serene environment, perfect for a kitchen that's both functional and relaxing.
- Works beautifully with farmhouse and country-style kitchens.
Popular shades include Benjamin Moore’s Thornton Sage and Farrow & Ball’s Lichen.
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5. Sunny Yellow
This cheerful and vibrant color instantly brightens any kitchen. It's perfect for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for big family gatherings and relaxing morning coffee.
Benefits:
- Enhances natural light, making the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.
- Adds a lively and energetic vibe, promoting positivity and creativity.
- Pairs well with white cabinetry and rustic wood accents.
Popular shades include Benjamin Moore’s Hawthorne Yellow and Sherwin-Williams’ Friendly Yellow.
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6. Charcoal Gray
This modern and versatile color adds sophistication and depth. It's a great choice if you want a sleek and contemporary look, offering a neutral backdrop that complements a variety of styles.
Benefits:
- Creates a chic and elegant look, perfect for modern kitchens.
- Pairs well with stainless steel appliances and glass accents.
- Offers a dramatic contrast to white or light-colored cabinetry.
Popular shades include Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe and Benjamin Moore’s Charcoal Slate.
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7. Soft Taupe
This warm and neutral color creates a cozy and inviting feel. It's a versatile choice that works well with both traditional and modern designs, offering a touch of timeless elegance.
Benefits:
- Provides a warm and neutral backdrop that complements a variety of decor styles.
- Works well with both light and dark cabinetry, creating a balanced look.
- Offers a subtle elegance that enhances the overall ambiance of the kitchen.
Popular shades include Benjamin Moore’s Smokey Taupe and Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige.
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8. Muted Blue-Green
This serene and versatile color adds a touch of elegance. It creates a refreshing look, reminiscent of coastal or vintage styles, providing a tranquil and airy ambiance.
Benefits:
- Pairs beautifully with natural wood tones and metallic accents.
- Provides a soothing and calming effect, perfect for a relaxed kitchen environment.
- Adds a unique and stylish touch to both modern and traditional kitchens.
Popular shades include Farrow & Ball’s Oval Room Blue and Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue.
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9. Terracotta
This warm and earthy color can bring a cozy and rustic feel to your kitchen. It adds a touch of Mediterranean charm and is perfect for creating a welcoming and inviting space.
Benefits:
- Enhances the warmth and coziness of the space, making it ideal for family gatherings.
- Pairs well with natural materials like wood, stone, and ceramics.
- Adds a rich and vibrant touch to both traditional and eclectic kitchens.
Popular shades include Benjamin Moore’s Baked Terra Cotta and Sherwin-Williams’s Cavern Clay.
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10. Crisp Black
A bold contemporary color choice, crisp black adds drama and sophistication. It's perfect if you want a sleek and modern look with a touch of elegance.
Benefits:
- Provides a striking contrast to lighter colors, creating a modern and chic appearance.
- Pairs beautifully with metallic accents, like gold and chrome hardware.
- Adds a touch of luxury and elegance to any kitchen design.
Popular shades include Benjamin Moore’s Black Panther and Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black.
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Testing Kitchen Paint Colors with Samplize
Finding your kitchen color is simpler with large-format peel-and-stick samples from Samplize. Follow these steps to see for yourself.
Step One: Choose Your Samples
Start with some of the recommendations above or by browsing our huge selection of colors from leading brands. You can go with one of our bundles, or handpick a few favorites in just a few minutes. Finish your order, and your samples will arrive on your doorstep the very next day.
Step Two: Peel and Stick
Your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint, so you’ll be able to really see how the paint will look in various conditions. Start by testing one sample on an inconspicuous place in your kitchen. Make sure that spot is clean and free of debris. Once you’ve tried one, feel free to stick on various colors side by side.
Step Three: Dream, Debate, Decide
Take your time, here. Turn the lights on and off, draw the curtains, wait for sunset—explore how each color looks in every kind of condition. Then, if you don’t fall in love with one, just repeat steps one and two until you find your perfect kitchen color.
Ready to Sample?
Finding the right kitchen paint can and should be stress free, mess free, and enjoyable. Get started right here.
