Our kitchen extension was completed in the first phase of the renovation of our Edwardian cottage and remains the spot we all spend the most time in. It is the place everyone gravitates to in any social gathering, where the teenagers sit at the breakfast bar and unload the various dramas the day brought about and, of course, where we spend time cooking, clearing up and generally pottering about.
I think we realised that this would be the hub of the home even before it was finished which made getting it completed quickly a priority. This meant that we rushed some kitchen design decisions that we have later regretted. The window with glazing bars that are too chunky, wooden worktops around the sink and the undersized fridge-freezer, for example. Another of our kitchen renovation mistakes was that we totally neglected to think through the kitchen wall colours. Not only did we, on reflection, play it way too safe with our choice of cabinetry colours (green-grey and pearl white) but we also just slapped bright white (and very inexpensive) paint on the walls. This decision meant the walls are now covered with obvious grease splatters, tomato sauce stains and areas that have flaked – plus the room can look rather stark at times.
This is one area of the house that is way overdue redecoration and we plan on giving it not only a total makeover but also want to remodel its layout. With this in mind, I am keen that we get the colour scheme spot on next time, so I asked the experts which colours to avoid in a kitchen if we don't want to have to be thinking about doing it all again in a couple of years time – here's the shades they advised we steer clear of, and which hues to go with instead.
Article continues below1. Cool, stony greys
Pale grey is a shade that has been noticeably absent from paint trends just lately – once seen as the perfect alternative kitchen wall colour to stark white, but now often viewed as a little cold and clinical.
"Grey has been hugely popular in the past, but overly cool, blue-based greys can leave a kitchen feeling cold, stark and uninviting," explains Paul Dore, managing director and kitchen expert at County Stone Ltd. "We often see this in newer developments where everything feels a bit too uniform – grey cabinets, flooring, walls. And while there are ways you can warm up the space with things such as rugs, wallpaper and accessories, incorporating cool tones on a large scale will always make a room feel cold."
"Flat, concrete-style greys can feel gloomy in UK light," agrees Samantha Davies, marketing director at The Kitchen Restoration Company. "We recommend using warm taupe, mushroom or layered neutrals instead – they offer that same modern minimalism but with a 'glow' that feels inviting year-round."
"If you are set on grey, try a warmer grey which has a brown, red or yellow undertone," suggests Paul Dore. "Alternatively, 'greige' gives you a similar look but with a more inviting finish. These also work far better with popular worktop colours and create a more balanced and lived-in feel."
Paul is managing director at County Stone Ltd who has built a fantastic reputation for creatively responding to highly varied and often rather ‘different’ types of commissions and contracts both in the domestic and commercial markets.
Samantha is marketing director at The Kitchen Restoration Company who, for the past 21 years, have been specialising in everything from small-scale updates to complete overhauls. They handcraft every element of the kitchen to ensure customers can achieve the kitchen of their dreams.
2. Light-absorbing flat blacks
As kitchen trends go, black finishes and cabinetry are up there right now, proving that this is not a shade to be scared of. However, there are certain ways of using black if you want your kitchen to feel timeless.
"We love a dark kitchen when it’s done well, but flat, light-absorbing blacks can make a space feel heavy and closed in," warns Paul Dore. "This is particularly true in UK kitchens where natural light can be limited. These flat, matte dark colours also tend to show fingerprints and dust more easily.
"If you do love the look and feel of a deep, dark kitchen, we suggest opting for softer charcoals, off-blacks or deep navy tones instead," continues Paul. "These still give you that dramatic look but with more depth and warmth, especially when paired with a warm worktop to lift the scheme."
Shop alternatives to black
This is such a warm shade, being a little more blue than it is black – it pairs beautifully with marble finishes such as splashbacks, and off-white walls.
A rich, dark blue such as this one is the perfect alternative to black – with warm green undertones it would warm up a cold kitchen fast.
Featuring a big hit of blue, this off-black looks great against natural wood finishes and is resistant to mould, grease and steam.
3. Overly bright, primary greens
Green has become an incredibly popular shade within the kitchen world in recent years, with sage green kitchen cabinets and deep forest tones being particularly in demand. However, there are certain shades of green that the experts I spoke to advised to avoid.
"Avoid high-saturation primary greens," says Samantha Davies. "Vibrant greens can quickly feel overwhelming. Sage and muted greens act as a 'new neutral', providing personality that homeowners don’t grow tired of after twelve months."
Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, has some more advice on using green in the kitchen.
"Green as an accent colour brings life, nature, and freshness to your kitchen," says Al. "This colour is particularly suitable for modern, minimalistic, or rustic kitchens, depending on the intensity and saturation. From emerald green tiles to light sage, the possibilities are endless, and they will provide a much-needed visual break from the typical neutral colours you might find in other kitchens."
Al Bruce is the founder of Olive & Barr, a British kitchen brand known for creating thoughtfully designed kitchens that balance timeless style with practical, everyday living.
Shop green paint
This easy-to-live-with soft green also happens to be washable and scrubbable making it a great choice for hardworking kitchens.
This muted shade of green would be perfect on both cabinetry as well as on the walls and looks great paired with creamy neutrals and natural materials elsewhere in the scheme.
Managing to be both soft and subtle as well as fresh, this gentle green won't overwhelm the space but will add a welcome warmth.
4. Vivid, high-saturation colours
While it is tempting to think you can use bright shades to inject personality into your kitchen, if it is a timeless and easy-to-live with look you are after, eye-popping hues might not be the way to go.
"When thinking about colour in the kitchen, it is important to consider how a space will feel over time as well as how it looks in the moment," picks up Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company. "While bold shades can be appealing, we would advise using caution with very bright colours such as strong reds, vivid yellows or neon tones. These can quickly become overpowering, especially in a space that is used every day."
Paul Dore echoes this advice. "Strong, bold colours like reds, greens or yellows can be tempting if you’re looking to make an impact. But when used across full cabinetry, they can quickly become overwhelming and date much faster than more neutral palettes. They can also clash with the natural variation you get in materials such as wood and stone."
So what does Paul suggest for those wanting to incorporate some of these stronger shades?
"We don’t ever completely steer people away from bold looks if that’s what they want, but we always advise using bold colours and patterns as accents, rather than across the full kitchen," says Paul. "For instance, opt for striking kitchen island ideas or choose bright or contrasting colours for inside cabinetry, or simply add pops of colour with accessories, while keeping the main scheme more timeless and adaptable to changing trends and tastes. After all, a well-considered colour palette will not only look better on day one, but still feel right years down the line."
Kate Palmer is the creative director at The Painted Furniture Company. With a background in fashion design and passion for colour and interiors, Kate has helped many customers to achieve the exact look they desired for their home.
5. All-white schemes
While none of the experts I spoke with suggested skipping white kitchen ideas altogether, the advice tended to be to ensure that white is pared with natural materials and warmer neutrals to avoid a clinical look.
"One of the most common pitfalls we see is relying on stark, flat whites throughout," reveals Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn. "While they can feel fresh initially, they often lack warmth and can quickly start to feel clinical or one-dimensional, particularly in kitchens that don’t receive consistent natural light. Instead, softer off-whites or warm neutrals with subtle undertones tend to age much more gracefully, bringing a sense of depth and softness to the space."
Kate Palmer agrees. "Stark whites can sometimes lack warmth and character. A more considered approach is to look towards softer, more enduring shades. Muted greens, gentle blues, warm neutrals and chalky greys are all popular choices as they bring a sense of calm and work easily alongside natural materials."
Al Bruce explains that, rather than considering colour alone, you need to think about the finishes you introduce into the space too.
"Finishes are becoming more tactile, with low-sheen paints, honed marbles, and softly veined quartz that delicately reflect the light," says Al. "Metals are warmer with a timeless feel; brass and antique silver with an aged patina are favoured over a mirror polish. Earthy pastels create a welcoming feel, so expect hints of mushroom and soft pink, rather than cool whites."
Cathryn Sanders is Head of Creative at Earthborn and worked for the brand for over a decade, meaning she has a wealth of knowledge on paints, trends and the interiors industry as a whole. Working on several colour launches, she is well-versed in trend forecasting, particularly with regard to colour, and subsequently gets the final say on all of Earthborn’s new colours and colour names.
FAQs
What are the best colours for a kitchen?
While certain colours can work better than others in a kitchen, this does depend on factors such as natural light levels, the kitchen layout ideas you have opted for. and the other finishes within the space, such as flooring and worktop materials. In short, there is not really a right or wrong colour – it is a considered decision that matters.
"The most important thing is choosing colours that make you happy. Trends will always come and go, but your kitchen should reflect your personal style and how you want the space to feel," points out Cathryn Sanders. "And it’s worth remembering that walls and cabinets aren’t forever. With a bit of preparation and the right paint, painting kitchen cabinets is easier than you might think.
"Ultimately, the most timeless kitchens tend to balance softness, warmth and subtle character, creating a space that evolves with you rather than dates around you,” adds Cathryn.
"While many experts give a 'hard pass' to certain shades, we argue that no colour is truly off-limits – it’s the finish and the application that usually fail," says Samantha Davies. "We’re seeing a shift where homeowners are moving away from rigid 'don't' lists and instead choosing evolved versions of bold trends."
"Remember not to only think of what you need from your kitchen now – look a little further ahead," adds Al Bruce. "If you opt for a colour that deeply resonates with your tastes and needs, rather than following fleeting trends, you can’t go far wrong and are guaranteed to love your kitchen for years to come.”
How can you use bright colours in the kitchen?
Colours can be one of the things that make a kitchen look dated prematurely but you can still use bold, bright shades, providing you take care where and how they are introduced.
"Highly saturated, trend-led brights can date quickly, especially when used across large areas," agrees Cathryn Sanders. "While bold colour has its place, it’s often more effective when used in smaller, considered moments such as on a kitchen island, inside shelving or through accessories."
"For those wanting to introduce more colour, freestanding kitchen ideas and pieces offer a flexible way to do so," suggests Kate Palmer. "A painted dresser, pantry cupboard or sideboard can act as a focal point and choosing a richer tone for one of these pieces is a lovely way to inject some colour, even if you decide to play it safer with other cabinetry. This approach also has the advantage of adaptability. Freestanding furniture can be updated or repositioned over time, making it easier to evolve a colour scheme without committing to a full redesign."
“Doors, finishes and accessories are one of the easiest elements to update,” says Samantha Davies. “That means people can enjoy colour and trends now, without worrying about being stuck with a look forever.”
When choosing colours for your kitchen be sure to take its dimensions into consideration. The best small kitchen colours will help make the most of the proportions of the space as well as lending a cosy vibe.
