The kitchen is arguably the most important room in your home. As the hub of activity for cooking and gathering, the paint colors you choose for your kitchen walls can have a big impact on the overall vibe and functionality of the space.
Over time, kitchen color trends come and go. What’s considered stylish and on-trend one year may be dated and dreary the next. Knowing which kitchen paint colors are falling out of favor can help you avoid choices that will soon look tired and outdated. At the same time, understanding which hues are emerging allows you to choose a palette with lasting power.
So which kitchen paint colors are on their way out, and which shades will reign supreme in the years ahead? Read on for an overview of dying trends versus up-and-coming color ideas to inspire your next kitchen refresh.
Outdated Kitchen Paint Colors to Avoid
When selecting a color scheme for your kitchen, steering clear of soon-to-be outdated shades is just as important as choosing new stylish hues. Here are some of the kitchen paint color trends that are fading in popularity:
All-White Kitchens
For the past decade, bright white kitchens have been a top trend, exuding a clean, crisp, modern look. Stark white painted cabinets paired with white countertops and walls created a streamlined, if sterile, aesthetic. However, the all-white kitchen is now viewed as too sterile and lacking in personality.
The all-white look is best avoided if you don’t want your kitchen to appear dated. Warming up the space with wood accents and natural textures can keep a lighter palette feeling fresh.
Gray and Greige
Gray has been one of the most popular kitchen paint colors for several years now. Light dreamy shades of gray to deeper charcoal hues have provided elegant, neutral backdrops. Meanwhile, “greige”, a blend of gray and beige, has also been ubiquitous, providing the warmth of beige with the sophistication of gray.
However, gray and greige kitchens are edging closer towards cliché status. If you don’t want your stylish kitchen to appear ho-hum, consider warmer neutral hues or opt for gray in unique applications like kitchen island bases rather than everywhere.
All-Blue Kitchens
Blue is a perennial kitchen cabinet color choice, but the past few years saw the rise of kitchens decked out entirely in shades of blue. From navy kitchen cabinets to baby blue walls, the all-blue kitchen has been hugely trendy.
Unfortunately, all-blue kitchens can start to feel a bit overdone. Too much blue can also make a kitchen feel cold. Blue works best when combined with warm woods and natural textures versus on every surface.
Kitchen Paint Colors Rising in Popularity
Now that we’ve covered outdated kitchen paint color trends, let’s look ahead to shades expected to reign supreme in coming years. Choosing these emerging, of-the-moment colors can help your kitchen feel fresh and current.
Green
Green is poised to become the new “it” hue when it comes to kitchen paint colors. The surge in green kitchens has designers dubbing the look “Green Gourmet” for its earthy, vegetable garden-inspired vibe. From deep emerald to pale sage, green offers a wealth of stylish and soothing color options.
When using green in your kitchen, include splashes of wood tones and natural materials for balance. Green also pairs beautifully with brass hardware and fixtures. Even just green lowers or an accent wall can give your kitchen a breath of fresh air.
Warm Neutrals
While stark gray and greige kitchens are fading, warm neutrals like beige, taupe, cream, and brown have returned. These earthy neutrals inject coziness into kitchens and beautifully complement wood cabinetry and rattan or wicker baskets.
Warm neutrals can be adapted to many decor styles, feeling modern with matte finishes or traditional with antiqued patinas. Just ensure these mellow kitchen paint colors don’t skew too yellow or orange. Aim for natural, grounded hues.
Terracotta
For a truly of-the-moment kitchen color, opt for the reddish-orange tone of terracotta. Terracotta kitchen walls or kitchen islands add a burst of warmth, perfectly suiting organic decor styles. This reddish clay hue is both vintage-inspired yet also fresh and contemporary.
Combine terracotta kitchen cabinets or an accent wall with materials like marble, wood, wicker, and greenery for on-trend flair. Just take care not to go overboard with this bold shade – a little terracotta goes a long way.
Black
Once avoided for its harsh look, black has emerged as a sophisticated, striking kitchen color choice. Black lower cabinets or kitchen islands make a dramatic style statement. Black also beautifully offsets brass fixtures, white marble, and wood accents.
When using black in your kitchen, stick to matte finishes to avoid appearing too gothic. Black works best in well-lit kitchens – pair it with window treatments that allow in ample daylight. Just take care that small, dark kitchens don’t end up feeling oppressive.
Wood Tones
Natural wood finishes have surged in popularity for both kitchen cabinets and accent walls. The warm, organic look provides texture and coziness. Wood paneling offers a nostalgic feel, while glossy cabinets keep the look contemporary.
Aim for a combination of wood finishes rather than just one tone. Mixing butcher block countertops with oak cabinets and mahogany flooring looks luxe. Ensure your wood-dominant kitchen still gets splashes of contrasting color so it doesn’t skew too rustic.
Decorating with On-Trend Kitchen Paint Colors
When using trending kitchen paint colors, keep the following decorating tips in mind:
- Combine old and new – Blend trendy paint shades like green or terracotta with traditional features like crown molding and shaker cabinets to achieve the perfect mix of classic and contemporary.
- Add warmth – No matter which colors you choose, introduce wood elements, wicker baskets, and brass accents for cozy contrast against painted cabinetry.
- Limit bold hues – While vibrant accent walls are on-trend, go for muted shades on cabinetry. Too much saturation can make a kitchen overwhelming.
- Display greenery – Houseplants complement every kitchen color scheme. Strategically place them in natural light to enhance green accents.
- Mix up textures – Pair flat cabinet paint with glossy subway tiles and marble countertops for visual interest and depth.
- Let in light – Ensure your kitchen is brightly illuminated to allow any bold or dark paint colors to sing. Prioritize proper task lighting as well.
- Personalize – While staying current is key, also infuse personality into your kitchen such as with family photos, art, or collections displayed on shelves.
5 Current Kitchen Color Schemes
Unsure where to start when choosing your on-trend kitchen paint colors? Here are 5 stylish yet timeless kitchen color scheme ideas:
1. Green Cabinets with Warm Wood Accents
Forest green lower cabinets coupled with natural wood countertops and open shelving creates a fresh, organic look. Contrast with a light ceramic tile backsplash.
2. Navy Blue Island with Brass Hardware
A navy kitchen island makes a bold style statement. Pair with light walls, warm wood flooring, brass fixtures, and antique white perimeter cabinetry.
3. Black Accent Wall with Rattan Light Fixtures
A matte black accent wall behind the cooktop elevates this kitchen’s style. Rattan pendants add natural contrast against the black backdrop.
4. Terracotta Island with White Marble Counters
A rich terracotta-colored kitchen island mixed with breezy white cabinetry and marble countertops nails the contemporary cottage look.
5. Cream Cabinets with Walnut Accent Wall
A sleek oiled walnut accent wall warms up this kitchen’s light cream cabinets and white quartz countertops. Brushed brass hardware ties the look together.
Kitchen Paint Color Combinations to Avoid
While the kitchen color palettes above will stand the test of time, other combinations are better off avoided. Steer clear of these clashing or outdated kitchen paint colors:
- Avocado green and orange – This retro color pairing may trigger kitschy memories.
- All-white + stainless steel – Very sterile and devoid of personality or warmth.
- Pink and brown – Can appear overly sweet or feminine, making it hard to create a sophisticated look.
- Yellow and red – Feels fast food or carnival-inspired. Not ideal for a home kitchen.
- Blue and green – These cool tones tend to clash, creating a disjointed look.
- Gray, brown and beige – The embodiment of a boring, bland “builder’s beige” kitchen.
Tips for Choosing Kitchen Paint Colors
Beyond just following trends, keep the following tips in mind when selecting kitchen paint colors to ensure you make informed choices:
Consider Lighting
The existing lighting in your kitchen impacts how paint colors will appear. Be sure to choose kitchen paint colors based on the room’s lighting conditions. North-facing rooms may necessitate warmer hues, while southern exposures can handle deeper shades. Always sample paint colors at home first.
Select Durable Finishes
Kitchens are high-traffic spaces prone to grease, grime, and regular wear and tear. Avoid flat paints which stain easily. Opt for kitchen-grade satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finishes that can be repeatedly wiped clean.
Complement Countertops
Ensure your kitchen paint colors coordinate with existing countertops you plan to keep. For example, cool grays suit marble counters, while warm wood cabinetry complements granite. If changing countertops, select materials and hues simultaneously.
Account for Size
Small kitchens feel best with light, bright paint colors to create the illusion of spaciousness. Medium to large kitchens can incorporate deeper, bolder paint colors without feeling closed in. Adapt colors to your kitchen’s proportions.
Establish Functional Zones
Use kitchen wall color to define work zones. For example, paint upper cabinets surrounding the cooktop one color, while the lower cabinets by the sink are another. This better delineates spaces and tasks.
Take Architectural Details Into Account
If your kitchen has special architectural elements like crown molding or bay windows, select paint colors that accentuate these details. For ornate kitchens, soft neutral backdrops keep the focus on built-ins.
Recommended Paint Brands and Sheens for Kitchens
Once you settle on the perfect shade, ensure it stands up to your kitchen’s demands by choosing the right brand and finish:
Paint Brands
- Benjamin Moore – Known for quality paints in extensive color selection. Popular kitchen picks include Gray Owl FC-29 and Simply White OC-117.
- Sherwin Williams – Top choice for durable kitchen and bath paints. Leading kitchen color options include Repose Gray SW 7015 and Pure White SW 7005.
- Behr – Budget-friendly brand carried at most home improvement stores. Good kitchen paint options include Chantilly Lace MQ1-11 and Silver Drop PPU18-14.
- PPG Porter Paints – Their Timeless and Manor Hall lines offer quality budget-friendly kitchen paints. Speedy White 02R and Functional Gray 10BB 15/043 are handy kitchen shades.
Sheens
- Eggshell – Provides subtle shine and easy wipe-clean properties. Ideal for walls.
- Satin – Lightly reflective and smooth. Excellent for trim, cabinets, and doors.
- Semi-Gloss – Shiny and ultra-durable finish. Great for high-traffic cabinets and trim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Current Kitchen Paint Colors
Many homeowners struggle to narrow down paint options when recoloring their kitchen. Here are answers to some of the most common kitchen paint color FAQs:
What are the most popular kitchen colors right now?
Earthy green hues, warm neutrals like brown and terracotta, black, and natural wood tones are emerging kitchen color trends. After years of white and gray dominance, warmer and bolder paint colors are back in style.
What color cabinets are in for 2022?
Natural wood cabinetry and black painted cabinets are having a moment in 2022. For painted cabinets, green and navy blues are trending versus traditional white. Matte black lower cabinets also look sharp contrasted with lighter walls and countertops.
Should you paint upper and lower cabinets different colors?
Yes, two-toned kitchen cabinets can look quite chic! Sticking with a single paint color on both upper and lower cabinets is traditional, but contrasting hues help delineate each area’s function. For example, try a moody navy on lower cabinets with crisp white uppers.
What wall color goes with oak cabinets?
Buttery cream, light gray, sage green, and sky blue are pleasing wall colors to pair with golden oak cabinets. Avoid wall colors too close to the cabinet tone which will just blend together. The same advice applies to coordinating with other wood cabinetry like walnut or cherry as well.
What color hardware should I use with white cabinets?
Matte black, brass, or nickel hardware pops nicely against white cabinets. Oil-rubbed bronze and antique brass hardware also complement white cabinetry in more traditional kitchens. Avoid matching your hardware exactly to white cabinetry for separation.
What color backsplash goes with white cabinets?
White subway tile is a classic backsplash choice for white kitchens, providing a seamless look. Or make the backsplash pop with contrasting shades like navy, black, gray, tan, sky blue, or emerald green installed in graphic patterns.
Conclusion
When planning a kitchen refresh, analyzing current kitchen paint color trends is a smart first step. While white and gray kitchens are now veering towards dated, colors like green, black, warm neutrals and natural wood tones feel fresh and current. Combining just a few of-the-moment paint colors with timeless finishes and decor accents results in a kitchen with enduring and broad appeal.
Rather than default to safe white kitchen walls, embrace bolder paint colors you adore. Then enrich the palette with plenty of wood elements, greenery, and textural accents. Your kitchen is likely the heart of your home, so infuse it with hues that inspire you. Just avoid over-trendy all-blue or all-gray color schemes in favor of more unique blending.
Keep in mind essentials like lighting conditions, room proportions, and coordinating with existing materials when selecting paints. Prioritize quality extra-durable kitchen paints and strategic use of color to define functional zones. With an up-to-date, thoughtful kitchen color scheme, your kitchen is sure to be a stylish and uplifting space for many years to come.