What are the newest colors for a kitchen?

Choosing kitchen colors can feel like a big commitment. The kitchen is a space the whole family uses every day, and it's not so easily changed as a bedroom or living room, which can typically be redecorated or repainted in a matter of hours. In the kitchen, cabinets, walls, countertops, appliances, flooring, and backsplash tile all come together to form a cohesive palette, so your color choices carry some weight. Remodeling every time the latest fads change isn't feasible for most, but there are some kitchen color trends that you can trust won't be going away anytime soon.

We tapped a few interior designers to determine the shades that are currently on their radar, and their picks offer tons of timeless inspiration. "We're seeing a move away from the all-white kitchen in favor of cabinets that are bold and adventurous," Austin-based designer Killy Scheer of Scheer & Co. For a colorful refresh with both style and staying power, try one of these designer-favorite kitchen color trends for 2022 and beyond.

1. Nature-Inspired Greens

Green is the must-have color trend everyone is buzzing about in 2022, and it's poised to be especially popular in cooking spaces. "Because green is found in nature, it is a safe and timeless color to add to your kitchen," says Tara Miller of the Omaha-based firm The Heartland Interior Design. She expects to see shades ranging from deep emerald to soft sage pop up in kitchens this year, particularly on cabinetry where green paint colors can really shine.

Recommended paint color: Dried Thyme SW 6186, Sherwin-Williams

2. Bold Black

"Black is definitely making its way into the kitchen as a 'pop' of color this year," says Hawaii-based designer Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin. She recommends using a bold color like black on the island, instead of coating the entire kitchen. Or consider going dark on the lower cabinets while keeping the upper ones light and bright. Using black as an accent requires less of a commitment but still makes a statement.

Recommended paint color: Off-Black No. 57, Farrow & Ball

3. Warmed-Up Grays

"I'm definitely feeling like greige is the new white," says California designer Christine Vroom. This brown-toned gray tracks with the warming trend we've been seeing over the past couple of years, as people seek out neutrals that feel cozy rather than crisp. Warm grays offer more depth and interest than pure white, while maintaining the versatility that makes neutrals so popular in kitchens.

Recommended paint color: Agreeable Gray SW 7029, Sherwin Williams

4. Sunny Yellows

Philadelphia-based designer Libby Rawes loves a yellow kitchen for a look that's "fresh and different." This kitchen color trend adds warmth and cheeriness to kitchens, but you don't have to go all-in on yellow to achieve a brightening effect. "I've seen yellow on cabinetry, but if you want less of a commitment, you can add yellow through wallpaper or fabrics and accessories in the kitchen," Rawes says, "and it pairs beautifully with the greens of the moment as well."

Recommended paint color: Hawthorne Yellow HC-4, Benjamin Moore

5. Rich Earth Tones

Vroom foresees kitchen color trends transitioning from softer whites and blues and toward warm, grounded hues like terra-cotta, blush, and even plum. "The beachy or farmhouse color palettes are taking a step back, and those rich earthy tones are stepping up," she says. You can also expect to see more natural wood cabinetry in kitchens as homeowners embrace the texture and color inherent in the wood.

Recommended paint color: Faded Terracotta No.CC8, Farrow & Ball

deVOL, Farrow & Ball

Colour is one of the most vital considerations when creating our dream kitchen, influencing every conceivable aspect of design, from flooring, to cabinets and countertops. In the past two years, Google searches for ‘what colour to paint my kitchen’ have increased significantly, as we consider kitchen renovation a priority.

Search data analysis has revealed which kitchen colours are forecast to be most popular in 2023, and the results feature some timeless classics, as well as a few surprises.

In first place is the perennially popular white kitchen, a well-deserved placement given its versatility and adaptability. Further down the list, we find more adventurous choices, with red, pink and yellow all appearing in the top ten.

"Neutrals can achieve the perfect balance of light and space in the kitchen" says Tom Howley, Design Director of the eponymous kitchen company. "Beautifully understated and timeless; they form truly stunning kitchens enhancing architectural interest, all without the need for bold colour. The key with a neutral kitchen is to pair cabinetry with contrasting walls and textural elements. This will give the design an edge and create appealing visual interest."

The top 10 most popular kitchen colours of 2023 are:

1. White
2. Black
3. Grey
4. Green
5. Blue
6. Cream
7. Red
8. Pink
9. Yellow
10. Brown

Rather surprising is the popularity of black kitchens. “Dark and dramatic black paint finishes have a way of adding ambience and sophistication to a kitchen. An entirely black kitchen can be beautifully impactful, but can be used in more nuanced ways to change the feel of the space," says Tom. "Used on the main run of base and wall cabinetry, black can look luxurious and majestic with a timeless, intimate appeal. If you’re not feeling as brave, why not opt for a statement black island counter, or maybe black accessories like taps and handles?”

Pink kitchens – a trend on the rise – came in ninth. "An elegant, more playful alternative to grey it creates incredible warmth and an alluring appeal to a kitchen," says Tom. "Pink may divide opinion; however, over the past few years, this versatile shade has boomed in popularity."

Read on for our take on the most popular kitchen colours of 2023...

A pristine white kitchen can look like it has been lifted from the pages of a glossy magazine. Light and airy, this infinitely versatile shade invites a minimalist design scheme full of clean lines and sleek cabinetry, whilst a warmer off-white can be complimented with natural woods, marble, and a plethora of accessories.

Pictured: The Real Shaker Kitchen at deVOL

A well executed black kitchen is clean and fuss-free, and invites a number of options for complimentary colour combinations and feature metalwork. Bold and moody in expression, if a little tricky to get right, black kitchens are most impactful when you fully embrace the theme, like these all-black Hartford kitchen cabinets at Tom Howley.

Pictured: Hartford Kitchen at Tom Howley

One of the more sophisticated shades for a kitchen, suitable for traditional kitchens, with matt charcoal cabinetry and warm wooden surfaces, or more modern and industrial styles with clean lines and slick metalwork. And it forms a brilliant base for an abundance of colour, from pale blue to rich burgundy.

Pictured: Country Living Whitstable Kitchen at Homebase

With such strong ties to nature, green tones create a relaxing and informal atmosphere, perfect for a busy family kitchen. Whilst soft sage shades sit comfortably in a country cottage setting, with shaker-style cabinetry and classic wood floors, a deep forest green creates a moodier and more sophisticated feel.

Pictured: Country Living Whitstable Kitchen at Homebase

A more forgiving shade than all black, inky blues are usually paired with light woods and creamy countertops to offset any heaviness that comes with a wash of dark colour. Greener variations like a teal or sapphire introduce richer undertones that highlight brass or gold metalwork.

Pictured: Bespoke kitchen at Plain English

Classic cream was not as highly sought-after as one might expect, despite being the picture of versatility. A more forgiving shade than pure white, cream has warmer undertones that invite rich metallics (the hanging copper pots and hardware here are a wonderful choice,) along with red or yellow woods.

Pictured: Bespoke Shaker Kitchen at deVOL

Red is a great choice to uplift darker rooms without much natural light. Combining red cabinetry or even red walls with raw materials, like natural woods and stone, offsets any risk of your reds appearing too bright or garish.

Pictured: Kitchen by Plain English

Pink kitchens require a keen eye to avoid an overly saccharine outcome. Rich or chalky shades of pink can be a sophisticated choice, especially when used on shaker cabinets. And as you can see in this fabulous Farrow & Ball kitchen, pink makes a great pairing with deep blues and brass.

Pictured: Sulking Room Pink at Farrow & Ball

A joyful choice making it into the top 10 most popular kitchen colours for 2023. A soft and sunny yolky yellow brightens up a room and provides a deceptively versatile base for highlights of primary blue, a rich aubergine, sky blue, and even burnt orange.

Pictured: Cabinetry and walls in Haymarket No.47 at Mylands

A rich shade in tenth place of the most popular kitchen colours – brown is surprisingly versatile, with warm undertones that compliment clean and crisp whites and natural stone. Brown has a brilliant autumnal quality, perfect if you're keen to create a cosy kitchen.

Pictured: Chimney Brick at Little Greene

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