Try These 8 Delicious Kitchen Paint Colors

Experts agree that these neutrals can make your cooking space sizzle

By
Deirdre Sullivan
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Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.

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Updated on 06/22/21
Warm-Duck-Sherwin-Williams
On the walls: Sherwin Williams White Duck SW 7010

Kylie M. Interiors

Finding perfect paint colors for kitchen walls can be challenging. That's because you need to take into account many other elements of the room, such as the color of your appliances, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and flooring. There's plenty to think about when it comes to color regardless of your kitchen's size. To simplify matters, design experts here agree that choosing a stunning neutral paint color can be just the right inspirational ingredient you'll need for your kitchen.

Overview

  • Color Family: Neutrals from light to dark, plus two bolder colors
  • Complementary Colors: Consider the undertone of the neutral
  • Pairs Well With: Most pair well with white cabinetry, some with darker cabinetry, natural woods, metallic accents
  • Mood: Warm and inviting
  • Where to Use: Walls, accent walls, cabinetry

Here are 8 of the best paint colors that designers say will make your kitchen an extra joyful space for meal prep time and beyond.

  • 01 of 08

    Sherwin-Williams Cavern Clay

    Paint swatch of Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay

    The Spruce 

    Kitchens with an earthy, retro '70s vibe are increasing in popularity. Pair walnut cabinetry with beautiful terracotta walls in a paint called Cavern Clay (SW 7701) by Sherwin-Williams. The warm reddish, almost chocolaty dark neutral color works well with natural wood tones, avocado green, purplish grays, creamy white, and golden yellow.

  • 02 of 08

    Magnolia Homes Cinnamon Sugar

    Magnolia Home paint swatch in Cinnamon Sugar

    The Spruce 

    When it comes to painting kitchens, beige tones are often overlooked. Beige walls create a feeling of warmth, which fits right in with the process of cooking. A pretty beige color to consider is Cinnamon Sugar by Magnolia Homes. Its subtle tan base has pink notes that makes a kitchen look cozy but not muddy or yellowish.

    Tip

    Knowing the undertone of the color you choose is helpful. The undertone is the bit of color added to the base, but it makes a difference in a room when it combines with surrounding hues. Careful sampling of your color choices is the best way to make sure you choose the right undertone for the space.

  • 03 of 08

    The Spruce Best Home First Frost

    The Spruce Paint in swatch First Frost

    The Spruce

    An idyllic shade of white paint can be dreamy in kitchens. The Spruce Best Home First Frost (SPR-25) scores big points for being both bright and warm. Because the color has a warm undertone it is the perfect foundation for a modern kitchen with metallic accents in rose, copper, or gold tones. It also flawlessly pairs with natural wood shelving.

    Tip

    Choosing a white wall paint color for a kitchen can be challenging since it's largely covered with cabinetry. That's because there are undertones to every white, making it either a warm or cool color. The best way to choose a white for a kitchen is to sample it on every wall in large swaths so you can see how the color reacts with cabinets, appliances, and sources of light. With whites, you may see many different shades and tones throughout the day and night.

  • 04 of 08

    Sherwin-Williams Let it Rain

    Sherwin Williams Let It Rain color swatch

    The Spruce 

    "No color is off limits for a kitchen, but these days I prefer kitchen walls in serene tones of a pale ocean blue," says Heidi Techner, the program director of interior design at Harcum College. "Let it Rain (SW 9152) by Sherwin-Williams combines elements of an invigorating blue with a calming gray undertone to create a relaxing and restorative energy." She suggests using this color as a neutral. White cabinetry and pine flooring make for beautiful accents when paired with this shade in the kitchen.

    Continue to 5 of 8 below.
  • 05 of 08

    Benjamin Moore Upper West Side

    Benjamin Moore Upper West Side paint swatch

    The Spruce

    White is sometimes a little too lackluster for a kitchen space. Interior designer Alec Holland says, "One of my favorites is Upper West Side (CSP-70) from Benjamin Moore. It is warm enough to create a little depth and drama without feeling dark or moody. It also looks thoroughly chic with white kitchen cabinetry." When you want a hint of color, but aren't looking to stray far from quiet hues, this taupe is a great darker neutral option.

  • 06 of 08

    Glidden Red Delicious

    Glidden Red Delicious paint swatch

    The Spruce 

    "Red is a stimulating color making it ideal for a kitchen accent wall because it can stimulate the appetite, and even create an energizing environment for lively conversation," says Harcum College's Heidi Techner. A yummy color worth trying is Red Delicious (00YR 08/409) by Glidden. Pair this classic red, which many consider a darker neutral, with cabinetry in its complementary color of cerulean blue for a truly luxurious look. Or tone down the red with a rich gray or a delicious darker brown (think caramel candy apple).

  • 07 of 08

    Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

    Benjamin Moore Gray Owl paint swatch

    The Spruce

    "Gray Owl (2137-60) by Benjamin Moore works in most kitchens because it goes with a broad range of colorful cabinetry," says Patrick Planeta, owner of Planeta Design Group. "It makes white cabinets stand out, and the paint shade is also light enough that when paired with darker cabinetry it will not make the rest of the kitchen feel oppressive or heavy." He also appreciates the color's ability to balance tonal differences, which makes this versatile neutral perfect for kitchens with two-toned cabinets.

  • 08 of 08

    Sherwin Williams White Duck

    Sherwin Williams White Duck paint swatch

    The Spruce

    Kylie, interior designer and decor blogger behind Kylie M. Interiors, says White Duck (SW 7010) by Sherwin-Williams is a pitch-perfect blend of beloved greige, which means that it never feels too beige or gray as the light changes throughout the day. The neutral allows white subway tile to sing and provides a clean backdrop for rustic wood accents.

    Determine how much paint you need with The Spruce's Paint Calculator.

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