Selecting the right colour for your kitchen can be a little overwhelming. What you have to remember is there are no bad colours just bad colour schemes. A good kitchen colour scheme can be timeless, and last for decades just like a family heirloom. But that “on-trend” colour scheme that feels exciting today, in a few years, could leave your kitchen looking outdated.

A kitchen renovation is a big investment, often costing as much as a new car. Unlike a car that loses value, your kitchen should add lasting value to your home. That’s why selecting a kitchen colour scheme that lasts is essential, especially if you plan to sell someday.

As I write this, I’m reminded of my mum’s old kitchen: bright yellow laminate benchtops paired with timber cupboards. It was bold for its time, but it quickly felt outdated. This example shows how important it is to choose the right kitchen colour scheme from the start.

While exploring the psychology behind kitchen colours is fascinating and helps explain why green kitchens are so popular for their calming effect. This blog isn’t about the feng shui of kitchen colours. It’s focused on practical kitchen colour schemes that truly work.

To help you make a confident, lasting choice, here are four timeless ways to add kitchen paint colours that work in any modern home.

 

Popular Warm Colour Palettes for Kitchen Design

 

Making a warm kitchen colour palette that feels friendly and lasts a long time can be tricky. Warm colour palettes work like cool ones. They mix bright colours with neutral, calm tones to keep things balanced.

Think of rich reds, oranges, and earthy colours. These shades make your kitchen feel cozy and welcoming, and they stay stylish for a long time.

Warm Greige + Blush Pink + Walnut

Why it works: Greige (grey + beige) is a super-versatile neutral with warmth added to the kitchen island. The blush pink kitchen splashback colour adds a gentle, timeless touch, and the walnut wood from the kitchen stools adds richness and texture.

Stays on trend because: Greige and blush pink are timeless, subtle tones that pair beautifully with rich walnut wood. This balanced mix of soft neutrals and natural texture keeps the look fresh and versatile year after year.

Terracotta + Creamy White + Warm Wood

Why it works: Earthy terracotta adds rich warmth which you see in the natural marble warm terracotta veining. The creamy white cabinetry adds brightness and softness to the space, while the warm timber flooring introduces natural texture, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Stays on trend because: Earthy tones like terracotta and warm timber never go out of style. Paired with soft white cabinetry, this natural, grounded palette feels timeless, warm, and effortlessly inviting.

 

Popular Cool Colour Palettes for Kitchen Design

 

Cool colour palettes work similarly to warm ones, combining pops of colour with grounding neutrals. Instead of reds and oranges, blues and greens are used to create a calm, serene atmosphere.

Dusty Blue + Crisp White + Black Accents

Why it works: Dusty blue adds a soft, calming colour that brings personality without overwhelming the space. Crisp white benchtops and splashbacks brighten the room and create a clean, spacious feel. Black accents, like the window frame, add contrast and a touch of modern edge.

Stays on trend because: Dusty blue is a timeless cool-tone choice that feels elegant and versatile. Paired with white and black, this colour scheme strikes the perfect balance between classic and contemporary, making it a reliable choice that won’t go out of style anytime soon.

Forest Green + Terracotta + Natural Timber

Why it works: Forest green cabinetry adds a rich, deep tone that brings sophistication and depth to your kitchen. The warm terracotta-inspired benchtop introduces earthy warmth and texture, perfectly balancing the cool green. Natural timber shelf adds organic texture and warmth, creating an inviting and harmonious space.

Stays on trend because: Dark green kitchens remain a popular choice in modern design, offering a timeless and elegant look. Paired with warm terracotta tones and natural timber, this colour combination blends cool and warm elements for a kitchen that feels both fresh and enduring.

 

Bold Colours Meet Neutrals Tones: The Perfect Kitchen Colour Combo

 

This kitchen colour scheme is all about balance. You choose one bold colour, like a deep blue or forest green for something like your kitchen island, and then pair it with neutral colours for the rest of the space. Think simple tones for your benchtop, cupboards, and flooring.

Navy Blue + White + Gold Accents

Why it works: The Dark blue Navy adds depth and is a rich colour that feels classic and elegant. White brightens the room, and the gold in the kitchen handles and tap wear adds warmth and a touch of luxury.

Stays on trend because: Navy is a strong, timeless colour that pairs well with many styles, and metallic accents like gold have been popular for a while and show no signs of going away.

Ramona Green + White + Natural Timber

Why it works: Ramona Green brings a calm, earthy elegance to the space. Its muted olive tone pairs beautifully with crisp white benchtops and splashbacks, creating a serene, balanced look. The natural timber accents from the window and the stools add warmth and texture, grounding the overall palette.

Stays on trend because: Soft, earthy greens like Ramona Green have become popular for their timeless, organic feel creating a sense of nature and tranquillity. They’re perfect for kitchens that feel both inviting and sophisticated.

 

Play It Safe, Then Play It Bold: Colour Schemes That Work

 

Traditional kitchens often use traditional colours like white as a clean, timeless base. To add personality, introduce pops of colour through accessories like bar stools, lights, rugs, or utensils. This simple approach lets you refresh your kitchen easily. It is perfect for updating your style or preparing to sell without a full kitchen renovation later.

Crisp White + Cherry Red Accents

Why it works: Crisp white cabinetry and benchtops create a clean, fresh base that lets cherry red accents stand out. Red adds energy and warmth to the kitchen. Perfect for decorative touches like your kitchen hardwear.

Stays on trend because: White kitchens are timeless, and red brings a lively personality without committing to a permanent colour change.

Crisp White + Soft Sky Blue Accents

Why it works: Soft sky blue paired with bright white gives your kitchen a calm, airy feel. Simply adding kitchen hardware in soft blue is an easy way to style your kitchen with a pop of colour.

Stays on trend because: Blue and white is a classic, calming combo that works in almost any home.

 

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Colour Scheme

 

There are many ways to add colour to your kitchen, but choosing a scheme that’s both on-trend and timeless can be challenging. That’s why working with a kitchen designer can help you find the best colours for your kitchen and select modern kitchen design colours that will stand the test of time.

Note: Lighting also plays a huge role in how your kitchen colours come to life. To learn more about how kitchen lighting can affect your kitchen colour scheme read this post about the best kitchen lighting.

If you are after more great kitchen ideas such as kitchen design trends you can explore them in our 2025 kitchen design trends post and for more kitchen inspiration browse our kitchen design gallery.

We hope this guide helps you confidently choose your next kitchen colour scheme. If you want personalised advice or to discuss your custom kitchen design project with a designer, get in touch — we’d love to help!