What you need to know about paint colors for kitchen walls

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Your kitchen is one of the most essential rooms in your home. Not only is it where you prepare meals, but it’s also often used for entertaining guests. That’s why choosing the right paint colours for kitchen walls is so important.

Whether you’re someone who prefers subdued colours like white and greige or likes a pop of bright bold colour, there’s an option for you here. The good news is that there are plenty of great options out there, whether you’re looking for something fresh and cheery or more subdued and calming.

Here are a few of our favourite kitchen colours to help get you started!

There are many kitchen paint colors to choose, look for the best for you
With so many kitchen paint colours to select from, you’re certain to find the perfect one for your space.

Kitchen colours for walls and what feeling you want to evoke

When selecting paint colours for your kitchen, it is important to consider the feelings you want your kitchen to evoke. These feelings can vary from person to person, but creating a specific mood in your kitchen should be of primary concern. To achieve this goal, research into colour theory has suggested utilizing certain hues in a space to create a desired emotion.

For example, blue is often associated with tranquility while yellow and red are usually considered energizing and vibrant shades. If you want your kitchen to be inviting and cozy, perhaps opt for warm shades such as earth tones but if you’re looking for something more luxurious and exotic, go for brighter or deeper colours like blues or oranges.

Whatever feeling you decide to invite into your kitchen will influence everything from the appliances and furniture down to the food that’s cooked there. Consider carefully what atmosphere suits your family’s needs best before making any decisions.

Blue paint will make you feel calm
With a coat of blue paint, you can create an atmosphere in your home that soothes the soul and encourages tranquillity.
Yellow paint on kitchen wall, fresh and bright environment
A sun-drenched glow radiates throughout the kitchen, emanating from a dazzling yellow hue on the walls. Revel in its pleasant vibes for an instant refreshment of your surroundings!
Inviting and cozy with earth kitchen paint colors
Infuse your kitchen with a warm and inviting atmosphere through the use of earthy paint colours.
Luxurious and exotic orange kitchen
Revel in the exquisite and opulent ambiance of an orange kitchen, a unique paradise that transports you to faraway lands.

Kitchen designed with Paint Finish

In addition to colour, another thing you’ll need to decide on is the paint finish. The most common types of paint finishes are:

  • Glossy paint is very reflective and easy to clean, making it a good choice for areas that see a lot of activity like kitchens.

  • Semi-gloss paint has less shine than glossy paint but is still fairly reflective and easy to clean.

  • A satin finish is an ideal multi-purpose paint for any wall in a home with children, as it can withstand repeated cleaning.

  • Eggshell and matte finishes have little to no shine and aren’t as easy to clean as glossy or semi-gloss paints, but they can help hide imperfections in surfaces better than paints with higher sheens.

Matte, Satin and glossy paint samples
Compare the vibrant and smooth finishes of Matte, Satin and Glossy paint samples to discover the perfect aesthetic for your project.

When choosing a paint finish for your kitchen, it’s important to consider the amount of traffic and activity in the room. For instance, glossy paint may be best for a kitchen that sees a lot of spills and messes, while eggshell or matte finishes can work better for kitchens with less activity. Though people often think satin and eggshell finishes are the same, satin is a bit brighter and can be easily cleaned while also being resistant to mildew, stains, and dirt. While semi-gloss paint is more often used for woodwork, it can also be a good choice for walls in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Painting your kitchen is a great way to give it an instant makeover. With the right colours and paint finish, you can transform your kitchen into a space that you’ll love spending time in

Consider the size of your kitchen when choosing colours

When decorating a kitchen, consider how much natural light the space receives and think about the contrast with other accessories like brass hardware, cabinets, appliances, flooring, and lighting when deciding on colour choices.

If you have a small kitchen, light colours will make it seem bigger

If you have a small kitchen, don’t despair! Using crisp white and light blue shades to decorate can create the illusion of spaciousness. A few coats of sky-blue paint on the walls make the room look wider and higher. Perfectly combining crisp whites and light blues will not only open up any compact kitchen, it also create an inviting atmosphere. Incorporating these colours into furniture, cabinets, and kitchen backsplash will further enhance the feeling of roominess.

Bright colours can also help to make a small area seem more cheerful and inviting. A subtle shade of eggshell or beige are great choices that won’t overwhelm the senses, while still giving your small space personality with brass accents.

White cabinets and white walls in a tiny kitchen
Incorporating white cabinets and walls in a compact kitchen provides an airy atmosphere that is both stylish and open.

Kitchen wall colour ideas for larger spaces

When choosing a colour for your kitchen, it’s also important to take into account the overall aesthetic of your home. If your kitchen is on the larger side, you have more options when it comes to colour choice. Warm and cool shades of gray, blue, green, and yellow can be combined with your preferred tile backsplash or if you have brick walls, used to create an inviting atmosphere. Rich colours like deep blues and greens work well in large kitchens with plenty of natural light. If your kitchen has a lot of windows, bolder shades are an excellent way to add depth and contrast to the room while still providing a sense of warmth and comfort. If you are into bold colours, consider selectively painting just one wall or trim to fashion an accent wall. Further, if there is an island, applying a fresh coat of paint or staining the wood can be an excellent way to give the room an extra dimension.

You want the colours you choose for your kitchen to find the perfect complement to the rest of your house. If you’re not sure what colours would work well together, consulting with a professional painter or designer can help you narrow down your choices.

Green cabinets match with gray walls
Harmonizing green cabinets with gray walls creates a stylish, yet subtle combination that is sure to elevate the appearance of any room.

Inspiration: Dark kitchen paint

Many people shy away from a darker shade, thinking they need more time to lighten the space. But with creativity, dark colours can make a room pop. They also create a sense of security and sophistication. If you need more confidence about using bold colours of this type, start small by painting just one wall in a powder room or other small space. You might be surprised at how much you like it!

When it comes to small spaces, particularly kitchen island designs, integrating dark colours can be extremely successful in terms of creating a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere. Adding a touch of gray by painting the island and cabinets with dark colour can produce an elegant contrast to light shades while providing the island with a dynamic edge. Incorporating a black kitchen peninsula is sure to create an atmosphere that is inviting and cozier than ever. With this strategic approach, your kitchen island will surely become an inviting and stylish centrepiece for guests to admire.

A small island can add a lot of charm and character to your kitchen, especially if you go with dark tones: the colour draws the eye up. A dark palette of gray and black in a kitchen design can give the modern edge that many look for while still making the area feel comforting. One of the best ways to do this is through lower kitchen cabinets. The sleek black look pairs perfectly with gray island finishes and provides ample storage that is aesthetically pleasing. With lower cabinets, a smaller island will be easier to accommodate which allows for more coziness to come with it.

Look for inspiration in dark colours
Embrace the beauty of darkness by searching for inspiration in shades of black, grey, and navy.

Kitchen paint colours: Compliment with an accent wall

Choosing accent colours that compliment the wall colour of a room is an important step in its overall design. To achieve an eye-catching look, think about accentuating certain areas of the room. For instance, an accent wall colour like matte black would work well against a shade of blue walls.

Balancing accent colours with earthy tones can be achieved by incorporating natural wood cabinets and other accent furniture against a neutral-coloured wall. Doing this will bring attention to certain areas within the space while still keeping it light and airy.

By carefully selecting accent colours that do not clash with the wall colour, you will be able to create an inviting and pleasing atmosphere in your home.

Black accent wall inspiration

Bring character to your kitchen with stunning black accents!

Paint colour ideas: Use paint samples

There are many paint color ideas and options for your kitchen
Harness the power of colour to give your kitchen an instantaneous refresh – there’s a wealth of hues, both traditional and bold, from which you can choose!

Trying to find the perfect paint colour for your home? You can use paint samples to test out different paint colours before making a final decision. They also allow you to experiment with different paint shades and wood tones without picking up a paintbrush. Paint samples are invaluable if you are trying to find the right paint colour that harmoniously blends into your existing colour scheme.

What about finding the perfect kitchen colours?

There is no single correct option when it comes to choosing colours to decorate the kitchen. Rather, we have to think that most of them can work acceptably, although some will become a plus in style for your kitchen, and others could spoil the final result. The best kitchen colours are those that make the space inviting, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

With so many options available on the market, it can be tempting to simply pick a colour at random or stick with what you know. However, taking the time to carefully consider all of your options is essential for creating a successful kitchen colour palette. Before committing to any most important thing to remember when considering kitchen colours is that you should choose shades that work together harmoniously.

Consider the existing furnishings, including countertops and cabinets, as well as any colour scheme already present in the space. With this in mind, you can easily find the perfect paint colours for your kitchen walls and cabinets that fit into your existing decor kitchen is the hub of the home, and it should reflect your personality and style. With so many beautiful kitchen colour options available, there are endless possibilities to create a vibrant and inviting kitchen.

From white walls, wood tones, and stylish blues to timeless greys, choosing the perfect shade for your walls and cabinets can turn any kitchen into a stunning oasis. The bottom line is that there are many different kitchen colour options available, so it all comes down to personal preference.

Take your time to find the perfect shades for your walls and cabinets and explore all of the possibilities on the market. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a unique and beautiful kitchen that reflects your personality and style.

Green kitchen inspiration
If you’re searching for fresh ways to bring life into your kitchen, look no further than a splash of green paint!

When it comes to design, the sky’s the limit.

You can go as bold or as minimalist as you want — it all depends on what kind of feeling you want your kitchen to evoke. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing colours for your kitchen, such as the size of the space and what tones will complement the surrounding rooms. Again, if you have a reduced space, light colours will make it seem bigger while dark colours can make it feel cozy. To choose an accent colour that compliments your wall colour, use paint samples to test out different hues before making a final decision.

Gray and dark colors inspiration
Let gray and dark colour palettes kindle your creative fire!

Paint colours for kitchen walls + professional painting services

There are a lot of things to consider before painting your kitchen, but taking the time to plan will result in a space that you’re happy with for years to come. Keep these factors in mind as you choose colours and finishes, and don’t be afraid to consult with professionals if needed. With a little bit of planning, your newly painted kitchen will be the envy of all your friends and family!

If you’re considering DIY-ing your kitchen painting project, here are a few things to think about that may make hiring a professional painter seem like a wiser investment.

  • Extra investment: Including the cost of purchasing necessary materials, paint, and primer, investing in a new paint job can be expensive.

Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams have many paint color ideas
If you’re searching for an array of colour options to choose from, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams are the go-to brands.
  • Removal of hardware and appliances: Before beginning any interior painting, take time to prep the area; this may include removing all kitchen appliances and taking off cabinet hardware.

Kitchen ready to be paint it
Preparing the space for painting is an essential step in ensuring that you get the desired results
  • Cleaning and sanding: Before you start painting any area, make sure to prep it first. This usually includes deep cleaning, sanding, and filling in gaps with caulk or plaster.

Fill holes and gaps, then make a soft sand to prepare the walls before the paint
To create a seamless finish, fill in cracks and crevices before sanding down the walls to prep for painting.
  • Taping: Painter’s tape is key for giving you clean lines and no paint where it isn’t wanted.

paint colors for kitchen walls: Use painter's tape to delimit and not paint areas that you do not want
Keep messes to a minimum by using painter’s tape to mark off and protect areas that you don’t want to be painted.
  • Stress and hidden costs: Even for experienced home renovators, starting a project can be daunting. If this is your first time taking on such a task, the pressure to make it perfect may be especially intense. Hiring a professional to fix mistakes will end up costing more money in the long run than if you had just hired someone from the start.

If you require good home painting advice on how to bring colour and pair perfectly with a modern or retro look, kitchen cabinetry, and surrounding rooms, contact Renaissance Painting and Carpentry today! We would love to help turn your living space into your dream kitchen in no time!

author avatar
Eric Goodwill Owner
Meet Eric Goodwill, visionary of Renaissance, redefining aesthetics in Vancouver with 30+ years' dedication. Former platoon commander, BCIT alumnus, ensuring excellence in every project. Connect for transformative spaces!

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