We asked our Mint Kitchen Group kitchen designers for the most common question they are asked and one query that regularly comes up is “how do I choose the perfect colour scheme for my kitchen”?

The colours chosen for your kitchen can influence the mood, style, and even the perceived size of the room. Whether you’re aiming for a bright, welcoming environment or a sleek, modern look, understanding how to work with your designer to select and combine colours effectively is key.

Understanding the Basics of Colour Theory

Before diving into specific colour schemes, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of colour theory. The colour wheel is a tool that helps understand the relationships between colours:

Primary Colours: Red, blue, and yellow—these cannot be made by mixing other colours.

Secondary Colours: Green, orange, and purple—these are created by mixing primary colours.

Tertiary Colours: These are created by mixing primary and secondary colours.

Colours can also be categorized as warm (reds, oranges, yellows) or cool (blues, greens, purples). Warm colours tend to create a cosy and energetic atmosphere, while cool colours are calming and soothing.

Consider the Mood You Want to Create

You will want the mood of your kitchen to align with how you plan to use the space. Different colours can evoke different feelings:

Warm Colours: These colours create an inviting and lively atmosphere, making them ideal for kitchens that are the heart of the home. Red, for instance, is known to stimulate appetite and conversation, making it a popular choice for dining areas. Yellow brings a sunny, cheerful vibe that can brighten up any space.

Cool Colours: If you prefer your kitchen to be a tranquil retreat, cool shades of blues and greens are excellent choices. Blue, in particular, is known for its calming effect, but it’s less commonly used in kitchens as it can suppress appetite. Green, on the other hand, symbolises nature and freshness, making it a great choice for a space associated with food preparation.

Start with a Neutral Base

A neutral base provides a versatile foundation for your kitchen colour scheme. Neutrals such as whites, greys, beiges, and taupes are timeless and adaptable, allowing you to introduce other colours without overwhelming the space. Here are some ways to use a neutral base effectively:

White: White is a classic choice that makes a kitchen feel clean and spacious. It’s also incredibly versatile, serving as a backdrop for virtually any accent colour.

Grey: Grey offers a more contemporary feel. It’s a great choice for a modern kitchen and pairs well with both warm and cool colours.

Beige and Taupe: These warm neutrals add a touch of cosiness to the kitchen and work well in traditional and rustic designs.

Starting with a neutral base allows you to play with different accent colours in the cabinetry, splashback, benchtops, accessories, appliances and decor.

Create Contrast with Two-Tone Cabinets

This design approach involves using one colour for the upper cabinets and another for the lower cabinets or the kitchen island. This technique not only adds visual interest but also helps to define different areas of the kitchen. Some popular combinations include:

White and Navy: A classic combination where the white keeps the space bright and the navy adds depth and sophistication.

Grey and Yellow: The neutral grey balances the vibrancy of yellow, creating a cheerful yet refined look.

Black and White: A timeless and dramatic combination that works well in both modern and traditional kitchens.

Incorporate a Pop of Colour

If you prefer a mostly neutral kitchen but want to introduce some colour, consider adding an accent colour.

Splashback: A colourful splashback can become the focal point of your kitchen. Consider a bold colour like teal, red, or emerald green to add personality to the space.

Appliances: Appliances in vibrant colours can make a bold statement. A red refrigerator or a blue range cooker can become a conversation piece and add a retro vibe to your kitchen.

Accessories: Smaller items such as bar stools, pendant lights, or even kitchenware can introduce pops of colour without a long-term commitment. These items can easily be changed if you decide to update your colour scheme later on.

Use Natural Elements

Incorporating natural elements into your kitchen design can add warmth and texture. Wood, stone, and metal finishes work well with a variety of colour schemes and can help to balance bold or bright colours.

Wood: Wood veneer cabinets or feature wood shelving bring warmth and a touch of rustic charm. Lighter woods such as oak or maple work well with cool colour schemes, while darker woods such as walnut or mahogany complement warmer tones.

Stone: A stone splashback or benchtop adds texture and a natural feel. Granite and marble are timeless choices that pair well with both modern and traditional kitchens, but also consider porcelain or one of the new silica-free surfaces.

Metal: Stainless steel appliances and fixtures add a sleek, modern touch, while copper or brass accents can bring warmth and a hint of luxury.

Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in how colours are perceived. Natural light can make colours appear more vibrant, while artificial lighting can alter the tone of your colour scheme.

Natural Light: If your kitchen has plenty of natural light, you can afford to use darker or bolder colours without making the space feel cramped. Large windows or skylights can enhance the natural beauty of your colour scheme.

Artificial Lighting: Pay attention to the type of bulbs you use. Warm white bulbs enhance warm colours, while cool white bulbs can make cool colours pop. Layer lighting with ambient, task, and accent lights to create the right mood and highlight specific areas of your kitchen.

Think About the Future

While it’s important to choose a colour scheme that you love, it’s also worth considering the resale value of your home. Neutral and classic colour schemes tend to appeal to a broader audience and can make your home more marketable if you decide to sell in the future. If you want to introduce bold or trendy colours, do so in ways that are easy to change, such as through accessories or paint.

Balance and Harmony

Finally, the key to a successful kitchen colour scheme is balance and harmony and it’s here it’s best to rely on the expertise of your kitchen designer. They will ensure that your colours complement each other and that no single colour dominates the space. A well-balanced colour scheme will create a cohesive and inviting kitchen that feels both stylish and comfortable.

Choosing the perfect colour palette for your kitchen involves understanding colour theory, considering the mood you want to create, and balancing colours with the overall design. By starting with a neutral base, incorporating pops of colour, using natural elements, and paying attention to lighting, you can work with your designer to create a kitchen that reflects your personal style while remaining functional and timeless. Whether you opt for a bold, vibrant look or a serene, understated design, the right colour scheme can enhance your kitchen and make it a space you’ll love for years to come.

If you’d like to take advantage of the expertise of our specialist Mint Kitchen Group kitchen designers, call into one of our four Melbourne showrooms today.