Colour is one of the most exciting — and most nerve-wracking — kitchen decisions. Here's how to choose a colour you'll love for years to come.
Choosing a cabinet colour is one of the most exciting parts of any kitchen renovation, and also one of the most anxiety-inducing. Unlike a wall you can repaint, your cabinet colour is a significant commitment. Here's how to approach the decision with confidence.
Start with the light. The amount and quality of natural light in your kitchen is the single most important factor in how a colour will look. A dark green that feels warm and sophisticated in a south-facing kitchen with large windows may feel oppressive in a north-facing room. Always view colour samples in your actual kitchen at different times of day.
Consider the existing elements you can't change: flooring, tiles, and architectural details. Your cabinet colour needs to work with these — not necessarily match them, but complement them. Bring samples home and live with them for a few days.
Neutral doesn't mean boring. White, cream, and greige kitchens remain popular because they are genuinely timeless, flexible, and easy to refresh with accessories and soft furnishings. If you're planning to sell in the medium term, a neutral kitchen maximises buyer appeal.
If you want colour, commit to it. Half-measures — a grey that's almost green, a blue that's almost grey — are often less satisfying than a clear colour choice. Deep forest green, rich navy, warm terracotta, and muted sage are all beautiful, confident choices in the right space.
Two-tone kitchens — where the island or lower units are a different colour to the upper units — are an excellent way to introduce colour without committing the whole kitchen to it. A cream upper cabinet with an olive green island is a classic combination.
Finally, trust the professionals. Our kitchen designers have seen thousands of kitchens and can give honest, experienced advice on how a colour will work in your specific space.