Kitchen Colour Ideas That Transform Your Space
Warm, modern and timeless: take a look at our inspirational guide featuring Farrow & Ball colours that will transform your kitchen into a space with style!
Timeless Blues
Designers often use navy blue in kitchens to create a dramatic yet timeless look. I find this classic dark blue from Farrow & Ball is particularly effective on kitchen cabinetry or an island, as it gives units a contemporary edge while maintaining a warm and inviting feel.
As shown in the image, use this dark blue for your lower units and pair it with an off-white for your walls and upper units. You can paint your walls and upper units the same colour, which will make these storage spaces blend into the background, making the space feel larger.
I’ve included a more muted shade of grey-blue in this palette. This colour can be used to coordinate with a nearby dining room or dining area if you want to connect it to the kitchen colours, but with a subtle difference. Image by @oakdesignproject.
Soft, Relaxed Blue
If you're looking for a colour softer and more relaxed than navy blue, consider this relatively new mid-tone blue from Farrow & Ball. It's a muted, slightly smoky shade with warm undertones, which can create a calmer, more tailored feel rather than a dramatic one.
I love this shade of blue because it has bags of personality and changes colour subtly throughout the day. In brighter kitchens, it appears as a soft, dusty blue-grey, whereas in north-facing kitchens, it takes on a moodier, more cocooning quality. However, this colour really comes into its own with evening lighting, when its true colour shines through.
I’ve paired this blue with a darker accent to create more depth on an island or larder unit. I’ve also included a warm, stony grey for the walls. Finish your space with natural wood elements to create contrast and add texture. Image by @whitekitchencompany.
Soft, Balanced Neutrals
All the Farrow & Ball colours in this palette belong to the same soft, neutral family, creating a layered look that feels warm, understated and timeless when used together. These shades are not stark or overly beige, but have an earthy warmth and are well balanced, neither too yellow nor too cold.
If you want your kitchen to look light, airy and calm, this colour scheme is perfect, as the colours used for your walls and cabinetry will create far more depth than a plain white kitchen. These colours reflect light softly, making your kitchen feel brighter without the harshness of brilliant white.
Use the darker shades for your cabinets and the lighter shade for your walls. To finish the look, add oak accents for a modern rustic feel, black accents and marble for a contemporary look, or pale timber for a Scandi feel. Image by @ivy_laneinteriors.
Warm Grey-Green Neutrals
If you would love a kitchen that feels timeless and elegant without looking overly decorated, this Farrow & Ball colour palette is perfect for you. The paints in this scheme have grey-green undertones that give them a slightly aged, historic feel. The palette feels grounded and calm, with a subtle earthiness that brings softness without feeling cold.
This palette would work particularly well in a period property, especially when combined with natural wood, brass accessories, limestone flooring or Shaker cabinetry. These balanced colours can effortlessly create a layered tonal scheme rather than one with sharp contrasts.
I would use the lightest neutral in a flat matt finish on your walls, and the middle neutral colour for your cabinets and cupboards. Finally, I've included a darker, earthy green accent, which looks particularly good in low lighting, for painted furniture, an island unit or doors. Image by @consideredthings.
Muted Green
For a relaxed, understated yet modern look with a touch of green, this tried-and-tested Farrow & Ball colour palette is ideal. It is a sophisticated combination of colours featuring soft, earthy neutrals balanced by a muted grey-green accent. The green adds depth to the scheme, while the neutrals provide an uncomplicated backdrop, which is essential for a kitchen.
As both the greens and the neutrals are muted and earthy, they combine naturally, keeping your space light and airy with no extreme contrasts. As shown in the image, the green looks great on an island, but it could also be used on lower units. Furthermore, this is a palette that will age well, as all the shades are timeless.
These lovely tones would look excellent paired with oak, walnut, aged brass, limestone and warm marble, creating a kitchen design worthy of your home. Image by @claire.totman.designs.
Deep, Muted Sage Green
If you're looking to add colour to your kitchen with a calm yet bold layered scheme, look no further than this heritage-inspired green from Farrow & Ball. This deep, earthy sage green has a muted, smoky quality that will ground the look and create a cosy atmosphere in your space.
The soft greige off-white neutrals act as a contrast, avoiding the starkness of pure white and bringing warmth and softness to any room. When combined, the green provides depth and character, while the neutrals lighten the space.
Of course, you can use brilliant white for maximum contrast, but I prefer softer, warm neutrals. This creates a more sophisticated look than a trendy one, and it works especially well if you would like a kitchen that feels lived in, relaxed and loved. Image by @claretophaminteriors.
Warm, Red-based Neutrals
If you feel your kitchen needs more warmth, for example if it faces north, this red-based neutral scheme from Farrow & Ball is perfect. This palette will create a gentle, layered contrast rather than looking flat and overly matched. These cosy, sophisticated and versatile paints are perfect for an airy, modern interior.
Furthermore, these neutrals will complement any natural materials you wish to incorporate into your design. Limestone and linen textures, in particular, will blend in effortlessly with this colour scheme. Warm oak flooring, brass hardware, and veined marble will also harmonise the overall look.
I would recommend choosing the darkest neutral shade for your cabinets and island if you have one. Then, depending on your preference, you can select one of the lighter neutral shades for your walls. Image by @roseywoodinteriors.
Earthy Terracotta
For a touch of drama and a warm, welcoming feel, this Farrow & Ball colour palette is perfect. The earthy terracotta has similar undertones to the featured neutrals, creating a look that sits between an English country kitchen and a Mediterranean-inspired interior. This combination works well because the shared warmth makes the contrast feel layered rather than stark.
Don't be fooled by the image - these colours can work in kitchens of any size, as they are muted rather than highly saturated. The terracotta red adds depth, highlighting features such as cupboards and cabinets.
Having said all that if you're hesitant about using such a bold colour, you could apply the terracotta paint to your lower cabinets only. This will still deliver the desired drama, but being below eye level, it won't overwhelm your space. Image by @alfieandgeorgeuk.