How to Choose the Best Color for Your Kitchen Walls

Think About How You Use Your Kitchen

One important tip? Start by selecting a paint palette for this space that speaks to how you most often use it. For example, if you're an avid entertainer and an adventurous cook you might opt for more exciting colors that spur creativity and bring lively energy to the room; if you're looking to create a calming environment for family meals, you might prefer cool tones.

Look at Adjacent Rooms

Another factor to consider when selecting your kitchen color is the palette of adjacent rooms. While your kitchen's paint choice doesn't have to match the rest of the house, it should feel coordinated and cohesive.

If you really want to go with something different in this space but want the kitchen to feel coordinated, you can build cohesiveness by painting or staining a room's trim to match the cabinets. Before making your final decision, look at your preferred hue against the walls in the rooms directly adjacent to it—while they certainly don't need to match, they should feel complimentary.

Consider Lighting

If your kitchen has windows, you'll also want to consider how natural or artificial light may impact the colors. Test a paint sample of your desired color(s) on pieces of foam core or poster board to help isolate the color, then move it around the kitchen throughout the day so you can see how the changing light impacts how the hue reads.

Look to Your Existing Color Palette

If you're not sure what shade will stand out best, consider the colors that are already in place in your kitchen—countertops and backsplashes are great places to start. While it does not need to be the same color, consider a color in a different shade or a complementary color to the other colors. You can also look to your flooring, hardware, or staple set of dishes for inspiration.

Consider Your Favorite Colors Inspired By Nature

A great color inspiration? Mother Nature. If you're puzzled over what colors go together best, take a gander at the great outdoors. For example, the blues, greens, sandy whites, and driftwood grays of the seashore naturally work together.

Don't Be Afraid to Go Dark

If darker hues are your color of choice, New York City-based interior designer Alyssa Kapito suggests going all the way—either with walls or just cabinets. "With dark colors, I like to really commit and go very dark—almost black. You'll want to focus on the undertones, though," she says.

Remember the Finish

For higher-traffic rooms like the kitchen, where spills and splatters are frequent, experts typically agree that a higher gloss finish, like satin or semi-gloss, is the best choice. These tend to be more durable, easier to clean, and will generally resist the buildup of mildew, stains, and dirt.

When picking your colors, remember that the finish you choose will slightly affect the hue—most paint colors will look richer and a little deeper with a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish.

Bring Brightness Into the Space With White

When in doubt, paint your kitchen white. The classic kitchen color choice will make your space feel clean and bright, and bring energy. White is an excellent choice if you want to highlight your backsplash or establish a specific focal point in your kitchen, such as a large-range alcove. Plus, it pairs well with most color schemes. Offset the stark white with warmer touches throughout the kitchen to bring comfort to the room.