White kitchens have long been considered the go-to for a timeless scheme, but is it time to try something new? With so many alternative hues that are proven to endure, it seems designers are favoring braver palettes.
This year's preferred kitchen color ideas include some rather bold colors, but there are plenty of softer, neutral hues that never go out of style. And while white kitchens always feel up-to-date and in style, you're not alone if you're becoming bored with the color choice.
So, what can you do instead? Here, industry experts share the braver colors they want you to try, rather than always sticking to shades of white. And we have to say, we're loving their choices.
5 braver colors replacing white kitchens
Color is a simple and easy way to add personality to your kitchen. So, before you go ahead with a white scheme, consider these braver hues – there's an alternative to suit plenty of interior design styles.
1. Dark greens and blues
This year's kitchen trends are embracing darker hues, on the cabinetry. And, if you want to avoid brighter color palettes, opt for a 'new neutral' such as navy or forest green.
'Don’t be afraid to go dark on your cabinetry, especially when paired with a good mid-neutral on the walls. Dark kitchens are striking yet timeless and are especially good at giving presence to a small room, even more so if your cabinets are the lower units. This will provide ‘structure’ to your room. Try something elegant like our blackest blue, Railings,' says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.
The moody hue you choose will depend on the look and feel you want to achieve. 'Classic color palettes for kitchens such as dark greens will always look smart, especially on your cabinets. Green Smoke or Studio Green would work well here. Mid-blues, such as Oval Room Blue, will bring a timeless elegance,' he adds.
2. Yellow
Different colors evoke varying emotions. If you want to create a bright, happy, uplifting kitchen scheme, choosing a hue like yellow is perfect, and pair beautifully with white for a two-tone design.
'Yellow is a color that instantly evokes joy and optimism. Start your day in a warm, cheerful kitchen painted with Stuart Gold HC-10. This luminous hue amplifies natural sunlight, creating a bright, inviting atmosphere,' says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore.
If you opt for a yellow kitchen, allow the sunshine hue to really have its moment by pairing it with muted tones. 'Maintain a simple and neutral palette for the rest of the room to keep the space feeling balanced, allowing the bold hue to become the focal point.'
3. Pastel hues
While colorful kitchen ideas are packed full of personality, bold and bright isn't for everyone. If you prefer something more subtle, choosing kitchen paint colors in paler, more pastel hues is a great alternative to a white kitchen.
'White has always been a super light color to use in a kitchen, but for those wanting bolder and warmer schemes, brighter colors can be embraced. The next step up the spectrum from white could be pale pastel colors which tone really well with their darker counterparts,' says Jayne Everett, creative designer at Naked Kitchens.
'On their own, these pale pastels can appear to be white, however when shown against white these really pop and add depth and warmth to a scheme. To add interest to these hues, reeded oak or walnut looks fabulous and adds textural layering to the design.'
4. Blush pink
If you like the brightness and airiness of white kitchens, there's no reason not to choose an alternative hue that boasts the same benefits. And if you want something unexpected, a blush pink kitchen can be a beautiful choice.
'Here at deVOL we stick to a fairly small selection of colors, only adding new ones once in a while. Our new blush pink, named ‘Princelet Pink’ after one of my favorite East London streets, has become everyone’s new favorite,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL.
'The color is barely there, soft, and matches perfectly with black and green, not as a contrast more of a pairing that just sits so quietly and unassumingly. I would say the most popular colors of the moment are definitely along these lines, quite soft and traditional.'
5. Charcoal gray
If you like the aesthetic black creates but want something less harsh, charcoal gray is the perfect middle ground between dark and white.
'Charcoal grey is a great option to try if you’re looking to steer clear of white. The color is bold enough to create a unique personality without appearing too overwhelming. It's also a timeless color choice, which means they won’t go out of style in a few years.,' says Jessica Inglis, brand manager at Second Nature.
'For a sophisticated appearance, opt for a warm brass or bronze finish, which makes a great contrast to the cooler tones of charcoal grey. For a sleeker and more contemporary look, you could introduce matt black hardware instead.'
White kitchens will always be in style, but if you want to try a braver hue, these five colors are the top choices for experts. From light pastels to deep, moody hues, there's a palette to suit every kitchen style.
