35 Kitchen Color Schemes for 2023

By: Andrew Saladino | 11 min

Smiling woman holding paint color samples.

Looking for a kitchen color scheme that is both captivating and adds a pop of personality to the heart of your home?

Kitchen paint colors can be bold, understated, bright, or a combination of these. Neutral colors that you find in nature help create a serene, welcoming space, but that doesn't mean vivid blues, deep plums, or fiery reds are off-limits. Our kitchen color scheme guide provides 35 of the most attractive, timeless, and trending color palettes we'll be seeing across every kitchen design style in 2023.

Once you've found a kitchen color scheme that fits your unique taste, be sure to pair it with kitchen cabinets that match the design of your space.

1. Buttery Yellow + Steel Gray + Industrial Metals

Yellow and gray kitchen - A yellow and gray kitchen give a refreshing charm to your kitchen.

The pairing of yellow and gray provides an interesting mix of warm and cool elements to your kitchen. Gray delivers a subtle elegance, while yellow can add a pop of positivity. The Sahara sand yellow and masala gray in this kitchen create a perfect balance of understated and bold. When deciding how to incorporate these colors, consider applying yellow to your kitchen walls or cabinets and using gray on your backsplash, countertops, and appliances. Play up the industrial vibe with sleek chrome hardware or stainless steel countertops.image

2. Stormy Blue + Earth Brown + Natural Materials

Blue and brown kitchen - A blue and brown kitchen color scheme is timeless and versatile.

Reminiscent of earth and sky, brown and blue is a classic kitchen color scheme.It's also an incredibly versatile combination. By adjusting the vibrancy of either color, you can make your kitchen bright and energetic or calm and soothing. The bismark blue and leather brown in this kitchen create a refined and natural aesthetic. These kitchen colors typically pair well with exposed materials like wood, concrete, and metals.

3. Black + White + Warm Elements

Black and white kitchen - A black and white kitchen color scheme is as classic as it gets.

It doesn't get much more classic than a black and white kitchen. If you don't want to worry about ever going out of style, then this is the choice for you. Black is the absence of all colors and is sophisticated and powerful. In contrast, white is the presence of all colors and promotes openness, cleanliness, and creative thought. The combination makes for a sophisticated and creative space as evidenced in this kitchen by Laurel Bern Interiors. To keep the monochromatic scheme from feeling too stark, add warm elements like the natural wood dining table seen here.image

4. Black + White + Pop of Red

Red, black and white kitchen - A red, black, and white kitchen color scheme creates a rich and energetic aesthetic.

Introducing red to a black and white pairing provides a whole new aesthetic. Red falls somewhere between the richness of black and the clarity of white, making it a perfect color to combine with these polar opposites. This kitchen creates a vivid and energetic color palette with the scarlet red and dune black that's sure to inspire some excellent homemade cuisine.

5. Lavender + Cream + Transitional Elements

Purple and beige kitchen - A purple and beige kitchen color scheme evokes calmness and elegance.

Purple does well as a rich or pale color when paired with beige, depending on the mood you want to create. Purple is associated with ambition, peace, and elegance, which is why you'll often see it in transitional or traditional kitchen designs. In this kitchen, the Kimberly purple on the kitchen island coupled with the lighter manatee purple on the barstools helps create a kitchen space that evokes a graceful and refined aesthetic.

6. White + Gold Hardware

All white kitchen - An all white kitchen color scheme gives a sense of openness and cleanliness.

All-white kitchens give a sense of openness and cleanliness. They are refreshing, crisp, and complement nearly every aesthetic. If you're working with a tight space, this is the perfect small kitchen paint color to help your kitchen appear open and bright.To keep an all-white kitchen from looking too sterile, take note of this design and get creative with colored accents like the red oven knobs, gold cabinet handles, and modern pendant lighting.

7. Aqua Blue + White + Carrot Orange Accents

Blue and orange kitchen - A blue and orange kitchen color scheme is eye-catching and versatile.

Blue and orange is a color scheme you see everywhere. Think fire and ice, day and night, or sun and sky. Blue and orange is a quintessential complementary color pairing; it's eye-catching, works well with other colors, and can be executed with a number of different shades of each. The Venice blue and carrot orange in this kitchen makes for a vibrant and energetic color scheme.

8. Scandinavian Gray + White + Natural Wood

Gray and white kitchen - A gray and white kitchen color scheme adds openness and depth to your kitchen.

If you have a small kitchen but want a little more color than the all-white kitchen scheme, gray and white is a great pairing. Gray is an excellent kitchen cabinet paint color because it grounds a lot of other elements in your kitchen, including natural materials like stone countertops and exposed wood. We love the dark ebony clay cabinets paired with the lighter Oslo gray stone countertops in this kitchen by Jones Design Company.

9. Cherry Wood + Olive Green + Neutral Backsplash

Brown and green kitchen - A brown and green kitchen color scheme is perfect for kitchens with abundant natural lighting.

Cherry wood cabinets and olive green are the perfect combination for a relaxing, serene space. Red and green are complementary colors, but the range of brown shades found in cherry wood and olive green will keep your kitchen looking less like Christmas and more like a chic coffee shop. These richer colors work well when you have a large, open kitchen, but you'll want to look at paler shades if you have a kitchen on the more compact side.

10. Pastel Pink + White + Rustic Decor

Pink and white kitchen - A pink and white kitchen color scheme evokes happiness and relaxation.

While pink may not be the obvious first choice for a kitchen color, this feminine shade is making a comeback in 2023. Pink evokes care, compassion, and love. The combination of pink and white creates a light and fun space perfect for unwinding after a long day or entertaining friends and family. If you want to try this color scheme but are unsure about using too much pink, use this kitchen as an example and add it in doses with pink utensils, cups, towels, and other small decorations. We love the combination of the light pinks with the copperfield wood in this kitchen.

11. Pitch Black + Taupe + Gold Accessories

Black and gold kitchen - A black and gold kitchen color scheme is elegant and luxurious.

A blend of black and gold will make your kitchen look instantly elegant and luxurious. This kitchen executes this color scheme flawlessly with the use of the driftwood gold as a complementary accent to the shark black of the vintage oven and shades of gray and beige found in the patterned backsplash.

12. Teak Brown + White + Geometric Tiles

Brown and white kitchen - A brown and white kitchen color scheme makes for a great earthy and bright kitchen.

A light natural wood surrounded by crisp white elements are the makings of a beautiful Mid-Century Modern kitchen. Pair it with sleek design aspects like slab cabinets, minimal hardware, and white countertops, and you have an elegant blend of modern and natural elements. The porcelain white geometric backsplash paired with the fawn brown cabinets combines flawlessly in this kitchen. We also love the colorful runner to add a little vibrancy.

13. Cool Green + Beige + Stainless Steel

Green, silver and beige kitchen - A green, silver and beige kitchen goes great with modern or traditional kitchen designs.

If you have stainless steel appliances, then pairing those with shades of cool greens, like the kangaroo green above, could be a good option for you. Light green cabinets and stainless steel appliances are an elegant and sophisticated combination that keeps your kitchen bright and alive. Add touches of beige to your walls and countertops to keep your kitchen feeling warm and inviting.

14. Powder Blue + White + Gold Fixtures

Blue, gold and white kitchen - A blue, gold and white kitchen color scheme is sophisticated and fun.

Powder blue lower cabinets and white upper cabinets are a popular two-tone cabinet color scheme that can help ground your kitchen while simultaneously keeping it light and bright. Add gold accents for a luxurious take on this playful statement color combo.image

15. Forest Green + White + Earthy Elements

Green and white kitchen - A green and white kitchen color scheme gives a bright and natural look to your kitchen.

Deep forest green coupled with crisp white and natural wood elements is a great color scheme for an earthy, ethereal aesthetic. Green evokes healthiness and liveliness while white gives a bright and clean look to your kitchen, making it an ideal place to settle down with a warm cup of tea while gazing out at your home garden. If you have a small kitchen and want to add a streak of green without overwhelming your space, try adding dark green as an accent to your island, like this kitchen did with the rich glade green shade.

16. Light Gray + Scandinavian Gray + Modern Chrome

All gray - An all gray kitchen color scheme creates a cool and balanced kitchen aesthetic.

Varying shades of gray helps create depth and contrast in a modern kitchen. Not only is this color stunning, it's incredibly versatile. There are thousands of shades of gray, with undertones ranging from purple, blue, green, and beige. Choose two to three shades with similar tones to tailor this kitchen color combo to your unique design.image

17. Pitch Black + Olive Green + Marble Countertops

Blue and green kitchen - A blue and green kitchen color scheme promotes relaxation and creativity.

Olive green and black is another earthy kitchen color idea that evokes earth and sky. This combination will promote relaxation and creativity with an understated elegance that goes well with any kitchen design. We love how the combination of the light lemongrass shade and the dark charade black creates a cozy and sophisticated look in this kitchen.

18. Conch Blue + Rust Red + Copper Hardware

Blue and red kitchen - This blue and red kitchen color scheme creates a charming eclectic style.

This light conch blue island with gold accents and the darker breaker bay blue hutch are the perfect match for the copper rust clay tile flooring. This London kitchen blends earthy and contemporary tones to create a charming, eclectic style. The rose-toned cabinet handles and sconces provide just the right amount of shine to catch your eye without being overwhelming.

19. Steel Blue + Mustard Yellow + Oak Cabinets

Blue and yellow kitchen - A blue and yellow kitchen color scheme is down-to-earth yet vibrant.

Both blue and yellow can be strong or subdued, so this combination has many options in terms of mood. Go for a pale blue like the heather blue in this kitchen and bright yellow statement pieces to give a light and energetic look, or try a richer blue and yellow for a more grounded, rustic look. The wood paneling, oak cabinets, and integrated farmhouse sink are three cottage-inspired design highlights from this kitchen.

20. Rich Plum + White + Lux Gold Handles

Purple and white kitchen - A purple and white kitchen color scheme creates a magical and elegant pairing.

Purple has never been the most popular color for home design, which is exactly why it'll help your kitchen stand out in 2023. Rich shades of plum and eggplant scream elegance and luxury, especially when paired with sleek marble and gold hardware. Incorporate this bold color into an otherwise neutral color scheme so it'll really catch the eye.image

21. Blush Pink + Emerald Green + Vintage Pieces

Pink, blue and green kitchen - A pink, blue and green kitchen color scheme is bold, fun and sophisticated.

If you're looking to channel moody historical drama with your kitchen color choices, look no further than soft pink and emerald green. We love the rich stromboli green tile and juniper blue hutch against the blush pink wall. These colors make for an eclectic yet unforgettable combination, especially when ordained with vintage pieces like this ornate chandelier and rustic wood-burning stove.

22. Creamy Yellow + Ice Blue + Pastel Pink

Yellow, blue and pink kitchen - This yellow, blue, and pink kitchen color scheme is bright, bold and fun.

It doesn't get any more light and fun than this kitchen. The bright ice blue pairs excellently with the cosmos pink and cape honey yellow. We love the different colors on the neighboring cabinetry and the bold angled stripe down the wall. These bright kitchen wall colors may not be for everyone, but you can't deny it'd be difficult to feel anything but elated in this space.image

23. Black + White + Mango Cabinets

Orange and black kitchen - An orange and black kitchen color scheme is bold but grounded.

Orange and black is another kitchen color idea that hinges on a bright statement color to draw attention. These mango orange cabinets paired with the woodsmoke black on the dining table and floors create a modern yet warm atmosphere. Orange represents enthusiasm and activity, hence the reason it's used for so many sports teams. Couple it with black and you have a nice balance of activity and sophistication, creating a kitchen that is sure to elicit strong energetic vibes.

24. White + Dark Brown + Iron Accents

White, brown and black kitchen - This white, brown, and black kitchen color scheme creates a warm rustic overtone perfect for a modern farmhouse kitchen.

This farmhouse-style kitchen has a beautiful white shiplap island that creates a bold contrast with the dark wood floors and barstools. We also love the matte black iron pendants above the island. Overall, the dark accents paired with the all-white scheme create a rustic overtone that fits well in any modern farmhouse design.image

25. Pitch Black + Gray + Modern Appliances

All black kitchen - An all-black kitchen color scheme is bold and sophisticated.

If you want modern, bold, and sophisticated, then an all-black kitchen color scheme is for you. The shades of gray in the stainless steel overhead range hood, oven, barstools, and microwave pair remarkably well with the rich woodsmoke black of the cabinetry and island in this refined contemporary kitchen.

26. Red + Gray + Sleek Hardware

Gray kitchen with red slab cabinets and stainless steel hardware.

Red is the color of power, passion, fire, and sunsets - you won't find another color that conveys more energy or warmth. Reminiscent of retro diners, bright reds have made a splash in modern design when balanced with sleek gray countertops, backsplashes, and modern appliances.

27. Black + White + Statement Turquoise

Kitchen with black and white tiled backsplash and turquoise cabinets.

Add a touch of Moroccan flair to your kitchen color scheme with vibrant turquoise cabinets in an otherwise neutral kitchen palette. This eye-catching teal pairs excellently with chic vintage elements and bold patterns, like the starburst chandelier and black and white backsplash seen here.

28. Mint Green + Peach + Light Wood Accents

Kitchen with mint green and peach cabinets and marble countertop.

If you're going for a modern cottage kitchen design, play it up with a truly unique color combination like mint green and soft peach or salmon. These warm pastels give a vintage edge to a newly updated kitchen, and they look remarkably sleek paired with modern hardware and stone countertops.image

29. Rust + Black + Slab Cabinets

Modern kitchen with rust, black and gray color scheme.

Pull inspiration from terracotta pottery with earthy shades of reddish-orange for your kitchen cabinets or walls. This color has made a mark on just about every decor style, from modern and rustic to boho and organic. Shades of clay play well with most neutrals, but we love the drama black brings to this modern kitchen design. If you're looking to bring your space down to earth, this pairing can have a grounding and calming effect on an interior.

30. Greige + White + Warm Wood

Kitchen with greige cabients and white tile backsplash.

Combining shades of beige and gray, greige is the latest neutral to make a splash on the interior design scene. Greige is as accommodating as any other neutral, but plays up a more soothing, somewhat moody vibe. Have it stand out against a white backsplash and walls, with natural accents like light wood and kitchen plants to keep your design warm and earthy. If you're looking for a cozy kitchen color that still looks fresh and new, go for greige.

31. Cool Blue + Gray + Natural Light

Kitchen with blue kitchen island and gray cabinets.

Create a soothing, cool look with gray and blue kitchen paint. In this kitchen, the designer chose dark gray and deep blue two-tone cabinets while keeping the countertops and wall decor light for added contrast. These deep colors prevent the kitchen from looking washed out, especially with the bright natural light streaming through the large window.image

32. Salmon + Gray + Clean Lines

One-wall kitchen with salmon cabinets and gray countertop.

Salmon may remind of '80s bathroom tile, but when paired with cool neutrals like slate gray, it provides the perfect eclectic vibe for a modern kitchen. This retro color gets a modern facelift with sleek slab cabinets and minimalist stainless steel hardware.

33. Earthy Green + Greige + Dark Wood

Kitchen with greige cabinets and olive walls.

Gray and green with brown undertones are another classic earth-inspired combination sweeping modern kitchen design. Whether you're designing a Tuscan-themed space or a modern culinary oasis, olive greens and greige can provide a comforting feel your family and guests will want to huddle around.

34. Gray + Brown + White Countertops

Kitchen with gray cabinets and brown accent wall.

Looking for a neutral color palette that isn't quite so basic? Mixing deep grays and cozy browns might be exactly what your kitchen needs. Generally, brown is considered a warmer color, while gray leans more cool - and that's one the reasons they look amazing together. Gray provides a nice visual break in a room dominated by brown furniture or walls, while brown can add warmth back into a mostly gray space.image

35. Pink + White + Butcher Block

Kitchen with white shaker cabinets and pink walls.

Soft pinks are quickly becoming a favorite in high-end kitchen designs, both for their ability to ooze positivity and personality and complement trending luxury kitchen elements, like marble and gold. However, the right shade of pink can make even the most simple kitchen designs look like it came from a catalog. In this kitchen, pink takes center stage against the clean white cabinets and natural wood countertops.image

Kitchen Color Schemes FAQs

Still not sure which kitchen colors will look best in your home? We answered some of the most frequently asked questions about kitchen color schemes to help you decide.

What is the most popular paint color for a kitchen?

Neutral colors like white, beige, gray, and cream continue to be the most popular kitchen colors, but expect to see more statement colors like navy blue, forest green, clay red, orange, and plum on trend in 2023.

What are the new kitchen colors for 2023?

Earthy tones like sand, forest green, and deep shades of blue are some of the newest trending colors for 2023. With more people working from home, choosing colors that help create a serene atmosphere has been — and continues to be — a top priority for many homeowners.

What kitchen color scheme is best for small kitchens?

Muted or neutral shades like white, gray, or sage look best in small kitchens because they reflect the most light - making your compact space seem more open and bright. However, monochromatic color schemes like all-black or gray kitchens help reduce visual clutter in small spaces, while high-contrast combinations like navy blue and white can add much-needed definition to a tiny open-concept kitchen.

What paint colors pair best with dark cabinets?

Create contrast with dark cabinets by pairing them with light colors like white, taupe, or even pastels. Add even more flair by incorporating a patterned backsplash and accents in similar shades.

Whether you're drawn to crisp, clean all-white kitchens, dramatic plum accents, or fiery red tiles, choosing the best kitchen color scheme for your space ultimately comes down to your personal style. While these color combinations are expected to dominate kitchen designs in 2023, don't be afraid to experiment with different shades, patterns, and textures to create a space you can't wait to spend time in.

For more kitchen design inspiration, check out our kitchen ideas hub for expert design insight on everything from cabinet door styles to kitchen island ideas.

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