Choosing colours for different size kitchens

Colour can bring the best out of your kitchen, whether it’s small, medium or large. Here's an expert guide...

Colour can have a big impact on how a kitchen looks and feels, and it can be used to create a range of different effects in different sizes of kitchen.

Whether your kitchen is a small galley or a large open concept space, here’s our guide to finding your perfect kitchen colour scheme - complete with plenty of examples to inspire you…

How do different colours work in different sizes of kitchen?

Different colours can be used to great effect in different sizes of kitchen. As a general guide, a neutral colour scheme is good for helping to open up a space and make it feel light and airy, making it a good choice for a small kitchen, while darker colours are good for adding depth and character, and for defining different zones within a larger or open concept kitchen.

However, there are many different ways you can use colour in different size kitchens, and ultimately your choice of colour scheme will depend on a number of factors, including the size and layout of the kitchen, the amount of available natural light, and the kind of look and feel you want to create.

What’s the best way to combine colours in a kitchen?

There are three main ways of combining colours in a kitchen:

Tonal colours - this uses several different tones of a single colour, eg three shades of green, and is good for creating a harmonious feelAnalogous colours - this uses colours that sit close together on the colour wheel, such as greens and blues, or pinks and purples, and can create a calm, relaxing feelComplementary colours - this uses colours from opposite ends of the colour wheel, such as blue and yellow, or green and red, which complement each other but also provide an element of contrast

See more colour theory in our guide: How to Choose a Colour Scheme for Your Kitchen.

Here are some ideas and inspiration for using different colour schemes in different sizes of kitchen…

Choosing colours for a small kitchen

1) Use neutral colours to open up a small space

When it comes to choosing colours for a small kitchen, a neutral colour scheme can have a number of benefits. Light and neutral colours reflect the most natural light, and can help to open up a small or narrow kitchen and make it feel fresh, bright, airy and more spacious.

White has a timeless appeal as a colour scheme for kitchens, but using a pure white in a small kitchen can lead to the space feeling a little cold and clinical. Instead, try opting for warmer whites and neutrals such as ivory, taupe, cream and light grey. Soft pastel colours are also a great choice for a smaller kitchen, offering a tranquil, relaxing feel. For extra depth, add in a complementary second shade or accents of a stronger colour via appliances, soft furnishings or splashbacks.

See more ideas for creating space in a small kitchen in our guide: How to design a small kitchen.

2) Use bold colours to add depth and character in a small room

While neutral colours are often the go-to for a small kitchen, it doesn’t follow that you can’t include bolder colours. A single colourful feature wall can really add a sense of depth to a small kitchen. Alternatively, opt for a set of base units in a darker colour, such as dark grey or deep blue, and combine them with warm wooden worktops and a lighter colour for the walls and wall units. This will draw the eye upwards and increase the sense of vertical space, while avoiding a closed-in feel.

If you’re looking to make a real statement, why not go all-out and embrace your small kitchen by using a single bold colour throughout the space? Rich jewel shades, navy blue, dark grey or even black can add drama and character to a small kitchen - and using a single dark colour can blur the division between walls, cabinets and surfaces, creating the illusion of space. Known as colour drenching, this approach works best in a small kitchen with plenty of natural light, paired with some lovely feature lighting.

Find out more about lighting a kitchen here: Seven secrets of sensational kitchen lighting - from the experts at Pooky.

Choosing colours for a medium sized kitchen

1) Use a two-tone colour scheme in a medium sized kitchen

A two-tone colour scheme is a great way of introducing colour into a medium sized kitchen, without overwhelming the space. The Pelham kitchen (above) combines kitchen units in sunny Swallowtail yellow with a deep blue kitchen island, creating a lovely balanced feel, while the intricate geometric tiled splashback adds character and provides a focal point.

2) Make a statement in a medium space with striking colour combinations

Meanwhile, using striking colour combinations can make a statement in a medium sized kitchen. This Clarence Kitchen (above) features bright white walls and worktops and dark blue cabinets, combined with handle backings in vibrant Morston Sails red, creating contrast and drama while still maintaining a sense of light and space.

Choosing colours for a large kitchen

1) Use tonal colours for a harmonious feel

Using two or three tonal colours can add visual depth and create a harmonious feel in a large kitchen. The St Giles kitchen (above) features a trio of greens, including Marsh Green cabinets, glazed units with interiors painted in subtle Misted Fen, and a split-level kitchen island in deep Sandringham Pine, creating an elegant, contemporary space

2) Include a colourful kitchen island in a large kitchen space

A colourful kitchen island can be a great way of adding depth to a large kitchen. In the Chepstow Villas kitchen(above), the choice of a deep blue kitchen island and turquoise cabinet interiors adds depth and interest to the white cabinets, tiles and worktops, creating a kitchen that’s bright, airy and characterful.

3) Combine strong colours for a luxurious look in a large kitchen

Larger kitchens often benefit from more light, and offer more freedom when it comes to using strong colours. Combining dark or striking colours can create depth and points of interest in a larger space, and can help to prevent it from feeling stark or anonymous. The Houghton kitchen (above) really embraces colour, using a fabulous combination of dark walnut, rich purples and pinks, and warm brass accents to create a gorgeous space that oozes drama and luxury.

Choosing colours for an open concept kitchen

1) Use colour to create different zones in an open concept space

Colour can be used to delineate different zones and create focal points within an open concept kitchen. In the Kew Penthouse kitchen (above), the kitchen cabinets are painted in serene Beach Hut blue, creating a light and airy feel and helping to define the kitchen area, while the painted shelving and continuous flooring continue the look and create good visual flow through the space.

2) Use colour to link the kitchen area to the wider space

Colour can be a very effective way of linking the kitchen area to the wider space in an open concept kitchen. The Ascot kitchen (above) features kitchen cabinets and a kitchen island in vibrant Wiveton Fern green, combined with brilliant whites and warm natural oak accents. The oak Ladbroke door handle backings are mirrored in the wooden bar stools and chairs, extending the theme into the wider space and bringing the outside in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best choice of colour for a small kitchen?

A neutral colour scheme is a popular choice for a small kitchen, as light colours reflect the most light and can help to make a small space feel airy and more spacious. However, used wisely, bold colours can also be used to create depth and character in a small kitchen.

Can a dark colour scheme be effective in a large kitchen?

Yes - a dark colour scheme can be very effective in a large kitchen, especially if there is plenty of natural light. You can help to soften the look and add warmth with metallic handles and accessories.

How can you use colour to good effect in an open concept kitchen?

Colour can be a great way of helping to delineate different zones, such as the cooking, preparation, dining and relaxation areas, as well as an effective way of visually linking the main kitchen area to the wider space within an open concept kitchen.

At Naked Kitchens, our range of colours is inspired by the natural beauty of the Norfolk wildlife and scenery that surrounds us. We also offer a bespoke colour matching service to suit your needs, whatever size of kitchen you have. Explore our range of beautiful, durable Naked Colours.

Get started on designing your dream kitchen today.

See also:

How to design a small kitchen

How to Choose a Colour Scheme for Your Kitchen

Green kitchen ideas and inspiration

Blue Kitchen Ideas and Inspiration: The Kitchen Expert

Seven secrets of sensational kitchen lighting - from the experts at Pooky