DIY Kitchen Color Schemes and Paint Ideas

Kitchens with white cabinets are common if the walls, floor or countertops already offer a lot of color, but if you like to experiment with your décor, you can use different kitchen cabinet colors to add a bold splash of color for a cheerful result. These upper and lower cabinets stand out in a playful shade of robin's-egg blue.

Coordinating glassware, pots and a clock pull in the same uplifting shade for a cohesive look. See How to Prep and Paint Kitchen Cabinets for tips on how to do the perfect paint job on your own. You can also consider other colors. Greige, a combination of gray and beige, is gaining popularity, or for a dramatic look, try dark kitchen cabinet colors, such as navy or dark green, as a backdrop for brass hardware. Too bold? Go with dark base cabinets and light wall cabinets.

If you aren’t quite ready to undertake a big painting project and experiment with your kitchen paint colors, you can use accent colors to make the task more manageable. Try using a popular kitchen color, such as the robin’s-egg blue paint behind this pantry shelving or other trendy shades of gray, blue and white. Here, the blue breaks up the whitewashed shiplap walls, and the curtain over the storage space makes the space look tidy. Matching accessories around the kitchen complement the fun hue to complete the look.

Most kitchen color schemes are fairly neutral, but livening up a monotone kitchen can be quite simple. Bring natural colors in with bowls of fruit or houseplants. You can also add vases of fresh or artificial flowers, or small kitchen accessories that draw in popular kitchen colors without a full style overhaul.

This seafoam green subway tile breaks up the uniform white cabinets and prevents them from looking monotone. It's easy to liven up a backsplash with stick-on tile. In this kitchen, the brightly colored rug also pulls in the same green used on the tile for a balanced look.

This old brown cabinet was transformed into a statement piece. The Kelly green paint (Vegas Green from Valspar^®) stands out against the white walls and open shelving. Brass knobs and brackets add contemporary finishing touches. Watch and learn about this transformation on The Weekender. 

You can also spray paint furniture for an efficient and simple application. Follow our quick and easy tips for the perfect finish.

The soft sage paint color (Sweet Retreat from Valspar^®) on these cabinets looks great in a small kitchen. It has a traditional feel that balances out some of the room's more modern elements, such as the backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

If you want to add color and texture to a room without a full renovation, textiles are a great fix. Start with throw pillows, tablecloths, place mats and drapes. These happy yellow pillows add a refreshing pop of color against the brown and gray tones.

Don’t live on a farm but still want the feel of a farmhouse kitchen? No problem. You can still achieve a farmhouse look in your kitchen with a few tweaks. Look for materials and hues that evoke warmth and comfort. White or beige are good, neutral kitchen paint colors that you can build upon. Painted cabinets are defining elements of farmhouse style, like the white cabinets, mint green island and pantry barn door above. Keep in mind your kitchen cabinet paint colors aren’t limited to neutrals. A butcher block countertop, open shelving and rustic pendant lights round out the look.

Natural wood accents add personality and balance to this black kitchen. The black cabinets create visual depth and height by drawing the eyes upward while giving the room a dramatic, earthy feel. The soft gray and white diamond tile backsplash softens the horizontal lines, and black floating shelves open up a world of storage possibilities.

A fresh coat of paint is all you need to wake up a kitchen. Sage green is a timeless, subdued color that brings mood and character to a space. It’s ideal for any look that you’re going for, from farmhouse to contemporary. Balance out the deep tones with marble countertops and a neutral backsplash and walls.

You don’t always need kitchen paint to transform a kitchen. Add some unexpected flair with a vibrant backsplash. The cool blue backdrop in a white kitchen gives off shades of cottage charm while maintaining a contemporary feel.

Ultimately, your kitchen color scheme depends on the look and feel you’re trying to achieve. With so many paint colors for kitchens to choose from, you have plenty of options to personalize your space. Go bold with bright colors from top to bottom or opt for an all-around neutral palette. Whatever you decide, go with the kitchen colors that feel right for you.

When you’re ready to paint your kitchen, our Paint Calculator can help you determine the right amount of paint for the project. If you’re looking to paint your cabinets, we’ve got you covered.