Let the space guide you

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The first thing to consider when selecting your colour scheme is the size of your kitchen, and the amount of natural light.

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If your kitchen is small, narrow, or has a low ceiling, a light or neutral colour scheme could be your best option. Paler colour schemes reflect light, opening up the space and making a small kitchen feel bigger and brighter. However, this doesn’t mean that colour is off-limits; you can always incorporate your favourite shades in a striking splashback or feature wall.

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A larger kitchen gives you more flexibility in your colour choices, as bigger spaces can handle darker palettes without feeling small or boxed in. 

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The amount of natural light in your kitchen also has an impact on your colour choices. Kitchens that are flooded with natural light can take on deep, rich hues without feeling closed-in, while kitchens that rely on artificial light tend to work better with brighter tones. 

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If you’re renovating, don’t forget that your kitchen colour scheme should complement the existing design in the rest of your home. It doesn’t have to match exactly, but it should feel like a continuation of your interior design story, not an entirely different space. 

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Set the mood

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Different colours create different moods, so it’s important to think about how you use your kitchen, and how you want the space to feel.  

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If you’re a natural entertainer who loves hosting family and friends, you might aim for bright colours that create a fun, energetic space. We recommend a combination of white and wood grains to create a bright and homely space. 

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If cooking is something you do to relax, turn your kitchen into a calming sanctuary with neutral and soft tones. Pastels, greys and nature-inspired greens are perfect for creating a restful environment.

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For busy families, the last thing you want to be worried about is dirty fingerprints on your cabinetry and walls, we recommend a matte white or grey to keep the house fingerprint free. 

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Creating a colour palette

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Most kitchens include more than one colour, with the ‘60:30:10’ rule used in a lot of classic designs. This rule is really more of a guideline - there’s always room for experimentation - but it can be a useful place to start!

• Use your main colour on 60% of the space (often cabinetry or walls).
• Use your secondary colour - usually a contrasting or complementary colour - on 30% of the space (often splashbacks or worktops).
• Use your accent colour - often a bold hue - on 10% of your space (often small appliances or decor).

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In the example below, the primary colour is the white on the walls, drawers, the secondary colour is the green, and black hardware to round it off.

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Find your style

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Minimalist, Scandinavian, rustic, English country… There are definitely plenty of kitchen styles to choose from! Most people are naturally drawn to certain styles, and you’ll find that your preferred style will influence your colour choices.

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While any colour can work with any kitchen style, each style works best with a particular colour palette. For example, classic country kitchens tend to favour pastels and soft neutrals, while modern Scandi kitchens are a statement of wood grains contrasted with white or black.

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If you’re not sure which style to choose, visit one of our [four South Island showrooms] to see popular styles and materials in person, and get a feel for what you like. Browsing online and collecting a visual moodboard of ideas is also a great way to start understanding and defining your style. 

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Complete the look with appliances, worktops and fittings

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Your appliances, worktops and fittings all have a part to play in your overall colour scheme - so don’t forget to take them into account when you’re planning! 

• Stainless steel appliances are timeless, and work well with most colours and styles. Black appliances add sophistication and look great in modern kitchens, and a statement colour range cooker compliments warm country-style kitchens. 

• Worktops (benches, kitchen islands and other surfaces) are often used to add contrast or to create a focal point. Imagine a kitchen with neutral walls and a striking marble-effect benchtop that draws the eye, or a calming, deep grey benchtop that balances out a bright feature wall. 

• Kitchen hardware can contribute a surprising amount to the ambiance of your kitchen. Typical colours used are brushed nickel, gun metal and black while brass is a very trendy choice. 

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This is where working with a kitchen designer is incredibly useful; they can apply their experience to recommend surfaces, materials, and fittings that will balance perfectly to create a harmonious colour scheme. 

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Designing a kitchen you love

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While it can be tempting to follow current trends, your kitchen should be a space that’s designed to suit your personal style and make you happy - no matter which colours you choose.

Book a consultation with a Prime Kitchens designer, and start creating a kitchen that you love.