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

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. Colours close to the red spectrum are vibrant and warm, and create an inviting atmosphere. From bright, cheerful yellows to rich jewel tones, there’s a huge range to choose from.

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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, glossy whites and bright accent colours are often a popular choice; they create a modern, energised space that feels streamlined and clean. 

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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).

In the example below, the primary colour is the soft grey on the walls, the secondary colour is the deep blue, and pops of yellow gold provide the accent colour.

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When it comes to choosing the colours in your palette, there are three broad approaches: tonal, harmonious (also referred to as analogous), and complementary.

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Tonal colour schemes use different shades, tones, and textures of a single colour. They feel warm and inviting, and create interesting visual depth.

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Harmonious colour schemes use colours that are close together on the colour wheel (for example, using shades of green, blue-green, and blue). They feel calm and relaxing.

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Complementary colour schemes use colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel (for example, using blue and orange, or yellow and purple). They create a bolder statement, while still feeling balanced.

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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 lean into glossy whites with dramatic black accents.

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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 cream appliances create a warm atmosphere and work well in traditional or 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 fittings contribute a surprising amount to the ambiance of your kitchen. Stainless steel fittings modernise your space, while copper or brass soften the room. 

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.

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