The journal

Mylands' Tips for Choosing Colour for the Kitchen

16 July 2024 1 min read

Settling on a colour scheme for the kitchen can feel daunting. Read on for our tips on what to consider when making this important decision.

Settling on a colour scheme for the kitchen can feel daunting. Here are our tips on what to consider when making this important decision.

1. Lighting

Kitchens with ample natural light can handle darker or bolder colours, while those with limited natural light benefit from lighter shades that reflect the light and create a sense of openness.

2. Direction

South-facing windows bring warm, yellow-toned light that complements warm colours, whereas north-facing windows give cooler, blue-toned light that pairs well with cooler colours.

3. Size

In small kitchens, light colours such as whites, creams, pastels and soft greys make the space feel more spacious and airy, while larger kitchens can carry deeper, richer colours without feeling overwhelming.

Top-floor flat kitchen with walls painted in soft Holland Park No.5 above plain timber cabinets — Kitchen walls in Holland Park No.5 above plain timber cabinetry and a stone floor

Narrow galley kitchen with walls and ceiling painted in soft grey Museum No.151 under north light — Left, kitchen walls in Museum No.151; right, island cabinets in Artillery Ground No.164 under Museum No.151 walls

Farmhouse kitchen with an island painted in green Artillery Ground No.164 below walls in Museum No.151 — Left, kitchen walls in Museum No.151; right, island cabinets in Artillery Ground No.164 under Museum No.151 walls

4. Personal preference

Your desired aesthetic plays a role too: warm pinks, yellows or warm off-whites create a warm, inviting atmosphere, cool colours like blue, green and lilac offer a tranquil, relaxed environment, and whites, off-whites and light neutrals convey cleanliness and simplicity.