Color Alchemy: 65 Unexpectedly Elegant Palettes That Transform Any Kitchen

How would you like to turn your kitchen into a masterpiece of color, sophistication and style with just a single change? The fact is, on the one hand, the proper selection of the elegant kitchen color palette might change the whole picture, improving the visual and the emotional experience of your house. This article will feature 65 surprisingly classy palettes that will add harmony, contrast and personality to your kitchen. Do you want to immerse yourself in a universe where color will be pure alchemy?
I will analyze the combination of each color with expert opinions, furniture and decoration tips and even personal experience- so that you can definitely consider redesigning your very own kitchen. We will begin with the first 7 transformational palettes.
Soft White And Brass Harmony
It is a classical kitchen color scheme. White walls or soft ones will provide a sense of openness and spaciousness and will make any kitchen appear bigger and lighter and more inviting. Combining this with brass hardware adds a touch of metallic coziness, so the room does not seem sterile. The mix is functional as well–it works perfectly in both traditional and modern environments.
Shaker-style soft white cabinets, a huge central island topped with honed marble, and open shelves to display artisan ceramics are my suggestions in such a layout. light fixtures and brass hardware and even a pot filler made of brass to enhance the appearance. The space is completed with texture by a soft linen roman shade and a beige wool rug.
I’ve used this palette in a client’s high-rise apartment in Chicago, and the results were stunning. The natural light was reflected as white as possible, and the brass provided the touch of boutique hotel. One can find Elle Decor and Architectural Digest kitchens being quite similar, as in how the proper hardware can make a simple kitchen look luxurious.
To give this concept an extra touch, why not include brushed brass bar stools or a piece of furniture such as a display cabinet with glass doors and brass trim. It provides vertical visual interest, and also remains on theme.
Midnight Navy With Warm Wood Accents
Such an affluent mix creates a theatrical, warm, and very luxurious kitchen. Midnight navy is a great depth of moody color that would looks fantastic with warm wood cabinetry or accents such as walnut or oak. Designers love to use it because it helps to make a statement and yet stay sophisticated.
Midnight navy cabinet fronts ought to be matte or satin to prevent severe reflections. A walnut waterfall counter top on a central island makes an impressive focal point. Make it fancy by choosing gold pulls on the cabinets, and you may want to consider a ceramic backsplash that has a hint of soft gray on it. The decor is completed with leather bar stools and wooden pendant lighting.
I applied this palette in my own kitchen remodel, pairing butcher block countertops with navy cabinetry, and it instantly made the space feel elegant and approachable. Designers such as Studio McGee and House Beautiful often suggest deep blues with wood due to their combinations of cool and warm hues.
A reclaimed wood pantry door or wood ceiling beams might also be a nice addition to make the space even more firmly rooted in the natural texture and contrast.
Sage Green And Antique Gold Blend
Sage green happens to be one of such colors which can tone down even the most active kitchen. It adds tranquility and the outdoorsy feeling inside, which is absolutely necessary in an elegant kitchen with relaxed, yet sophisticated mood. This color scheme, combined with antique gold, sets an English country Side feel without being too rural.
I would suggest shaker cabinets in a dull sage, with a Calacatta gold marble counter top. The hardware is antique gold and elaborately detailed, the faucet is brushed gold, and even a vintage chandelier gold adds coziness and beauty. Complete the design with creamy white walls and floors made of natural stone or light oak to make the design down to earth.
I have personally noticed this mix to be very successful especially in more traditional homes that are in need of an updated but not over-modernized appearance. Indeed, such a combination was recently featured on HGTV during the historical renovation of a home in Virginia, and people praised the elegant harmony of such a combination.
And a final flourish? A curved glass display cabinet or an old gold-framed mirror above the sink will be that last touch of charm this appearance needs.
Taupe With Charcoal Undertones
It is a tutorial in subtle style. The neutral that continues to give is taupe, warm, enveloping and sophisticated. The kitchen is given depth and some masculine touch without appearing cold and sterile when paired with charcoal accents.
Choose matte taupe cabinets and charcoal toe kicks or an island base in charcoal. Add a countertop of neutral limestone and a subway tile backsplash in a light gray. I would use black slimline bar stools and pendant lights to work with the charcoal but not overwhelm the palette.
I applied this scheme when I wanted to balance the industrial windows and concrete floors when designing a loft-style kitchen in San Francisco. It brought coziness to what might have been cruelty. Even Real Simple magazine includes taupe in the most practical kitchen colors in 2025.
I would also suggest combining wall art with decor in black and white or sepia, and I would think of an open shelving unit with charcoal frames to unite the upper part of the visual impression.
Deep Plum And Rose Quartz Contrast
This might appear to be surprising, but that is what makes it elegant. The deep plum color is velvet, juicy, and enveloping, which is ideal to achieve a rich base tone. It makes a game of depth and lightness when combined with the fragile touches of rose quartz, and is at one assertive and romantic.
Deep plum lower cabinets should be used, balanced by white marble countertops that have pink veining. The rose quartz may be present in the upholstery of bar stools, in kitchen accents, or a lightly pink wall paint over white wainscoting. It is subtle rose gold hardware that makes it all come together.
I tested out this appearance in a studio kitchen and was astonished by how comfortable and classy it appeared. The House & Garden UK recently hailed the pink and plum mix as a combination that achieves a balance between femininity and richness in kitchen design.
This can be taken up a notch with light discover what works best is a statement chandelier with rose quartz crystal teardrops or plum glass globes to bring out both shades.
Champagne Beige With Olive Highlights
Champagne beige is ethereal, almost a soft-focus lens effect on your whole kitchen design. The space is equally refined and down-to-earth when combined with a dusty olive green accent, which is exactly the combination that many homeowners desire.
I would apply champagne beige on the cabinets and the walls, and have olive featured in the backsplash tiles or bar stools or as an accent wall. Keep the hardware very simple, brushed nickel or pewter, and use natural fabrics such as linen as window coverings.
I once applied this in a Mediterranean style house and the outcome was soothing and verdant. Better Homes & Gardens likewise has boasted of this combination as being versatile in contemporary Mediterranean as well as transitional areas.
Looking to be more characterful? Hang ceramic olive jars or terracotta pots with herbs- this will serve a purpose of decoration as well as adding cohesion of color and lifestyle.
Cloud Gray With Polished Chrome
This combination is fresh, cool, and endless adaptable to a contemporary elegant kitchen. Cloud gray adds softly to what would otherwise be a harsh palette. Combined with chrome, it does not leave visual interest but rather enhances a minimalistic approach.
I would suggest high gloss gray cabinets, white quartz waterfall island and incorporated chrome handles. It is finished off with a polished chrome faucet, stainless appliances and large-format porcelain floor tiles. Limit wall decorations and furniture so as not to clutter the eyes.
I applied this color narrative to a small condo kitchen in the city, and it enabled the tiny place to appear open and elegant. Domino Magazine also reported that gray kitchens finishes with metallic details are on-trend because they can make a kitchen appear luxurious and classic at the same time.
To finish off this appearance, why not add under-cabinet lighting, and mirrored or glass front cabinetry to reflect more light and add dimension.
Cobalt Blue With Matte White
The mix is fresh, contemporary and unusually bright to feel in an elegant kitchen. Cobalt blue will give you the boldness in a moment, and yet not be overpowering, and the matte white will give you a clean, neutralizing effect. They combine to make a lively but earthy area that would suit modern as well as mixed homes.
I would recommend cobalt blue lower half of the kitchen contrasted with matt white uppers or open shelves. White quartz or Corian solid surface countertop makes it practical and enforces the lightness. Industrial equilibrium is provided by black metal bar stools, geometric pendant lighting, and brushed steel appliances to the dramatic colorwork.
I have applied this palette in a little seaside cottage where the natural light contributed so well to the cobalt. Veranda Magazine declares cobalt to be an emerging favorite in 2025 because it allows one to convey confidence in kitchen design without the heaviness of the darker blues.
The final touches I would suggest to make the picture complete would be the cobalt tile backsplash in a herringbone or any geometric pattern to give all the eye candy a beautiful final bow.
Creamy Vanilla And Dusty Blue Pairing
If you’re aiming for softness and serenity, this pairing hits the sweet spot. Warm creamy vanilla products make the place cozy and welcoming, and dusty blue provides a refreshing tint of color, preventing the palette from becoming too somber and heavy. It is a decor that never goes out of fashion.
Begin with creamy cabinets, possibly with a satin finish and use dusty blue in the backsplash, bar stools or the island base. Natural wood flooring and brass fixtures, however, seem to me to have the right amount of warmth and metallic sheen. Choose linen windows treatments and minimalist ceramic decorations in white or beige.
This color scheme was a miracle in a suburban re-model I did last year where we were trying to achieve a more traditional look but with a modern freshness. Recently a kitchen in this palette was featured in Southern Living magazine that was absolutely comfortable and classy at the same time.
I would suggest one tip, and it is to paint the ceiling very light dusty blue to give it a bit of dimension but keep the feeling of continuing togetherness in the room.
Forest Green And Warm Copper Mix
This color scheme is nature- and history-inspired: forest green reminds of home and folk architecture, whereas warm copper brings a touch of luxury and craftsmanship. It is an earthy kitchen color palette that is both down to earth and glamorous at the same time.
I suggest deep green cabinets possibly with a slight gloss to bounce some light. Copper is beautiful in lighting fixtures, faucets and can even be used in range hoods. The richness of the green can be balanced with the wood component such as reclaimed oak shelving or walnut countertops to add organic texture to it.
I used this palette in a cabin style house wherein the client preferred richness and rustic elegance. Country Living claims that in 2025, forest green is staging a big comeback as a dramatic, but flexible base color in kitchens.
What is regularly lacking? An ornament of statement. To add immediate visual appeal and further the story of artisanal design, I would recommend a hand-made copper farmhouse sink or a hammered copper backsplash.
Porcelain White With Rich Teal Accents
Porcelain white is traditional and light emitting, so it is best suited to small kitchens or poorly lit kitchens. Then add rich teal as an accent and you have a wonderful and striking contrast that is full of vigor and personality. This mix can either become traditional or modern depending on the lines and accessories.
Apply porcelain white on the cabinetry and the walls. Introduce teal with such details as island paint, mosaic tile back splash or even bar stools. I adore putting chrome or brass hardware, according to the preference of cool or warm undertones of the client. Top off with globe lighting and cafe curtains made of sheer material to toughen it up.
I used this palette in a condo remodel that did not have a lot of space, yet the color story made every corner come alive. Teal is suggested by The Spruce as the perfect accent color when you wish to prevent a white kitchen to turn too dark or too neutral.
What can be more enriched? Experiment with a patterned teal runner rug, or teal paint inside cabinetry interiors, to get a surprise pop when doors are opened.
Charcoal And Burnished Bronze Fusion
Charcoal is a power color- it is deep, matte and flexible. Mixed with burnished bronze, the colour scheme shifts to something industrial to luxurious. It is an ideal solution when one wants to find a moody elegant kitchen with a high design impact.
I recommend charcoal flat-panel cabinets with soft-close capabilities, burnished bronze handles and a coordinating faucet. You can create a concrete countertop to create some texture, and warm LED under-cabinet lights maintain a welcoming feeling in the room. The atmosphere is also furnished with metallic bronze pendants and dark wooden stools.
A project of mine in one of the lofts in Boston utilized this palette very effectively and the result was a very masculine place but not bruising in any way. As Dwell says, burnished bronze will substitute black hardware in a lot of contemporary kitchens in the nearest future.
To add an extra touch, add an open shelf with a bronze frame or a pot rack attached to the wall–this will add to the metallic theme but will not seem as an imitation.
Icy Lavender With Glossy White Cabinets
It is a palette that introduces whimsical charm of modernity to the kitchen design without sacrificing on the elegance front. Frozen lavender is cool and soothing, and shiny white cabinets are the perfect neutral point. It is an unusual mix that is so successful in minimalist or Scandinavian-style interiors.
Paint upper and lower cabinets with glossy white and allow icy lavender to sparkle on a feature wall or within your backsplash. Lavender glass subway tiles with white quartz counters have been very successful in my view. The lighting should be updated, however, white track lighting or pendant lights made of frosted glass.
I used this color combo in a new construction in Portland, and I was surprised how a subtle beauty it added to the room. Even Martha Stewart Living mentioned icy lavender as among the most surprising, but attractive pastels to use in modern decor.
For an extra dose of glamour, introduce a little bit of silver or nickel, in drawer pulls or a brushed steel espresso machine, for instance gently reflecting the cool side of lavender.
Stone Gray And Frosted Almond Contrast
This blend is grounding and relaxing and yet remains airy and lavish. The kitchen is anchored down to stone gray and made cozy and soft with frosted almond. It is a decorating palette that works best in transitional styles and in the instances where one desires elegance but does not want the sharp contrast.
Begin with stone gray cabinets and then do frosted almond on the wall or upper cabinets. In the case of countertops, choose creamy quartz or honed marble. I affectionately refer to almond-colored ceramic floor or backsplash tiles. The muted tones are interestingly contrasted with brushed brass or black handles that do not overpower the ensemble.
I recently applied this combo in a townhome remodel and it was the ideal way to balance out masculine and feminine tastes. Similar palettes have been called by experts at House & Home as being ideal in establishing a soothing, but elegant kitchen atmosphere.
What to add? Pendant lights in almond-colored glass or gray wood stools may be a nice addition to introduce more natural texture but stay everything in the range of tones.
Walnut Brown And Pale Pistachio Balance
I adore the surprising tranquility of combining walnut brown with the light pistachio. Walnut cabinetry keeps the place earthy with a touch of pistachio green on the walls or backsplashes bringing a light, earthy freshness. This color scheme can be applied to rustic and modern spaces, and it provides an old-fashioned aesthetic that is nevertheless modern and relaxing.
To make this plan real, I usually tend to suggest matte walnut cabinets with brushed brass hardware, a tiles backsplash in pistachio color, and creamy marble countertops. Furniture can have a central island furnished with walnut panels and pistachio stools, and open shelves with pale green ceramics or foliage ornament. Light wood floors tone down the elegance.
This is a color scheme that I personally did in the kitchen remodel of one of my clients lake house and it is still one of the favorite rooms in the house. Architectural Digest says that in 2025, earthy greens and natural wood tones still prevail in the palettes of sophisticated kitchens, and I could not agree more.
Finally, to finish the appearance, it is worth incorporating a touch of texture in the form of herringbone floor tiles or a pistachio-coloured ceiling trim to add a surprise element.
Jet Black And Subtle Silver Sheen
It is such a daring yet exquisite kitchen palette that I can suggest to make the place look smoothly and posh. The architectural statement is made with jet black cabinetry or a black stone island base, and the silver sheen, maybe in the appliances, or the lighting fixtures, or even the drawer pulls, provides the elegance and the light.
Designer-wise, I would go with high gloss jet black cabinets and stainless steel counter tops or brushed silver handles. The picture is completed with accent lighting using chrome finish and light silver decor such as mirrored trays or glass pendant lights. The dichotomy is refreshing and exceedingly lofty.
I have a penthouse kitchen in New York that I have designed with this very combo and the owner said to me, this is the most elegant room in the apartment. Elle Decor declares that the combination of deep blacks and metallics make a “high-drama minimalist aesthetic” which is ideal in a city dwelling.
To make it even more dynamic I would add a black-and-white marble island or suggest smoky glass doors to the cabinets to add some depth and mystery.
Almond Cream With Burnt Orange Accents
Almond cream with burnt orange provides a friendly and cozy atmosphere without compromising the style. Almond cream cabinetry opens up the area and burnt orange adds character and dimension, making the kitchen appear warm and customized at the same time.
I adore almond cabinets or wall paint with burnt orange through bar stools, pendant lighting or a runner rug. The ideal pop can be a matte terracotta backsplash or burnt orange open shelves. These colors are amazingly harmonized with the help of light oak or maple floors.
In one of the projects, the client adored the Mediterranean style, so they decided on this scheme, and the kitchen feels like a Tuscan villa flooded with the sun rays now. The Better Homes & Gardens magazine mentions that “earthy oranges are the new neutral in elegant homes”- and I could not agree more.
To add an additional dimension, I would put in leather drawer pulls or terracotta pottery to further emphasasize the warm and down to earth atmosphere.
Dove Gray And Pale Pink Combination
This is one of the first palettes I would recommend when working with clients that prefer softness and refinement. The cabinets or countertops should be dove gray to give the serene foundation, and then the pale pink adds a hint of color but is not flashy at all. The secret is moderation, discreet, delicate and refined.
Practically, I am fond of dove gray shaker cabinets, marble-look gray tiles, and clues of light pink in upholstered bar stools or ceramic accents. To add some dimension without overwhelming the space, there is a pale pink backsplash tile in fish scale or subway patterns.
I’ve used this combo in a Scandinavian-inspired condo kitchen, and it became a talking point among guests. House Beautiful predicts that blush tones in the kitchen are on-trend because they “help to mellow out harsh modern lines,” which, I believe, nails it.
Warm gold accents, such as cabinet handles or faucet fixtures, might also be your addition to unite the gray and pink and make the combination a bit glamorous.
Matte Black With Champagne Gold Fixtures
Matte black oozes quiet confidence and paired with champagne gold it is simply irresistible. I would suggest this combination mostly in the modern or transitional kitchen where the luxury should be implied but not flashy.
I would apply matte black to flat-panel cabinets or a dramatic kitchen island and neutralize the effect with champagne gold lighting and drawer pulls and even a gold-accented faucet. It is all about the contrast: matte black soaks the light, whereas champagne gold whispers it back.
It is one of the most popular with my younger clients who are in need of style with attitude. One of the latest projects to incorporate such tones was a loft kitchen, where even the sink was made of brushed gold basin. Domino Magazine calls this appearance a “quiet luxury,” and I believe that this is an ideal name.
To enhance this palette, you can combine it with white quartz countertops and some slight woods elements, maybe a walnut open shelf or an oak floor.
Terracotta And Soft Ivory Melding
Terracotta and soft ivory is one of the most naturally beautiful kitchen color schemes that adds the old-world warmth and never goes out of fashion. Terracotta brings in the earthy sumptuousness, whereas soft ivory counter tops and walls ensure that things remain light and airy.
I would tend to do terracotta floor or back splash with creamy ivory walls or cabinets. Rustic-luxe is rounded out with wooden ceiling beams, brass fixtures, and woven baskets decor. The combination of warm and cool makes the palette quite down to earth but sophisticated.
This appearance is popular with clients who want a Spanish revival or Tuscan feel. Southern Living declares terracotta a “ Classic material updated to meet the design sensibilities of today,” and I could not agree more, it adds character without being overwhelming.
To take this style a step further how about textured plaster walls or hand made terracotta pots to add some authenticity and warmth.
Ocean Blue With Ashen Gray Cabinets
Ocean blue and ashen gray are few of the most soothing and stylish color pairings. I prefer this combination in open-plan kitchens, where the colours must blend perfectly with the neighbouring areas. The ocean blue makes it alive, and ashen gray makes it balanced and modern.
Ashen gray cabinets are a default option here, where ocean blue is present in the backsplash, the base of the island, or the walls paint. To achieve the coastal-modern look, I usually add brushed nickel hardware and frosted glass lighting. Mix and match with stone or light concrete counter tops to finishing off the look.
It was a stop-the-press in a recent beach home makeover I did. Veranda suggests cool blue-grays schemes in their elegant kitchens that remind the sea without being too thematic, and I could not agree more.
And then add just a little more depth by using glass-front cabinets filled with blue-and-white dishes or nautical-themed items.
Dusty Rose And Pewter Touches
The combination of dusty rose and pewter may appear to be an unusual one initially, yet it provides a certain sense of elegant refinement to it, which is absolutely suitable in the kitchens that strive to achieve a romantic yet contemporary feel to them. The somewhat pink, dusty rose, adds lightness to the room, and pewter, cool-toned metallic, brings a needed balance to the room.
Within this design I normally apply dusty rose to the accent walls or the cabinet faces, and combine it with pewter finished hardware, open shelving brackets or lighting fixtures. Both tones are united with a marble countertop having thin gray veining. Pewter bar stools or pendant lights will serve a practical purpose and at the same time highlight the sophistication of the palette.
This combination is particularly successful in the kitchen of apartments or galley-style narrow spaces, where the fine color transitions are important. HGTV has mentioned dusty rose as the new neutral color bold minimalists ought to use, but together with pewter, the color is even more exquisite.
For an extra impact, why not introduce some smoked glass cabinet doors or pewter toned pendant light fittings with a dimmer switch to allow a low level of light in the evenings.
Greige And Marble White Pairing
Greige with marble white is one of my default palettes when I want to make a clean but welcoming space. Greige, the ideal mixture of gray and beige, is not only warm but also universal, whereas marble white provides an additional touch of luxuriousness and light, which is able to enlighten the place.
I suggest greige cabinets perhaps in a shaker design with polished marble counter tops and backsplash. Add matte black or brushed brass hardware as contrast. A key center island of marble white, with paneling on the face, gives a clean focal point, and the warm pendant lighting in cream or ivory keeps it soft.
This combination is popular with clients who desire a luxurious touch but in a subtle way without resorting to complet monochrome. Better Homes & Gardens rhymes greige as the “best neutral that acts nicely in any light,” and its versatility shows in every kitchen where I applied it.
To make it even more impressive, I would add natural wood bar stools or floating wood shelves the details that would add some texture without taking away the sophistication of the color palette.
Pale Mint With Golden Beige Accents
To make the kitchen design fresh and light, yet cheery and warm, light mint and golden beige make a light, sun-filled environment, which nonetheless remains polished. Pale mint reminds of tranquility and freshness, whereas golden beige, incorporated into the design in minor doses, lends it depth and coziness.
I am drawn to apply pale mint on cabinetry or backsplashes and golden beige in countertops and light fixtures or open-shelving brackets. This is particularly effective with white oak floors and simplistic furniture. Beige linen bar stools and brushed gold faucets assist in accomplishing the appearance.
This color scheme is particularly trendy in cottage-style inspired or vintage-modern houses. According to Southern Living, mint colors are also returning, particularly in combinations that include their contrarily warm neutrals, which Take Care of Yourself calls out as serving to warm up their cooler sides.
To improve the appearance, I would add some rattan or bamboo texture, maybe in the light fixtures or seat cushions, and make the kitchen look warm and relaxing.
Blue-Gray And Honey Oak Coordination
The combination of blue-gray and honey oak was definitely one of the most complementing color schemes I have ever dealt with- it blends the coolness of modernity with the warmth of natural classicism with ease. Blue-gray has a modern feel, whereas golden tones of honey oak provide a rustic chic.
With this design, I frequently employ blue-gray cabinets and honey oak floating shelves or flooring. Blue-gray backsplash tile and matte black hardware add richness, but the Oak prevents the area within the kitchen island being too cold. The entire room is lightened by white or cream details such as stone countertops.
I once applied this scheme to a farmhouse-modern remodel, and the outcome was gorgeous: calming and dramatic at the same time. Honey oak has been revived by Real Simple especially when used against cooler shades to bring a modern balance.
I would also add organic texture and slight layering to this look with matte ceramic vases or light gray concrete planters.
Mocha With Creamy Taupe Highlights
The combination of mocha and creamy taupe seems sinful but refined, similar to a hot cup of coffee. This is made rich with mocha cabinets or island base and a soft contrast is created with creamy taupe walls or countertops so that things do not seem heavy.
I would suggest matte mocha cabinets in this color scheme, warm taupe stone countertops and backsplashes. The design is completed with hardware in brushed bronze and woven bar stools with taupe cushions. A taupe-colored rug below a dining nook provides unity and comfort.
I would frequently recommend this appearance to the kitchens that have a bigger square footage- it additions coziness without sacrificing space. Veranda Magazine calls taupe the chameleon neutral that grounds and elevates simultaneously, and that could not be more accurate here.
To add some additional architectural details to the room, think of introducing a couple of mocha-colored wooden beams or a textured taupe accent wall.
Charred Olive And Antique White Fusion
The sound of charred olive might be considered bold, however, combined with antique white, it creates a kitchen that appears sophisticated, well-established, and perfectly stylish. Charred olive adds volume and essence, and antique white makes the place light and breathe.
I adore charred olive on the lowers or island base, and antique white on the uppers or walls. Deep bronze pendant lights and brass hardware are appropriate in this environment. I tend to add natural stone counter tops and light stained wood floors to tie the appearance together.
It was an exceptional palette in a rustic home makeover that I recently headed. The owners were aiming at something moody, but fancy- this did not fail to deliver. Elle Decor includes olive among the best kitchen colors of 2025 because of its old-fashioned charm and elegant richness.
To give it some texture I would use antique white tiles and a little crackle glaze or olive paint on the cabinetry with a hand-brushed finish to give it a well-used look.
Buttermilk Yellow With Smoky Quartz
Buttermilk yellow adds a feeling of warmth and joy, whereas smoky quartz adds a touch of elegance and harmony. I adore this pairing with kitchens that are meant to be sunny and happy but with no lack of sophistication.
Buttermilk yellow on the walls or on the face of cabinets is what I normally use, and smoky quartz in the countertops or in the tiles of the backsplash. The look is brought down to earth with brass or matte black hardware. The floor is light wood and the ceiling is white and molded to crown the room and keep it light and structured.
This colour scheme was exquisite in a Victorian kitchen that I refurbished where we wished to honour the age of the house but bring it new vitality. Country Living declares that yellow kitchens are making a comeback, particularly the buttery tones that bring a retro cosiness.
To take this appearance a bit further, consider antique glass cabinet doors, a softly floral Roman shade or a smoky glass chandelier that picks up on the countertop color.
Arctic Blue And Crystal White Cabinets
The combination of Arctic blue and crystal white cabinets is somehow soothing and makes the whole kitchen seem to be a gulp of fresh air. I have applied this palette in some of my houses that required a soothing but bold focal point. Arctic blue is such a cool color that combines perfectly with the freshness of white and makes the resulting color scheme of the kitchen clean and elegant, fitting both large and small kitchens. It is marvelous with open-concept designs where the light plays an important task with adding tones.
To prevent color overload I normally combine Arctic blue lower cabinets with upper parts painted in crystal white. The handles are made of matte brass, and glass-front doors are placed to add variety to the case and display some nice dishware. A huge white quartz counter top spans the two hues, and a frosted subway tile back splash provides texture without competing. To sit, I propose grey upholstered stools with black metal legs to add weight to the light colours.
Personally, in my projects, I have discovered that this combination is most effective in houses that have natural lighting. Designers such as Nate Berkus stress the importance of incorporating blue-greys as undertone to bring depth, but not coldness Arctic blue nails that description fits. It is also a calming down palette in case you adore the concept of minimalist interior, yet seek something a little more captivating than all-white kitchens.
To take this up a notch, I would recommend introducing brushed nickel pendant lights or even navy ceramic accessories to add tone on tone. The basic design can be soft, but with some carefully chosen accessories, it can be bold, yet still not lose any elegance.
Raven Black With Rose Gold Hardware
To achieve an authentic luxurious and atmospheric look, however, nothing can beat Raven black cabinetry paired with the shine of rose gold hardware. I have applied this palette in contemporary condos and luxury homes where the clients live a dramatic and sophisticated life. The dark cabinetry is substantial and grounding, which is ideal to anchor walls or kitchen islands that must be the focal point.
In designing a kitchen such as this, I would apply Raven black on base cabinets and even tall pantry units. The rose gold details (knobs, handles, light fixtures) reflect the light amazingly and make the place look glamorous without borderline gaudy. I tone down the boldness, using white marble countertops and light oak floors, so the place does not get too serious. The lighting is important in this case: under the cabinets, dimmable LED strip lighting will perform miracles and keep the mood upscale.
On a personal level, I adore the way this palette is attention grabbing. According to interior designer Jean Stoffer, dark kitchens can be less threatening and much cozier when balanced out with lighter lighting and elegant finishes, and that is precisely what this color scheme does. I once did a loft kitchen with this combination and velvet barstools in blush pink- it was memorable.
A possible improvement? Combine dark-colored open shelving and LED strip lighting to showcase fine china or glassware. It makes it three-dimensional and balances out the reflectiveness of rose gold even further.
French Gray And Copper Patina Mix
French gray and copper patina color palette is just what the doctor ordered in case one is after understated elegance with a historic flair. This is one of my favorite combinations to use in traditional or transitional homes where there has to be the co-existence of warm and cool elements. The light color of French gray creates the feeling of balance, and the organic texture of copper with a hint of oxidation provides the design with age and genuineness.
In one of my most favorite remodels I incorporated French gray cabinetry with antique copper fixtures and a vent hood to match. An echo of the copper was to be found in decorative ceiling lights and an apron sink to provide a Theme. I kept the floor covered in creamy travertine tile and the backsplash in whitewashed wood to bring the space down to earth. French cafe style distressed leather bar stools provided that final European rustic touch to the picture.
I have always loved this pairing because it manages to be both old fashioned and contemporary. Architectural Digest reports that metallic-finished kitchens are coming up, particularly those that revel in natural patina and other signs of age. It puts soul and story into the space.
To improve on this arrangement, I would suggest the use of hand-painted tiles for gray and copper backsplash. This would provide additional texture in addition to the artisanal nature of this luxurious match.
Pale Coral With Slate Cabinetry
The combination of pale coral walls and slate-colored cabinetry might seem like an odd mix, but it is one of the duos that I resort to when a client desires a warm kitchen that is still rooted. Coral introduces lightness, joy and personality with its soft peach colors, and slate cabinets provide contrast and organization. I gravitate towards this palette a lot in creative families or homes that have a coastal-modern design style.
In one kitchen we did the walls in a skinny-dip coral color and matte slate gray cabinets with simple black hardware. The island also had a coral quartz countertop to balance the color scheme. A jute rug made of natural fiber underneath the dining table made the place less hard, and white ceramic pendant lights provided some sculptural effect. This pairing is young and polished, which is difficult to achieve.
I like the fact that this palette has a hint of fun. House Beautiful describes pale coral as one of the most uplifting colors psychologically and thus it is popular in spaces that need light and airiness. It is not too playful or pastel when combined with the appropriate shade of gray.
To make it more dramatic, I would introduce polished concrete floors and open shelves of a copper tone. The industrial feminine blend makes the space down to earth yet lively and welcoming.
Awesome kitchens are not only concerning the newest fads, but tracking down the proper color scheme that represents your unique design and improves the daily dwelling. So, if you are inclined to pastel shades and neutrals, or expecting bold contrasts, these pairings will show that elegance may be discovered in the most unusual sources. Used one of these palettes or have a secret combination of your own? Tell us in the comments below we would love to know how you have worked your color alchemy in the kitchen.