You don’t have to follow the latest trend, although it’s always nice to have a little direction from the pros. Anna Still and Marguerite Johnson of Still Johnson in Birmingham, Alabama comment: “No rules! We think you can use any color if done correctly.” Of course, we think you should choose the paint color that makes you the happiest for your kitchen, but every now and then it is kind of nice to have some parameters—especially when it comes to colors to avoid in kitchen—when thinking out of the box and out of white kitchens.
Each kitchen is unique, and some colors work better in certain kitchens than others, especially considering lighting. However, there are some colors to avoid in kitchen spaces that designers suggest steering clear of. We asked Southern interior designers to share what’s on their “do not use” list when painting the kitchen.
1. Neon
Be as avoiding the neon color palette in kitchen at all cost, argues Christine Carney, Blackberry Farm Design’s designer director of design in Tennessee, USA.
They would be hard to balance with the other elements in the space and with cool colors, they might not age so well,” she says about neons. And if two designers warning people off isn’t enough, Mallory Mathison also has this rule of thumb: “Anything neon or pink,” is a definite no-go in the kitchen.”
2. Very Dark Hues
These colors “may make a kitchen feel smaller and less inviting,” says Switzer. In addition, in a room that wears out easily, they don’t make the most intelligent choice from a durability perspective either.
“They can reveal scratches and imperfections more easily,” she adds. Margie Kaercher of Hearth & Honey Homes in Tampa, Florida, points out that dark grays and blacks can certainly stun in some kitchens but are not meant for all types of space. “A room without sun cannot be a warm one, she adds.
3. Deep Black: Too Dark and Draining
Black is a bold and luxurious choice for many rooms, but in the kitchen, it can be problematic. Dark black walls or cabinetry absorb light, making the room feel smaller and more enclosed. This is particularly problematic in kitchens with limited natural light.
Deep Black: Too Dark and Draining
Moreover, black surfaces show fingerprints, dust, and grease easily, which means you’ll spend more time cleaning than enjoying your space. If you love dark tones, go for charcoal gray or navy blue, which maintain depth without overwhelming the room.
4. Yellow
But then again, there’s the golden goodness of buttermilk or sunny-side-up eggs: yellow is the color seen naturally and frequently in the kitchen. The danger is that a yellow kitchen gets too tiresome, designers caution.
Yellow Colors kitchen
According to Sabah Mansoor, the founder and principal designer at Sabah Mansoor Design, warm colors such as yellow and orange must be avoided in the kitchen because these colors can easily make a space feel outdated and contribute to claustrophobia and stress.
What to Use Instead: Alabaster
If yellow catches your eye, don’t dismiss it. For sure, there’s no other color that could add the sunniest disposition to any space than yellow. Yet instead of using pure yellow, Mansoor recommends switching it to a cream colour with warm amber undertone, such as alabaster. A soft yellow-based cream such as alabaster will brighten your kitchen without overwhelming it.
5. Dark Green: Heavy and Dated
While green is making a comeback in modern design, dark green hues often feel dated and heavy in kitchen spaces. These shades can make a kitchen look smaller, darker, and less inviting, especially if paired with wooden cabinets or floors.
Dark Green kitchen
If you want to incorporate green, consider using sage green or mint tones. These lighter shades offer freshness and vibrancy without overpowering the space.
6. Black
With how stylish an entirely black exterior can be, the thinking is that such should equate to its kitchen interior. According to interior designer Emily Ruff from Cohesively Curated Interiors, not exactly always.
While black is surely drama-making, it may have some negative connotations-most definitely when paired with whites or metallic appliances. Wearing even worse is its seeming unforgiveness if some splatters of grease go across the walls or prints themselves when the black finish’s involved. Black-painted surfaces, especially in the form of matte finishes, easily show every smudge, making it fairly impossible to keep them sparkling.
7. Purple: Unnatural and Overpowering
Purple is a rare choice for kitchens, and there’s a reason for that—it doesn’t naturally complement food preparation spaces. Bright or dark purple tones can feel unnatural and clash with the earthy tones of most kitchen elements like wood, stone, or metal.
If you’re drawn to purple, try using lavender accents or lilac tones in small doses, such as in decor or backsplash elements, rather than as a primary wall color.
Key Considerations When Choosing Kitchen Paint Colors
Beyond avoiding the colors mentioned above, consider these tips to select the perfect kitchen palette:
- Lighting: Analyze how natural and artificial lighting interacts with your selected colors.
- Cabinetry and Appliances: Ensure your wall color complements your cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
- Mood: Consider the ambience you wish to convey-warm and welcoming or clean and contemporary?
- Durability: Use high-quality paints that are washable and durable enough to withstand the busy pace of a kitchen.
Conclusion
The choice of paint for your kitchen is important to develop a space that is functionally, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing. Neutral, softer tones avoid overpowering hues such as neon yellow, bright red, and stark white, giving you an option to achieve a balanced and time-proof look.
