I’ve always believed that the kitchen is the heart of the home—but lately, I’ve realised it doesn’t have to look so… safe. While whites and greys will always have their place, more of us are leaning into colour to add warmth, personality, and a little everyday joy to the space we cook and gather in most. 

Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just itching to give your kitchen a bit of a refresh, here are some colour pairings I’ve come across that are stylish, spirited, and surprisingly livable. 

The best colour combinations for your kitchen right now

Terracotta and cream: Warm and welcoming

If you love warm tones but don’t want anything too loud, terracotta and cream are a beautiful pairing. The terracotta brings in a grounded, earthy feel, while cream softens the whole space. Think of terracotta on the lower units or even just the backsplash, with cream on the walls and cabinets to lighten things up.  

It’s the kind of combination that looks especially lovely when the sun hits just right—perfect for kitchens that face east or west. 

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Blush pink and olive green: Soft with a splash of character 

This is one of those combinations that feels modern but still cosy. I saw a kitchen recently where the bottom cabinets were painted a muted olive green, and the upper shelves were finished in the softest, barely-there pink. It struck the perfect balance between playful and grown-up. 

If you’re nervous about bold colours, start here—it’s gentle, earthy, and brings calm energy to the room. Pair it with brushed brass handles or natural wood accents for extra charm.

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Forest green and charcoal black: Moody, but make it chic

There’s something incredibly sleek about darker kitchens, especially when they play with texture and tone. A moody green paired with matte black cabinets (or even just a black island) feels very now. Add in warm lighting and metallic fixtures, and suddenly the kitchen becomes a design statement, not just a place to make toast. 

This one’s great for open-plan spaces or homes with lots of natural light—darker tones thrive when they can breathe. 

Cornflower blue and crisp white: Bright, breezy, and beautiful

You can’t go wrong with blue and white—it’s a timeless duo that always looks fresh. I recently helped a friend choose paint colours for her coastal-inspired kitchen, and we went with classic white cupboards and a blue island in a cheerful cornflower tone. The result? A light, uplifting space that feels like summer all year round. 

Add in a few patterned tiles or open shelves with your prettiest crockery, and you’ve got a clean look with plenty of personality. 

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Mustard yellow and deep navy: A confident contrast

For anyone ready to take the leap, mustard and navy are your dream duo. I once visited a kitchen where the island was this glorious sunflower-mustard shade, while the surrounding cabinets were a deep, almost-inky blue. It made the space feel warm, confident, and full of personality.  

Try using navy as your base and mustard as your pop—whether on the island, bar stools, or even small appliances. It’s bold, yes, but it works beautifully with white countertops and wooden floors. 

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Your kitchen should make you happy every time you walk into it. Whether that means going bold with jewel tones or keeping it subtle with dusty pinks and greens, colour has a magical way of transforming a space.

Trust your gut, test out some samples, and don’t be afraid to try something a little unexpected—you might just love it. 

ALSO SEE: CHOOSING THE BEST STOVE FOR YOUR KITCHEN

Choosing the best stove for your kitchen: Induction vs electric vs gas hob

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