Shades used in image: Almond White, Timeless

Kitchens are one of the busiest rooms in the home and experience a lot of wear and tear over time, so a fresh lick of paint can instantly transform your space. However, choosing the right palette is essential to ensure your kitchen looks its best for longer. Explore our guide to classic kitchen colour schemes to find your favourite shades, from country-inspired neutrals to modern monochrome designs.

Why choose a timeless kitchen design?

One of the main benefits of choosing timeless kitchen colours is longevity: you won’t have to redecorate as trends come and go. Plus, a classic colour scheme can enhance your home's resale value if you decide to move in the future, as it will appeal to a broader range of potential buyers.

4 classic kitchen colours to try

Get inspired for your kitchen redecoration project with these classic kitchen colour schemes, with options to suit every interior and taste.

1. Dark and moody kitchens

Dark and moody kitchen colour schemes are a sophisticated choice. Opt for a rich charcoal base on the walls with Cannon Ball, then paint your cabinets in deep jewel tones like Highland Green or Sapphire Salute. These darker shades can be paired with metallic accents or marble countertops, bringing balance and contrast to the design.

Alongside their stylish appeal, dark colours are a more practical choice for kitchens than lighter shades, as they effectively conceal wear and tear and hide splashes and stains.

2. Country-inspired neutral kitchens

Neutral hues like crisp whites, warm beiges and soft greys are some of the most timeless colour choices, as they pair well with most other shades. They bring a sense of spaciousness and cleanliness to your kitchen, which is crucial in this busy area.

To create a country-inspired neutral kitchen, paint your walls in Fine Cream and your kitchen cupboards in Egyptian Cotton. By keeping the base of your design neutral, you can introduce colourful accessories or natural wood accents, which can easily be swapped out if you decide to update the space in the future.

3. Sleek monochrome designs

Monochrome kitchen designs are a sleek and modern choice that will stand the test of time. This versatile palette allows for endless decorating possibilities, from dramatic black cabinetry with white countertops to white walls accented with black fixtures and appliances.

Black and white colour schemes are also an excellent backdrop for introducing texture with materials like marble, wood or metal, or you can add pops of colour with accessories. In addition, monochrome palettes offer maximum flexibility for future updates, as the classic combination of black and white creates a striking visual contrast that never goes out of style.

4. Warm earthy tones

Warm and earthy tones bring a comforting and inviting atmosphere to any kitchen. Drawing inspiration from nature, these palettes are as timeless as the seasons, encompassing rich hues like terracotta, ochre, sage green and reddish browns. Naturally, these bolder colours pair well with classic neutrals like cream and beige.

Consider painting your cabinets in Tuscan Terracotta or Bamboo Stem, paired with Timeless on the walls. Alternatively, try the colour-drenching technique for maximum impact – paint all your walls, woodwork and trim in your preferred earthy shade and your cabinets in a light neutral hue.

Prolong your kitchen paint colours with Dulux Easycare

Kitchens are high-traffic areas where messy activities like cooking and washing dishes take place, so the right paint formula can prevent signs of wear and tear, prolonging the life of your paintwork.

Our Easycare kitchen range has been specially formulated to be tough and resistant to grease, moisture and steam. This paint helps shield against stains and is washable, so you can keep the finish looking brand new for longer. Easycare matt kitchen paint comes in various shades to suit any palette, blending style with practicality.