The kitchen is more than just a functional space for cooking; it’s the heart of the home—a hub for family gatherings, meaningful conversations, and moments of creativity. Choosing the right paint colors for your kitchen can transform it into a space that exudes warmth, elegance, or vibrancy, depending on your personal style and needs.
To guide you, I’ve carefully curated 19 unique palettes featuring a harmonious mix of Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paint colors. Each palette offers a range of seven versatile shades for walls, cabinets, trim, and accents. Whether you’re aiming for timeless neutrals or bold statements, these combinations will elevate your kitchen’s design.
How to Use These Color Palettes
Before diving into the palettes, understanding how to layer colors is essential. Here’s how to make the most of these combinations:
- Wall Colors: Choose shades that set the overall mood of the room, whether light and airy or bold and dramatic.
- Trim Colors: Highlight architectural features like windows, doors, and molding with complementary or contrasting hues.
- Accent Colors: Add personality by painting cabinets, islands, or even a backsplash in standout shades.
When selecting a palette, consider your kitchen’s lighting, layout, and materials such as countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. Testing swatches in different light conditions can help you visualize the final look.
19 Best Paint Color Palettes for the Kitchen
1. Warm & Inviting Neutrals
This palette combines earthy tones with warm whites, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- Sherwin-Williams Creamy (SW 7012): This soft, warm white is ideal for walls, creating a neutral yet inviting backdrop. Its slightly creamy undertone complements wood cabinetry and traditional kitchens. It also works well in low-light kitchens, where its warmth brightens the space.
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172): A classic greige, Revere Pewter strikes a balance between gray and beige, making it perfect for trim or cabinetry. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various styles, from rustic to modern farmhouse.
- Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036): This understated beige is ideal for larger surfaces like walls or open-plan kitchens. Its neutral tone provides a calming canvas that pairs beautifully with natural wood or stone accents.
- Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (HC-166): Add depth to your kitchen with this rich, grounding gray. Use it for kitchen islands, lower cabinets, or an accent wall for a bold yet sophisticated look.
- Sherwin-Williams Natural Tan (SW 7567): A subtle tan shade that bridges the gap between warm and neutral tones, this color enhances wood flooring and countertops, making the space feel cohesive and natural.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117): Brighten the room with this crisp, clean white, perfect for trim or ceilings. It reflects light beautifully, giving the illusion of a larger space.
- Sherwin-Williams Black Fox (SW 7020): For a dramatic touch, incorporate this dark brown-gray in small doses, such as cabinet hardware or decorative accents.
2. Fresh Coastal Vibes
Inspired by the serene beauty of the ocean, this palette combines soft blues, greens, and whites for a breezy, calming kitchen.
- Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204): A light blue-green with gray undertones, Sea Salt brings a subtle coastal feel to walls or cabinets. It’s particularly effective in kitchens with ample natural light.
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65): Known for its versatility, this bright white provides a crisp, clean look for trim or ceilings. It pairs beautifully with both vibrant and subdued hues.
- Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed (SW 6211): A muted blue-green, this shade is ideal for accents or smaller areas, like a backsplash. Its calming effect makes it perfect for creating a relaxed environment.
- Benjamin Moore Beach Glass (1564): A cool gray-blue that mimics the tranquility of ocean water. It pairs wonderfully with natural wood and light-colored stone countertops.
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White (SW 7006): A refreshing white that works well for cabinetry, adding brightness and a sense of cleanliness to the kitchen.
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154): For a bold contrast, this deep navy can be used on islands or as an accent wall. It exudes sophistication while maintaining a nautical charm.
- Sherwin-Williams Drift of Mist (SW 9166): A pale gray with a hint of green, this color ties the palette together seamlessly. It’s an excellent choice for subtle background tones.
3. Modern Monochrome
Achieve a sleek, contemporary look with a palette of grays, whites, and blacks for dramatic contrast.
- Sherwin-Williams Snowbound (SW 7004): This bright white is versatile for walls or cabinetry, creating a neutral base that enhances other monochromatic elements.
- Benjamin Moore Black Beauty (2128-10): A deep, luxurious black, perfect for accent walls, doors, or even hardware. Its boldness adds drama without overwhelming the space.
- Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015): A soft, cool gray that works well on walls or trim, providing subtle depth without dominating the room.
- Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (OC-23): This light neutral balances darker tones, making it a great choice for ceilings or trim.
- Sherwin-Williams Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019): A deep gray with a warm undertone, ideal for lower cabinets or kitchen islands. It creates a sophisticated yet welcoming feel.
- Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain (2134-30): This dark gray adds a grounding element to the palette, perfect for base cabinets or accent furniture.
- Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258): A true black that provides sharp contrast for statement-making hardware, trim, or doors.
4. Rustic Charm
Earthy tones and warm shades define this palette, perfect for farmhouse or rustic-style kitchens.
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008): A soft, warm white that pairs beautifully with wood finishes, creating a balanced and natural look.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117): Use this versatile white for trim and ceilings to add lightness to the space.
- Sherwin-Williams Retreat (SW 6207): This muted green is perfect for cabinets or accent walls, adding a touch of nature indoors.
- Benjamin Moore Texas Leather (AC-3): A deep, earthy brown that enhances rustic textures like reclaimed wood or stone.
- Sherwin-Williams Spiced Cider (SW 7702): For a pop of color, this rich, earthy orange works well in small accents, such as decorative tiles or accessories.
- Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20): A soft neutral that brings warmth to walls, complementing the earthy tones of the palette.
- Sherwin-Williams Black Fox (SW 7020): Use this dark brown-gray sparingly for grounding elements, like cabinet knobs or light fixtures.
