Looking for ways to give your small kitchen big style? Here are some beautiful paint colors for small kitchens that will inspire you as you choose the perfect shade for your space.
If you have a tiny kitchen (like I do!), you may be struggling to picture what the right paint colors could be.
You might be asking yourself questions like:
- What are the best colors to choose from?
- Will bold colors or dark colors make an already small room feel smaller?
- Should the base cabinets be painted the same color as the upper cabinets?
- Does having a small kitchen mean I should have white walls to make it feel bigger? If so, should they be a cool white or a creamy white?
- What is the most popular choice for small kitchen paint colors?
- How do interior designers choose a color palette for small kitchens?
Believe me – I’ve asked every one of those questions, too!
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received about choosing the perfect paint colors is to first collect inspiration pictures of spaces. I suggest you start gathering images and put them into your own personal “dream kitchen” file.
Then, go back and look at them very carefully and ask yourself what you like about each one.
Below are some examples of small kitchen paint ideas that may help you as you search for the perfect color for you!
Inspiration Ideas: Paint Colors for Small Kitchens
1. Grey Green Paint with Creamy White Walls
When you look at inspiration pictures and compare them to your own space, there are some things to keep in mind. One of the most important is the amount of natural light spilling into the space.
Source: Look, Linger, Love
How much light comes in makes a very big difference in how a paint color reads in a specific space.
The lovely natural light spilling into this kitchen reflects off the white counter surfaces and creamy white walls, making a beautiful backdrop for open shelving and grey-green cabinets.
Green kitchen cabinets seem to be one of the most popular cabinet colors this year. The range includes all sorts of shades of gray-green, sage green, mint green, olive green, and forest green. Here are some green cabinet colors recommended by the experts. And here are this year’s top kitchen colors.
2. Pastel colors for a coastal color palette
Smaller kitchens that combine light colors and white paint can come together to feel like a cheerful welcome.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
This small kitchen showcases a pale aqua blue on the lower cabinets, with the other cabinets in white. Gorgeous tile work adds interest and style to the space, making this one of my favorite kitchen color ideas.
Remember, a small kitchen color idea can come from more than just paint. This kitchen is a perfect example. The cabinets, tiles, walls, counters, and range hood focal point all have different colors. However, they all come together to make the space look inviting. Since they are all lighter colors, there isn’t much visual clutter, which makes for a perfect color scheme!
3. Blue & White
Blue is the color family I tend to be drawn to, so this cheery little blue and white kitchen caught my eye.
Source: Tidbits
You know what else caught my eye? Look at how the open shelving is white on one side and wood-toned on the other. I never would have thought to use different colors for those, but together, they create a cozy space.
3. White Kitchen Cabinets with Colored Island
All-white kitchen cabinets and doors with a colored island are another option to consider (if your small kitchen has enough space for an island).
Source: A Piece of Rainbow
If you’re considering white cabinets for your kitchen, here is an excellent article on the best white paint colors recommended for kitchen cabinets. And here are some of the best colors for kitchens with white cabinets.
What is the best color scheme for your kitchen?
I believe the best small kitchen paint color is the one you love most. Define the feel you’d like your small kitchen to have and go from there. Would you like it cozy and rustic, or modern and streamlined? Once you narrow down your choices, paint samples will be your best friend. Try them in your space, under its lighting, to make sure the color looks the way you want it to.
More Paint Color Resources:
- Tips & tricks to pick a paint color you’ll love
- What HGTV stars can teach us about how to choose paint colors
More Small Kitchen Ideas:
If you’re hunting for more small kitchen ideas, here are a few more roundup posts from the series:
- Clever storage ideas for small kitchens
- Small kitchen remodel ideas
- Organize small kitchen cupboards like a pro!
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This post was originally published August 29, 2016 and updated with new information February 17, 2022
