Choosing the right kitchen colours has never mattered more. In 2026, kitchens are becoming warmer, more expressive, and deeply personal spaces. Homeowners are moving away from all-white minimalism and embracing colour palettes that add character, comfort, and timeless style.
At Starplan, weโre seeing a clear shift towards shades that feel natural, calming, and full of depth. If youโre planning a refresh or full redesign, these trending kitchen colour ideas will help you create a space that feels both current and enduring.
Earthy Greens Are Here to Stay
Green continues to dominate the kitchen paint colours. From soft sage to deep olive and forest tones, green brings a grounding, nature-inspired feel into the heart of the home.
These shades work beautifully as paint colours for kitchen units, especially when paired with warm woods, brushed brass handles, and stone worktops. Green is also one of the most versatile kitchen cupboard colours, suiting both modern and classic designs.
For homeowners looking for subtle colour suggestions for kitchen schemes, muted eucalyptus or moss shades add personality without overwhelming the room.
Warm Neutrals Replace Cool Greys
Cool grey kitchens are fading, making way for warmer neutrals like mushroom, oat, sand, and soft taupe. These tones are ideal paint colours for white kitchens that need a gentle update without losing their light, airy feel.
Warm neutrals are particularly popular for kitchen unit colours in open-plan spaces, where kitchens need to blend seamlessly with living areas. They also make excellent kitchen cupboard paint colours for homeowners who want something timeless yet softer than stark white.
When choosing a paint colour for kitchen walls to complement neutral cabinetry, consider creamy off-whites or gentle clay tones to keep the space cohesive.
Deep Blueโs Add Sophistication
Navy and inky blues remain a favourite for statement kitchens. These rich shades bring elegance and depth, especially when used on islands or lower cabinets as contrasting kitchen cupboard colours.
Blue works well in both traditional and contemporary spaces and is one of the most searched kitchen colour ideas for a reason. Pair dark blue units with marble-style worktops and warm metallic finishes for a high-end look.
If youโre exploring bold yet classic kitchen paint colours, deep blue is a safe but striking choice that wonโt date quickly.
Terracotta and Clay Bring Warmth
Inspired by Mediterranean interiors, terracotta, rust, and clay tones are becoming standout kitchen colours for 2026. These earthy shades create a welcoming atmosphere and work beautifully with natural textures like wood, stone, and rattan.
Terracotta tones are increasingly being used as paint colours for kitchen presses and feature cabinetry, adding warmth without overpowering the space. They also offer unique kitchen cupboard paint colours for homeowners wanting something different from standard neutrals.
When paired with cream walls and natural flooring, these hues create some of the most inviting kitchen colour ideas of the year.
The Rise of the Pink Colour Kitchen
Soft blush and muted rose tones are redefining the idea of a pink colour kitchen. Rather than bright or sugary shades, 2026 is all about dusty pinks and warm nude tones that act almost like neutrals.
These shades are increasingly popular colours to paint kitchen units, especially in smaller kitchens, where they add warmth and personality. Pink also pairs beautifully with grey-veined stone, brushed gold, and warm wood finishes.
For subtle colour suggestions for kitchen updates, consider pink on a feature island or pantry cupboards while keeping the rest of the cabinetry neutral.
Yellow Makes a Cheerful Comeback
The yellow colour kitchen is making a confident return, but in softer, more sophisticated forms. Think buttery tones, muted mustard, and warm straw shades rather than bright primary yellow.
Yellow works particularly well as a wall colour of paint for kitchen spaces that need more natural light. It also appears in kitchen cupboard colours for country-style and shaker kitchens, adding charm and warmth.
Used thoughtfully, yellow brings energy without overwhelming the design, making it one of the most uplifting kitchen paint colours for 2026.
Two-Tone Kitchens Continue to Grow
Two-tone cabinetry remains one of the strongest kitchen colour ideas going into 2026. Mixing light upper cabinets with darker lower kitchen unit colours adds visual interest and helps anchor the room.
Popular combinations include warm neutral uppers with green or blue base units, or soft white cabinets paired with clay-toned islands. This approach allows homeowners to experiment with bolder kitchen cupboard paint colours without committing to a single dominant shade.
Choosing the Right Colours for Your Home
The best kitchen colours are the ones that reflect how you live and how you want your space to feel. Lighter shades can make compact kitchens feel larger, while deeper tones add drama and cosiness to spacious layouts.
At Starplan, our designers help homeowners explore practical yet stylish colour suggestions for kitchen schemes, from subtle neutrals to bold feature shades. Whether youโre considering new kitchen cupboard colours, updating paint colours for white kitchens, or planning a full transformation, choosing the right palette is key to creating a kitchen youโll love for years to come.
In 2026, kitchens are all about warmth, personality, and timeless colour โ and with the right choices, your kitchen can be both on-trend and uniquely yours.
