If you have a small, cramped kitchen, the thought of giving it a makeover can seem daunting. The limited space may have you convinced there’s not much you can do design-wise to transform the look and feel. However, we’re here to tell you that’s simply not true! With strategic use of color, even the tiniest kitchen can get a major face lift. The right colors can make a petite kitchen appear more spacious, vibrant, and stylish. Follow our color ideas to give your small kitchen a big makeover!
How Color Impacts the Feeling of a Small Kitchen
Color can dramatically affect how a small kitchen is perceived. Light, bright colors tend to make spaces appear larger and more open. They reflect light rather than absorbing it, creating an airy, expansive look. Dark colors like black or deep brown, on the other hand, can make a small kitchen feel overly cramped and closed in. Such colors absorb light instead of reflecting it, causing the space to feel smaller.
Cooler tones like blues, greens, and grays visually recede, seeming to “push back” the walls and create the illusion of added space. Warm earth tones like reds, oranges, and yellows draw the eye in, making a welcoming, cozy impression. But they also emphasize boundaries, so use them sparingly in tiny kitchens.
Best Paint Colors for Tiny Kitchens
Light & Neutral Kitchen Colors
When looking to make a small kitchen appear fresh and spacious, it’s hard to go wrong with light, neutral wall colors. Classic whites, soft creams, pale grays, and warm beiges all reflect light exceptionally well, giving the impression of a larger area. These versatile neutrals provide a clean backdrop that allows you to add pops of brighter color through accents. For slightly cooler neutrals with a soothing ambiance, consider pale blue or sage green.
Greiges and warm grays are also wonderful choices for small kitchen walls. These sophisticated neutrals straddle the line between gray and beige, providing the cozy feel of a true neutral with a bit more complexity. The natural, muddy look of greiges and grays pairs beautifully with stones, woods, and other earthy textures.
Adding Pops of Color
While lighter neutrals form a foolproof base, you can inject personality into your petite kitchen by adding pops of brighter color. Soft sage green not only reads as a neutral, but also brings a lively, organic vibe. Robin’s egg blue and pale buttery yellow are other great options for adding a punch of color without overwhelming a tiny space. If you want something bolder, consider red or turquoise for an accent wall, tile backsplash, or even just the island base. Limit any bold colors to no more than one wall or feature.
Selecting Cabinet & Countertop Colors
Along with your wall color, carefully choose cabinetry and countertop hues that enhance the feeling of spaciousness. Light-colored cabinetry like white, antique white, or very light gray reflects light and keeps things bright. For counters, look for lightly-colored materials like quartz, butcher block, or laminate in white, cream, or pale gray. Avoid dark cabinets and granite countertops, which can make a small kitchen feel heavy and enclosed.
Creative Ways to Use Color in a Small Kitchen
Don’t be afraid to get creative with color in your petite kitchen! Painting the inside of your cabinets a fun, bright hue adds a cheerful pop of color every time you open them. Just be sure the outer cabinet surface remains a light neutral. Or, pick a vibrant tile for your backsplash to introduce color in a controlled way. Varying paint finishes, like using semi-gloss on your island and matte on the walls, can also add interest.
How Proper Lighting Enhances Color
No matter what colors you choose, proper lighting ensures they look their best in your small kitchen. Natural sunlight always makes paint colors appear brighter and more vibrant. Position your kitchen so it gets plenty of daylight. Supplement with ample task lighting over key areas like the sink, stove, and countertops so you can see colors accurately while prepping meals. Avoid yellowy lighting that distorts wall colors.
Consult the Experts for the Best Small Kitchen Colors
If choosing the perfect palette feels overwhelming, turn to the pros! Many paint brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams employ color experts to assist customers. Describe your goals and style, and they can suggest flattering hues for your small kitchen walls–as well as which specific paint lines offer the best coverage and durability. Virtual design tools like PPG Paints’ PaintWithColor tool also let you upload a photo of your space and preview paint colors before you commit.
Pulling It All Together: A Color Scheme for Your Tiny Kitchen
When developing a color scheme, pick one light neutral to use on the majority of walls, ceiling, and cabinetry. Then layer in a second, bolder neutral or color for accents. Look for inspiration photos of small kitchen makeovers with similar layouts and color pairings. Be sure to get paint samples and view colors at different times of day before settling. Remember, the right color scheme can transform even the tiniest kitchen into a stylish, welcoming space. Have fun and get creative with color!
A cramped, dreary small kitchen doesn’t have to remain that way. With strategic use of light, reflective paint colors, you can give your tiny kitchen a major makeover. Cool blues, airy whites, sunny yellows and sage greens open up and brighten, while pops of red, turquoise or lime inject personality. Pay attention to cabinet and counter colors, proper lighting, and creative accents. Consult a professional designer for guidance in assembling a palette. With the right colors, even the most petite kitchen can look fresh, expansive and inviting. Don’t settle for dull and dreary–give your small kitchen a vibrant new lease on life today!
To open up your small kitchen space, consider using vertical stripes on the walls instead of horizontals. The vertical lines draw the eye up and make the kitchen feel taller. Adding mirrors is another great strategy, as they reflect light and create the illusion of more space. When selecting materials, go for reflective surfaces like glass, chrome and mirrored tiles to maximize light. And don’t forget storage – make the most of every inch with tall cabinets and pull-out shelves. Task lighting ensures your colors look their best, while a touch of greenery softens the whole space. With careful color and design choices, your tiny kitchen can look so much bigger!
