Classic white kitchens have always been a winner. But one thing we see time and time again is what people think they are seeing as bright white in edited photos is actually a warm, creamy white or a greige tone. Cool or bright whites aren’t always what we really want. The kitchen is typically a hard surface room so a little bit of personality goes a long way!

You can still paint your lower cabinets a contrasting color with your uppers a warm white, or even all one color for a more tonal look. Some of our favorites are Benjamin Moore’s Natural Linen, Swiss Coffee and Edgecomb Gray. Not only do you get the fresh look of a “light” kitchen but you’ve added warmth and created a palette that combines beautifully with finishes such as antique brass and bronze.

For a more colorful look, recently we have paired warm whites with Benjamin Moore Green Olive and Blue Note. These colors are still soft enough that they won’t overpower the space but will add just the right amount of personality.

And we can’t talk about kitchens without mentioning the icing on the cake, which is the lighting. Think of your lighting as the artwork of the kitchen. It can completely change the feel of the space. We love using pendants in fun shapes and sizes to add that je ne sais quoi! So don’t be afraid to go too big or dramatic either. After all, this is the heart of the home and where we spend most of our time – so make it a place you enjoy using and looking at.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your existing kitchen a facelift, painting is one of the quickest and most impactful ways to change the feel of the room. With so many great colors to choose from, the hardest part will be deciding which one is right for you!

So whatever your style, there is definitely a paint color out there for you! And don’t forget to take the colors you see online or in magazines with a grain of salt. They are a wonderful way to get inspired but paint is always going to be specific to your individual home!

What are your favorite kitchen paint colors? Let us know in the comments below!