3 of the Top Kitchen Colour Trends for 2023

If you’re planning to renovate or update your kitchen this year, there’s one aspect you won’t want to overlook: colour. From bold, eye-catching hues to soothing pastels, colour is the secret ingredient that can transform an ordinary kitchen into a culinary oasis.

As we progress further into 2023, it’s time to take a look at the top tonal trends in the interior design world. From classic hues to bold new shades, there’s something for every taste and style. Let’s dive in.

1. Brilliant blacks

Unapologetically bold, the modern black kitchen has left its paler counterparts languishing in its shadows in recent months, and slick marble worktops, obsidian-coloured flooring, and graphite-toned appliances have all become increasingly popular.

If you are unsure about moving over to the dark side, think carefully about the look you want for your kitchen. Do you have enough natural light to make this style work? Will you go for a midnight-drenched, “all black everything” look, or pair it with another complementary tone? Having a black kitchen may seem like an ambitious choice, but when planned and executed well, it can make a statement like no other hue.

However, homeowners who struggle to decide on their aesthetic or are not yet ready to commit to a particular shade, it might be helpful to see the colours in-person instead of online or in a catalogue. Harvey Jones, for example, hand-paints its kitchens on site, using designers who “will work with you to create a vision and be on hand to guide you on the most suitable tones and finishes for your kitchen space.”

2. Sage and terracotta

Terracotta, a deep and comforting hue that’s instantly reminiscent of your favourite Mediterranean holiday, effortlessly makes any room feel warmer and more inviting. It also works wonderfully with last year’s top kitchen colour trend — sage green.

Sage green and terracotta is one of the most effortless combinations for a kitchen, Sleek-Chic Interiors explains: “Sage green brings a subtle softness, yet terracotta delivers such a warm and inviting presence in a space. It’s a visually exciting combination that can be layered with differing shades of the colours for an enhanced colour scheme.”

In fact, it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to combining earth tones together. Contrast cool green walls with copper accessories and rustic wooden elements, or pair softer, salmon-coloured walls with bold accents of basil, avocado, or seafoam — the choice is yours. Mix and match to your heart’s content, and add brass hardware for the ultimate finishing touch.

3. Sunny yellows

It took some time for this optimistic hue to make its mark as a choice kitchen colour, but now it’s high time for yellow to shine.

Projecting warm and cheerful light, yellow hues are a fantastic choice for smaller kitchens, or those in need of a pick me up, as they can give the impression of more space. You have a myriad of energising tones to pick from, from golden yolks and earthy mustards, to daffodil and barely-there buttery shades.

What’s more, “yellow walls don’t have to feel overly sweet or traditional,” Homes and Gardens explains. “If your style is on the edgier side, pair a sunny yellow hue with black accents and streamlined furnishing to turn it into a sophisticated scene-setter.” As the ‘new neutral’ in the colour wheel of the interior design world, it’s also surprisingly versatile as a base. You could pair yellow with colours like deep aubergine, royal blue, or emerald green for a stand-out look.