Your kitchen is more than just a place to whip up meals; it’s the heart of the home, where family and friends gather to share memories. One of the most important aspects of kitchen design is choosing the right color scheme. The colors you pick will set the tone for the entire space, whether you want a bright and airy look or a more dramatic, moody kitchen vibe. 

But how do you go about selecting the perfect kitchen color palette? This article is here to talk you through the entire color planning process. From classic white kitchens to bold, dark moody kitchens, this article will guide you through the key elements of choosing colors that match your style and personality. Plus, we’ll touch on the best flooring options to pull it all together. 

Understanding the Basics: Color Schemes for Kitchens

When you start thinking about kitchen color schemes, it helps to have a basic understanding of how colors work together. You don’t have to be an artist to create a stunning kitchen color palette, but a few rules of thumb go a long way. 

• Monochromatic Schemes focus on one color in varying shades. For instance, a kitchen with different shades of blue creates a serene, cohesive look.
• Analogous Schemes use colors next to each other on the color wheel, like green and blue or yellow and orange. These schemes offer harmony without feeling too “matchy-matchy.”
• Complementary Schemes play with contrast, using colors opposite each other on the wheel, think navy blue paired with a crisp white or vibrant yellow accents with deep green cabinetry.

Understanding these basics helps you visualize how different colors will play together in your kitchen. Now, let’s get into the specifics of how to choose a color palette that works for you. 

White Kitchens: Classic, Timeless, and Bright 

The classic white kitchen is a symbol of cleanliness and timeless appeal. If you’re aiming for a light and airy kitchen, white is your go-to. White kitchen cabinets are especially popular because they create a bright and open feel, making the kitchen space seem larger than it is (that’s why white cabinets are an excellent option when you’re doing a small kitchen remodel). Plus, white is incredibly versatile and works well with a range of styles, from farmhouse to modern kitchen design. 

Pro Tip: Want to keep it from feeling too stark? Incorporate some lighter elements like light wood accents or neutral countertops. Marble countertops with gray veining pair beautifully with white cabinetry, adding a touch of luxury without overwhelming the space. 

Why White Works:

• Reflects light, making the kitchen brighter.
• Pairs well with almost any other color.
• Timeless and adaptable to changing trends.

Going Bold: Dark and Moody Kitchens 

Feeling a little adventurous? Dark kitchens are all the rage right now, and for good reason. They exude sophistication, elegance, and just a little bit of drama. Imagine rich dark kitchen cabinets in deep green, charcoal, or even black, paired with the right lighting and countertops, a dark kitchen design can transform your space into a luxurious haven. 

Dark Moody Kitchens: Key Elements 

• Cabinetry: Dark kitchen cabinets can be the centerpiece of your design. Whether you go for dark wood cabinets or sleek black cabinetry, the key is to balance the dark tones with lighter elements like marble countertops or light fixtures.
• Walls: Don’t shy away from dark walls either. Dark hues like deep navy or forest green add warmth and intimacy to the kitchen.
• Lighting: Lighting becomes crucial in a moody kitchen. Consider pendant lights with gold or brass finishes to add a touch of sophistication.

Best Dark Colors for Kitchens

• Black cabinetry (timeless and bold)
• Dark green (a touch of nature)
• Navy blue (sophisticated and regal)

Dark kitchens are all about making a statement, and when paired with the right finishes, they can be both functional and stunning. But remember, balance is key. Too many dark colors can make a kitchen feel cramped, so introduce lighter elements like brass hardware or a lighter kitchen backsplash to break up the darker tones.

Mixing It Up: Two-Tone Color Schemes 

Can’t decide between light and dark? Well, why not have both? Two-tone color schemes for kitchens are a great way to introduce contrast and depth into your design. 

One common approach is using darker tones for the lower cabinets or kitchen island, while keeping the upper cabinets or walls lighter. This mix of dark and light creates a balanced, eye-catching design that’s both modern and timeless. 

Ideas for Two-Tone Kitchens:

• Dark lower cabinets with white upper cabinets.
• A bold, black kitchen island surrounded by lighter wood cabinetry.
• Dark wood cabinets paired with a lighter kitchen backsplash.

Two-tone kitchens allow you to play with contrast without overwhelming the space, and they work well in both large and small kitchens. 

Flooring to Complement Your Color Scheme 

Now, let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked but plays a massive role in your overall kitchen design: flooring. The right flooring choice can make or break your kitchen’s aesthetic. You’ll want to choose a floor that not only complements your kitchen color palette but also offers durability and ease of maintenance. 

That’s where Empire Today® comes in with a wide selection of flooring options to suit any kitchen design. 

Best Flooring Options for Kitchens:

1. Dark Wood Flooring: If you’re going for a dark moody kitchen, dark wood floors are a natural fit. They add warmth and depth without clashing with your dark cabinets. Empire Today offers a range of dark wood flooring options that’ll complement the richness of your kitchen’s darker tones.
2. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Looking for durability and style? LVT is an excellent option, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Empire Today’s LVT flooring selection comes in various styles, including wood and stone looks, making it easy to find something that matches your kitchen color scheme.
3. Tile Flooring: For a more modern or contemporary kitchen look, tile flooring is a fantastic choice. Empire® has an extensive collection of tile options, ranging from sleek black tiles to lighter tones that work well with two-tone kitchens.
4. White Wood Flooring: Ifyou’veopted for dark kitchen cabinets, you might want to consider a lighter wood floor to balance the space. This look can brighten up the room while still complementing the darker cabinetry and countertops.

Tip: Make sure to select flooring that not only looks good but also offers practical benefits like water resistance and durability, especially in a busy kitchen.

Accent Colors and Finishes to Tie It All Together 

Now that you’ve nailed down your primary kitchen color palette and flooring, it’s time to think about the finishing touches—accent colors and finishes that bring the whole look together. 

• Hardware: Whether you’ve opted for black cabinets, white cabinets, or something in between, the hardware can make or break the design. Matte black or brushed gold finishes are popular choices, adding a sleek, modern touch.
• Backsplashes: Your kitchen backsplash is another opportunity to play with color and texture. If your cabinets are dark, consider a lighter kitchen backsplash to provide contrast. Subway tiles, marble, or even patterned tiles can add visual interest.
• Lighting: Lighting fixtures, like pendant lights or chandeliers, can enhance the mood of your kitchen. For a dark and moody kitchen, choose fixtures with a bit of shine. Brass, gold, or copper finishes work beautifully with darker tones.
• Countertops: From marble countertops with bold veining to sleek quartz surfaces, your countertop is a key player in your kitchen design. Lighter countertops can balance darker cabinetry, while darker countertops will amplify a moody kitchen design.

Final Thoughts: Crafting Your Dream Kitchen Color Scheme

Choosing the right color scheme for your kitchen might feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a fun and creative process. Whether you lean towards a classic white kitchen, a bold dark moody kitchen, or a two-tone design that mixes both, the options are endless. 

Remember, balance is key. If you go for dark kitchen cabinets, lighten up the space with countertops, flooring, or lighting. On the flip side, if you prefer a lighter palette, darker accents can add depth and prevent the space from feeling too sterile. 

And don’t forget about the flooring! Empire Today’s wide range of flooring options ensures you’ll find something that complements your color scheme while offering durability for everyday life. Schedule a FREE in-home estimate today. 

In the end, your kitchen is your space, so make it a reflection of your personal style. So, what’s it going to be—bright and breezy, bold and moody, or a bit of both? The choice is yours!