5 Underrated Kitchen Paint Colors Designers Love

The all-white kitchen trend is fading fast. These days, designers and homeowners alike are embracing color to bring personality and warmth into their spaces—and the kitchen is no exception.

When it comes to kitchen paint colors, some classic go-to shades like creamy whites, warm grays, navy blues, and earthy greens tend to steal the spotlight. But while bold blues and timeless whites often get all the attention, designers say there are plenty of underrated kitchen paint colors that deserve a closer look.

Whether you’re repainting the walls or giving your cabinets a fresh new look, here are some designer-approved under-the-radar kitchen paint colors worth considering.

1. Sunny Yellows

Yellow is a bright, energetic color that many people shy away from in interior design. But this cheerful hue doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially in a kitchen, where it can create a warm, charming, and joyful atmosphere.

From sunny shades to muted mustard, there’s a wide range of yellow tones to choose from. Designers often favor softer variations in the kitchen—think warm buttery yellows or gentle creams.

Yellow or cream-colored cabinets are especially great in farmhouse, traditional, or transitional kitchens. These shades evoke happiness and optimism and can make cooking feel like a more joyful experience.

2. Sky Blue

While deep navy has become a staple in kitchen design, lighter blues—like sky blue—often go overlooked. But according to designers like Barnard, these uplifting shades are absolutely worthy of attention.

Sky blue has a refreshing charm and works beautifully with a wide range of materials, from warm wood tones to sleek stainless steel.

It looks great on both walls and cabinets and suits many design aesthetics. Plus, blue is known for creating a calm, peaceful vibe—ideal for sparking creativity in the kitchen.

3. Soft Pinks

Soft pinks are rarely used in kitchens, typically reserved for nurseries, kids’ rooms, or powder baths. But painting your kitchen in shades of blush or dusty rose can be a sweet, charming surprise.

They add a subtle warmth, playfulness, and whimsy that shouldn’t be underestimated—especially when paired with gray or white tones.

Soft pinks also come in a broad range of hues—from classic pastels to earthy, muted tones—making them incredibly versatile. Use them as a neutral backdrop for other colors, or go bold with pink cabinetry or walls. Either way, it’s a lovely way to add warmth and personality to your kitchen.

4. Black

Black might not be the first color that comes to mind for a kitchen—unless you’re aiming for a bold, modern, high-contrast look. But Barnard says black can work beautifully across a variety of design styles.

It has a unique, timeless appeal and fits seamlessly into traditional, transitional, or contemporary kitchens. It can even bring a modern edge to older, historic spaces.

When used thoughtfully, black adds a sense of elegance and sophistication. It works well for both cabinetry and walls.

If you’re unsure about going dark, look for inspiring black kitchen ideas—you may be surprised by how versatile and chic this color can be. It also makes for an ideal accent color or foundation for a dramatic kitchen palette.

5. Terracotta

Earth tones are trending—and they’re here to stay. While greens and blues dominate the kitchen color conversation, warm hues like reds, oranges, and terra cotta often go overlooked.

If you’re ready for something bolder, rich terracotta is worth considering. It adds warmth and depth to a space, especially when paired with natural ceramics, black hardware, or wood accents.

Somewhere between orange-red and brown, terracotta is the perfect earthy neutral with a bold twist. Try it on an accent wall with warm wood cabinetry, use it as an unexpected cabinet color, or opt for a two-tone look for a modern yet grounded aesthetic.