Transform the heart of your home with these small kitchen colour ideas

Here are our top tips and colour schemes for elevating your small kitchen design:

Consider natural light

Light small kitchen colours

Dark small kitchen colours

Pastel small kitchen colours

Small kitchens can present unique challenges when it comes to design and functionality. However, with the right approach, you can transform your compact kitchen into a stylish and functional room that maximises every inch of available space.

Light colours, such as white, light grey, or soft pastels, can make a small kitchen feel more open and airy. However, there are plenty other colour schemes available to suit all tastes.

We'll explore some practical tips and creative ideas on how to style a small kitchen to make it both visually appealing and highly functional.

Explore all kitchen colours

Consider natural light

Utilising natural light not only brightens up a small kitchen, but creates a sense of openness and freshness.

The direction of the light in your kitchen has a big role to play, with south-facing windows likely to get sun all day, while west-facing rooms can offer rich golden light in the late afternoon.

Light-coloured walls, cabinetry, and countertops can help reflect natural light, creating the illusion of more space.

Consider light-coloured cabinetry and countertops, such as white, light wood, or light-coloured laminate, to bounce off the natural light.

Keep your windows and doors clean and unobstructed to allow as much sunlight as possible into your space. Avoid heavy curtains or window coverings that can block the light.

Instead, choose sheer or light-coloured curtains that allow sunlight to pass through. If feasible, consider installing glass doors or adding more windows to bring in more natural light.

Glossy or mirrored finishes for splashbacks, countertops or appliances can amplify natural light. These surfaces will reflect light, making the space feel brighter and more luminous.

Be mindful of the placement of these reflective surfaces to ensure they bounce light in the desired direction and avoid creating glare.

Opt for lower cabinets or open shelves in your small kitchen to allow more light to flow throughout the space. Tall and bulky cabinets can block natural light and make the kitchen feel cramped.

Open shelves or glass-front cabinets can also be used to display dishes or glassware, adding a decorative touch while still allowing light to pass through.

If possible, adding skylights or light tubes in your small kitchen can bring in more natural light from above. Skylights are windows installed on the roof, while light tubes are reflective tubes that channel natural light from the roof to the interior of a space.

Light small kitchen colours

Light small kitchen colours can help to make even the smallest of rooms feel more spacious.

Opt for light wall colours such as whites, light greys, or soft pastels. These colours can make your walls feel brighter and more open, whilst creating a fresh and airy ambiance.

Light-coloured walls can be easily paired with other design elements, such as cabinets or countertops, for a cohesive look.

Cabinetry plays a significant role in the overall look of a kitchen. Choose light-coloured cabinetry, such as white or light wood, to create a bright and open feel in your small kitchen.

Light-coloured cabinets can visually expand the space and create a clean and timeless look. You can also add contrasting hardware or splashbacks for added interest and personality.

Light-coloured countertops, such as white quartz or marble, can add a touch of elegance and brightness to your space.

Accessories are a great way to add pops of colour and personality to your small kitchen. Choose light-coloured accessories such as dishware, cookware, and linens to complement the overall light colour scheme.

Light-coloured accessories can add visual interest and create a cohesive look in your small kitchen. Consider using light-coloured glass jars for storage, light-coloured pendant lights for overhead lighting, or light-coloured rugs for added warmth and comfort.

Flooring is another important element in your kitchen that can greatly impact the overall aesthetic.

Consider light-coloured flooring, such as light wood, laminate, or tile to create a cohesive and open feel in your small kitchen.

Light-coloured flooring can also provide a neutral base that allows other design elements to stand out. If you prefer darker flooring, consider using light-coloured rugs or runners to add a contrasting element while still maintaining the overall light colour scheme.

Dark small kitchen colours

Dark colours can add drama, depth, and warmth to your small kitchen, transforming it into a stylish and inviting space.

Dark colours like navy blue, charcoal grey and deep green can instantly make a statement and add a bold focal point to your kitchen.

Consider using dark colours for your walls, cabinetry, or even as an accent colour on an island or backsplash. The contrast between the dark shade and lighter design elements will create a balanced and visually striking effect that elevates the overall kitchen design.

Dark colours add depth and dimension to your small kitchen, making it feel more dynamic and interesting.

Dark-coloured walls or cabinets create a sense of depth, making the space feel larger than it actually is.

Dark colours can also enhance the beauty of natural wood tones or add a touch of elegance to metallic accents, such as brass or copper handles.

Dark colours can create a sense of warmth and comfort, making your kitchen feel like a cosy retreat.

Pair dark colours with warm lighting, such as pendant lights or under-cabinet lights, to further enhance the cosy ambiance of your kitchen.

Use dark colours and lighting strategically to showcase the unique features of your kitchen, whilst creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.

Pastel small kitchen colours

Pastel colours can be a fantastic choice for small kitchens, adding softness, elegance, and charm to the space.

By playing with versatile colour combinations, adding pops of colour, and mixing different finishes and textures, you can create a stunning and inviting kitchen design that reflects your style and personality.

While walls and cabinetry are common areas to incorporate pastel colours into your small kitchen, don't forget about other design elements. Consider using pastel colours in unexpected ways, such as on your kitchen appliances or furniture.

A pastel-coloured refrigerator can become a statement piece in your kitchen, or pastel-coloured chairs can add a playful and charming touch. Think creatively and use pastel hues to infuse personality and uniqueness into your kitchen design.

They can also be used as accents in your small kitchen to create a cohesive and balanced look. Consider using pastel-coloured accessories, such as cookware, dishes, or utensils, to add pops of colour and interest to your kitchen.

Incorporate pastel-coloured artwork, rugs or decorative items to elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Mixing and matching different pastel accents adds depth and personality to your space, while maintaining a harmonious colour palette.