Top 10 paint colors for kitchens

Let’s start with the kitchen standard: white paint. White is fresh and clean — just what you want in your kitchen. White doesn’t have to be boring. You can always play with color in your kitchen countertops, light fixtures, dinnerware and accessories when you have white walls.

They say that red not only stimulates the appetite but also makes people lose track of time. So red paint is perfect for a big family eat-in kitchen, if you love those meals together that linger late into the evening. When you use a bright shade of red, do it sparingly — on one accent wall, on the trim or in your accessories. Brick red and muted shades are also great for kitchens.

Want to add a little punch to your kitchen decor? Play around with apple green. This daring shade can be a fun addition to a kitchen with sleek appliances and modern materials. If you love green but want something a little calmer, consider a soothing sage or muted olive paint color instead. We love Glidden DUO Paint + Primer (Home Depot, $29) in Granny Smith Apple. It’s just bright enough without being overpowering.

We aren’t suggesting you paint every inch of your kitchen in this bold, bright shade. However, it can be the perfect accent color. Consider painting one wall lemon yellow or using it above your cabinets (or even inside your cabinets that have glass doors) to add some energy to the room.

Orange is one of the often overlooked colors when it comes to kitchens. However, a warm shade of pumpkin may be just what your kitchen needs. This wall color goes particular well with dark wood cabinetry. Shades of coral paint can also be used in this same way in the kitchen.

When it comes to decor, everyone loves gray these days — even in the kitchen. Gray is a very versatile neutral because it looks amazing with just about any accent color — from turquoise to tangerine and lavender to lemon chiffon.

Yes, you’ll hear that blue is not a good paint color for kitchens because it “suppresses” your appetite. But mightn’t that be a good thing? When done right, blue can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen. Consider painting just your lower cabinet faces in a cool shade of blue and adding blue accent pieces.

If you have light or white cabinetry and floors, add some warmth to the room with a rich chocolate or cocoa brown. Dark browns are sophisticated yet relaxing. When you add deep browns to any room, be sure to include some splashes of color in the form of bright yellows or greens as well.

Want to do something a little different in the kitchen? Repaint your old cabinetry black, but leave your walls, backsplash, countertops, light fixtures and accessories white. This color combination can look sleek and modern with high-gloss paint or a little more sophisticated and reserved with a flat paint. Check out Glidden DUO Paint + Primer (Home Depot, $27) in Onyx Black.

Instead of stark, pure white, warm up your kitchen with a classic cream. Cream is inviting and soothing. It can work with any style of kitchen from traditional to contemporary. Plus, it never goes out of style. Cream can work with almost any accent color — from cornflower blue to mint green to deep brown.