Designers Grow Weary of These Outdated Kitchen Paint Colors
Kitchen Colors: A Fresh Spin on Timeless Hues
Fashion may change, but certain kitchen colors stand the test of time. Nevertheless, some shades have lost their luster over the years, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're outdated. Even if a color has been overused, it can still look stunning when used appropriately. Here is a list of colors designers advise considering for a refreshed and contemporary kitchen along with handy tips to work them into your space.
- Alyssa Anselmo, Architect and Founder of Studio Anva
- Daniel Joseph Chenin, Architect, Interior Designer, and Founder of Daniel Joseph Chenin Ltd.
The Least Appealing Colors for Your Kitchen## Burnt Sienna and Golden Mustard
Burnt sienna and golden mustard are divisive colors, and in the kitchen, they can be particularly challenging. Although they were once thought of as warm and inviting, these vivid tones evoke a heavy, 1970s-like vibe that's hard to shake. They might not be inherently bad, but modernizing them in a permanent element such as cabinetry or walls can be quite difficult.
According to Alyssa Anselmo, architect and founder of Studio Anva, these colors have a certain charm, but they are best used sparingly.
"I'd use them in smaller, more adaptable ways, like items or textiles, rather than painting an entire kitchen," she suggests. "For instance, a colorful toaster or coffee machine."
Crimson Enamel
Red enamel kitchens were popular for a moment, particularly in ultramodern homes that favored bold, standout colors. However, today, that glossy red can seem overly aggressive rather than cutting-edge. The look often seems synthetic with a plastic sheen that's tough to tame, and the shade itself poses a challenge.
"Red can be overwhelming, and it quickly becomes visually exhausting in a space where you spend a significant amount of your day," Anselmo explains. "I would say a big no to a bright red, whether it's enameled or not."
Despite this, Anselmo does not advocate avoiding these retro or "dated" colors completely. Instead, consider incorporating these vibrant tones in smaller, adaptable ways, like a brightly colored stool, a ceramic bowl, or a bold light fixture.
Navy Blue
Navy blue has long been a favorite for kitchen cabinetry and islands. It was a popular alternative to black or gray and paired well with brass accents and marble countertops. But, as Daniel Joseph Chenin, architect, and interior designer observes, navy's ubiquity has made it seem common.
In smaller kitchens, deep blue can feel heavy or overly formal, which is not the vibe most people desire in a space where comfort matters. Chenin suggests considering deep, earthy greens or muddy teals as fresher alternatives.
"These tones provide the same richness and depth but feel more intertwined with nature, adding color without overwhelming the space," he claims.
Don't Miss
5 Kitchen Paint Colors that will Revolutionize Your Kitchen in 202511 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors that will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers## Ash Gray
Ash gray became popular in modern kitchens because of its strong, sleek contrast against white cabinetry. It was the perfect choice for achieving an urban, cool vibe, but over time, the qualities that made ash gray popular have started to counteract it.
Chenin explains that ash gray can feel "cold and overly industrial, particularly when paired with other hard surfaces." For a more inviting look, Chenin recommends swapping ash gray for warmer grays with brown or taupe undertones. These shades help balance the space, particularly when combined with natural wood or brass.
Ultra-White
White kitchens, especially those with a glossy finish, rose to popularity because they felt fresh, clean, and decidedly contemporary, particularly in open-concept homes. The sparkling surfaces reflected light beautifully, making kitchens feel larger and airier.
According to Chenin, "that same glossy white can now seem too clinical and unforgiving." Furthermore, glossy finishes are well-known for showing every fingerprint and smudge, which is not ideal in a busy kitchen. A better option is a warmer white with a matte or satin finish, such as bone, ivory, or soft linen.
By integrating these strategies, you can update your kitchen while remaining true to its distinct character.
Enrichment Data:
General
Updating a kitchen with intense colors such as burnt sienna, golden mustard, crimson enamel, navy blue, ash gray, or ultra-white demands a thoughtful combination of modern trends while maintaining a personal touch. Here are a few suggestions to make your kitchen feel contemporary:
1. Embrace Warm Earth Tones
- Introduce Earthy Tones: Incorporate earthy neutral tones such as beige, taupe, or greige to establish a welcoming atmosphere. These colors are trending in 2025 and help soften intense colors[1][5].
- Opt for Natural Accents: Incorporate natural elements such as wooden accents or warm textiles to bring warmth and depth to your kitchen[4].
2. Muted Shades for Balance
- Softened Bold Colors: Consider toning down strong colors like burnt sienna or golden mustard with softer, more subdued versions. This creates a sense of harmony while still preserving personality[2].
- Pair with Soft White: Use soft white shades such as Cloud White to balance out strong colors and achieve a clean, modern aesthetic[4].
3. Trending Colors
- Integrate Current Colors: Introduce on-trend colors such as soft muted pinks, butter yellows, or deep pale creams to add a touch of modernity to your kitchen[2].
- Earth Green Hues: Incorporate earthy green tones to bring a sense of freshness and nature-inspired beauty[2].
4. Hardware and Accessories
- Modernize Hardware: Update out-of-date hardware with modern matte black, brushed gold, or antique bronze to add contrast and elegance[4].
- Textured Backsplashes: Utilize patterned tile backsplashes or hand-painted designs to enhance visual interest and create a bohemian feel[4].
5. Lighting and Textures
- Enhance Lighting: Improve lighting with LED strips or pendant lights to establish ambiance and highlight key design elements.
- Mix Textures: Combine different textures such as wood, metal, and glass to add depth and visual appeal.
By implementing these suggestions, you can transform your kitchen while still respecting its unique personality.
- Martha Stewart suggests considering earthy neutral tones such as beige, taupe, or greige to establish a welcoming atmosphere in kitchens that require an update.
- Daniel Joseph Chenin recommends toning down strong colors like burnt sienna or golden mustard with softer, more subdued versions to create a sense of harmony while still preserving personality.
- To modernize a kitchen with navy blue cabinetry, Chenin suggests considering deep, earthy greens or muddy teals as fresher alternatives that provide the same richness and depth but feel more intertwined with nature.
- Alyssa Anselmo, architect and founder of Studio Anva, suggests incorporating vibrant tones like a colorful toaster or coffee machine in smaller, adaptable ways, rather than painting an entire kitchen, for a modern kitchen design.
