Six ways to refresh your kitchen cupboards with colour

If you’re looking for an easy way to revamp your kitchen, simply get out your paintbrush to create a brand-new look

Colour can be transformative in a space, bringing fresh energy and a new mood to somewhere that feels tired. In a room like the kitchen, a revamp normally means a big investment – as well as upheaval – so it’s the ideal place to consider the thriftier option of repainting your doors and drawers. Take a look at our ideas for a spot of inspiration, from classic navy to warming orange.

It’s easy to see why classic dark shades of navy and charcoal have a timeless appeal, as they instantly smarten a kitchen space. And, let’s be honest, these colours help hide spills and sticky fingerprints in this busy area. To avoid the look appearing too sombre, lighten it with white walls and a pale grey marble worktop and splashback. Copper and brass details – from cup handles to vintage pans – add a touch of warmth too.

Cream is an easy neutral to adopt in your kitchen, but consider pairing it with a few interesting design details to lift it out of the ordinary. Here hand-painted tiles by Ca’Pietra create a bold chequerboard splashback above the sink, alongside a striped linen blind, while rustic handmade jugs line shelves to give a Spanish finca vibe.

A burnt orange, reminiscent of terracotta, is warmth personified. This pared-back kitchen is painted in Loving Orange from Yes Colours, where the cabinetry becomes the focal point of the room. Complemented by a few accessories in an indigo blue, the palette evokes memories of Mediterranean summers.

Green is a perennial favourite for the kitchen, with shades of olive, sage or forest always popular. If you want to move away from green’s traditional feel, combine it with a bolder colour or pattern. Here Amsterdam Green chalk paint from Annie Sloan is used for sleek kitchen cupboards, while floorboards in Scandinavian Pink create the wow factor.

Rich and sophisticated, burgundy lends a luxe feel to painted kitchens with its opulent tones, while at the same time feeling warm and inviting. A versatile shade, it works well with natural wood (think reclaimed floorboards or butcher’s block) and metallic accents in brass or copper. Tie in with open shelving painted in the same shade, displaying tableware and decorative ceramics in natural hues.

Pink might not be the first colour that springs to mind when considering a kitchen refresh, but we love this on-trend colour-drench look in Flora’s Tale by Earthborn. Romantic and nostalgic, this soft dusky pink pairs beautifully with natural materials, such as a rustic wooden chopping board, woven baskets or a sisal rug.