Trend prediction: 10 most popular kitchen colours for 2023

Colour is one of the most vital considerations when creating our dream kitchen, influencing every conceivable aspect of design, from flooring, to cabinets and countertops. In the past two years, Google searches for ‘what colour to paint my kitchen’ have increased significantly, as we consider kitchen renovation a priority.

Search data analysis has revealed which kitchen colours are forecast to be most popular in 2023, and the results feature some timeless classics, as well as a few surprises.

In first place is the perennially popular white kitchen, a well-deserved placement given its versatility and adaptability. Further down the list, we find more adventurous choices, with red, pink and yellow all appearing in the top ten.

"Neutrals can achieve the perfect balance of light and space in the kitchen" says Tom Howley, Design Director of the eponymous kitchen company. "Beautifully understated and timeless; they form truly stunning kitchens enhancing architectural interest, all without the need for bold colour. The key with a neutral kitchen is to pair cabinetry with contrasting walls and textural elements. This will give the design an edge and create appealing visual interest."

The top 10 most popular kitchen colours of 2023 are:

1. White
2. Black
3. Grey
4. Green
5. Blue
6. Cream
7. Red
8. Pink
9. Yellow
10. Brown

Rather surprising is the popularity of black kitchens. “Dark and dramatic black paint finishes have a way of adding ambience and sophistication to a kitchen. An entirely black kitchen can be beautifully impactful, but can be used in more nuanced ways to change the feel of the space," says Tom. "Used on the main run of base and wall cabinetry, black can look luxurious and majestic with a timeless, intimate appeal. If you’re not feeling as brave, why not opt for a statement black island counter, or maybe black accessories like taps and handles?”

Pink kitchens – a trend on the rise – came in ninth. "An elegant, more playful alternative to grey it creates incredible warmth and an alluring appeal to a kitchen," says Tom. "Pink may divide opinion; however, over the past few years, this versatile shade has boomed in popularity."

Read on for our take on the most popular kitchen colours of 2023...

A pristine white kitchen can look like it has been lifted from the pages of a glossy magazine. Light and airy, this infinitely versatile shade invites a minimalist design scheme full of clean lines and sleek cabinetry, whilst a warmer off-white can be complimented with natural woods, marble, and a plethora of accessories.

Pictured: The Real Shaker Kitchen at deVOL

A well executed black kitchen is clean and fuss-free, and invites a number of options for complimentary colour combinations and feature metalwork. Bold and moody in expression, if a little tricky to get right, black kitchens are most impactful when you fully embrace the theme, like these all-black Hartford kitchen cabinets at Tom Howley.

Pictured: Hartford Kitchen at Tom Howley

One of the more sophisticated shades for a kitchen, suitable for traditional kitchens, with matt charcoal cabinetry and warm wooden surfaces, or more modern and industrial styles with clean lines and slick metalwork. And it forms a brilliant base for an abundance of colour, from pale blue to rich burgundy.

Pictured: Country Living Whitstable Kitchen at Homebase

With such strong ties to nature, green tones create a relaxing and informal atmosphere, perfect for a busy family kitchen. Whilst soft sage shades sit comfortably in a country cottage setting, with shaker-style cabinetry and classic wood floors, a deep forest green creates a moodier and more sophisticated feel.

Pictured: Country Living Whitstable Kitchen at Homebase

A more forgiving shade than all black, inky blues are usually paired with light woods and creamy countertops to offset any heaviness that comes with a wash of dark colour. Greener variations like a teal or sapphire introduce richer undertones that highlight brass or gold metalwork.

Pictured: Bespoke kitchen at Plain English

Classic cream was not as highly sought-after as one might expect, despite being the picture of versatility. A more forgiving shade than pure white, cream has warmer undertones that invite rich metallics (the hanging copper pots and hardware here are a wonderful choice,) along with red or yellow woods.

Pictured: Bespoke Shaker Kitchen at deVOL

Red is a great choice to uplift darker rooms without much natural light. Combining red cabinetry or even red walls with raw materials, like natural woods and stone, offsets any risk of your reds appearing too bright or garish.

Pictured: Kitchen by Plain English

Pink kitchens require a keen eye to avoid an overly saccharine outcome. Rich or chalky shades of pink can be a sophisticated choice, especially when used on shaker cabinets. And as you can see in this fabulous Farrow & Ball kitchen, pink makes a great pairing with deep blues and brass.

Pictured: Sulking Room Pink at Farrow & Ball

A joyful choice making it into the top 10 most popular kitchen colours for 2023. A soft and sunny yolky yellow brightens up a room and provides a deceptively versatile base for highlights of primary blue, a rich aubergine, sky blue, and even burnt orange.

Pictured: Cabinetry and walls in Haymarket No.47 at Mylands

A rich shade in tenth place of the most popular kitchen colours – brown is surprisingly versatile, with warm undertones that compliment clean and crisp whites and natural stone. Brown has a brilliant autumnal quality, perfect if you're keen to create a cosy kitchen.

Pictured: Chimney Brick at Little Greene