12 Soothing & Relaxing Paint Colors That Transform Kitchen Walls From Drab To Fab
Choosing the perfect paint color for your kitchen walls can be a daunting task. With so many options to pick from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. You want to choose a hue that will not only look beautiful, but also create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
These colors range from light and airy hues to rich, vibrant shades. We'll consider how factors like lighting and kitchen style impact your choice. You'll learn which paint colors pair best with white cabinets and which to avoid if you plan to sell. Let's dive in!
Consider Lighting and Layout When Selecting Soothing Paint Colors
Before picking a paint color, consider the natural and artificial lighting in your kitchen. A color that appears soft and muted in dim lighting may look bold and overwhelming in a sun-drenched space. Similarly, a dark color like navy blue can feel elegant and cozy with lots of light, but somber and dreary without.
Your kitchen's layout also affects how paint colors appear. Long, narrow kitchens often benefit from light, bright colors to prevent the space from feeling closed-off. Smaller kitchens with less wall space tend to handle bolder colors better than mostly empty, cavernous rooms.
1. Cloud White
Cloud white evokes images of soft, billowy clouds drifting through a clear blue sky. It envelops kitchen walls with the same airy, carefree feeling. This clean white shade brightens up small spaces and provides contrast to colorful accents.
| Works Well With | Crisp white cabinetry, marble countertops, metallic kitchen hardware |
| Considerations | Can read sterile without warm wood tones or textures |
2. Airy Blue
Like a refreshing spring breeze, airy blue infuses kitchen walls with a light and wind-swept mood. From pale sky blue to deeper robin's egg, these aquatic hues feel both ethereal and elegant.
| Works Well With | White kitchen islands, navy lower cabinets |
| Considerations | Avoid going too dark or the space may feel cold |
3. Whisper Gray
From fog creeping over steel gray waters to curling woodsmoke, whisper gray kitchen walls evoke quiet, soothing images. This versatile neutral pairs beautifully with textures like woven rattan, distressed wood, cozy knits, and more.
| Works Well With | Black stainless steel appliances, butcher block countertops |
| Considerations | Keep lighting bright to prevent gloom |
Natural, Earthy Paint Colors for Kitchen Walls
Nature provides an abundant palette of relaxing, earthy paint colors for kitchen walls. These grounded, organic hues create a comforting backdrop reminiscent of the great outdoors.
4. Warm Sand
Like sinking your feet into soft, sun-kissed beach sand, warm sand kitchen walls provide a soothing dose of summer year-round. Pair this versatile beige with textures like rattan bar stools, driftwood accents, and woven placemats.
| Works Well With | White kitchen cabinets, marble countertops |
| Considerations | Too yellow can read as dingy over time |
5. Soft Fern
Soft fern walls envelop your kitchen with the lush, earthy tranquility of woodland shade gardens. Ranging from pale sage to deep forest green, these hazy green tones connect you to nature and look stunning with wood cabinetry and accents.
| Works Well With | Unfinished wood cabinets and shelving |
| Considerations | Lower light can skew greens to look murky olive |
6. Weathered Oak
Like a welcoming weathered oak tree, this grounded brown hue wraps kitchen walls in cozy organic texture. Match with natural materials like jute, linen, wicker, and unfinished wood for a soothing, elemental look and feel.
| Works Well With | Wicker baskets, neutral tile backsplashes |
| Considerations | Keep lower third lighter to prevent gloom |
Vibrant, Saturated Hues for Drama & Energy
While airy pastels and soothing earth tones create soft, peaceful kitchens, rich jewel-tones and punchy brights infuse walls with vibrant energy. Used sparingly, these braver paint colors make perfect accent walls.
7. Midnight Blue
From the vast mystery of the night sky to the unfathomable depths of the sea, midnight blue kitchen walls are at once elegant and beguilingly intense. White trim prevents the inky depths from becoming overwhelming.
| Works Well With | Brass hardware, marble countertops |
| Considerations | Use ample task lighting to prevent gloom |
8. Eggplant Purple
Regal eggplant purple walls bring rich, wine-soaked opulence to kitchen spaces. Pair with cream cabinets, gold accents, and a crystal chandelier for glamorous vintage style. Deeper tones read warmer than vibrant violets.
| Works Well With | Brass hardware, glass cabinet doors |
| Considerations | North-facing rooms may skew tones too cold |
9. Spiced Wine
Warm, sensuous spiced wine kitchen walls enfold you in the simmering heat of mulled autumnal flavors. Pair terracotta tones with creamy whites, unfinished wood, and ceramic tile for an inviting Tuscan feel.
| Works Well With | Terracotta backsplash tile, cream cabinets |
| Considerations | Natural light keeps tones rich vs. flat brown |
Whether you crave the breezy tranquility of airy pastels, the cozy comfort of organic earth tones, or the carnal drama of saturated hues, the perfect relaxing color for your kitchen walls awaits. Consider lighting, layout, cabinetry, and long-term goals before deciding.
We recommend purchasing a few paint samples in your top contenders and testing them out first. Move the samples around at different times of day and night to see how lighting impacts the shades.
Follow your senses, and you can't go wrong. The right relaxing color choice will breathe new life into your kitchen. Soon you'll have a space where you love spending time cooking, eating, and enjoying meaningful moments with loved ones.