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Six timeless kitchen colours that won't date

Are you refreshing your hub? These six kitchen colours are super on-trend right now, but the good news is they're timeless!

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Published: September 20, 2023 at 7:00 am

Updating your kitchen? It can be tempting to go all-in on some of the hot kitchen trends, but not every look will stand the test of time. That bold shade we absolutely loved at first can quickly lose its appeal as the novelty wears off - and given that installing a new kitchen isn't cheap, a disappointing outcome can come at a large expense.

For that reason, we reckon choosing a kitchen colour scheme that’ll stand the test of time will save you plenty of money and effort in the long run. But that doesn't mean opting for the only the blandest decor and crossing your fingers - in fact, some of the trendiest kitchen colours are also timeless classics. Even as other colours come and go, these six shades will always be in style.

Keep reading to discover our pick of the best on-trend but timeless kitchen colours!

Midnight blue kitchen

Dramatic and sophisticated, we can’t get enough of the indigo trend. Adding depth to any space, this luxe shade is incredibly versatile: think of it as a little black dress that can be styled up or down.

Handleless kitchen in indigo blue matt, from £5,000, Trend Interiors
Handleless kitchen in indigo blue matt, from £5,000, Trend Interiors

Create a sophisticated, streamlined scheme with matt handless doors and sleek white marble worktops. Add interest with a statement ceiling light and a wow-factor parquet floor for more impact.

Cambridge kitchen in midnight blue, from around £1,700 for an eight-unit kitchen, Benchmarx Kitchens
Cambridge kitchen in midnight blue, from around £1,700 for an eight-unit kitchen, Benchmarx Kitchens

Ramp up the glamour for a modern luxe look with a pink feature wall offset by opulent materials such as swirling black marble and metallic brass or copper hardware.

Artemisia classic Shaker kitchen in matt midnight blue, from £1,398 for an eight-unit kitchen, B&Q
Artemisia classic Shaker kitchen in matt midnight blue, from £1,398 for an eight-unit kitchen, B&Q

Put a fresh spin on traditional Shaker-style cabinetry by painting the walls bright white. Tie in pale accents via pendant lights and accessories displayed on open shelving.

Forest green kitchen

Rich-toned forest green works well in traditional and contemporary schemes and can be balanced with luxe or rustic accessories to suit your style.

Chester forest green kitchen, from £2,500 for an eight-unit kitchen, Wickes
Chester forest green kitchen, from £2,500 for an eight-unit kitchen, Wickes

Be bold and bring in pops of pale pink, glinting metallics and flashes of undercabinet lighting for a luxurious, maximalist approach.

Infinity plus special colours kitchen, from £4,350 for an eight-unit kitchen, Wren Kitchens
Infinity plus special colours kitchen, from £4,350 for an eight-unit kitchen, Wren Kitchens

Work a dramatic look with dark surfaces and hardware softened by warm earthy accents. Ornate brass pendant lighting will add a dash of understated glamour.

Country Living Whitstable kitchen in emerald, from £1,760 for an eight-unit kitchen, Homebase
Country Living Whitstable kitchen in emerald, from £1,760 for an eight-unit kitchen, Homebase

Bring a traditional country look up to date by balancing rustic wooden details with pale marble worktops. Style out some open shelving to continue the contemporary farmhouse feel.

White kitchen

Fresh, light and easy to accessorise, there are so many ways to take this timeless neutral. Right now, it’s all about clean-lined minimalism or a relaxed home-spun vibe – which will you choose?

INGOLF chairs, £40 each; DANDERYD dining table, £150; NORRAKER bench, £40, all IKEA
INGOLF chairs, £40 each; DANDERYD dining table, £150; NORRAKER bench, £40, all IKEA

Nail an effortless Scandi look with mismatched furniture and lots of natural texture from wood, rattan and woven accessories. Carefully curated displays of tableware and treasures finish this easy look.

Whitstable cotton white kitchen from the Country Living Collection, from £1,760 for an eight-unit kitchen, Homebase
Whitstable cotton white kitchen from the Country Living Collection, from £1,760 for an eight-unit kitchen, Homebase

For an industrial feel with just a touch of luxury, keep things pared-back with ultra-slim metallic worktops, narrow handles and exposed-bulb pendant lighting.

Locano kitchen in white and grey mist, from £1,257 for an eight-unit kitchen, Lifestyle Kitchens
Locano kitchen in white and grey mist, from £1,257 for an eight-unit kitchen, Lifestyle Kitchens

Opt for two-tone cabinetry to add warmth to a monochrome scheme. Soft grey wall cabinets and pale wooden flooring keep this minimalist kitchen from being clinical.

Earth toned kitchen

Inspired by Dulux’s Colour of the Year Brave Ground, an easy, buildable palette of earth tones is providing our homes with a calming backdrop this season.

Matt emulsion in Paper Chain, Pressed Putty, Brave Ground and Cacao Nibs, £29.16 for 2.5L each, all Dulux
Matt emulsion in Paper Chain, Pressed Putty, Brave Ground and Cacao Nibs, £29.16 for 2.5L each, all Dulux

Team several warm neutrals together for an earthy mix-and-match take. Lift this muted scheme with a look-at-me light fitting and bold copper and black accents.

Holborn kitchen in gloss cashmere, £2,420 for an eight-unit kitchen, Benchmarx Kitchens
Holborn kitchen in gloss cashmere, £2,420 for an eight-unit kitchen, Benchmarx Kitchens

Make taupe units pop against a bold wall for a graphic, contemporary twist. Soften the look with textured split-face tiles and a gallery display of monochrome art prints.

Tatton kitchen in pebble, from £2,521 for an eight-unit kitchen, Magnet Kitchens
Tatton kitchen in pebble, from £2,521 for an eight-unit kitchen, Magnet Kitchens

Make rattan and wood the natural heroes in a warm grey palette. A split-level island is a great flexible dining option for your scheme.

Black kitchen

Sophisticated black and gunmetal grey are settling in as the new moody neutrals in the kitchen – ideal if you want to build a cosy yet contemporary scheme, or create a bold focal point in an open-plan space.

Furore kitchen in graphite and light grey, from £10,000, Crown Imperial
Furore kitchen in graphite and light grey, from £10,000, Crown Imperial

Opt for sleek units with integrated handles to create a minimalist look in an open-plan room. Choose a light-reflecting gloss finish to keep dark-toned cabinetry from feeling overpowering or imposing.

VADHOLMA kitchen island with rack, £349; METOD cabinets, from £21, all IKEA
VADHOLMA kitchen island with rack, £349; METOD cabinets, from £21, all IKEA

Break up bold, inky units with glass wall cabinetry and contrasting white wall tiles. Add warmth with a rustic wooden worktop and matching wood flooring.

Pasilia matt carbon thin frame kitchen, from £1,298 for an eight-unit kitchen, B&Q
Pasilla matt carbon thin frame kitchen, from £1,298 for an eight-unit kitchen, B&Q

Bring in pale worktops to balance dark walls and cabinetry. Install a layered, integrated lighting scheme to cast an atmospheric glow in essential areas.

Dusky pink kitchen

Conjuring up a laid-back, holiday vibe, this season’s warm palette – think dusky pink, rich terracotta and yellow – is the perfect foil for natural materials, glinting metallics and bright pops of colour.

Infinity plus contour kitchen in Bumblebee Matt, from £3,050 for an eight-unit kitchen, Wren Kitchens
Infinity plus contour kitchen in Bumblebee Matt, from £3,050 for an eight-unit kitchen, Wren Kitchens

Team warm pink walls with luxe metallic highlights – from flooring to lighting and splashbacks – for a grown-up sophisticated scheme with plenty of tactile warmth.

Vivian bar stool, £109; Tropics teapot, £12; Tropics teacup, £4; caneeasy-fit pendant, £25; metal bread bin, £18; recycled glass carafe, £8; metal canisters, £6 each; coastal sage kettle, £40, all Dunelm
Vivian bar stool, £109; Tropics teapot, £12; Tropics teacup, £4; caneeasy-fit pendant, £25; metal bread bin, £18; recycled glass carafe, £8; metal canisters, £6 each; coastal sage kettle, £40, all Dunelm

Take the theme closer to the equator by weaving in lush tropical foliage and natural materials such as rattan and seagrass – balance these out with pops of mustard and metallic touches.

Estate table, £899, and bench, £399; cushion in plaster, £30; cushion in slate, £30; jute rug, £100; stoneware coffee press, £57; ceramic carafe vase, £25.50; Christie ceiling light, £439, all John Lewis & Partners
Estate table, £899, and bench, £399; cushion in plaster, £30; cushion in slate, £30; jute rug, £100; stoneware coffee press, £57; ceramic carafe vase, £25.50; Christie ceiling light, £439, all John Lewis & Partners

Create a rough plaster-effect wall to provide a rustic backdrop for a pale wood dining table. Work in pastel accents with bolts of black to add depth.

Words by Alice Butler.

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