14 Colors That Will Brighten Your Kitchen and Your Day

1. Pine Haven by Dunn Edwards

For a vibrant choice, Hayslett recommends Pine Haven from Dunn Edwards. 'It’s the ideal shade of green—fresh, elegant, and calming,' she explains. 'It brings a serene energy to the kitchen while maintaining its vibrancy, like inviting nature into the space.'

2. Old Navy by Benjamin Moore

For the kitchen project above, Amy Elbaum, the founder and lead designer of AE Design, mentions that she worked with the existing dark cabinetry and selected a medium-dark color that was easy to apply. 'The client wanted plenty of color in their home, and this kitchen, soaked in blue, definitely met their needs,' she shares.

3. Raspberry Truffle by Benjamin Moore

“Red is known for stimulating the appetite, and in kitchens, it creates a passionate and energetic atmosphere,” shares Mark Schubert, founder and principal designer of Phillip Harrison Design. “Though it can be bold, combining it with white or neutral tones helps create a balanced look.” This dessert-inspired red—Raspberry Truffle by Benjamin Moore—fits perfectly in this setting.

4. Iceberg by Benjamin Moore

While blue hues are often linked to calmness, Vitale points out that the right shade can provide a burst of energy. 'Blues that lean towards sky blue or ocean blue are invigorating and refreshing,' she says. 'Iceberg by Benjamin Moore is ideal for spaces with cooler undertones, radiating vibrant energy. I compare it to a cold plunge—it’s icy, instantly awakens you, and gets your adrenaline flowing.'

5. Railings by Farrow & Ball

Although black and white may seem like a simple pairing, Elbaum explains that combining light and dark cabinetry adds energy and a sense of edge. 'In this kitchen, we used about half the space in Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee and the other half in Farrow & Ball’s Railings. The contrast between these two shades creates a dynamic and engaging look.'

6. Mohegan Sage by Benjamin Moore

Designer Becky Shea is so passionate about green kitchens that she painted her own upstate kitchen in a rich, deep hunter green shade called Mohegan Sage by Benjamin Moore. 'This color feels both energizing and soothing simultaneously,' she shares. 'It pairs beautifully with a range of countertop finishes and looks striking against light-colored walls that brighten the room. For me, it’s a timeless option for kitchen cabinets—one that’s often overlooked and underappreciated.'

7. Coral Gables by Benjamin Moore

If you're ready to take a daring step with your kitchen's paint color, consider Coral Gables by Benjamin Moore. 'A blend of orange and pink, coral is a warm, invigorating hue,' explains Schubert. 'It’s an excellent way to bring a stylish, lively vibe to a kitchen without overwhelming the rest of the room.'

8. Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams

"This might get some pushback, but I believe black adds a vibrant energy to a kitchen," shares designer Stacy Becker of White Label Interiors. "Is there anything bolder, with that devil-may-care attitude? I enjoy creating spaces that spark debate, and for me, black injects a room with an unmatched energy." Becker has a particular fondness for Sherwin-Williams' Tricorn Black, a dramatic, statement-making color.

9. Largo Teal by Benjamin Moore

Another daring color to consider? Teal. 'This rich, jewel-toned shade is fun, lively, and absolutely captivating,' says designer Vani Sayeed. 'We recently used it in high gloss on wet bar cabinets, where it beautifully complemented the wallpaper and added an element of dynamic glamour.'

10. Rectory Red by Farrow & Ball

Getting red right can be tricky, as the wrong tone can feel more aggressive than energizing, explains Catie Lee Casazza, owner of CRL Construction. 'This deep, vivid red with a touch of blue brings warmth and grounds larger kitchens,' she says. 'I love using a red island in spacious kitchens—it serves as both a visual and physical anchor in the room.'

11. Goldenrod by Sherwin-Williams

Yellow is a timeless and energizing choice for a kitchen, and for good reason. 'For kitchens in need of a playful burst, mustard tones like Goldenrod provide the perfect touch of warmth,' explains Hayslett. 'It’s bold without being overwhelming, and it brings a retro-modern feel to the room.'

12. Isle of Pines by Sherwin-Williams

If you're not ready to paint your entire kitchen in a bold hue, consider using the kitchen island as a way to introduce a vibrant pop of color. 'In a recent kitchen project, we applied Isle of Pines on the island, paired with oak flooring, beams, and black leathered quartz countertops,' shares designer Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors. 'Green is such a revitalizing color because it’s rooted in nature, offering a sense of tranquility while remaining fresh and lively.'

13. Midnight Blue by Benjamin Moore

A striking deep blue shade can also work wonders for the bold island effect. 'Midnight Blue is such a captivating and elegant color,' says Shea. 'It brings a powerful allure to the space and pairs wonderfully with lighter shades, offering a refreshing contrast that ensures the overall design remains modern and invigorating.'

14. Underseas by Sherwin-Williams

Designer Margarita Bravo also recommends this rich yet calming ocean-inspired blue. 'It introduces a surprising depth that revitalizes the room while still preserving an air of refinement,' she explains.