9 Paint Colors That Will Make a Small Kitchen Appear More Spacious

A small kitchen can quickly feel cramped and cluttered, so it's essential to incorporate smart design and plenty of clever storage solutions to make it appear larger. Choosing the right paint color can also contribute to making the space feel more open.

However, architectural color consultant Amy Krane advises keeping in mind your personal preferences when selecting a paint color. "It's better to embrace the spatial limitations of a space and create something beautiful and interesting—so if you're set on olive green cabinets or navy blue walls, go for it," says Krane. "No color can actually make a small room bigger—you need to have realistic expectations about how much color can change the perception of the space."

Advice for Selecting a Paint Color for a Small Kitchen

Before picking a paint color for your kitchen—or any room, really—you must evaluate the space itself, how it’s used, and the look you aim to create.

Consider all the other colors in the room

"A crucial factor in any room, particularly a kitchen, is the number of colors present, including the finishes," says Krane. "Don’t just focus on the material of a finish, whether it's wood, metal, or stone," Krane advises. "Think about how the color fits into the overall palette, because it matters! Natural wood can be brown, honey, or tan. Stainless steel tends to be gray. Brass has a gold tone. Marble features white with varying colored veining. Everything needs to work together harmoniously, contributing to the overall balance of the room."

To create a sense of space, it’s wise to choose a color that complements the tones of your fixtures—such as a darker painted wall paired with dark cabinets. "The more consistent the color scheme, the less fragmented the room feels, which leads to a more open, expansive vibe." If you opt for high-contrast combinations—like light-colored cabinets with dark paint—you’ll introduce drama, but the space may feel smaller as a result.

Opt for lighter, cooler hues to create a refreshing ambiance

Lighter, cooler tones can make a room feel more airy and spacious, according to Krane. "Shades of green, blue, and violet tend to make walls appear to recede, making rooms feel more open and expansive."

Take the room's natural lighting into account

If your kitchen enjoys abundant sunlight and large windows, selecting darker, more intense colors may not hinder the feeling of spaciousness. "The amount of natural light, room shape, and ceiling height all contribute to how large a space feels, even in smaller rooms," Krane adds.

Ideal Paint Shades for Compact Kitchens

Krane favors soft neutral tones such as cream, green, and blue for kitchen spaces, with a selection of bolder colors for sunlit areas or cabinetry.

1. Pointing by Farrow & Ball

This creamy white hue is one of Krane's top picks for small kitchens, particularly when combined with light, warm gray cabinetry. Farrow & Ball's Skimming Stone makes an excellent complement to this cabinetry color.

2. Misted Green by Benjamin Moore

A light green-gray, like this gentle shade of green from Benjamin Moore, is perfect for walls or cabinetry, offering a soft and harmonious touch to your color scheme.

3. Blue Note by Benjamin Moore

Even small kitchens can embrace vibrant hues, and this striking blue with a subtle gray undertone from Benjamin Moore is perfect for cabinets, offering a timeless elegance.

4. Pigeon by Farrow & Ball offers a soft yet dramatic hue that brings depth and warmth to any room.

Another calming sage shade that works beautifully in compact kitchens is Farrow & Ball's Pigeon. This tone can be applied to either the cabinetry or the walls.

5. Cheviot by Sherwin-Williams is another excellent choice.

For a softer, more creamy hue, Sherwin-Williams' Cheviot shade can brighten up a small, dimly lit kitchen and beautifully contrast with dark wood cabinetry.

6. Green Stone by Little Greene

This gently muted green comes in various shades, allowing you to play with darker tones for the cabinets and lighter tones for the walls—or vice versa.

7. White Sesame by Sherwin-Williams

This soft ivory hue is a versatile neutral that pairs wonderfully with stone countertops and light cabinetry—or even as the perfect choice for painting your cabinets.

8. Chimichurri by Benjamin Moore

If you're on the lookout for a richer color for your kitchen, Benjamin Moore's Chimichurri could be just what you need. This vibrant hue is ideal for cabinetry, but it could also make a bold statement on your walls.

Van Deusen Blue by Benjamin Moore is another stunning shade worth considering for your next design project.

For a stunning mid-range blue that works beautifully in kitchens, Krane suggests this color, particularly for use on cabinetry.