15 Neutral Paint Colors For Your Kitchen That Are On-Trend Yet Timeless

The kitchen is the heart of most homes, a warm space where families gather and guests inevitably gravitate during a party. That's why keeping a comfortable and beautiful kitchen is often at the forefront when folks decide to update or remodel their homes. Among the many things to consider when taking on a kitchen remodel is what colors and style to choose. You might be tempted to go for whatever color scheme is trending today, but you might not want to get stuck with something you will later regret when it goes out of style. Remember the orange and brown kitchens of the 1970s? Exactly.

The best bet to maintain it timeless yet stylish is to avoid a color mistake when painting the kitchen by keeping a neutral palette that will allow you to add splashes of color with accessories and plants. Neutral doesn't mean it has to be boring, though. There are plenty of beautiful shades, both light and dark, that will never go out of style. Opting for classic colors with which you can mix, match, and accessorize will create a space in which you'll love to spend time. 

Painting the walls a light neutral color comes in handy if you want to quickly transform your kitchen by painting the cabinets in a compatible color that will make a statement, add brightness, or simply bring a refreshed look. This is especially important in small kitchens, as walls in dark colors will absorb light and make the space look even smaller. With all this in mind, here are some of our favorite neutral tones to consider when it's time to give your favorite room an upgrade.

There's a good reason white kitchens have never gone out of style. A bright white kitchen is a blank canvas you can accessorize in myriad ways. Whether it's a minimalist Scandinavian style, a modern look with a clean design, or a rustic country kitchen, bright white radiates elegance and cleanliness. You can keep a monochrome palette with white appliances and marble countertops or add variety with stainless steel appliances and butcher block counters.

When you want a clean slate with which to work but a glossy bright white is not your vibe, choosing a warmer, creamy white is a good choice. It will pair well with other warm shades like copper, gold, and natural materials like wood and granite. Paint the walls a creamy white and pick a pretty pastel for the cabinetry for a romantic look and feel.

Greige is all the rage right now, sure, but it's neutral enough to make it timeless. In fact, some people say greige is the perfect neutral color because it works well in both warm and cool palettes. Depending on the shade, beige undertones will add warmth while grey reflects elegance and sophistication. 

Although maligned as an overdone trend, a light oyster grey on the walls is ideal if you seek a peaceful, cool kitchen to which you can add a variety of color combinations. You can warm it up with brightly colored cabinets or organic materials, or keep it modern and elegant with whites and blacks, concrete or quartz counters, and stainless steel appliances for an industrial look. 

What exactly is ecru? Similar to beige, ecru is a relaxing, neutral color with shades that vary from off-white to earthy tones with hints of cream and yellow, closer to tan. Ecru is perfect in a transitional kitchen, a timeless shade that's as natural and romantic as it is clean and sophisticated.

Want a color that will work in most kitchen styles while adding an eye catching, yet calming element? You can't go wrong with sage green. Pair a light hue for the walls with earthy tones and natural materials, or go bold with a glossy dark shade on the cabinetry to create a trendy, yet warm and versatile kitchen. Herb-inspired greens, whether sage, thyme, or mint will elevate your kitchen without it feeling stuffy. 

Blue in the kitchen offers a versatile palette that reflects both modernity and timelessness. From rustic farmhouse styles to coastal vibes, blue kitchens are classic with good reason. And when you choose a cool icy blue paint either for walls or cabinetry, the possibilities are nearly endless. It pairs as beautifully with metallics as it does with earth tones — from stainless steel appliances to Saltillo tile floors.

Like blue and green in their many shades, teal is as trendy as it is timeless. Whether it's a light shade with greenish hue for the walls, or a bolder color for cabinets and tile backsplashes, teal brings a bright elegance that can be dressed up or down. Consider it as the color accent to give your kitchen a chic, expensive look with minimal effort. 

There are many types of clay in nature, which means that, as a paint color, clay expresses a wide range of earthy, warm, neutral tones and hues, ranging from light camel and dusty pale brown to deep dark and reddish browns. If you want a kitchen that won't look dated down the line, combine clay colors for a style rooted in nature or add accents in a bolder, brighter colors for a modern approach. 

The timeless allure of a French country kitchen, decked in warm buttery yellows accented with cobalt blue, is undeniable. But there are lots of other combinations for this tried and true design palette. It works with blues and greens as well as with natural woods, soft tans, creamy whites, and brick reds. A buttery yellow will reflect a warming light throughout, whether it's on the walls or on the cabinetry.

A dusty rose color is lovely to set the tone for a cozy kitchen, especially if you're going for a vintage look. It pairs well with other neutrals such as grays and creams; with nature-inspired colors like sage green, mauve, lavender, and olive; and makes a nice background for accents in contrasting colors like navy blue and burgundy. Dusty rose is a no-brainer for pastels and romantic floral patterns.

Fans of Mexican and Mediterranean-style kitchens love the versatility of terracotta in its various shades. It's compatible with both earth tones and vibrant colors. Although often associated with rustic décor, terracotta will adapt beautifully to a modern aesthetic as well, adding warmth and depth. Use it on the walls of a large kitchen to tighten the space, or add open shelves to display your pottery collection and paint the cabinets to match.

Black in the kitchen can be sophisticated and versatile, if you use it the right way. When it's time to give your cabinets a refresh, black paint will add intrigue and elegance, whether you prefer a glossy finish or a trendy matte black. Add metallic handles for a dramatic transformation.  

If there's a color that will immediately transform your outdated kitchen into a luxurious, elegant space, burgundy might just be it. It will brighten up muted neutrals like tan and white and play nicely with pastels, but it will also match with blacks and greys for a bolder, more formal look. Pops of color from potted plants and metallics will soften the look and tie the room together.

Perhaps the boldest color on the list, plum purple might seem an odd choice as a neutral, but when applied to the right space it will make a kitchen sing. This royal color will make your cabinets stand out, as long as you have good natural light and walls in a lighter color like white or cream.