Finding modern kitchen color ideas is a good idea if you want to go for all the contemporary styles.
We've asked interior designers how you can bring these into your space. Whether you love chic monochromes or want to add a bold pop of color, there are so many different options.
When searching for kitchen color ideas, going for sleek shades will ensure your space feels fresh and fabulous.
Beautiful modern kitchen color ideas
Even if you're starting with a clean base and are working with white kitchen ideas, modern kitchen colors can be added in.
Our pros have recommended useful paint and decor throughout, which we have shopped to help you get the look.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
1. Monochrome
Monochrome kitchen ideas have plenty of timeless charm, and are a breeze to bring in with shades of black, white, and gray.
“One of the many things I like about a monochrome kitchen is the versatility it offers,” explains Valerie Helgeson, principal designer and founder of Design Directions.
She continues, “If it’s a modern look you’re going for, use a flat front full overlay cabinet. I like to use black on the base cabinets to give the kitchen weight and white uppers to lend a bright airy feel.”
You can also incorporate stainless steel small kitchen appliances (the Breville Barista Express on Amazon is one of our top coffee makers thanks to its powerful milk frother and temperature controls) and minimalist hardware to achieve a cohesive look.
Shape: Square
Made from: Paper
Price: $2
With nothing but cool and calm white in its undertones, this versatile shade is a serious winner. It's also a close match to the shade used above, if you want to achieve a similar look. Place the sample around on walls in other rooms to discover just how illuminating it can be.
Shape: Square
Made from: Paper
Price: $2.50
You can't beat a timeless black shade like this one, which will work everywhere in the house. Paint your kitchen cabinets in this shade or even coat wooden seats in it. It also comes in four different opacity options, so you can go as subtle or as bold as you like.
Shape: Square
Made from: Paper
Price: $2
This has warm colored undertones, meaning it will balance any darker shades beautifully. Brush it onto your walls and even on the ceiling to brighten up your small kitchen or large one. Just be sure to move the sample around to see how it looks in different lights, from bright daylight to evening shadows.
2. Blue and white
Modern style is all about letting simplicity shine, which is where bringing in blue and white shades through two-tone kitchen ideas comes in.
“Pair deep navy blue cabinets with bright white walls and countertops for striking visual impact,” suggests Nina Lichtenstein, principal designer and founder of Nina’s Home Design.
She continues, “Incorporate geometric patterns or textured surfaces such as marble to create depth and dimension within the color scheme.”
You can also consider adding brass or gold accents through fixtures (the Arthur Handle from Anthropologie is made from cast iron and comes in three colors) to enhance the luxurious feel.
Shape: Square
Made from: Paper
Price: $2.50
Bring in this navy shade will help you achieve a coastal kitchen style, which is one of the hottest interior design trends. It looks very different depending on the time of day, so grab a sample and check you're happy with this before going full-on. I think matching it up with creams and off-whites will give any place an elegant finish.
Size (in.): W3.86 x L7.80
Made from: Resin
Price: $26.99 for 23
When renting, any decor piece which is peel-and-stick is your best friend. These veined marble-style tiles have all the glamor of normal ones, without the cost or the heavy renovation work. The resin material is also easy to clean and is robust enough to use as a splashback.
Size (in.): H18
Made from: Metal
Price: $145
This faucet is a gorgeous modern color and is a chic style too, thanks to its coiled sprayer, which pulls down and even has 360 degrees swiveling. It also has a wear-resistant finish, meaning it's resistant to corrosion, prevents water spots, and won't show up fingerprints.
3. Neutrals
Go for a refined and timeless feel by bringing in modern kitchen colors in with neutral tones.
Nina says, “Choose beige, taupe, or soft gray (Farrow & Ball's Shadow Gray is understated and is the one of the best paint colors for south-facing rooms) and opt for matte finish cabinetry in a light neutral shade paired with marble or quartz countertops for a luxurious touch.”
She also recommends bringing in greenery through indoor plants to bring life into the space.
4. Gray
Choosing modern kitchen color ideas with a particular design aesthetic in mind will help you achieve a cohesive look.
“Capture the industrial aesthetic with gray tones that exude urban sophistication, such as through cabinets, countertops and backsplashes (the Faceables Old Brick Subway Tiles from Wayfair are water-resistant and freeze-resistant),” Nina explains.
To complete the modern industrial vibe, incorporate exposed metal elements and minimalistic decor (the Troy Lighting Huntley 1-Light Pendant from Saks has patina brass lining that will give your kitchen a warm glow).
5. Jewel tones
Pair up contemporary shades with bright colors to bring personality and energy into your modern
Nina says, “Consider adding a bold shade like emerald green, cobalt blue, or warm red.”
You can do this as boldly or as subtly as you like, such as bringing in a piece of decor in one of these (the Willa Arlo Thursa Counter Stool from Wayfair is the perfect way to bring in the unexpected red theory and has rubber pads for smooth movement), painting a cabinet, or color drenching the ceiling to the floor in the same shade.
6. Wood
One of the most timeless materials, wooden kitchen ideas in sharp shapes are great ways to bring in modern kitchen color.
“Embrace Scandinavian design principles by incorporating wooden tones into your cooking space,” Nina suggests.
“Keep the palette light and minimalistic to create a sense of simplicity and tranquility,” she adds.
If you love the clean look of the above picture, the Oxdigi Wooden Slat Peel and Stick Wallpaper from Amazon looks similar to the breakfast bar panels, has a 3D effect, is easy to cut, and is waterproof.
7. Green
For those looking to balance sophistication and playfulness with their modern kitchen colors, why not try green kitchen ideas?
“The right shade pairs very well with natural materials like wood, brick, stone, and metals and can also enhance the natural light in a kitchen, particularly if you choose light to medium shades,” Valerie says.
Be sure to pick a green that has cool undertones for an especially modern look, such as Benjamin Moore’s Lehigh Green which is a playful grassy shade with a hint of blue.
Modern kitchen colors are brilliant to have in mind when curating a sleek space with oodles of refinement.
“Whether you prefer a monochrome palette, bold contrasts, or subtle neutrals with a pop of color, selecting the right colors can make your kitchen a standout gathering spot,” Nina finishes by saying.
If you’re painting a specific area of your kitchen, finding out kitchen cabinet colors and seeing if they match modern ones will definitely come in useful.